#450: Interview with Senator Susan Rubio about Changing Domestic Abuse Laws
Laura and Jim interview State Senator Susan Rubio of California who is a fierce advocate for victims of domestic violence, and a champion for children and families who have been left behind by the family court system. She also talks about her own first hand personal experience as a survivor of domestic violence and coercive control.
Senator Rubio is responsible for authoring “Piqui’s Law” SB 616 named after a five year little old boy, who was smothered to death by his own father, Aramazd Andressian, in 2017 to get back at his estranged ex-wife. Piqui’s mother, Ana Estevez had begged the courts to protect her and her child, saying her son “was terrified” of his father, but without any physical evidence of abuse, Aramazd was allowed access. “Piqui’s Law”, as well as several others Senator Rubio has put forth, will help change this and protect victims when they are most vulnerable. Do not miss this crucial episode about some of the horrific things going on in family court.
Please watch Ana Estevez' moving speech about her son and "Piqui's" Law.
https://sd22.senate.ca.gov/video/domestic-violence-keeping-our-children-safe-family-violence
Sign the Domestic Violence Reform Petition: https://www.change.org/p/domestic-violence-law-reform-coercive-control-usa
We hope you will immediately express strong support for the following legislation and suggest similar laws in your own state:
SB 331 (Rubio) Piqui’s Law – banning reunification camps in family law cases that deal with child abuse, requires critical establishment of DV training for judicial officers and everyone involved in family law matters.
SB 459 (Rubio) Sam Sisters Law – requires the judicial council to create a DV modification form for purposes of modifying the restraining order, if circumstances change.
SB 558 (Rubio) Child Images: Statute of Limitations – extends the statute of limitation for victims to come forward about personal sexual images discovered.
SB 690 (Rubio) The Phoenix Act – extends the statute of limitations for victims to come forward about their abuse to 15 years.
SB 376 (Rubio) Human Trafficking: Right to Advocate – requires victims of human trafficking to be offered a support person or advocate to be present during law enforcement interviews.
SB 603 (Rubio) Children Advocacy Centers: Protecting Child Forensic Interviews – requires anyone requesting a video recording of the evidence from a child victim, to have a protective order prior to obtaining the recordings.
If you are a resident of California, here is a link to the names and numbers of your representative, please reach out to them and make your voice heard: