This Beacon Hill bill signing is bittersweet for Cheryl Darisse. She's certain it means lives will be saved, though its too late for her sister Sandra.
Sandra Berfield was killed in January 2000 when a bomb planted by a stalker exploded at her Everett apartment.
Cheryl Darisse, victim's sister
"It's something that should have been in placed before she died. I also believe she would be here today. This could have been prevented she could have gotten the protection she needed and deserved."
As our 7NEWS investigation first revealed in 2008, Bay State law only allowed criminal restraining orders, called 209A, against spouses, boyfriends or relatives, leaving women prey to people like landlords, coworkers and neighbors. As 7NEWS showed you, Sandra called police for help after he repeatedly followed her home.
But because Sandra's stalker was a stranger and was not breaking a law, she had no effective way to stop him. 7NEWS found other victims, hunted and called and stalked unable to get help.
Stalking victim
"It's like a constant fear."
Officials estimated two-thirds of women were not eligible for 209As and the jail time possible for those who disobeyed them.
Under the new law, the new type of restraining orders are not limited to family or household members.
State Representative Peter Koutoujian (D), bill sponsor, 10th District Middlesex
"Now we can protect individuals and their families from something that can be very devastating to them and even deadly."
To make sure the rules are fair, the new protections are available only when the victim has suffered three or more acts of intimidation, confrontation or abuse or was the victim of a single act of sexual relations by force, threat or duress or was the one-time victim of certain illegal acts.
Cheryl Darisse has worked for this moment for years. Now, she remembers her sister and realizes her legacy.
Cheryl Darisse, victim's sister
"I have some satisfaction and or relief knowing it will help other victims, and hopefully, no one ever has to go through what she went through or lose their life, because they can't get the protection they deserve."
The new law takes effect in 90 days. Here is information on the new law and on how to file for a restraining order: http://www.feelsafeagain.org/
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