The case in which a mother and her 2-year-old son were allegedly abducted by her former boyfriend has prompted Gov. Phil Murphy to sign a bill strengthening penalties for strangulation convictions -- up to 10 years.

In a statement Wednesday, the governor said the death of Yasemin Uyar, of Rahway, is one of the reasons the change is needed.

Prosecutors say Uyar and her 2-year-old son were abducted last week by her former boyfriend who had a history of abusing and choking her.

"Strangulation is a very serious part of domestic violence. For a number of reasons. What we know is that if a victim has been a victim of strangulation, as part of the abuse in the past, she's far more likely to be a victim of homicide," said Jennifer Vriens, of YWCA Union County.

State police issued an Amber Alert for the missing boy Friday. He was found safe in Tennessee. Uyar was found dead.

The New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence is urging systemic changes, saying they need to help survivors of domestic violence be heard to ensure their safety.

In a statement, the organization said: "Ms. Uyar's murder tells us that, once again, our traditional responses to domestic violence aren't working. It demands that we pause and identify more clearly what survivors need to stay safe. For some, it is being able to call the police without fear of being arrested; for others, it is to have easier access to food, housing, healthcare, and transportation."

State police will be reviewing whether law enforcement could have done anything differently.