NEWBURYPORT — Repeat domestic abusers will soon face tougher and longer sentences after the House of Representatives passed a bill this week authored by Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett designed to better protect victims.
The bill, which is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Deval Patrick in the coming weeks, will double the potential penalties for abusers, including a provision that will allow sentencing abusers to state prison. The measure will become effective as soon as Patrick signs it.
"This isn't good news, it's great news," Amesbury police Detective Robert Wile said.
Wile leads the region's High Risk Team, combating domestic violence in partnership with the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center in Newburyport, local police departments, hospitals, the District Attorney's Office and Newburyport District Court. "Tougher sentencing will make it that much better for the victims."
The legislation will provide district attorneys the option to pursue felony charges in cases of repeat domestic assault and domestic assault and battery. The option can result in a five-year state prison sentence.
Currently, the sentence is 21âÑ2 years in the house of corrections.
Blodgett, who has worked to pass the bill for the last six years, voiced his gratitude yesterday for the leadership in the House and the work done to get the bill passed.
"I'm very grateful to Rep. Mike Costello and Sen. Steven Baddour; they were very helpful getting the bill passed," Blodgett said. "This is an important tool for prosecutors to use to fight against domestic violence."
Blodgett noted having the tougher sentence for domestic violence will allow prosecutors to use the tool as a "scalpel rather than a sledgehammer" to put repeat offenders behind bars.
"Under the old law, the most a victim could hope for was a maximum of 21âÑ2 years," Blodgett said. "Five years sends a message to serial batterers who groom their victims and go from county to county, as well as provides more time for victims to heal."
Wile warned fellow law enforcement officials to make sure all investigations are thorough.
"I will tell you, whoever is doing the investigations better do a good job so things don't fall through the cracks," Wile warned. "To spend longer in jail, investigators better make sure all the I's are dotted and T's crossed."
Statewide, violence against women, particularly sexual assault and stalking, rose last year. Wile noted Amesbury had 100 more cases compared to the previous year.
"I firmly believe people are more comfortable coming forward and are hearing how things are different now," Wile said. "There is new protocol, the crisis center is more involved, and from the first cop on scene, we are spending more time (with the victims.)"
Suzanne Dubus, director of the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center, said the passage of the bill will ensure repeat offenders stay away from victims longer.
"Repeat offenders are really tough cases," Dubus said. "We know with repeat offenders that stay away from their victims, there is a better chance she can get away safely and live independently."
Dubus said the passage of the bill will give the center more options as the High Risk Team is looking at high risk offenders and cases.
Wile credited the High Risk Team locally for their work at bringing abusers locally to justice. Wile noted the average woman tries to leave an abusive relationship nine times before leaving for good.
"I will say for us, Newburyport court is a lot different and a lot tougher than other courts," Wile said. "This is about building a better case for assaults. I think with the new law, the number will pick up. For people teetering on the edge of staying (with an abuser) or going, maybe they will see it's time."
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