New Law Protects Victims at Workplace

State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson’s bill increasing protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the workplace was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown last week. The law, effective 1/1, will prevent workers from firing and discrimination and will require that employers help victims by changing their work numbers, moving their desks, or creating an office safety plan. The bill earned support of businesses, as well a San Diego teacher fired after her abusive ex-husband came to her school. The Legal Aid Society found that almost half of California victims reported being fired or worrying about being fired.