Survivors, including actress Denise Richards and Terra Newell of Dirty John, share personal experiences and expose critical gaps in the systems designed to protect victims.

California State Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), a domestic violence survivor and longtime advocate for victims, convened a Domestic Violence Policy Roundtable on Friday, October 23, bringing together survivors, legal experts, public safety officials, and community advocates to confront systemic failures and identify legislative solutions to better protect victims and their families.

Held during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the roundtable featured powerful testimony from actress and advocate Denise Richards; Terra Newell, whose family's experience inspired the Dirty John story; Karen Chun, who lost her mother and sister to domestic violence; and Jazmine Villanueva, who shared the heartbreaking story of losing her sister to domestic violence.

"For far too many victims, the system does not respond until the violence has escalated or a life has already been lost," said Senator Rubio. "As a survivor with three restraining orders, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to seek protection and still live in fear. I have dedicated my legislative career to changing these laws because no victim should have to wait until tragedy strikes to be taken seriously. These survivors are sharing some of the most painful experiences of their lives, and it is our responsibility to listen and turn their stories into meaningful action."

The discussion also featured a panel of policy experts and 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 roundtable was moderated by Giovanna Martinez of the Women's & Children's Crisis Shelter.