The Protecting Victims Act of 2026 aims to strengthen the legal framework in the District of Columbia for addressing domestic violence by introducing stricter penalties and enhancing enforcement mechanisms. Key provisions include establishing a felony offense for repeated violations of temporary and civil protection orders, requiring offenders to serve a minimum prison term before being eligible for release. The bill also creates a rebuttable presumption in favor of detention for defendants who commit new offenses against the same victim while on conditional release and expands the definition of "dangerous crime" to encompass felony threats and violations of protection orders against intimate partners. Additionally, it clarifies the kidnapping statute and increases penalties for unlawful entry and offenses committed in the presence of children.

The Protecting Victims Amendment Act of 2026 further enhances penalties for offenses related to intrafamily violence and crimes against pregnant victims, mandating a minimum prison term of one year for repeat offenders who violate protection orders. It also requires judicial officers to detain individuals charged with intrafamily offenses for up to five days if they have a history of similar offenses. The bill expands the Address Confidentiality Program to include witnesses to criminal offenses, ensuring their information remains confidential and protected from public disclosure. Overall, these legislative measures aim to improve accountability for offenders, enhance victim safety, and provide robust legal protections for vulnerable populations.