“The trauma of domestic violence – be it physical, emotional or psychological – can make it difficult for victims to come forward. If and when these brave individuals decide to speak out and face their abusers, they deserve to be heard and supported by our communities and criminal justice system.

“To bring us closer to this goal, I helped pass legislation today to empower victims to seek justice, recover damages and rebuild their lives. Intimate partner violence is a very serious crime, and we must do all we can to help victims achieve independence and ensure perpetrators are held accountable for the harm they inflict. We’re extending a lifeline to these brave survivors to let them know they’re not alone and there is a way out.”