Jimmy Panetta: “It is the 30th anniversary of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is a crime that impacts every race…”

“It is the 30th anniversary of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is a crime that impacts every race, gender, class, and sex. In my home State, 33 percent of California women and 28 percent of California men will experience domestic violence. Nevertheless, since this month was recognized for the first time in 1987, much progress has been made. I began my professional career as a prosecutor back in 1996, and I can tell you, back then it was tough to get a jury to understand and even listen to the circumstances behind domestic violence, and it was tough to convince jurors that domestic violence is not a private issue that should be kept in the bedroom, but instead, it is a righteous issue that needed to be brought out in our courtrooms. Fortunately, there were police officers to make arrests, there were prosecutors to try the cases, and there were advocates to give the victims the confidence they need to come forward. So this month we recognize those who support domestic violence victims, we vow to hold abusers accountable, and we strive to create and to update legislation that not only protects, but emboldens victims of domestic violence so that they can embrace living their lives. ____________________”