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A new law is aimed at protecting people from dating violence. Governor Charlie Crist held a bill signing ceremony today with family members of two Floridians killed in an act of dating violence. The bill gives people in abusive dating relationships the same rights as victims of domestic violence. It also allows police officers to arrest people who threaten and abuse their dates without an arrest warrant. Kim Barwick’s daughter was killed by an angry ex-boyfriend.

“It was a bittersweet day. We’re glad it was able to happen quickly,
because it will be in law to help others that are in this situation. So
another family will not have to endure what we have,” said Barwick.

“This bill is going to become a model bill that will be looked at across
the United States now and being able to protect our citizens that are in
a dating relationship,” said bill sponsor Kurt Kelly.

Kim Barwick helped push the legislation. Barwick wants to become a victim’s advocate.