Senator Bolick Highlights New Protections for Survivors During Domestic Violence Awareness Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA—Senator Shawnna Bolick is recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month by highlighting Arizona's expanded legal protections for survivors of abuse. Through two bills signed into law during the 2026 legislative session, Senator Bolick is closing a gap that left victims without access to lifetime protection and privacy in court.
SB 1211 expands Kayleigh's Law to include felony aggravated harassment involving domestic violence, allowing qualifying victims to request lifetime no-contact injunctions against the convicted offender. Previously, those convictions did not qualify for lifetime protection, leaving a gap for survivors facing repeated harassment despite court orders or a prior domestic violence conviction against them. SB 1669 updates Arizona's rape shield law by replacing the term "trauma" with "physical injury" in an exception regarding the admissibility of evidence related to a victim's prior sexual conduct. This amendment clarifies the exception while still maintaining restrictions on the use of a victim's private sexual history in court.
"Domestic Violence Awareness Month is crucial because countless survivors live with hidden scars that the world often overlooks," said Senator Bolick. "Leaving an abusive relationship can take tremendous courage, and it doesn't always stop the calls, messages, or intimidation. I sponsored SB 1211 because victims facing repeated harassment deserve access to lasting legal protection. A gap in the law shouldn't prevent them from obtaining a lifetime no-contact injunction against a convicted abuser. I also worked to clarify our rape shield law because survivors deserve dignity when they come forward, and their private history should not become a distraction from the facts of the case. This October, we recognize those who have escaped abuse, those still trying to find safety, and the advocates who stand beside them. Survivors need to know what protections are available, and those protections must be taken seriously in our courts. I will continue listening to survivors' experiences and working to strengthen Arizona law, because every survivor deserves the chance to rebuild their life without fear of continued abuse."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus