Violence Against Women

2018 Amicus Briefs Summary

In 2018, CWLC participated in thirty-three amicus briefs addressing a variety of legal issues affecting justice and equality for women and girls. This summer CWLC filed a brief with the Supreme Court of the United States in support of California’s FACT Act, a law pertaining to the limited and harmful practices that “crisis pregnancy centers”
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2017 Amicus Briefs Summary

In 2017, CWLC participated in thirty amicus briefs addressing a variety of legal issues affecting justice and equality for women and girls.  These briefs were filed in the California Court of Appeal, the California Supreme Court, multiple federal District and Circuit courts, and even the United States Supreme Court. The issues addressed by the briefs included Title IX campus sexual assault and cyber harassment, women’s reproductive health, domestic violence, LGBTQ employment discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, and transgender veterans.

Webinar Training – “Title IX: Campus Sexual Assault and Harassment” (2018)

The California Women’s Law Center offered this training opportunity about campus sexual assault and harassment as it applies to Title IX, and in particular colleges in California. Presenter: Amy Poyer, CWLC Senior Staff Attorney *To use this training for self-study MCLE credit, please complete the evaluation form on our website and submit it to cwlc@cwlc.org in order
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Training – Teen Dating Violence (2017)

The California Women’s Law Center offered this training opportunity about the problem of teen dating violence, the prevention of it through legislation and what further steps should be taken to combat this violence.

Teen Dating Violence in California Schools: Know Your Rights (2017)

This resource provides information relating to teen dating violence, its prevalence and the forms it can take, the damage it causes, and the legal remedies and responsibilities that exist to tackle it.

Know Your IX’s State Policy Playbook (2017)

Know Your IX’s State Policy Playbook outlines key reforms that students, advocates, and state policymakers can pursue to support survivors on campus, keep students safe, and end gender-based violence in school. For more information, visit the Know Your IX website here.

2016 Amicus Briefs Summary

In 2016, CWLC participated in eighteen amicus briefs addressing a variety of legal issues affecting justice and equality for women and girls. These briefs were filed in the California Court of Appeal, the California Supreme Court, multiple federal District and Circuit courts, and even the United States Supreme Court. The issues addressed by the briefs included women’s reproductive health, domestic violence, LGBTQ employment discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, and discriminatory enforcement of prostitution offenses.

Landmark Bipartisan Justice for Victims Act Signed into Law (2016)

Senate Bill (SB) 813, the Justice for Victims Act, introduced by Senator Connie Leyva, eliminates the statute of limitations for rape and related crimes in California. It was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in September 2016.

Gender Discrimination in Education – Sexual Assault and Harassment (2016)

This is a brief overview on gender discrimination in education, focused specifically on sexual assault and harassment. This short guide covers the facts and includes resources on what Title IX is, and how it applies to the Clery Act and the Campus SaVE Act.

The California Victim Compensation Program

The California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) can help victims and family members of victims of crimes help pay for bills and related expenses that result from certain violent crimes, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse. If you have been the victim of a violent crime or have been threatened with injury, you
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Student and Advocate Web Resources

The California Women’s Law Center closely monitors the fight to end sexual assault on college campuses and is committed to providing students and their advocates the resources they need to prevent campus sexual assaults and secure justice for survivors.

S.T.O.P. Teen Dating Violence (2015)

S.T.O.P Teen Dating Violence resources are related to the October 2015 presentation in which teen dating violence is discussed, why it is a problem, the responsibility schools play in addressing teen dating violence under Title IX, and its relation to California state law.

Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence in Schools: What Title IX Requires (2011)

This document is intended to provide a summary of the Office for Civil Rights “Dear Colleague” letter issued on April 4, 2011, which provided special Title IX guidance on sexual harassment and sexual violence in schools.

Teen Dating Violence: Know Your Rights (2010)

This resource explains the pervasiveness of teen dating violence, how schools need to address the issue, schools’ legal duties, and information regarding Title IX.

Murder at Home Project (2005)

The Murder at Home Project sought to transform criminal justice, community, and media responses to intimate partner violence to ensure that these crimes are taken seriously and addressed appropriately. In 2005, CWLC released its policy report Murder at Home: An Examination of Legal and Community Responses to Intimate Femicide in California.

CWLC Recognizes February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

            February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time for advocates to join together to raise awareness about teen dating violence, highlight efforts to combat this violence and encourage others to get involved. Each year, approximately 1.5 million high school students nationwide are victims of abuse from a dating
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Handbags of Hope

Handbags of Hope took place on October 13 at the LASD Youth Activities League in Los Angeles. The California Women’s Law Center is grateful to everyone who participated in the 2018 Handbags of Hope event which collected more than 1,100 bags in Los Angeles and thousands more across the country. CWLC has been a proud participant
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Denim Day 2018

Today, survivors, activists and allies across the country are participating in Denim Day, a campaign to raise awareness about sexual violence, combat harmful misconceptions and reinforce the importance of consent.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The California Women’s Law Center recognizes that sexual violence is an unfortunate and pervasive problem impacting women, girls, and families across the country. In January, a national survey reported that 81% of women experience sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime. And, one in five women have experienced
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Winter 2018 Newsletter

In this issue…   CWLC 2018 Pursuit of Justice Awards honors Rita Hall, It’s On Us, LA County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and Lois Thompson on May 17    Speaker Series with Congressman Adam Schiff    March is Women’s Herstory Month    “Equal Pay” in 2018    CWLC Welcomes Kim Nakamaru   2018 Pursuit of
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International Women’s Day 2018

The California Women’s Law Center is proud to recognize International Women’s Day and our commitment to press for progress and gender equity. Created by suffragettes and first celebrated in 1911, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration to honor the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. IWD is also a time to
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2017 Year End Letter

Happy Holidays to you and yours from the California Women’s Law Center staff and Board of Directors.
In peace and with respect for all, we wish you a happy and healthy 2018!

Fall 2017 Newsletter

  In this issue…   CWLC Speaker Series: Champions In Sports   CWLC’s Trainings and Community Outreach   Weighing In: CWLC’s Amicus Briefs   California Report on Women, HIV and Sex Work   Welcome CWLC’s New Board Member, Stacey Armato     CWLC Speaker Series: Female Athletes Leading The Way     On October 25,
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Protections for Campus Sexual Assault Victims May Roll Back

Yesterday, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos signaled her intention to roll back protections for campus sexual assault victims put in place by the Obama Administration in 2011. The Department of Education’s actions are likely to discourage survivors from reporting sexual assaults and could prevent rapists from being held accountable.

Summer 2017 Newsletter

In this issue… 2017 Annual Pursuit of Justice Awards, Teen Dating Violence Brochure, CWLC’s Beach Cities Legal Housing Clinics, CWLC Releases: Lactation 101 Report, Join Us: LA Sparks #WeAreWomen game on August 27th, and more!

Webinar: “Teen Dating Violence: Detect, Address and Prevent”

CWLC hosted a Teen Dating Violence training on Thurs. July 27, 2017

2017 Pursuit of Justice Awards

The California Women’s Law Center was honored to recognize amazing leaders and champions who are pursuing justice for women and girls: The Actors’ Gang Prison Project, California State Senator Connie M. Leyva, and the Los Angeles Sparks. Sponsorship opportunities available.

West Hollywood Women’s Leadership Conference

The Women’s Leadership Conference featured a day of dynamic speakers, film screening and reception, compelling panel discussions, expert-led trainings, interactive workshops, keynote luncheon, exhibitor hub area, and so much more! It was an exciting daylong event geared toward women who live, work and play in West Hollywood.

West Hollywood Women’s Leadership Conference

Please join the California Women’s Law Center in supporting the City of West Hollywood’s 11th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference & Network on Saturday, May 13, 2017. The Women’s Leadership Conference features a day of dynamic speakers, panel discussions, trainings and workshops.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Please join CWLC and our allies in raising our collective voices to support survivors and increase awareness about the fact that sexual violence is never acceptable. #SAAM2017 #SAAM

Assembly Bill 557 (Rubio) – CalWORKs Domestic Violence

The California Women’s Law Center supports AB 557, which would strengthen aid to domestic violence victims who are applicants or recipients of CalWORKs assistance. Read AB 557 Support Letter AB 557 was approved by the Governor on October 12, 2017.

Winter 2017 Update

In this issue… Distinguished Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinsky and Michele Goodwin, CWLC to honor The Actors’ Gang Prison Project, State Senator Connie M. Leyva and the Los Angeles Sparks: 2017 Pursuit of Justice Awards – May 16, 2017, Policy Brief Released: “Aging, Women and Poverty In California,” Join Us: Upcoming Title IX Webinars, CWLC Welcomes New Board Members, and much more!

Rally & Walk for Equality

The Feminist Majority Foundation, CWLC and various sponsors and supporters attended the Rally & Walk for EQUALITY on March 26, 2017.

International Women’s Day – March 8, 2017

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a collective day of global celebration but also a call for gender parity. IWD honors the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. But the unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to their male counterparts, women are still not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women’s education, health and physical safety are threatened every day.

CWLC Celebrates Women’s History Month

March is a month of reflection and appreciation for women, but it is also a month of action. Please join us as we celebrate the gains women have made since our country was founded and know that CWLC will be on the frontlines to stop any attempt to force women backward or diminish our possibilities. Together, we will be successful in our mission to ensure the future is bright and full of opportunity for every woman and every girl in the nation.

Women’s History Month Events

The California Women’s Law Center is proud to recognize March as Women’s History Month. Every month, but especially this month, CWLC is proud to recognize the fearless women who shaped our past and whose sturdy shoulders we now stand in our ongoing fight for fairness and equality. Get involved all month long!

Insightful Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinsky and Michele Goodwin

The California Women’s Law Center hosted a Distinguished Guest Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinksy and Michele Goodwin of UCI School of Law on February 22, 2017 at the Feminist Majority Foundation in Beverly Hills. Their presentation titled “Forecasting Reproductive Health and Rights in the Era of President Trump” was incredibly insightful and well-attended. Thank you, Dean Chemerinsky and Professor Goodwin!

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Each year approximately 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner. Every February, advocates join together to raise awareness about teen dating violence, highlight efforts to combat this violence, and encourage others to get involved.

Distinguished Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinsky and Michele Goodwin of UCI School of Law

On February 22, 2017, the California Women’s Law Center and our sponsors Sleeping Lion, Inc. and Lois & Jim Thompson and co-hosts Cathy Kim & Matthew Kelly and Rasha Gerges Shields hosted a Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinsky and Michele Goodwin titled “Forecasting Reproductive Health and Rights in the Era of President Trump.”

Distinguished Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinsky and Michele Goodwin of UCI School of Law

On February 22, 2017, the California Women’s Law Center and our sponsors Sleeping Lion, Inc. and Lois & Jim Thompson and co-hosts Cathy Kim & Matthew Kelly and Rasha Gerges Shields hosted a Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinsky and Michele Goodwin titled “Forecasting Reproductive Health and Rights in the Era of President Trump.”