Story perspectives

Oklahoma's New Law Eases Domestic Violence Testimony Rules

10/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Oklahoma's Senate Bill 607 takes effect Saturday, allowing prosecutors to use certain victim statements without pretrial testimony.
The Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office backs the measure.
Madeline Coffey, head of the Domestic Violence Division, notes injuries and trauma hinder testimony.
The law preserves the requirement to testify in jury trials.
Officers are urged to activate body-worn cameras during domestic violence calls to gather more evidence.

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Story summary

Oklahoma's Senate Bill 607 takes effect Saturday, allowing prosecutors to use certain victim statements without pretrial testimony.
The Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office backs the measure.
Madeline Coffey, head of the Domestic Violence Division, notes injuries and trauma hinder testimony.
The law preserves the requirement to testify in jury trials.
Officers are urged to activate body-worn cameras during domestic violence calls to gather more evidence.