Governor Signs Rubio Bill Adding Domestic Violence Hotline to Student IDs

SACRAMENTO, CA – Gov. Gavin Newsom announced today that he signed legislation by Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) that provides students with a confidential phone number, printed on their ID cards, to call if they are victims of domestic violence. 

SB 316 requires public schools serving pupils in grades 7 to 12, and higher education institutions, to print the National Domestic Violence hotline number (1-800-799-7233) on student identification cards.  University of California campuses will have the flexibility to provide the National Domestic Violence Hotline or an on-campus local Domestic Violence phone number.

“As a classroom teacher, I witnessed students having problems with their relationships at an early age, and unfortunately, statistics show that domestic violence in teenage relationships is becoming increasingly common,” Sen. Rubio said. “Having this important resource on your student ID card will help with intervention at a critical age when you are learning the fundamentals of relationships.” 

The Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that annually one in four adolescents experienced verbal, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse by a dating partner. In addition, women ages 16-24 experience the highest per capita rate of intimate partner violence, according to the US Department of Justice.  Studies also show roughly 21% of college students report having experienced dating violence by a current partner, as well as 32% having experienced dating violence by a previous partner. Teenage domestic violence survivors suffer lasting consequences from their abuse and are greatly at-risk of depression or suicide. 

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is the only 24/7 center in the nation that has access to confidential service providers and shelters across the U.S. Its mission is to support and shift power back to people affected by relationship abuse.  It serves as a vital resource that will allow students to speak to highly trained experts whom can provide supportive services and referrals. 

Media Contact:            
Edward Barrera, (626) 225-0510