Questions Remain About Scope Of Domestic Violence Legislation

House Speaker Robert DeLeo is sponsoring a new bill that would significantly strengthen the state's domestic violence laws. It includes measures to stiffen penalties for abusers, educate judges and prosecutors about domestic violence and make strangulation a felony.

Many advocates applaud the effort, but some defense attorneys worry the bill goes too far and may violate the rights of the accused. But the measure has a great deal of momentum due to last August's high profile murder of 27-year-old Jennifer Martel. She was stabbed to death, allegedly by her boyfriend, Jared Remy — son of Red Sox announcer Jerry Remy.

Maureen Gallagher, policy director for Jane Doe, Inc., a non-profit focused on sexual assault and domestic violence.

Randy Chapman, attorney and former president of the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

SafeLink Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-877-785-2020

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233)

WBUR: Mass. Domestic Violence Bill Unveiled

Boston.com: Bill Calls For Tougher Domestic Violence Penalties

• "Bail for domestic battery suspects would be delayed and the penalties they face toughened under a bill introduced at the Statehouse on Tuesday that also requires judges to undergo more training around domestic violence issues."