MADISON (WKOW) -- Some good news in the fight against domestic violence--a bill to increase penalties for repeat offenders has passed the Senate and Assembly in Wisconsin.
It's been called the TraJa Act, in memory of Tracy Judd and her daughter Deja, both killed by Tracy's boyfriend in 2009. The bill was proposed by Tracy's sister, Lisa Blanchard. It makes a third domestic abuse charge a felony.
The Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly both took up the bill that was authored by Republican Rep. Al Ott. It passed with strong, bi-partisan support--unanimously in the Senate and just one assembly person voting against it.
"I'm very pleased that the legislature took a giant step forward in sending a message that domestic violence is not acceptable in the state of Wisconsin," says Rep. Ott (R) - Forest Junction.
Under current law, offenders most often face just misdemeanor charges, unless they're arrested for a second domestic abuse incident within 72 hours of a prior arrest. The bill allows up to two more years of prison time and felony charges, for the third offense.
Rep. Ott says that hopefully a more serious penalty would bring more victims forward to report these severely underreported crimes.
According to the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 67 Wisconsin residents died in domestic violence incidents in 2009 alone. In comparison, reports show states like Minnesota--where law allows for a felony charge for a third offense--see fewer domestic violence related homicides. They had 25 domestic violence related homicides that same year.
The bill now moves to Gov. Scott Walker's desk for approval before it can become law.
