Cindy Bishcof: Implementing Changes For Tracking Abusers'

This morning while most of us are preparing to get the kids off to school and head to work ourselves, one man, Michael Bischof is making a difference in Springfield , Illinois.

Just 26 short days ago, Michael's sister, Cindy Bischof was gunned down just outside her place of employment. Oh yes, she had all the legal remedies afforded to her under the current Illinois law, but it was not enough. An order of protection, cannot and does not stop bullets. Nor is a piece of paper, without additional teeth, going to do much either in any domestic violence or stalking related case. The forty-three real old executive, lost her life.

But, today is the begining of a new direction as Michael Bischof with his angel Cindy beside him, in spirit , embark on a legal path to change the direction in violations of orders of protection granted by all Illinois courts.

Synopsis As Introduced for the new legialtion:

Amends the Department of State Police Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the State Finance Act, the Criminal Code of 1961, the Unified Code of Corrections, the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963, and the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, and provides that the Act may be referred to as the Cindy Bischof Law. Provides that the Department of State Police shall develop a protocol to coordinate actions of the courts and law enforcement agencies to implement the domestic violence surveillance program created by the amendatory Act. Creates the Domestic Violence Surveillance Fund in the State treasury. Provides that the offense of violation of an order of protection includes the respondent's failure to attend and complete partner abuse intervention programs. Provides that in addition to any other penalties, the court may, after consultation with the petitioner, order the respondent to carry or wear a global positioning system device. Provides that in domestic violence cases, the court shall order the respondent to attend and complete partner abuse intervention programs. Adds to every penalty imposed upon a plea of guilty or finding of guilty resulting in a judgment of conviction of a violation of an order of protection an additional fine in an amount not less than $200 to be set at the discretion of the court which shall be deposited into the Domestic Violence Surveillance Fund. Makes other changes. Here is the link on the new bill:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=6325&GAID=9&GA=95&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=38427&SessionID=51

To learn more about the Bischof family and what they are doing to change views, issues and effcective advocacy regarding domestic violence & stalking, please visist: http://www.cindysmemorial.org/

If you are a victim or a relative of someone who is in a violent relationship, please get help by contrcating the the National Domestic Violence Hotline number at 1-800-799-SAFE. Services provided are free and confidential directing those in need to shelter, legal and counseling services. They answer the phones twenty-four hours a day sevene days a week.

Additional Resources:

Family Rescue800-360-6619http://www.familyrescueinc.org/
Chicago Abused Women Coalition773-278-4566http://www.cawc.org/
Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence877-863-6338http://www.ilcadv.org/
Susan Murphy Milano's Journal
http://www.movingoutmovingon.com/
WINGS (Women In Need Growing Stronger)847-348-3001http://www.wingsprogram.com/
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence1-800-799-SAFE (7233)http://www.ncadv.org/