Metro Domestic Violence Survivor Advocates For Better Protections For Oklahoma Women

Governor Kevin Stitt vetoed a bill aimed to help domestic violence survivors across the state. However, state lawmakers had a backup plan.  

Lawmakers cleared up some language in a similar bill that passed the Senate today. That measure would allow judges to weigh physical, sexual, or psychological abuse during sentencing. 

One survivor said change is necessary to protect women. Tara Currin knows what it means to survive. She relives her pain as she shares her testimony, but she shares her story to remind others they are not alone. “I just wanna give my voice,” Currin said. 

In March of 2022, Tara’s boyfriend showed up where she worked and shot her eight times. She said a victim protective order was never served. “Once this happened, my goal was to keep this from happening to another woman,” Currin said.  

Oklahoma lawmakers have worked to pass the Oklahoma Survivor Act. "It's a very important measure. Oklahoma experiences some of the worst domestic violence numbers in the country, and I am saddened by that fact, but I'm proud to be partnering up with leader Echols, and advocates to try to address that issue in a meaningful way," said Sen. Pro Tem Greg Treat, at a news conference on Thursday. 

Gov. Stitt vetoed the original bill, but lawmakers clarified language to give the measure another chance – it passed the Senate floor on Thursday 38-0.  

Currin said it's important for the criminal justice community to learn the complications of domestic violence. She said many people fail to listen. “The hardest thing for women is to even report it,” Currin said. “The woman is so scared and they know that nothing is going to be done.” 

She believes stories inspire change – and it's where she finds the strength to reveal her own. “I get a lot of healing in helping women,” Currin said. 

The Violence Policy Center ranks Oklahoma second in the nation for people killed by their domestic partners. The new Oklahoma Survivor Act heads to the House where it is expected to pass. 

For anyone who is experiencing domestic violence -- the Oklahoma Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence safe line is 1-800-522-SAFE.