A school shooting is always a tragedy. Most could be prevented, and that’s why a shooting in San Bernardino has prompted a bill that funds domestic violence prevention. The new bill has been introduced to the state and would help fund efforts that would prevent domestic violence throughout the state of California. The bill, AB1268, has been nicknamed the Domestic Violence Education Act.
What would this act do for Californians?
The goal is for the state to look at assistance initiatives that aid those dealing with domestic violence. The California Domestic Violence Prevention Fund would also be established, which would fund local educational agencies, nonprofits and other organizations to help educate the community about the risks of domestic violence and what people can do if they are being victimized. The bill does focus on both the prevention and response to domestic violence, but its goal would be to heighten prevention throughout the state.
Why did this bill get introduced?
In April, North Park Elementary in San Bernardino was shut down for a week after a 53-year-old man entered the classroom of his estranged wife and fired his weapon. One student, a 9-year-old boy, was injured, an 8-year-old male student was killed and the man’s estranged wife was murdered at the scene.
This tragedy should have been preventable. If there were more resources for people struggling with domestic violence, it might have been possible to protect the woman and her classroom. For anyone struggling with domestic violence, this new bill could be of assistance. Until then, you do have a right to seek out a protective order.
Source: Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, “San Bernardino school shooting inspires bill to fund domestic violence prevention,” Beau Yarbrough, June 06, 2017