News

Neighbor to Neighbor – Posted: Sunday, October 9, 2011

Tracy Lamb, NEWS' Exectutive Director talks to Hilary Zunin at the Register about our services to Napa families and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Read the full article.

A Provocative New Video

Verizon and National Domestic Violence Hotline launch ‘Monsters,’ a short animated video that depicts a devastating view of domestic violence from a child’s perspective.

The video is aimed at encouraging the public to support domestic violence prevention efforts and to call for help.

Important Message for Parents from Liz Claiborne Inc.

We are very pleased to announce that the Liz Claiborne Inc. Love Is Not Abuse iPhone Application is now available for download in  the iTunes App Store!

The new iPhone app is designed to teach parents - in a very real way - about the dangers of teen dating abuse and provides a dramatic demonstration of how technology can be used to commit abuse. Over the course of the experience, text messages, emails and phone calls are received real-time, mimicking the controlling, abusive behaviors teens might face in their relationships.

The impact is immediate and important: empowering parents to talk to their kids.

The app also includes valuable information for parents: facts on dating abuse, warning signs, tips on how to talk to teens, and immediate, concrete steps to take if they suspect their child is involved in an abusive relationship.

Please view the Love Is Not Abuse iPhone App trailer: Share the news with your friends and communities (Twitter Hashtag: #LoveIsNotAbuseApp), and download the app today, free of charge at the iTunes App Store (search word “LINA”).

Lengthy Protective Orders

NEWS is proud to report that our governor, Jerry Brown, came through again and signed legislation that expands protection to California victims of domestic violence.

On August 1^st the governor signed SB723, which allows judges to issue a protective order for up to 10 years against anyone convicted of felony or misdemeanor domestic violence. The bill was submitted by Democratic state Senator Fran Pavley of Agoura Hills was passed by the Legislature without opposition.

Judges can issue those orders now, but only in cases that involve stalking or certain injuries, or while the abuser is on probation. But in cases where an abuser is jailed and has served his sentence, the victim would have to return to court to seek a protective order. The bill's supporters say some victims cannot afford it or fear facing their abuser again.

Ref: The Sacramento Bee

Two Pieces of Supportive Legislation

NEWS is happy to report that in July Governor Brown signed two pieces of legislation that expands protection to California victims of domestic violence.

Early Lease Termination When in Danger

Authored by Assemblymember V. Manuel Pérez: A domestic violence victim's time to petition for early lease termination has been extended from 60 days to 180 days!  For more information read this report.

Choking Law to Aid Domestic Violence Prosecutions

Authored by Senator Christine Kehoe: A bill designed to aid the prosecution in domestic violence cases, establishing a law that identifies strangulation as a traumatic condition that can lead to felony charges. The legislation recognizes choking as a potential stepping stone to more severe violence. For more information read this report.