Some states have ‘no-drop’ policies for domestic violence charges. Should Indiana?

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Courier & Press on 12/7/2021 by Ray Couture

An Evansville woman’s death in an apparent murder-suicide raises questions about whether victims of domestic violence should be able to impede authorities from bringing charges against their abuser.

In the weeks leading up to 34-year-old Rachael Feazell’s death at the hands of Ryan Hopkins, police were aware of at least two domestic violence incidents involving Hopkins and Feazell. In one, she declined to press charges. In the second, after formal charges had been filed, Feazell wrote court officials asking the case be dropped.

Ultimately, it’s up to the prosecutor’s office whether to pursue charges against a suspected abuser, even if the victim requests those charges be dropped.