via news5:
Gov. John Kasich signed a bill Thursday night that will close a legal loophole and allow unmarried victims of domestic violence the same protections as their married counterparts.
This new legislation follows two years of extensive reporting by the 5 On Your Side Investigative team into serious loopholes that place domestic violence at risk.
The legislation, called House Bill 1, gives victims of dating violence the ability to obtain a civil protection order against their abuser. Prior to the bill’s signing, victims who weren’t married didn’t fall under domestic violence guidelines.