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Quinn cracks down on domestic violence

One out of four women has been a victim of domestic violence. The state of Illinois took steps to protect victims and the new law also cracks down on abusers. D...

One out of four women has been a victim of domestic violence. The state of Illinois took steps to protect victims and the new law also cracks down on abusers.

Domestic survivor Ametra Castaneda was overwhlemed to hear that Governor Pat Quinn signed several laws trying to prevent domestic violence.

"Being  a survivor of domestic violence I'm like 'where were you 30 years ago when I had a domestic violent relationship with my husband'," said Castaneda.

One of them is increasing the penalties by classifying domestic violence as a felony if the defendant has a prior domestic violence conviction. Right now most domestic violence cases are only considered as misdemeanors.

Another law is taking awareness to the classroom by requiring school boards to adopt a policy on teen dating violence.

Castaneda says its a step in the right direction to help stop violence.

"Wow, cheers for Governor Quinn, it's been a long time coming," said Castaneda.

In Iowa, domestic violence related charges can range between misdemeanors and felonies, depending in the case and criminal history. There is also an education program for people convicted on those charges.

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