GOP legislator charged with domestic violence after baselessly accusing rival of that same crime

Ohio legislators are reintroducing a bill to provide more protections for victims of domestic violence after a Republican colleague was arrested following an alleged attack on his wife and his brother.

State Rep. Bob Young (R-Green) was charged Saturday with domestic violence and disrupting public services, but he vowed to remain in office despite calls from the House speaker to resign, and two lawmakers plan to introduce bipartisan legislation to address the issue, reported Ohio Capital Journal.

“We cannot keep talking about prayers and responses for those affected by domestic violence,” said state Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland), who plans to introduce the bill with state Rep. Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton). “The state of Ohio needs to make that change and pass this law.”

Young was arrested after allegedly striking his wife in the face with his open hand and later following her to his brother's house, where the legislator allegedly instigated a fight with him, and while House speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) called for his resignation, some other Republicans are standing by him for now.

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“I don’t want to jump the gun as it pertains to Rep. Young,” said state Rep. Josh Williams (R-Oregon). “As a defense attorney, I want my client to have the benefit of innocent until proven guilty.”

Young is serving his second term after he was first elected in 2021, and he's being sued by a former Democratic rival over an ad created with the help of the state Republican Party alleging that he was guilty of domestic abuse -- although he had never been charged or convicted of domestic violence.

Former opponent Matt Shaughnessy is seeking more than $1 million in general and punitive damages in his suit.

“I’m actually saddened to hear of these allegations," Shaughnessy said. "Is it ironic that the guy who accused me of being guilty of domestic violence? Absolutely. But domestic violence always has victims and my thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Young’s family right now.”