FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 27, 2016

Media Contact: Jessica Merrill, Communications & Development Manager: jessica@cpedv.org | (916) 444-7163, x118

SACRAMENTO — Yesterday in a Los Angeles court hearing, more details emerged in a series of disturbing allegations of domestic violence against Assemblymember Hernández. The alleged abuse that was described by Councilmember Susan Rubio—which includes strangulation, threats, and other physical abuse—happens every day to many Californians. In fact, 8.3 million people in our state experience rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetimes.[1] Domestic violence on this scale constitutes a true emergency, and the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (the Partnership) has worked relentlessly to address it. As these staggering statistics reveal, there is an urgent need to concentrate on the root causes of domestic violence in order to truly to end this crisis.

First and foremost, Californians must support domestic violence survivors in their communities—believing their stories, respecting their choices, and investing in critical support services like shelters and advocacy programs. In 2015, over 5,000 domestic violence survivors were served by local programs in just one day—and even when stretching limited funding, 1,091 requests for services went unmet due to a lack of resources.[2]

Secondly, the Partnership’s last statement on the allegations against Assemblymember Hernández also reminded Californians of their shared responsibility to hold people who harm others accountable for their abusive behavior. Such behavior is never okay and cannot be excused, regardless of position or community status. Those who harm others come from every background and walk of life – including individuals who lead and serve their communities in many ways. Community members play a very important role in voicing intolerance of abuse, and calling their leaders to higher standards for safe and respectful interpersonal relationships. Constituents can speak out about domestic violence, call for real solutions to this issue, and ultimately express their opinions at the ballot box.

Members of the Capitol community also have an important role in addressing domestic violence amongst their own. Several legislators have spoken out publicly about this issue, including leaders from the California Legislative Women’s Caucus and a group of California Republicans. These recent allegations represent a teachable moment for all Californians, and the Partnership encourages policy-makers, elected officials and staff to educate themselves on the issue and pay close attention to their peers’ behavior. They should demonstrate strong leadership by speaking out about domestic violence when it arises, support local efforts to intervene in it, and address the root causes with needed investments in prevention.

The Partnership’s Executive Director, Kathy Moore, issued a call to action to all Californians to be part of the solution:

“If you’re outraged by this alleged case, I encourage you to be just as outraged about all cases of domestic violence in our state—and channel that outrage to help us solve the problem of domestic violence in California once and for all. Join with us and become a member of our mighty coalition creating real change in California, and support your local domestic violence program, which is a beacon of hope for communities across the state.”

About the Partnership

The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (the Partnership) is California’s recognized domestic violence coalition, representing over 1,000 advocates, organizations and allied individuals across the state. Working at the local, state and national levels for nearly 40 years, the Partnership has a long track record of successfully passing over 200 pieces of legislation on behalf of domestic violence victims and their children. The Partnership believes that by sharing expertise, advocates and legislators can end domestic violence. Through our public policy, communications and capacity building programs, we create system-wide change that supports survivors and invests in prevention. Every day we inspire, inform and connect all those concerned with this issue, because together we’re stronger. With offices in Sacramento, the Partnership’s member programs span the entire state. For more information, visit www.cpedv.org.

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