San Bernardino school shooting inspires bill to fund domestic violence prevention

"A bill introduced by Assemblywoman Eloise Gomez Reyes, D-San Bernardino, would help fund new efforts to prevent domestic violence in California, inspired by the death of North Park Elementary School teacher Karen Smith in April.

If approved, AB 1268, dubbed the 'Domestic Violence Education Act' by Reyes and co-sponsor Assemblywoman Blanca E. Rubio, D-Baldwin Park, will require the state to evaluate existing domestic violence assistance initiatives, according to an analysis created before the Assembly floor vote. It also would create a California Domestic Violence Prevention Fund, which would be used to provide grants to nonprofit organizations, local education agencies and local governments to educate communities about domestic violence and existing resources for victims.

Although the bill does not indicate how large the fund would be, 'any meaningful grants will each exceed $50,000,' the analysis reads in part.

'The issue of domestic violence is not a new one, given that in California alone 40% of women experience physical intimate partner violence,' Reyes says in the release issued Wednesday. 'Though the state has done a great deal of work when it comes to caring for victims, it is critical however that we also prioritize prevention efforts. We can and must do more.'"

Read the full article here.