Senator Susan Rubio Praises Gov. Newsom for Executive Order Supporting Domestic Violence Victims

SACRAMENTO, CA – Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin) today praised Gov. Gavin Newsom for issuing an executive order that makes it easier for domestic violence shelters, which provide life-saving emergency services for victims, to receive state funds during this pandemic.

The governor’s order waives the 10% matching state requirement that shelters need to reach in order to receive state funding.  

“I want to thank Gov. Newsom for issuing an executive order that will make it easier for domestic violence shelters to provide critical assistance to victims during the COVID-19 pandemic. This action complements my proposed legislation from earlier this year, Senate Bill 1276, which would eliminate the matching fund requirement permanently. I look forward to working with the administration and my colleagues to show victims that we hear them and stand with them,” Sen. Rubio said.

“During the shelter-in-place order, domestic violence organizations are working around the clock to serve survivors facing increased risks. With fewer volunteer hours and the cancelation of fundraising events, this moment calls for additional funding flexibility and we’re grateful the Governor heard our coalition’s voices by waiving the Domestic Violence Assistance Program’s 10% match requirement as a stopgap,” said Krista Niemczyk, of the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence.

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, Sen. Rubio is also requesting a $30 million allocation addressing the urgent needs of domestic violence survivors during the state’s ongoing homelessness and housing crisis.

The money would support successful programs that includes emergency shelter services, transitional housing and rental assistance, locating/securing permanent housing, securing employment, legal assistance, transportation, counseling, childcare services and other services.

In addition, Sen. Rubio continues to expand legal protections for victims by authoring SB 1141, which will allow them to use “coercive control,” a pattern of psychologically damaging and abusive behavior, in family court hearings and criminal proceedings for the first time in California.