Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto and L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman recently celebrated the Victim and Witness Protection Act being signed into law. Authored by Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Santa Clarita) and co-sponsored by Feldstein Soto and Hochman, the bill strengthens protections for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and sex crimes by ensuring that victims and witnesses can seek justice without fear of retaliation.

“Victims of crimes, such as domestic violence and sexual abuse, deserve to be free from witness or victim intimidation or being dissuaded from seeking justice,” Feldstein Soto said. “This critically important bill will empower victims and witnesses, including children, to assist law enforcement without fear of intimidation or retaliation.”

“Our justice system depends on the ability of witnesses and victims to testify in court without fear or intimidation,” Hochman added. “AB 535 makes it crystal clear, trying to stop anyone from reporting or helping prosecutors after charges are filed is a crime – period.”

In 1980, California enacted penal code section 136.1 to ensure that victims and witnesses can safely report crimes without fear of retaliation. It was designed to provide comprehensive protections for victims and witnesses throughout all phases of the criminal justice process, not solely prior to the filing of charges.

The Victim and Witness Protection Act reaffirms and extends protections against “post-charging” intimidation because witness and victim intimidation frequently occur after charges have been filed. It is crucial for public safety that witness dissuasion is not limited to the period before a criminal case is initiated, the authorities said.

Feldstein Soto’s office cofounded the Domestic Violence Restraining Order Enforcement Task Force, a citywide collaboration that addresses the gap between California’s firearms relinquishment laws and implementation. The task force recently received a $1 million grant.

Schiavo secured $100 million in state funding for crime victim programs to ensure survivors of domestic violence, elder abuse and trafficking have access to support. For information, visit cityattorney.lacity.gov and da.lacounty.gov.