Domestic violence is a family law concern in Orange County, California. It is different from child custody, child support and other family legal issues. However, the potential impact of domestic abuse to the victim, children and other family members may be enough to prevent domestic violence. In contrast, there is one issue that often affects the victim’s decision to seek help. Based on a recent study by the Legal Aid Society’s Employment Law Center, almost 40 percent of domestic violence victims in California are afraid of losing their job because of domestic violence.
For example, a second-grade teacher lost her job following an incident involving her 41-year-old ex-husband, who showed up in the school parking lot of Holy Trinity School and caused a campus lockdown. The couple divorced two years ago and she obtained a restraining order against her former spouse before the incident because of his physically abusive behavior. However, the private school decided to terminate her to protect the students, faculty and parents from such an incident ever happening again.
A new bill was signed in California to protect domestic violence victims against retaliation and workplace discrimination. The new law, which will go into effect in January 2014, will relieve victims of the fear of losing their jobs because of the actions of their alleged abusers. That way, any California resident who experiences abuse from their spouse, partner or another family member may seek help and protection from the violence.
Domestic violence is just one of the family law issues in California that may impact families, dating partners and children. Just like divorce, family law violence is emotionally challenging as well. With the new legislation, a domestic violence victim in California is assured that his or her job is protected during a time when the person really needs support.
Source: Abc News, “New Law Protects Domestic Violence Victims’ Jobs After California Teacher Was Fired,” Alyssa Newcomb, Oct. 14, 2013
