The Oregon State Legislature's House Committee on Judiciary convened on April 21, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 710, a significant measure aimed at improving the family court system's handling of domestic violence and child safety cases. The bill emphasizes the need for trauma-informed education for judges, addressing the critical gaps in understanding the impact of domestic violence on children and families.

Senator Janine Solomon, a proponent of the bill and a survivor of domestic violence, highlighted the urgent need for better training for judges to protect vulnerable children and survivors. She shared her personal experiences and the traumatic effects of domestic violence, underscoring the importance of informed judicial decisions. Solomon referenced her previous efforts with Caden's Law, which aimed to prevent tragedies similar to the case of Caden, a child murdered by an abusive parent during unsupervised visitation. Although that bill did not advance, it laid the groundwork for the current legislative push.

Senator Suzanne Weber also voiced her support for Senate Bill 710, emphasizing the profound trauma children endure during family disputes. She recounted a personal story illustrating the challenges faced by children caught in such situations and stressed the necessity of judges being equipped with the right knowledge to make decisions that genuinely consider the welfare of these children.

The proposed legislation mandates that judges receive ongoing training in trauma-informed practices related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of interpersonal violence. Additionally, it requires the state court administrator to report on compliance with these educational requirements by September 15, 2027, with the reporting obligation set to expire on January 2, 2028.

The discussions during the meeting reflect a growing recognition of the need for systemic changes in the judicial approach to family violence cases. Advocates and lawmakers alike are calling for a more informed judiciary to ensure the safety and well-being of children and survivors of domestic violence in Oregon.