Governor Branstad has signed into law legislation that the Senate unanimously approved last year. Senate File 93 toughens the penalty for domestic abuse that includes strangulation or choking.

Choking is one of the most common forms of domestic abuse. It’s an intentional act, and often indicates more deadly domestic assaults in the future. That’s why states are cracking down on choking.

Under current Iowa law, abusers often get just a slap on the wrist, spending little or no time in jail. With this legislation, we’re sending a message to abusers: you will be punished and held accountable.

Domestic violence homicides account for a major share of Iowa killings each year, and most of the victims are killed by guns. That’s why the Legislature approved a bill last year prohibiting domestic abusers from purchasing and possessing firearms.

A new system is now in place to help implement the law. Through IPONDA (Iowa Protective Order Notification Domestic Abuse), our state’s law enforcement personnel have better access to information about those who are not permitted to purchase or possess guns because of domestic abuse.