According to the California Department of Public Health, one in six homicides are due to domestic violence. Last year in Santa Clarita alone, the California Department of Justice cataloged 515 domestic violence calls for assistance. And domestic violence is not just a crime that victimizing women, but an increasing number of men are victims of domestic violence.

As a member of the California State Assembly representing Santa Clarita, I authored a bill that gave domestic violence victims access to more resources so they can get the help and recovery assistance they need. I also support the right of victims to confront and be present at their perpetrators’ parole hearings, and toughened penalties on those who assist sex traffickers.

But I have always felt, and still do, that the rights of victims and their families are often forgotten when we talk about public safety and law enforcement. This also........

© Santa Clarita Valley Signal