FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 21, 2014 Media Contact: Jessica Merrill, Communications & Development Manager: jessica@cpedv.org (916) 444- 7163, x118

Executive action will increase safety for many domestic violence survivors across California

SACRAMENTO—President Obama’s recently-announced executive action will bring relief to many immigrants in California and across the country, including survivors of domestic violence and their families. Abusive partners often use the victim’s lack of immigration status and threats of deportation as tools to maintain power and control and prevent the victim from coming forward. The administrative actions announced yesterday will help protect those living in the shadows and enhance or increase safety for vulnerable victims and their families.

“This plan aligns us more closely with our American values of protecting survivors, families, and communities. With the largest immigrant population of any state in the nation, many Californians will benefit from these new policies,” said Partnership Executive Director Kathy Moore. In addition to granting relief for millions of immigrants, we applaud the discontinuation of the failed “Secure Communities” program, which has created deeper mistrust and fear within the immigrant community and made it less likely for domestic violence survivors to seek the help they needed. Recognizing the deep flaws in this program, the Partnership joined a broad coalition of immigration advocacy groups in California to support the passage of California’s TRUST Act in 2013, and we are pleased to see this change on a national level. The Partnership will be working with allied groups to monitor the implementation of the Priority Enforcement Program, which will replace the “Secure Communities” program.

While these actions are a positive step, the Partnership is mindful that many immigrants will not be protected with these changes and a permanent, comprehensive solution is needed. We urge Congress and the administration to pass comprehensive immigration reform that includes needed protections for survivors of domestic violence.

The Partnership has consistently worked to address the safety and needs of immigrant survivors, striving to empower them by engaging in policy advocacy, facilitating dialogue, conducting research, and creating and distributing educational resources for both advocates and immigrant survivors in our communities.

About the Partnership

The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (the Partnership) is California’s recognized domestic violence coalition, with organizational and individual members across the state. Working at the local, state and national levels for nearly 30 years, the Partnership has a long track record of successfully passing over 100 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. 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.