California Bill Would Let Abuse Victims Use Trauma as Legal Defense for Violent Crime

California Bill Would Let Abuse Victims Use Trauma as Legal Defense for Violent Crime

Susan Bustamante isn’t giving up. The formerly incarcerated 71-year-old woman has repeatedly made the long trip from Orange County to Sacramento to urge lawmakers to pass legislation she believes would help her fellow domestic abuse victims facing criminal charges. Each time, lawmakers seemed supportive — only to kill her bill in secret. She hopes the fourth year in a row will be different. Bustamante is again pushing for a measure, which police…

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California Bill Would Let Abuse Victims Use Trauma as Legal Defense for Violent Crime – The Windy City Word

Susan Bustamante isn’t giving up. The formerly incarcerated 71-year-old woman has repeatedly made the long trip from Orange County to Sacramento to urge lawmakers to pass legislation she believes would help her fellow domestic abuse victims facing criminal charges. Each time, lawmakers seemed supportive — only to kill her bill in secret. She hopes the fourth year in a row will be different. Bustamante is again pushing for a measure, which police…

California bill would let abuse victims use trauma as legal defense for violent crime • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA

This was written by staff at the nonprofit newsroom CalMatters. It was republished by The Mendocino Voice in partnership with CalMatters to bring relevant nonpartisan news to Mendocino County readers. Learn more about CalMatters here. SACRAMENTO, CA., 7/30/26 — Susan Bustamante isn’t giving up. The formerly incarcerated 71-year-old woman has repeatedly made the long trip from Orange County to Sacramento to urge lawmakers to pass legislation she …