On July 5, Kayleigh Watters traveled to Sacramento to work with Senator Susan Rubio’s office to help develop cogent arguments that would allow bill SB 273 to pass in the California legislature. Bill SB 273 was designed to increase the statute of limitations for domestic violence from three to ten years in the state of California. Kayleigh shared recent scientific findings with the Senator that explained why domestic violence survivors may take a long time to report their perpetrators. The reasons highlighted in the literature show that:
Domestic violence can cause PSTD and depression.
Domestic violence is a form of Complex PTSD.
There are barriers to receiving/ completing treatment for PTSD.
Peritraumatic dissociation can affect trauma-related memories.
Stigma is a barrier to reporting and receiving mental health services.
Four days later, on July 9, SB 273 was passed unanimously. When it goes into effect it will benefit all current and future survivors of domestic violence. Kayleigh reported that, “It was truly an amazing opportunity to take part in this educational and advocacy endeavor. I hope to be more involved with policy making in the future.” It is exciting and meaningful to translate psychology research findings into lessons that can be directly applied to improving existing systems of care.
