Statement on Domestic Violence

We, the Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights, speak today with profound concern and an unwavering call to action.

Recent remarks by President Trump—characterizing domestic violence as a “lesser crime” or mere “little fights” within the home—do more than echo outdated societal norms. They actively undermine efforts to prevent and respond to a crime that continues to endanger countless lives every day.

These comments are particularly jarring when juxtaposed with the tragic and deeply personal case involving two of our own Sheriff’s Office staff—Deputy Jeremy Lyle and Detention Specialist Mari Bonnici—whose relationship ended in a murder–suicide in August 2025. Mari was not only a mother and a colleague; she was a dedicated public servant whose life was stolen in an act of violence perpetrated by someone sworn to uphold the law. This tragedy—and others like it—remind us that domestic violence is never “lesser.” It is an urgent violation of personal dignity and public trust.

The harm wrought by dismissive rhetoric is compounded when paired with policy actions that strip away support and protection from survivors. Under the same administration, vital funding for domestic violence shelters and services has been slashed or stalled; qualifying abusers may be allowed a pathway to regain access to firearms; and human rights safeguards—such as those protecting immigrant survivors—have been weakened.

Domestic violence is a universal violation of human rights, demanding our unequivocal condemnation and our most faithful protection—especially when the perpetrators wear uniforms or carry authority.

We call upon all community leaders, elected officials, and peacekeepers to elevate the following commitments:

1. Stand Firm on the Truth
   • Reaffirm publicly and forcefully that domestic violence is a severe violation of human and civil rights—never a private matter to be minimized.
2. Ensure Transparent Accountability
   • Mandate impartial, external investigations for all domestic violence allegations involving public safety Transparency and fairness are non-negotiable.
3. Guarantee Support and Safety for Survivors
   • Facilitate trauma-informed reporting channels so survivors—especially within public institutions—can seek help without fear of retaliation or career harm.
4. Protect Against Weapons Access for Abusers
   • Enforce strict controls ensuring that individuals with histories of violence, especially domestic violence, cannot lawfully obtain firearms.
5. Safeguard Essential Services and Funding
   • Prioritize and protect investments in shelters, counseling, legal advocacy, and immigrant-sensitive Our community’s well-being depends on them.
6. Model Courage, Not Complacency
   • Leaders must embody the principle that “peace is not merely the absence of violence, but the presence of justice.” Let no statement or policy send the message that violence within the home is an acceptable casualty of politics or convenience.

Our collective humanity demands more than apathy. It demands action. Gossip and minimization have no place in addressing the systematic violence suffered by survivors—whose pain is real, whose fear is valid, and whose loss we must not dismiss.

To the memory of Mari Bonnici, to every survivor silenced within our own corridors, to all families yearning for protection and justice—we owe you more than apology. We owe you change.

Leadership begins not with proclamations—but with accountability, empathy, and enduring action.

In committed solidarity,

Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights

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Media contact:
Katrina Phillips
(213) 254-8870