Domestic abuse victims could escape violent homes under Georgia bill

Victims of domestic violence wouldn’t be financially trapped in abusive homes under a bill that unanimously passed the Georgia House of Representatives.

The legislation, House Bill 834, allows victims of family violence to break their leases without an early termination penalty after a judge issues a protective order.

"All too often, victims of domestic violence are asked, 'Why didn't you leave?' And often, it is because they couldn't afford to," said Rep. Scott Holcomb, D-Atlanta, during a speech last week in the Georgia House. "This bill makes it possible for them to leave."