According to available data. shows that as many as 62% of women in West Virginia are expected to experience domestic violence at some point in their lives.
Joanna Phillips, a Kanawha County resident, was one of them.
In October 2025, Phillips’ husband, Jason Phillips, was charged with domestic battery. According to court records, Kanawha County Magistrate Joe Shelton set a $3,000 recognizance bond and ordered Jason Phillips to have no direct or indirect physical or verbal contact with his wife as a condition of his release.
On Dec. 20, Kanawha County deputies said Jason Phillips shot and killed his wife. He now faces a charge of first-degree murder.
Phillips’ sister, Misty O’Neal, issued a statement calling for accountability.
“My beautiful sister lost her life to the cruel hands of domestic violence,” O’Neal said. “We are calling for justice, and Jason Phillips must be held accountable for the life he took from us.”
The case has helped prompt new legislation designed to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence.
Lawmakers discussed House Bill 5101, also known as the Joanna Phillips Domestic Violence Prevention Act, on Wednesday in the House Legal Services Subcommittee. The bill is sponsored by Del. Tristan Leavitt, R-Kanawha, who said it would clarify bond requirements and reduce inconsistencies within the judicial system.
“Some of the bond problems and the fact that there’s sometimes confusion on the part of magistrates are things we’ve wanted to clarify,” Leavitt said. “This case just added one more reason why we absolutely need to do it.”
Leavitt worked on the bill alongside Joyce Yedlosky, co-director of the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Yedlosky said the legislation also addresses confusion in cases where victims attempt to defend themselves.
“If somebody is fighting back to defend themselves, they shouldn’t then be charged as the predominant aggressor or face what’s known as a dual arrest, where both parties are arrested,” Yedlosky said.
Another section of the bill would add a $150 surcharge to domestic violence convictions. That money would go to licensed domestic violence programs to help fund counseling, shelter, and victim services.
“The line item that provides grants to licensed domestic violence programs has not been increased in 16 years,” Yedlosky said. “Costs have gone up, and this could be a mechanism to increase funding so programs can continue providing services.”
O’Neal said the existing laws did not protect her sister.
“Unfortunately, the current laws in place didn’t protect her,” O’Neal told Eyewitness News. “We are working for change so no other family has to endure this type of torture.”
Leavitt said he believes the bill could help prevent future violence.
“If there are actual consequences for multiple incidents that rise to the level of a felony, that should deter others as much as possible,” he said.
For resources related to domestic violence, visit the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence website.