The woman gathered her children and fled her Placer County apartment as violence threatened her family.

After enduring repeated incidents of domestic abuse, she called law enforcement for help before leaving her home, at the 56-unit Parkview Apartments on Dry Creek Road in Auburn. Authorities responded to the scene, and reportedly damaged her apartment as they attempted to apprehend the suspect, according her accounts recounted by the California Civil Rights Department in a news release.

In the wake of the incident, Vertus Properties, the apartment property management, attempted to evict the woman and her children after “they had violated a provision of their lease prohibiting violence” and attempted to charge them for damage costs, according to a 2024 complaint filed by the woman with the California Civil Rights Department.

The woman, fearing eviction from her home, left the apartment with her children.

On Wednesday, the California Civil Rights Department announced a settlement prohibiting Vertus Properties from evicting victims of domestic violence and that ordered $46,825 in fees for the woman to cover housing and other costs. The company has nearly 100 properties across downtown Sacramento, Placer County and Northern California, according to a news release.

“Nobody should ever have to fear eviction while dealing with what may be one of the worst days of their life,” California Civil Rights Department Director Kevin Kish said in the news release. “Domestic violence is unacceptable, and so is punishing people for the actions of others.”

Vertus Properties did not immediately respond to a call left for comment Wednesday.

Penalizing a domestic violence victim based on the actions of a suspect could violate fair housing protections under state and federal law, according to the California Civil Rights Department.

The settlement’s terms include prohibiting the company from evicting tenants who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking and elder abuse; pay a $3,425 bill for the apartment’s damage; and waive $1,700 rent, a pet fee and utility fees for a year.

In addition, Vertus Properties is required to update its policies regarding domestic violence across all its properties, according to the settlement.

“This settlement is a direct example of how speaking out can help make a difference for people across California,” Kish said in the news release.

The California Civil Rights Department released a resources guide for victims for domestic violence victims, including requesting time off from employers and reasonable accommodations at work.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential assistance to anyone affected by domestic violence through a live chat and a free 24-hour hotline: 800-799-7233.