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New Bill Takes On Domestic Violence

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By WEEK Producer

Story Published: Aug 4, 2008 at 9:59 PM CST

Story Updated: Aug 4, 2008 at 10:47 PM CST

There's new legislation in the fight against domestic abuse. Governor Blagojevich signed legislation to strengthen the protection for domestic abuse victims.

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The Cindy Bischof law allows the court to issue a GPS tracking device to be worn by the abuser when a restraining order is violated. The Legislation was sparked by the death of Cindy Bischof, who was killed by her ex–boyfriend after he had violated his restraining order on two occasions.

Michael Bischof, Cindy's brother spoke on the new law. "The Cindy Bischof law is a cornerstone component to an overall solution. We must remain focused on our intent to stopping these tragedies, from happening to other individuals and families."

The new law also adds at least a 200 dollar additional fine to every penalty on a violation of a restraining order conviction. The law becomes effective January first.

View Oldest Comments First

Tuesday, Aug 5 at 4:34 PM Great law wrote ...

I am happy that finally there is more to prefect those of domestic abuse.However I would had liked that when I had a restraining order.

Tuesday, Aug 5 at 3:39 PM Susan wrote ...

Why wait until January... only $200 additional fine. Obviously the initial fine is NOT a deterent... but them in Jail!

Tuesday, Aug 5 at 12:21 PM R wrote ...

Lets remember to have both parties wear a device that keeps them away from each other. Victims of domestic violence also, often, need protection from themselves. More often then not, when a victim gets rid of one abuser, they go ahead and find a new abuser. Perhaps instead of throwing money at the problem by putting tracking devices on batterers, maybe we should be EDUCATING victims on signs and symptoms of victimization.

Tuesday, Aug 5 at 8:29 AM Once abused wrote ...

I think all states should be so lucky to have a law like this. This makes a restraining order more than just a piece of paper and hopefully will help save a few more people. Some might say it is a violation of privacy. I don't belive so because there is one simple way to avoid this "DON'T BECOME AN ABUSER".