The fight against domestic abuse in California is seeing potential relief through the introduction of Senate Bill 590 sponsored by state Sen. María Elena Durazo, D-Los Angeles. This piece of legislation seeks to broaden the definition of family under the Paid Family Leave Act, which would allow chosen family to take paid leave to take care of a loved one with a serious health condition. Heretofore, the family has been restricted to immediate family and domestic partners.

Social isolation, common in domestic abuse cases, fosters an environment that makes it easier for victims to return to the abusive situations due to financial and emotional dependency. The bill aims to dilute this by allowing individuals from the victim’s social circle to be classified as family, taking on care responsibilities in times of need.

The California Family Rights Act offers up to 12 weeks off to care for a loved one, but without being mapped to paid family leave, chosen families do not have guaranteed pay during this time. This bill would enable non-traditional families, comprising the LGBTQ+ communities, immigrants, and violence survivors, to access support from their chosen families. By classifying additional individuals as eligible caregivers under Paid Family Leave, survivors of violence can potentially establish financial stability and focus on healing instead of returning to their abusers.

If you are a survivor and find yourself in need of support, it’s crucial to understand how to get a hold of Paid Family Leave. The Department of Employment Development (EDD) is the go-to for these services. A visit to Eddcaller.com provides information on how to contact EDD and hold effective communication with their customer service. The site also offers guidance on how to get through to a live person at EDD for immediate assistance. Be assured that the EDD phone number listed can connect you directly to the Paid Family Leave department where you can discuss your specific needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out – experts are on hand to assist you.