Ceretto bill would punish domestic violence

Assemblyman John Ceretto, R-I-Lewiston, recently co-sponsored legislation to help reduce domestic violence and crimes against women. If signed into law, the bill would create a new criminal category known as "aggravated family offenses."

"My bill will give law enforcement officials and prosecutors another tool to combat domestic violence by creating harsher penalties for repeat offenders who abuse their family members and loved ones," Ceretto said. "Domestic violence rips apart families and often has a lasting, negative impact on children. It is my hope that this measure will help prevent these types of crimes and punish those who prey on the vulnerable."

The legislation would create a new crime of aggravated family offense, a Class E felony, and is designed to crack down on individuals who repeatedly commit lesser crimes often associated with domestic violence.

Ceretto's bill, which unanimously passed the Assembly, now awaits action by the Senate.