WILLIAMS’ INITIATIVE SIGNED INTO LAW

 HARRISBURG, DEC. 2 – Among the bills signed by Gov. Edward Rendell Tuesday was a measure that included language to further protect victims of domestic violence, according to state Sen. Connie Williams, who wrote the language.

 The bill (S.B. 1032) includes a provision that changes publishing requirements for a court-ordered name change, so that victims of domestic violence and their children do not have to publish a notice in two newspapers of general circulation. The new law also allows for the sealing of court records, so that abusers can’t follow a paper trail to the former victim.

 According to Williams, many times people who successfully leave violent relationships seek to reestablish themselves in a new location not known to the batterer. This can mean legally changing their name and the names of their children.

 “The problem is that to obtain a court-ordered name change, you are required to publish a notice in two newspapers of general circulation, and, when a child is affected by name changing proceedings, you must give the petition to the non-petitioning parent,” Williams said.

 “This requirement places at risk any person who has fled domestic violence and wants to reestablish themselves in a location not known to the batterer. My legislation would protect the victim and any children from what can some times be escalated violence after separation.”

 Williams credited the Women’s Law Project for their work in promoting the issue.

  “It takes courage to stand up for yourself when you are in an abusive relationship and reach out for help,” Williams said. “It takes guts to leave the relationship and it takes strong laws to protect survivors of domestic violence.”

 The new law takes effect in 60 days.