Senator Roth’s Measure Protecting Survivors of Domestic Violence Approved by Governor Brown

MORENO VALLEY>> Senator Richard D. Roth’s (D-Riverside) measure to protect survivors of domestic violence by holding offenders accountable has been signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown. “This is a major victory and important day for all survivors of domestic violence," Roth said. "Despite vigorous enforcement of protective order violations having been shown to be effective in protecting survivors and ensuring offender accountability, the law previously had two different standards of punishment for offenders who violated protective orders. Senate Bill 883 strengthens punishments against protective order violations, and provides prosecutors with important tools to keep survivors of domestic violence safe while punishing their attackers.” Sponsored by the Riverside County District Attorney and the California District Attorneys Association, SB 883 makes a violation of a protective order punishable by imprisonment up to one year in a county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. SB 883 makes a second or subsequent violation occurring within 7 years involving an act of violence or a credible threat of violence punishable as a felony or a misdemeanor. “I would like to thank Senator Roth for authoring common-sense legislation that protects survivors of domestic violence,” said Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin. “Senate Bill 883 ensures accountability, creates a consistent standard for violators of protective orders and helps protect survivors of domestic violence.” The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2017. “I am proud to have authored SB 883 and will continue standing up for survivors and our most vulnerable communities to keep them safe,” Roth said.