Gov. Nikki Haley convenes CDV task force for first time

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - Acknowledging the lengthy road ahead, Gov. Nikki Haley convened the first meeting of a task force designed to deliver long-term solutions to the state's criminal domestic violence issues.

Tuesday's meeting also showed off what the task force is assigned to do over the next year.

The task force was delivered a four-phase plan that included fact-finding, identifying problems and solutions, implementing approved proposals, and short- and long-term assessment.

The task force's work may take a year, but Haley said what she hopes to see from them will most likely be a 3, 5, or 10-year fix.

The group includes state legislators such as Rep. Tommy Pope, law enforcement agents like Florence County Sheriff Kenny Boone, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and advocates from the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

CDV victim Elizabeth Gray is on the task force as well.

"We need a way to start the conversation," Gray said to the group.

Haley created the task force via executive order in late January as Wilson and state legislators prepared to deal with the issue in their own ways.

One such bill from Pickens County Sen. Larry Martin would impose stricter laws on those convicted of domestic violence offenses. It would prevent abusers from possessing a gun while under protective orders, and those convicted of domestic violence would be banned from having a gun for a decade after their sentence is served.

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