PEORIA, IL – Continuing her efforts to protect victims of violent crimes, legislation sponsored by state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria) to increase penalties on repeat domestic abusers and break the cycle of domestic violence was recently signed into law.

“Last year, there were almost 3,000 orders of protection granted in the Peoria region to protect victims of domestic abuse,” Gordon-Booth said. “This measure provides law enforcement with an additional way they can help protect victims and witnesses from the continued threat of physical and emotional injury.”

Gordon-Booth sponsored House Bill 958 to enhance penalties for repeat domestic abusers. Under this new law, an offender with one or two prior convictions could be sentenced to a Class 4 felony punishable by one to three years in jail. An offender with three prior convictions would be charged with a Class 3 felony punishable by two to five years in jail. An offender with four or more prior convictions could be sentenced to a Class 2 felony punishable by three to seven years in jail.

“By increasing penalties, repeat domestic abusers will be held accountable for their actions and victims will be given further protection,” Gordon-Booth said. “I am committed to working with law enforcement officials and community leaders to find ways we can reduce domestic violence in our community.”

For more information about this or other upcoming events, please contact Rep. Gordon-Booth’s constituent service office at (309) 681-1992 or repjgordon@gmail.com.