Senator Susan Rubio Hosts Domestic Violence Policy Roundtable, Bringing Together Survivors, Advocates, and Community Leaders

October 23, 2026 | California

Senator Susan Rubio convened a Domestic Violence Policy Roundtable on Friday, October 23, bringing together survivors, advocates, public safety officials, and community leaders for an important conversation about strengthening protections for victims of domestic violence and addressing gaps in the systems designed to keep them safe.

The roundtable featured actress and advocate Denise Richards, Terra Newell, whose family's experience inspired the Dirty John story, and Karen Chun, who lost her mother and sister to domestic violence, Jazmine Villanueva, who shared the heartbreaking story of losing her sister to domestic violence, alongside other survivors and organizations dedicated to supporting victims and their families.

The roundtable also featured a distinguished panel of policy experts and community advocates, including Pallavi Dhawan of the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office; Carmen McDonald, Executive Director of the Survivor Justice Center; David Piller of the YWCA; Tracy Evanson, Executive Director of Healed Women Heal; and Pat Bell, Chief Executive Officer of House of Ruth. The discussion was moderated by Giovanna Martinez of the Women’s & Children’s Crisis Shelter.

Throughout the discussion, survivors shared deeply personal and heartbreaking experiences, highlighting the challenges victims face when seeking protection, navigating the justice system, and rebuilding their lives after abuse.

As a domestic violence survivor who continues to live under the protection of three restraining orders and whose abuser was deemed a vexatious litigant earlier this year, Senator Rubio emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges through meaningful legislative reforms.

The discussion also focused on Senator Rubio's legislative efforts, including recognizing coercive control as a form of domestic violence, extending the statute of limitations, improving access to restraining orders, and addressing litigation abuse through the recently signed Reclaim Act.

The roundtable provided an opportunity to hear directly from those impacted by domestic violence and identify policy priorities for the upcoming legislative session.

Watch the Full Policy Roundtable on YouTube: [Click Here – Watch the Discussion]

View More Photos from the Roundtable: [Click Here – Photo Gallery]