Violence Against Women
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Sponsored Legislation: Justice for Victims Act (2016)
CWLC was a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 813, the Justice for Victims Act. Authored by Senator Connie Leyva, this landmark bipartisan bill eliminates the arbitrary statute of limitations for rape and related felony sex crimes in California. Now, regardless of when a rape or sexual assault is reported or discovered, victims of sexual crimes can
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Additional Resources: Sexual Assault and Harassment
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. The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) can help victims and family members of victims of crimes
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CWLC Is Here to Help During COVID-19
As we confront the known and unknown challenges of COVID-19, we recognize life is dramatically more difficult for many people today than it was just a few weeks ago.
Denim Day 2020
April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the COVID-19 emergency has underscored and exacerbated many of the challenges victims face when seeking justice and coping with trauma. Social distancing measures can mean women feel further isolated from support systems. Stay-at-home measures can limit access to confidentiality. And, navigating the court system can be even
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Housing Discrimination, Harassment, and Your Rights (2020)
In this training delivered by our Staff Attorney, Mariah Lindsay, you will explore state and federal housing discrimination laws, sexual harassment in housing, domestic violence survivors and their housing rights, and the processes for reporting and filing complaints.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The California Women’s Law Center is observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October by sharing resources such as our guide to obtaining restraining orders, and supporting survivors through an upcoming event called Handbags of Hope. Domestic violence affects people of all income levels, races, genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and religions. While domestic violence can affect anyone, women are 2.5 times more likely to
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25th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). On this day in 1994, Congress officially recognized violence against women as a national crisis and took steps to combat gender violence on a national level. VAWA allocated resources to create specialized training and education for law enforcement and criminal prosecutors as well
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How to Appeal a Domestic Violence Restraining Order: Tips & Tricks (2020)
This informational webinar will explore the specific issues related to appeals of domestic violence restraining order decisions in California courts. We will address some of the most common issues related to preserving an appeal and briefly review the procedures for appealing, including tips for maximizing the likelihood of a successful appeal.
Using Title IX as a Legal Tool to Address Campus Sexual Assault: A Brief Primer (2020)
This training will cover Title IX as it relates to campus sexual assault. It will provide context and background on the prevalence and impact of campus sexual assault, the evolving role of Title IX on this issue, the Trump administration’s changes to Title IX and the current status of these proposed regulations, other federal and state laws that protect students from sexual assault, and California’s efforts to codify the 2011 and 2014 Obama administration guidance.
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders in California Courts (2019)
This webinar will dive into some of the complex legal issues facing litigants seeking domestic violence restraining orders in California courts.
Sexual Discrimination, Harassment, and Assault: A Primer on Federal and State Law Claims (2019)
This webinar will outline the core federal and state law causes of action for sexual discrimination, harassment, and assault and discuss the differences between them, giving advocates the tools to spot such issues with their potential clients and address them.
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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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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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!
Teen Dating Violence: Detect, Address, and Prevent (webinar training)
Our informational webinar discussed the problem of teen dating, the current federal, state, and local legislation addressing teen dating violence, and what further steps can and should be taken to combat teen dating violence. By addressing the issue of sexual violence early and effectively, we can work towards a healthier and safer future for our youth.
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!
CWLC Speaker Series: Erwin Chemerinsky and Michele Goodwin of UCI School of Law
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.
Roe v. Wade 44th Anniversary
January 22, 2017 marks the 44th anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, which recognized a woman’s constitutional right to decide whether to carry a pregnancy to term. On January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court issued this historic decision.
Poverty Awareness Month and the “Aging, Women and Poverty In California” White Paper
CWLC has prioritized the specific and devastating effects of poverty on California’s aging population, and particularly its impact on our state’s aging women. In June 2016, CWLC joined the California Commission on Aging and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls to present a ground-breaking forum titled Aging, Women and Poverty In California. The forum brought together policy leaders and experts from around the state to discuss the looming crisis facing California’s older women. Speakers at the forum tackled issues including retirement, elder justice, housing, food insecurity, health care access, and many other pressing matters older Americans face.
Rally to Save Roe
Individuals joined the National Council of Jewish Women|Los Angeles (NCJW|LA) and several cosponsoring organizations to Rally to Save Roe, which was a rally and training to defend women’s reproductive rights in America. The rally began at 6:00 pm and on Fairfax Avenue between Clinton Street and Rosewood Avenue.
In the face of an uncertain political climate, supporters demonstrated their commitment to upholding the right to abortion that was established 44 years ago in the historic 1973 Supreme Court Case, Roe vs. Wade.
CWLC Advocacy and Legislative Updates from 2016
On September 28, 2016, Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 813, the Justice for Victims Act. SB 813 eliminates the statute of limitations for rape and other felony sex crimes in California.
Fall Update 2016
IN THIS ISSUE… Passage of SB 813 – Eliminating the Statute of Limitations of Rape and Other Sex Related Crimes, Training Webinar: Join Us November 9th!, Distinguished Speaker Series with David Codell: November 16th, October: Domestic Violence Awareness Month, CWLC and the Los Angeles Sparks #WeAreWomen Campaign
Handbags of Hope 2016
This is an annual event that CWLC has participated in for the past three years. Each year, the effort centers around new or slightly used handbags being stuffed with personal care items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, and other items which are then distributed to support survivors of domestic violence.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
In 1989, the United States Congress designated October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, thereby dedicating the month to victims of domestic violence, as well as celebrating survivors and continuing the national effort to end domestic violence.
Domestic violence can be physical, verbal, sexual or emotional, and often involves intimidation or economic deprivation. It occurs in all cultures and touches people of all races, ethnicities and religions. In the United States, 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner, totaling more than 10 million victims each year. One in three women and one in four men report they have been victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime. More than 20,000 phone calls per day are placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.
Hyde Amendment 40th Anniversary – #BeBoldEndHyde
The Hyde Amendment, first passed on September 30, 1976, bans the use of federal funds for abortion services. A few extremely narrow exceptions have been established to the general ban, including for the life of the mother, the health of the mother, and instances of rape and incest.
Lack of access to reproductive health services, including abortion, disproportionately impacts women of color, young people, immigrants, and individuals in low-income communities. Each year since 1976, the Hyde Amendment has been passed with the federal appropriations bill. As a result, low-income women on Medicaid continue to be denied access to abortion services.
Governor Brown Approves SB 813, the “Justice for Victims Act”
Landmark Bipartisan Justice for Victims Act Signed into Law in California
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – A proud co-sponsor of SB 813 and a stalwart advocate for social justice, the California Women’s Law Center (CWLC) is pleased to report that the Justice for Victims Act has been signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown on September 28, 2016.
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) 22nd Anniversary
Congress passed The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) on September 13th, 1994, thereby legislatively validating that violence against women is a national crisis and combating it effectively is a national priority. VAWA created a vital network of services for female victims of violence and established specialized training for law enforcement and prosecutors investigating domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. VAWA also established transitional services for victims of violence to allow them to rebuild their lives.