Bill > AB2534

This bill, titled the Domestic Violence Prevention Act: forced marriage, aims to expand protections under California's existing Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA) to specifically address forced marriage. It defines "forced marriage" as a spousal relationship where one or both parties cannot consent and are compelled into, attempting to enter, or maintaining a marriage through force, fraud, coercion, duress, abuse of power, or coercive control, regardless of the marriage's legal validity. The bill clarifies that "coercive control," a key concept in the DVPA, now includes actions like interfering with or threatening a party's participation in court proceedings. It also explicitly states that conduct aimed at compelling, attempting to compel, preparing for, or facilitating a forced marriage constitutes "disturbing the peace" of another party, which is a violation that can lead to protective orders. The bill allows courts to issue protective orders if there's proof of past forced marriages or a credible risk of one occurring, and mandates that the DVPA be broadly interpreted to prevent forced marriage and related coercive behaviors. Furthermore, it adds specific provisions for protective orders in forced marriage cases, such as prohibiting marriage arrangements, requiring the surrender of travel documents to prevent removal, restraining third parties who aid in forced marriage, and ensuring victims can attend school or appointments. The bill also clarifies that relief will not be denied based on customs, religion, or cultural practices of other jurisdictions, and that the passage of time alone will not prevent relief.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2534