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Gov. McAuliffe addresses new law that keeps domestic violent offenders behind bars

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WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - Governor Terry McAuliffe took action to help victims of domestic violence.

On Thursday he signed a new law that calls for stiffer penalties for repeat offenders.

"If you have a history of violent behavior you are not going to gain the system anymore," said McAuliffe.

The new HB2064 law prevents violent offenders from getting probation for crimes of domestic violence. Until now they were able to get out of a jail sentence by claiming first offender status.

"Things that are particularly serious and violent are the kinds of people that we didn't want to have taking advantage of the system and getting away with domestic violence on technicality," said member of Virginia House delegate, Michael Mullin.

Governor McAuliffe says that has happened far too many times, "They were abusing the system just because they hadn't abused someone else," added the governor. "They were taking advantage of this law and it's not right."

Law HB2064 also assures that victims get the justice that they deserve and keep offenders off the streets.