SPRINGFIELD, IL – Last October, a Chicago Tribune article detailed the horrific story of Rebecca Mercado, a Joliet resident who fell victim to a two-day torture and beating at the hands of her then-husband. Illinois State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) today passed legislation through the Senate in an effort to strengthen penalties for abusers.

For two days in July 2009, Mercado suffered through constant torture when her then-husband held her hostage in their Joliet home and beat her repeatedly with a metal broom and a piece of wood until she passed out on the kitchen floor and police arrived.

Her abuser was sentenced to just four and a half years in prison, which is nearly the maximum penalty allowed under current law. Holmes’ measure, House Bill 233, increases prison sentences for battery cases involving torture to a minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 15 years, and enhances the offense to a Class 1 felony.

Mercado’s case inspired Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow to contact Senator Holmes and Representative Cross to help fill a gap in the state’s aggravated battery law.

"After hearing Rebecca’s story, I knew something had to be done to strengthen penalties for this type of torture and abuse," Senator Holmes said. "Under current law, what happened to Rebecca was only a Class 3 felony, which is equal to being charged with methamphetamine possession. The absolute torture of a person certainly needs a stronger penalty."

"We are so proud of Rebecca for her courage on this issue and working together with us so that victims in the future will have more options when it comes to these horrible crimes," Illinois House Minority Leader Tom Cross said. "We applaud her for her tenacity and courage."

Aggravated battery is currently listed a Class 3 felony, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Due to the seriousness of the injuries and the fact that her three children were in the house during the beating, the judge handed down nearly the maximum sentence.

"Rebecca survived a terrible ordeal that left her battered and bruised," State’s Attorney Glasgow said. "Her case cried out for greater penalties for anyone who would inflict this kind of torture on another person. Today, this courageous woman has found her voice and has joined us in the fight to protect other battered women by increasing prison sentences for the most violent abusers."

The measure now goes back to the Illinois House before it can be signed into law.