LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Elizabeth Martin runs the Center for Women and Families in Louisville, a domestic violence center that offers everything from a therapy to legal help to an emergency shelter for people in need.

In her decades of work with domestic violence victims, Martin said there would often be no punishment.

"We've seen a much more brazen — if you will — community," she said Tuesday. "Perpetrators will come around our building. They will come looking for their victims. We've had some that have tried to get in."

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear recently signed a bill aimed at changing that. House Bill 38, sponsored by Rep. James Tipton, R-Taylorsville, calls for stronger penalties for Kentuckians who violate a protective order.

"Sadly, in the commonwealth, we see far too much domestic violence and child abuse," Beshear said in a social media video Monday. "Today, I'm going to do something about it. House Bill 38 increases the penalties for violating a protective order. That means that those that go to the court seeking help who are in danger will be just a little bit safer."

HB 38 changed the law so if an emergency protective order is violated more than once, it's a felony, and that person could face up to five years in jail. Before, the penalty was up to one year in jail.

"When perpetrators or abusers continue to violate them and they get a slap on the hand or they get put home incarceration again and again, what does that say?" Martin said. "That says you can keep doing this."

The bill is aimed at stopping the repeated dangers Martin referenced, something that happens often. Jefferson County Family Court Judge Derwin Webb said each of the 10 family court judges will have, on average, 40 EPO petitions come before them per week, adding up to around 400 every single week.

"When we think of abuse, we think of physical abuse," Martin said. "Abusive relationships start long before the first fist, the first horrible act of violence happens. It's the emotional. It's the verbal. And that's what we want people to recognize so that they can get out of it safely."

If you or someone you know is in trouble, Martin said it's crucial to have a safety plan. The Center for Women and Families can help with that. If you or someone you know is in trouble, call 1-844-237-2331. The center has a hotline that is staffed 24/7.

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