3/24/2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -Today, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin signed House Bill 2864 into law. The bill, often referred to as Celena's Law, creates the misdemeanor crime of unlawful restraint in West Virginia. The law was named after its principal proponent, Celena Roby, a resident of Wirt County, West Virginia, who was a victim of domestic violence.
"There is no place in our society for this type of abusive conduct. I am proud to stand up for victims of domestic violence, like Ms. Roby, and sign this bill into law," Gov. Tomblin said. "In addition to protecting victims of domestic violence, this law will also provide members of our law enforcement community with an additional tool to combat the damage caused by abusers. I commend Ms. Roby for coming forward and speaking up for all victims of domestic violence as she worked to make this important piece of legislation a reality in West Virginia."
The crime of unlawful restraint established by Celena's Law will fill a gap in West Virginia's domestic violence law and will, for the first time, criminalize the act of intentionally restraining another through the use or threat of violence or through actual physical restraint. After signing by Governor Tomblin this afternoon, the bill will become law in West Virginia ninety days from passage.
Contact Information
Jacqueline Proctor
304-558-2000