Sen. Cortese's Statement on Passage of SB 554 - Survivor's Protection Act

SAN JOSE, CA – Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) issued the following statement regarding the California Assembly’s approval of his Senate Bill 554 (SB 554), which now advances to the Governor’s desk for signing and adoption. SB 554 would empower victims of domestic violence and harassment by allowing them to request a restraining order, domestic violence protection order, no contact order, and anti-harassment orders in a California court regardless of their in-state or county residency status. 

“SB 554 extends a critically needed lifeline for survivors of domestic violence and harassment. It will enable survivors to seek justice regardless of where they may relocate and reside,” said Senator Cortese. “SB 554 upholds that justice knows no borders nor should protection for survivors.” 

"We are thrilled to receive the California legislature's backing of the Survivor’s Protection Act, which now brings the bill to the Governor's Desk. The trauma of my sexual assault was overshadowed by the trauma of our justice system - this bill ensures no survivor will relive my experience. SB 554 works to fulfill California's promise to prevent sexual and domestic violence, not simply react to it,” said Nazeehah Khan, survivor.  “We thank Senator Cortese and his staff for championing survivor rights in California and thank the legislature for their dedication to the safety and protection of all survivors of sexual and domestic violence. States across the nation turn to California as a model for justice and we look forward to the precedence the Survivor’s Protection Act will set for survivors’ safety nationally."

Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov

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