Assemblymember Chris Holden Introduces AB 304: Domestic Violence Prevention

Sacramento, CA – Today, Assemblymember Chris Holden introduced AB 304, Domestic violence: probation which will restructure the oversight of the rehabilitation process domestic violence offenders must undergo, in an effort to reduce recidivism and increase overall education within the system – including among probation departments, courts, and program providers. 

“Domestic violence is a silent issue, survivors do not necessarily know where to turn or even vocalize their traumatic experiences,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “Developing comprehensive statewide standards through regulations alongside the Department of Justice is crucial to understanding the nuances of domestic violence prevention.”

Despite its efforts over the last three decades, the California Legislature and other state agencies have struggled to implement effective domestic violence diversion tactics.  According to the California State Auditor, we are continuing to see a neglect in oversight of these programs on the part of probation departments and courts.

This, coupled with the insufficient training for those involved in handling domestic violence incidents, has very real implications for domestic violence survivors. Between 2012 and 2021 approximately 1.6 million calls for domestic-violence related assistance were made.  Around 164,608 of these call were made in 2021 alone. This is a widespread issue that we already have the infrastructure to address. It is pertinent we revise our batterer intervention system to make it more effective in protecting domestic violence survivors and rehabilitating domestic violence offenders.

“Every year, as a society we know more through research, science, and by listening to our community needs and how we communicate what we know is important to the people that these resources are meant to uplift,” said Holden.

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