PLANO, Texas — The U.S. Department of Justice is trying to put an end to domestic violence by making abusers face federal prosecution with their new initiative, Operation Purple Ribbon.
Domestic violence has been a pervasive problem in Texas, where, in 2023, 205 Texans were killed by their intimate partners across 64 counties according to a press release from the DOJ.
These glaring numbers fuel the DOJ's push to come down harder than ever before on domestic abusers.
The press release describes domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. It warns that it can happen can happen to any intimate partners who are married, living together, dating, or share a child.
"In an effort to prevent more domestic violence related homicides from occurring in the Eastern District of Texas, the strategy behind Operation Purple Ribbon is clear—to bring together and unite federal, state, and local resources for the sole purpose of holding domestic abusers accountable," read the press release.
The initiative prioritizes prosecutions of federal firearms offenses that arise in domestic violence settings.
Operation Purple Ribbon is reportedly meant to be a "force multiplier" to help out local law enforcement.
"In the Eastern District of Texas, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to hold domestic abusers accountable, particularly when that abuser is in possession of a firearm, as it is our goal to promote peace and safety in the home,” said U.S. Attorney Damien Diggs. “We have no higher priority than keeping our communities and families safe. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe environment and without fear from those within their homes.”
