New law offers protections for victims of domestic abuse

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Gov. Scott Walker signed a lot of bills into law on Wednesday, April 16th. But three are significant because they offer new protections for victims of domestic abuse.

Few were as excited about the bill signing as Karen, a survivor of domestic violence who prefers not to use her last name. It was her letter to the Governor's council that eventually led to legislation that puts in place a monitoring procedure to force abusers under injunctions to surrender firearms. That's something that didn't happen in court with Karen's ex-husband.

"Because when he's saying, 'I've got 20 guns and no one's doing anything.' It's like what?" said Karen.

"If it's serious enough to get a restraining order, then it's serious enough to make sure the courts and law enforcement are able to obtain all those firearms and to keep individuals safe during that time frame," said Gov. Walker.

One of the other bills puts 'stalking' in the definition of domestic violence.

The third bill creates better linkages between law enforcement and victim services providers -- which will help officers give victims needed resource information.