Teen dating violence bill inspired by Justine Vanderschoot signed into law

California Gov. Gavin Newson has signed Assembly Bill 1071, authored by Assemblyman Joshua Hoover, into law. AB 1071, sponsored by the Placer County District Attorney's Office, will develop a statewide teen dating violence prevention resource portal to support participating local school districts. The bill was inspired by the Vanderschoot family, who lost their daughter and sister, Justine Vanderschoot, to teen dating violence. "Our schools are in a unique position to help save lives by providing resources to students about the risks and dangers of teen dating violence," Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire said. "By teaching our youth healthy boundaries and the early signs of teen dating violence, we hope to prevent future victims and aggressors." Said Lynette Vanderschoot, Justine's mom, "We hope telling Justine's story will help empower other children and parents to know the signs and take action against teen dating violence. We are grateful to the Legislature for seeing the importance in expanding the conversation on teen dating violence at a state level. The more we educate our community, the more we can ensure we don't lose anymore young lives to this tragic issue." One in 12 teens will experience teen dating violence in their lifetime. Studies show traumatic childhood experiences, such as teen dating violence, can have profound negative impacts, including alcohol and drug use, onset of depression and difficulty in relationships. The Placer County District Attorney's Office has a dedicated domestic violence unit and a Multi-Disciplinary Child Interview Center to help families navigate the trauma dating violence can bring into a household and community. Domestic violence devastates a home, has lasting effects on those involved and can result in loss of life. The Placer County District Attorney's Office is committed to addressing these issues through prevention and education before they become a case referred to the office. Vanderschoot was last seen at a family dinner on Labor Day in September 2003. The Maidu High School student was 17 years old when her parents reported her missing from their Christian Valley home. Following weeks of searching, Vanderschoot's boyfriend, Daniel Lee Bezemer, and his roommate, Brandon Alexander Fernandez, were arrested and charged with her murder. According to an Auburn Journal report, Fernandez led FBI investigators to Vanderschoot's body in a remote location in Applegate. According to a Placer County news release, Bezemer and Fernandez admitted to the strangulation murder of Vanderschoot. Bezemer was convicted of first-degree murder in 2005, and Fernandez was convicted of second-degree murder. Both remain in prison. "The Vanderschoot family continues to inspire and encourage our community, and we are grateful to them for sharing Justine's story to help save lives," Gire said. "They have turned their pain into purpose by working to educate and empower our youth on critically important issues affecting the safety of our children. Their resilience and resolve inspire our office to continue to educate our communities on the risks of teen dating violence. AB 1071 will further our mission."