Quinn Signs Bills Targeting Domestic Violence-no mention of Rape Kit Backlog
Repeat domestic violence perpetrators could face harsher punishment under a measure Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law Tuesday.
The bill was one of four domestic violence-related bills Quinn signed in the Austin neighborhood, surrounded by lawmakers, survivors of domestic abuse and children attending a day camp at Hope Community Church.
“We have no tolerance for domestic violence in Illinois,” Quinn said. “These bills are focused on protecting the safety, particularly of women, who have been victims of domestic violence and preventing domestic violence from happening in the first place.”
The new law makes it possible for offenders with four or more prior domestic battery convictions to be charged with a Class 2 felony, punishable by three to seven years in prison, and an offender with three prior convictions to be charged with a Class 3 felony, punishable by two to five years, said sponsoring Rep. Emily McAsey, D-Lockport.
More: Quinn Signs Bills Targeting Domestic Violence
Endthebacklog.org has information regarding the backlog of Rape Kits not tested.