NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A new Tennessee law requires a mental health evaluation for those convicted of serious crimes, including domestic assault and child abuse.
The law is highlighting underlying issues with mental health, and its purpose is to try to get offenders convicted of certain abuse mental health care before sentencing. The new law applies to those convicted of the following:
- Domestic assault
- Child abuse
- Child neglect or endangerment
- Aggravated child abuse
- Aggravated child neglect or endangerment
- Cruelty to animals
- Aggravated cruelty to animals
It is also an attempt to stop repeat offenses by addressing those mental issues.
Domestic violence survivor Daun Bauman told FOX 17 News the new law is a good step in the right direction…