Juneau -- The Alaska Senate Wednesday passed House Bill 288, a new tool in the fight against domestic violence and child abuse, sponsored by Representative Pete Kott.

HB 288 gives courts authority to be tougher on people who have been convicted of domestic violence if they committed the crime in the presence of children. By making the special vulnerability of these kids an aggravating factor, courts will have a further reason for adjusting sentences upward.

"Domestic violence is a scourge across our state and Alaskans are fighting back to protect the lives of the victims and the children involved," Kott said. "HB 288 recognizes that, even if children are not on the receiving end of domestic violence, they are still profoundly damaged when they witness parents or caregivers engaging in this abhorrent behavior."

HB 288 passed the Senate unanimously.