From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — A new initiative is going into play to fight domestic violence in Alabama.
U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona recently announced Operation Safe Families, which will focus on preventing domestic violence in the Northern District.
Through Operation Safe Families, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will work with federal, state, and local law enforcement to use federal firearm laws to combat domestic violence. Additionally, the Office will work closely with partners in the community who are focused on prevention, education, and survivor support.
“Domestic violence tears at the fabric of our communities and affects every demographic of society,” Escalona said. “Through Operation Safe Families, we look forward to working with our local partners to combat domestic violence in the Northern District of Alabama. Our top priority is to keep our communities safe by keeping guns out of the hands of domestic abusers.”
“Removing the criminal element that uses a firearm to facilitate violent crimes related to domestic violence is a priority of ATF,” ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge, Toby Taylor stated. “These focused investigations will have a lasting impact within our communities.”
Beginning this month, Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Northern District along with agents from the ATF Birmingham Field Division will provide training to local District Attorney’s Offices and federal, state, and local law enforcement to assist those agencies in selecting cases involving domestic abusers that are appropriate for federal prosecution.
