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Naperville Man Receives 20-Year Sentence for Domestic Violence

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/0 .. ives-20-year-sentence-for-domestic-violence.html
  Published in House and Home on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 7:18 GMT by Patch
      Locales: Illinois, UNITED STATES

Naperville, IL - February 1st, 2026 - The 20-year sentence handed down to David Zaremba, a Naperville man convicted of aggravated battery and residential burglary against his ex-girlfriend, marks a significant moment in DuPage County and raises broader questions about the escalating severity of sentencing for domestic violence cases in Illinois. While the details of the May 2023 incident - a forced entry into the victim's home on Pheasant Run Circle followed by an assault - are disturbing in themselves, the length of Zaremba's sentence suggests a growing trend towards stricter penalties for perpetrators of domestic abuse.

DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin rightfully emphasized the importance of holding Zaremba accountable and ensuring the victim's safety. However, this case is not isolated. Over the past several years, Illinois has witnessed a noticeable increase in the length of prison sentences for domestic violence related offenses, especially those involving aggravated assault, home invasion, and repeated offenses. Legal experts suggest this shift is driven by a combination of factors, including increased public awareness of domestic violence, evolving societal attitudes towards abusive behavior, and a concerted effort by prosecutors to prioritize the safety of victims.

Historically, domestic violence cases were often treated as private matters, with lighter sentences handed down even in cases of physical harm. This was often attributed to difficulties in proving intent, the reluctance of victims to testify against their abusers, and a general underestimation of the long-term trauma inflicted upon survivors. However, the landscape is changing. Modern approaches emphasize the pattern of coercive control often inherent in abusive relationships, recognizing that violence is rarely a spontaneous act but rather a culmination of controlling behavior. Prosecutors are now actively building cases around this pattern, presenting evidence of stalking, harassment, economic abuse, and emotional manipulation alongside physical assault.

The minimum 8-year requirement before Zaremba is eligible for parole signals a commitment to long-term victim safety. This reflects a move away from the idea of simply punishing the offender and towards a broader goal of preventing future harm. It acknowledges that individuals with a history of domestic violence often re-offend, and that a significant period of incapacitation is necessary to protect potential future victims. This approach aligns with national trends in domestic violence prosecution.

Beyond sentencing, the case also highlights the crucial role of support services for survivors of domestic violence. Organizations like the DuPage County Domestic Violence Assistance Program and the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence provide vital resources such as emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and support groups. These services are often essential in helping victims navigate the legal system, rebuild their lives, and break the cycle of abuse. Increased funding and accessibility to these resources are critical to complementing stricter sentencing laws.

However, simply increasing penalties and providing support services isn't a complete solution. Addressing the root causes of domestic violence - including societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality, lack of access to mental health care, and economic stressors - is equally important. Preventative education programs, particularly those targeting young people, can help foster healthy relationships and challenge harmful attitudes about power and control. Furthermore, expanding access to affordable mental health services can address underlying issues that contribute to abusive behavior.

David Zaremba's sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence. While the 20-year sentence offers a degree of justice and potentially protects future victims, it also underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to addressing this pervasive societal problem. Illinois, and indeed the nation, must continue to evolve its strategies for preventing domestic violence, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The increased severity of sentencing, like the one seen in the Zaremba case, should be viewed not as an end in itself, but as one component of a broader, more holistic strategy for creating safer communities for everyone.