ASSEMBLYMEMBER TED LIEU
53RD ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
For Immediate Release: March 25, 2008
Contact: Ashlie Simpson
Phone: (916) 319-2053

Lieu Bill to Protect Victims of Domestic Violence Passes Key Committee

(Sacramento, CA) – Today, the Assembly Judiciary Committee approved AB 2052, a measure that would allow victims of domestic violence and sexual assault to terminate a housing lease in order to find other housing and move to a safer location.

"This is a common sense bill to help victims of domestic violence, who should not be obligated to live out the life of their lease at the expense of their safety," said Assemblymember Lieu. "For victims, a lease or rental agreement is one more hurdle to escaping their abuser. The state should do all we can to remove these obstacles."

In California alone, law enforcement responded to over 175,000 reports of domestic violence, resulting in approximately 50,000 arrests during 2006. AB 2052 would ensure that landlords and property managers work with victims to ensure their safety. By allowing victims out of their lease, the state would be taking measures to place these women one step closer to safety.

AB 2052 would allow domestic violence victims to cancel the remainder of their lease or rental agreement. The tenant must present the landlord or property management company with proof of domestic violence and 30 days notice of termination. This bill would also prohibit property owners from revealing any forwarding information, ensuring victim confidentiality.

"The state of California must ensure that victims of domestic violence are given every avenue to find safety from their abusers," stated Assemblymember Lieu. "These people have already been victimized and should not be subject to further abuse simply because they are under legal obligations to remain on the property."

AB 2052 is supported by many victims’ rights and law enforcement agencies, including the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, the National Housing Law Project and the City of Morgan Hill Police Department.

This bill will be heard on the Assembly floor in the coming weeks.