Victory for Domestic Violence Victims! Celena's Law Signed by Governor

by Alex DiBranco · 2011-04-06 14:10:00 UTC
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West Virgina has something to celebrate: the passage of Celena's Law, which will provide new protections for domestic violence victims and tools for prosecutors to go after abusers. Nearly 700 Change.org members signed the petition to West Virginia lawmakers, and Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin finally signed the bill into law late last month, closing a loophole that allowed domestic abuse perpetrators to get off -- like Celena Roby's husband.

The bill's journey into law is an inspiring one: after watching her husband admit to confining her against her will, yet still walk out a free man because that offense wasn't covered by domestic abuse or kidnapping law (because he wasn't demanding a ransom), Celena Roby began mulling over a way to help women in her situation. Celena's Law began with a few notes jotted down on a post-it during her lunch break. Now, it's an official piece of law that creates a misdemeanor offense of unlawful restraint.

"I commend Ms. Roby for coming forward and speaking up for all victims of domestic violence as she worked to make this important piece of legislation a reality in West Virginia," Gov. Tomblin commented. Roby worked in collaboration with the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sheriff's Association to bring this legislation to fruition, while holding down a construction job and raising two children on her own. Now that's empowering.

It should be common sense that restraining somebody against their will through threats or acts of physical violence ought to be a crime. But without Celena Roby's decision to stand up for herself and other domestic violence survivors like her, West Virginia wouldn't be state number 39 to criminalize unlawful restraint as a misdemeanor. Way to go, Celena.

Photo credit: Support Celena's LAW Facebook Page

Alex DiBranco is a Change.org Editor who has worked for the Nation, Political Research Associates, and the Center for American Progress. She is now based in New York City.

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