Domestic violence is a very real and serious problem in California, and advocates for domestic violence victims estimate that as many as 600 domestic assaults occur in the state on a daily basis.  As such, the legalities surrounding domestic violence continue to develop and evolve.  In furtherance of that phenomenon, there are several bills relating to domestic violence that have been passed by the state legislature that await signature from Governor Brown that would enact them as laws.

These domestic violence bills concern several issues and situations, including one that would provide judges with the ability to issue a restraining order for up to 10 years against someone who is convicted either of a felony or a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence.  This law would allow the protective order to extend beyond the time a convicted abuser serves in jail.

In addition, bills that await signature by the governor include one that would require notification for the victim before a court modifies a protective order, a bill that would add suffocation and choking to the definition of felony domestic violence and a bill that would protect victims of domestic violence from having their address published on the Internet.  Finally, a slight adjustment was made to a law that would now allow victims of domestic abuse up to 180 days to produce a police report to landlords that would allow them to break their lease without penalty.  The current law provides for 60 days.

San Diego Domestic Violence Lawyers

People who suffer at the hands of a domestic abuser generally need many steps to be taken on their behalf in order to protect themselves and to provide them with an opportunity to completely break away from these terrible situations.  These steps could include filing for a California divorce or filing for changes in child custody, support or visitation.

If you or someone you love is being abused, you need to take immediate steps to protect yourself.  Seek the help of San Diego domestic violence lawyers who have been helping sufferers of abuse put this struggle behind them for many years.  Contact the law office of James D. Scott today to schedule a confidential initial consultation.