Governor Signs Bill Extending Protective Order Time - KTUL.com - Tulsa, Oklahoma - News, Weather & Sports

Governor Mary Fallin signed a bill into law on Friday that either extends the time a victim's protective order remains in effect or allows for lifetime victim protective orders.

House Bill 2396, authored by Oklahoma State Representative Wade Rousselot (D-Okay), extends the time in which a victim protective order remains in effect from three to five years and allows for a continuous victim protective order under certain conditions.

"Oklahoma, along with the rest of the nation, is plagued with domestic violence," said Rousselot. "The victims of this mental and physical abuse are usually, but not always, women. When a victim fears for their safety because of escalating threats or even instances of violent behavior, they seek a form of protection, just as any of us would."

Rousselot stated that a protective order sets boundaries between the victim and their tormentor.

"If violated, the tormentor goes to prison," Rousselot said.