Governor. Jim Douglas is planning to sign into law tomorrow a bill designed to reduce domestic violence and keep children safe from abusers.

The 40-page bill includes $800,000 to pay for its programs.

Some provisions of the new law will increase the penalty for misdemeanor domestic assault, encourage the courts to consider whether the violence occurred in the presence of a child, and require all law enforcement officers to receive domestic violence training.

The law would also make it easier for victims of stalking, sexual assault and domestic violence to obtain protection orders when the defendant is incarcerated,

Sarah Kenney of the Vermont Network Against Domestic Violence says people thought in new, creative ways on the issue.