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Tuesday October 26, 2021 4:30pm-6:30pm Building 10, Founder's Hall

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Telling you that you never do anything right.

Showing extreme jealousy of your friends or time spent away from them.

Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with friends, family members, or peers.

Insulting, demeaning, or shaming you, especially in front of other people

Preventing you from making your own decisions, including about working or attending school.

Controlling finances in the household without discussion, including taking your money or refusing to provide money for necessary expenses.

Pressuring you to have sex or perform sexual acts you’re not comfortable with.

Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol.

Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions.

Insulting your parenting or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets.

Intimidating you with weapons like guns, knives, bats, or mace.

Destroying your belongings or your home.

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1-800-799-7233

Available 24/7

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Text "START" to 88788

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"Since the pandemic began, California organizations that serve domestic violence survivors report getting more requests for help than ever before and hearing more stories of extreme abuse."

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"Since the pandemic began, California organizations that serve domestic violence survivors report getting more requests for help than ever before and hearing more stories of extreme abuse."

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For Lydia, 40, of southeast Los Angeles County, there was nothing safe about staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Being home meant being stuck with her abusive husband who beat her and tried to control her every move. The abuse predated the pandemic - her three children went to live with a family member in 2018 because of it. But when Lydia's husband lost his job because of the shutdown, he became angry and bored, and the violence escalated. Every day, he would surveil Lydia over Bluetooth while she continued to work her job at a trucking company. He'd wait to make sure she arrived home immediately afterward, without time to stop anywhere on the way. When she walked in the door, he'd take away her cell phone, paycheck and keys. And when he got upset-which happened ever more frequently as the pandemic wore on-he became dangerously violent, Lydia said.

"I was getting beat because he had no money, because there was no meat at the market. Everything became my fault, and I just became a punching bag," said Lydia, who asked that her real name not be used because she still fears for her life.

Worst of all, because of the pandemic and social restrictions, Lydia felt she had nowhere to turn.

"Where could I have run to if everything was closed? Where could I have gone and gotten safe?" she said. "The world went on lockdown, so how did I know that the police were going to come and help me, if there was millions of people dying?"

Lydia's experience is far from unique. Since the pandemic began, California organizations that serve domestic violence survivors report getting more requests for help than ever before and hearing more stories of extreme abuse. In many cases, the abuse began before the pandemic but spiraled as people found themselves confined at home, and families faced increased stress due to economic instability, illness and overall uncertainty. Calls to the crisis line at Sierra Community House, for example, an organization that helps survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse in the Truckee and Tahoe area, jumped 200 percent between January 2020 and January 2021, said Crisis Advocacy Supervisor Jennifer Garcia Perez. Human Options, which runs a shelter, crisis line and nine drop-in centers for domestic violence survivors across Orange County, saw requests for help rise by 50 percent after stay-at-home orders went into effect last year, said Chief Executive Officer Maricela Rios Faust.

Maricela Rios Faust, Chief Executive Officer at Human Options, which saw requests for help rise 50 percent after stay-at-home orders went into effect.

Rather than diminish, this trend has persisted as society reopens and survivors feel better able to seek help because they're no longer trapped at home or worried about getting the virus, advocates said. And as survivors and their children resume in-person activities, the people who interact with them, such as family, friends, teachers, and medical professionals, are increasingly noticing and reporting abuse.

"Survivors are saying, OK, now's the time I can actually leave, because before they were worried about if it would be safe to go to a domestic violence shelter (because of the virus)," said Marissa Seko, a manager at the Family Violence Law Center in Oakland, which works with survivors in Alameda County and is responding to almost double the number of incidents as it was before the pandemic.

"Now people are feeling like, well, maybe there are more options, or maybe it's easier to go stay with a friend or family member than it was before," she added.

Marissa Seko, Family Violence Intervention Unit Manager at the Family Violence Law Center, which serves survivors in Alameda County.

Lydia's escape
Waiting for the pandemic to end was not an option for Lydia. By last summer, she was racking up injuries-a slice through her hand where her husband cut her with a knife, a painful wound to her knee over which he'd broken a glass vase. He would kill her if she didn't leave soon, she thought.

Earlier in the year, she used her work email to contact the Human Services Association in Bell Gardens, which runs a housing assistance program for survivors of domestic violence called Domestic Violence Housing First. The organization offered to pay the deposit and first month's rent on a new apartment. It was hard to find a place to rent during the pandemic, but at the beginning of July, Lydia finally found one. With the help of Human Services, she immediately booked herself into a hotel to wait for the rental contract to go through.

"I was so tired. I was so done," she said of life with her husband. "I just couldn't take it no more."

The Human Services Association in Bell Gardens runs a housing assistance program for survivors of domestic violence. The organization was able to help Lydia get a place to live.

Stretched resources
For organizations that help survivors like Lydia, meeting the demand won't be easy. Not only are more survivors coming forward, but those who do often have greater medical, emotional and economic needs than prior to the pandemic, advocates said. Like Lydia, many have endured life threatening and prolonged abuse. And the economic fallout from the pandemic means survivors are more likely to need help securing housing and other basic needs.

In a typical year at Human Options in Irvine, about 10 percent of survivors admitted to the shelter report that they had been strangled or assaulted with a weapon, said Faust. But in 2020, about half of shelter occupants reported suffering these deadly forms of abuse, she said. Staff are also encountering more stories involving other types of extreme violence. One survivor, for example, was held hostage in her home during the pandemic. Her abuser blocked off the exits to the house and put her under camera surveillance, Faust said.

"It's not necessarily that being home made the (abuser) violent," she said. "But the escalation occurs because there's no reprieve from tension."

In Alameda County, staff at the Family Violence Law Center have noticed a big rise in financial and housing insecurity, which puts survivors in more precarious positions and makes it harder for them to leave their abuser, said Seko. She attributed this to pandemic job losses, and the impact of school closures on some survivors' ability to work. The organization also runs a Domestic Violence Housing First program. The number of clients in the program is up by more than a third this year compared to 2020, said Seko. As of June, the center had already spent 70 percent of its funding for the program.

"People's financial situations have really hit the wall," she said. "Now, after a year, they're really at a point where they can't anymore."

Additionally, organizations had to adapt their services to the realities of the pandemic. Although many are now returning to in-person services, crisis intervention advocates such as Monse Torres at Sierra Community House, spent months meeting with survivors over the computer or phone, because it wasn't safe to meet in person. That, along with court closures and pandemic policy shifts, made it even more difficult to help survivors, she said.

Artwork produced by domestic violence survivors and their children on the walls at Human Options in Irvine.

A budget reprieve
Thankfully, California's new 2021-22 fiscal year budget is expected to help organizations that work with domestic violence survivors weather the pandemic storm. This month, Gov. Gavin Newsom approved $100 million in state funding that will backfill impending cuts to federal funding under the Victims of Crime Act. The money supports services to victims of violent crime, including rape crisis services, domestic violence programs, healing and legal services.

The budget also includes $15 million for sexual and domestic violence prevention programs, primarily directed at youth and people who work with them. This restores funding that lapsed last fiscal year due to the pandemic.

What's needed now is a more permanent stream of funding for prevention programs and a federal fix to restore funds under the Victims of Crime Act, said Krista Colon, public policy director for the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence. Only by making funding long-term and sustainable can California begin to eradicate the societal norms and conditions that allow violence to flourish, she said.

Krista Colon, public policy director at the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, says organizations that help survivors and work to prevent domestic violence from occurring need more stable funding.

People also need to come together at the community level to tackle domestic violence, said Faust. During the pandemic, her organization ran Facebook live sessions for community members explaining how to look out for others, such as neighbors and family members, who may be experiencing domestic violence. The sessions also provided tips on how to proceed if there's a strong possibility that someone is being hurt.

"That's important-our community really coming together to demonstrate and to show that we care for survivors, and abuse is not OK," she said. "Not allowing this to go back into the shadows is important."

For Lydia, the effects of the abuse she experienced continue to linger, even though she is now safely rehoused. She has numerous physical ailments, including ongoing problems with her knee and hands, and is receiving therapy for the emotional trauma she suffered, while continuing to work and pay her bills. She's also trying to regain custody of her three children.

"I'm taking it one day at a time," she said. "I don't see no future no more. I just see day by day."
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the This story was produced in partnership with Resolve Magazine. National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for support and referrals, or text "START" to 88788.

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The Pandemic Spurred a Domestic Violence Epidemic. It's Not Over Yet.

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For Lydia, 40, of southeast Los Angeles County, there was nothing safe about staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being home meant being stuck with her abusive husband who beat her and tried to control her every move. The abuse predated the pandemic - her three children went to live with a family member in 2018 because of it.

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Acknowledging that their situation is difficult, scary, and brave of them to regain control from.

Not judging their decisions and refusing to criticize them or guilt them over a choice they make.

Remembering that you cannot “rescue them,” and that decisions about their lives are up to them to make.

Not speaking poorly of the abusive partner.

Helping them create a safety plan.

Continuing to be supportive of them if they do end the relationship and are understandably lonely, upset, or return to their abusive partner.

Offering to go with them to any service provider or legal setting for moral support.

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Help them identify a support network to assist with physical needs like housing, food, healthcare, and mobility as applicable.

Help them by storing important documents or a “to-go bag” in case of an emergency situation.

Encourage them to participate in activities outside of their relationship with friends and family, and be there to support them in such a capacity

Encourage them to talk to people who can provide further help and guidance, like The Hotline or their teen and young adult project love is respect.

If they give you permission, help document instances of domestic violence in their life, including pictures of injuries, exact transcripts of interactions, and notes on a calendar of dates that incidents of abuse occur.

Don’t post information about them on social media that could be used to identify them or where they spend time.

Help them learn about their formal legal rights through resources like Women’s Law, which provides information on domestic violence laws and procedures.

With their permission, ensure that others in the buildings where the survivor lives and works are aware of the situation, including what to do (and what not to do) during a moment of crisis or confrontation with an abusive partner.

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909-274-4400
Bldg. 67B
Fall Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30am-4:30pm Friday 8am-4:30pm
Bldg. 9E
Fall Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30am-4:30pm Friday 8am-12pm

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Mt. SAC Mental Health Services Appointment Link and Info

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Mt. SAC Mental Health Services Appointment Link and Info

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https://www.mtsac.edu/healthcenter/mentalhealth/

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Email us at pridecenter@mtsac.edu if you would like to set up an appointment with our licensed therapist!

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https://bit.ly/mtsac-meditation

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I am available by email, text and phone call on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Email: lperino@mtsac.edu
Phone number: (714) 805-6477

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I am available by phone, text and e-mail on Mondays and Tuesday.
E-mail: jguevara40@mtsac.edu
Phone number: 818-963-9420

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https://www.mtsac.edu/equitycenter/social-work-referral.html

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High friendship quality

Social support (for example, tangible help, support from neighbors)

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Neighborhood collective efficacy (i.e., community cohesiveness/support/connected-ness, mutual trust, and willingness to intervene for the common good)

Coordination of resources and services among community agencies

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Domestic Violence and the LGBTQ Community

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Domestic Violence and the LGBTQ Community

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The Family Center: Center for Integrated Family & Health Services - Covina

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The Family Center: Center for Integrated Family & Health Services - Covina

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626-966-1577
Services

Domestic Violence Prevention Counseling

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Center for Integrated Family and Health Services, Covina CA

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About Us

The Center for Integrated Family and Health Services (CIFHS) is a private non-profit mental health agency delivering comprehensive integrated primary and behavioral health services through evidence-based practice, research and collaborative partnerships.

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Family Therapy, Counseling - Center for Integrated Family and Health Services, Covina CA

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The Center for Integrated Family and Health Services (CIFHS) is a private non-profit mental health agency delivering comprehensive integrated primary and behavioral health services through evidence-based practice, research and collaborative partnerships.

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626-564-1613
Services

Domestic Violence Prevention Counseling

Domestic Violence Children's Counseling

Domestic Violence Counseling

Domestic Violence Support Group

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Project Sister Family Services - Pomona 

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Project Sister Family Services - Pomona 

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626-966-4155
Services

Sexual Assault Services

Nonresidential Domestic Violence Services for Youth

Services for Parents of Youth Survivors

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(909) 596-5921
Services

Transitional Housing

Case Management for Domestic Violence Survivors

Domestic Violence Youth Shelter

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David and Margaret Youth and Family Services Home Page

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Privacy Policy What Information Do We Collect? When you visit our website you may provide us with two types of information: personal information you knowingly choose to disclose that is collected on an individual basis and website use information collected on an aggregate basis as you and others browse our website.

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(909) 623 - 4364
Services

Food Assistance

Household Basic Needs

Transitional Housing

Domestic Violence Counseling

Domestic Violence Support Group

Legal Advocacy

Court Accompaniment

Domestic Violence Shelter

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Due to the Temporary Targeted Safer At Home Order for Control of COVID-19 Surge Response, House of Ruth will be complying with the California Health and Safety Code and reducing staff in our Outreach Office to minimize exposure, without reducing care and safety to our survivors.

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California Hispanic Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse - San Gabriel Valley 

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California Hispanic Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse - San Gabriel Valley 

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(626)444-9000
Services

Screening/Assessment/Intake

Treatment Planning

Counseling

Patient Education

Crisis Intervention

Family Therapy

Collateral Services

Medication Services

Discharge Services

Alcohol/Drug Testing

Case Management

Resource Linkages

Transportation

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For 47 years the California Hispanic Commission Alcohol and Drug Abuse (CHCADA) has led the way to reduce substance use dependency amongst the Latino population throughout California, providing a broad range of services that transcend racial/ethnic and gender lines. Uniquely cognizant of the fact that the genesis of substance abuse disorders is often located within biochemical and genetic factors; familial circumstances; psychological dynamics, and within the realm of the environmental and the sociocultural, CHCADA is a private, nonprofit community-based organization that has always sought to address both the antecedents and the secondary effects of substance abuse and dependency through the use of comprehensive interdisciplinary services.

CHCADA provides bilingual services for both intensive outpatient (IOP) and outpatient (OP) treatment services for adults and adolescents with substance use or co-occurring disorders, ages 18 and over, in English and in Spanish, from two locations: Montebello and El Monte. Our unique treatment program is individualized according to each person's needs and preferences toward successful long-term recovery. Services are available to youth and adults ages 12 and up, men and women.
SERVICES

* Screening/Assessment/Intake
* Treatment Planning
* Individual Counseling
* Group Counseling
* Patient Education
* Crisis Intervention
* Family Therapy
* Collateral Services
* Medication Services
* Discharge Services
* Alcohol/Drug Testing
* Case Management
* Resource Linkages
* Transportation

Drug Court-Youth, Adult and Family De-pendent Drug Courts-CHCADA provides drug court services which include substance abuse and mental health care services for clients.

Promoting Safe and Stable Families-A program designed to keep families together without the presence of drug /alcohol addiction, domestic violence or mental health illness.

Youth Intervention Program (YIP) -The YIP aims to help youth who may be struggling with mental health, social, dependency or other issues lead productive lives.

Prevention Programs: Environmental Prevention Services (EPS); Comprehensive Prevention Services (CPS); Afterschool Programs/Community Prevention; Adolescent Intervention Treatment and Recovery Program (AITRP). These programs are given in community settings and are designed to decrease high-risk behaviors that may result in alcohol and drug use.

AB 109 This program offers treatment to first or second time non-violent drug offenders.

* Services are be provided at no cost if you are eligible for Medi-Cal and My Health LA.
* We can help you enroll
* Walk-ins are welcome

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY CENTER

11046 Valley Blvd.

El Monte, CA 91761

Office: (626)444-9000

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For 47 years the California Hispanic Commission Alcohol and Drug Abuse (CHCADA) has led the way to reduce substance use dependency amongst the Latino population throughout California, providing a broad range of services that transcend racial/ethnic and gender lines.

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909-946-4222
Services

Domestic Violence Prevention Counseling

Shelter serves youth males

LGBT Youth Services

Parenting Education/ Support

Services for Parents of Youth Survivors

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This is one step closer to developing a better version of you! Prioritizing yourself can lead to empowerment, healing, and growth. We are ALL here to help you get on a positive path towards focusing on your well-being and overall personal success.

Foothills Psychological Services is a solution-focused therapy and psychiatry group. We provide services including addiction counseling; couples and family therapy; as well as individual talk therapy. Our goal is help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating! While we cannot change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. with personalized, applicable therapy approaches and proven techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, we look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.

Please call us for more information and to take another step towards a new you!

Looking forward to serving you at one of our many locations.

CHINO UPLAND

ALTA LOMA PALM DESERT

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Home: Family Therapy | Couples Therapy | Medication Management

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This is one step closer to developing a better version of you! Prioritizing yourself can lead to empowerment, healing, and growth. We are ALL here to help you get on a positive path towards focusing on your well-being and overall personal success. Foothills Psychological Services is a solution-focused therapy and psychiatry group.

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Call 1-866-488-7386

or

Text ‘START’ to 678-678

Available 24/7

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Training and supervision are provided for all volunteers. Each program answers specific community needs and has defined requirements for participation. Peace Over Violence serves a large monolingual Spanish-speaking population, as well as people who are deaf and/or hard of hearing. Volunteer candidates who are bilingual in Spanish or American Sign Language are strongly encouraged to join.

Counselor Advocate Volunteers
24-Hour Crisis Hotline & Emergency Response
Volunteer Counselor Advocates provide emotional support, advocacy, information and referrals via the 24-hour L.A. Rape and Battering Crisis Line and respond to designated SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) centers. Counselor Advocates also respond to local hospitals and law enforcement agencies to provide immediate crisis intervention services and support to sexual assault and domestic violence survivors and significant others.
Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART)
Counselor Advocates in the DART program work closely with designated law enforcement personnel to act as secondary responders to domestic violence calls. Counselor Advocates will assist survivors and children with immediate crisis intervention, restraining orders, shelter placement, resources and advocacy.

DART volunteers undergo extensive training and are part of the POV Emergency Response Team.
Benefits

Become a trauma-informed counselor advocate

Provide direct services to survivors via our 24-hour hotline or respond in person

Help strengthen community partner relationships

Enhanced knowledge on Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Child Sexual Abuse, Intimate Partner Stalking, and other topics relating to violence

Become a representative of a nationally recognized organization

Give back to communities impacted by violence

Requirements

Commitment to one full year of service

Be 18 years of age or older

Reliable transportation, valid driver's license and insurance

Must live in LA County. Prefer community members from Metro LA or West San Gabriel Valley

Must pass an LAPD or POV criminal background check

Voices Over Violence Volunteers

POV often gets requests from the community for survivors to speak about their experiences to educate the public about the realities of interpersonal violence. Our speakers bureau, Voices Over Violence, is a group of individuals willing to share and discuss in an open and educational way their experiences with sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and domestic violence. Speakers are able to address common myths surrounding violence, resources, and the healing process through presentations, panel discussions, and media interviews,

Violence Prevention Specialists

Violence Prevention Specialists educate youth, community groups, and professionals about gender-based violence prevention. VPS are experts who excel at community speaking, classroom instruction, and outreach events. Volunteers also help organize public awareness campaigns and host dialogues with their own peers.

VPS volunteers work as ambassadors in the community, preventing violence through education to the public. As a volunteer with the Prevention Division, VPS volunteers present to schools and community groups on the issues of sexual assault, sexual harassment, relationship violence, and building healthy relationships.
We are not offering VPS training at this time. For news and updates about upcoming POV programs, Benefits

Become a trauma-informed educator

Learn and develop skills on preventing violence and building healthy communities, while strengthening your public speaking skills

Become a leader and beacon in your community

Network with community partners and connect with passionate individuals

Requirements

Commitment to one full year of service (100 hours)

Must be 18 years of age or older

Must have reliable transportation, valid driver's license and proof of insurance

Must live in LA County

Pass background check

please subscribe.

Youth Over Violence Leadership Institute

A leadership development program for high school and college students. The institute and internship offers training in a variety of areas. Students are taught how to create and organize violence prevention programs/activities on their campuses. YOV Training works in diverse areas including designing social media campaigns and public service announcements, advocacy for anti-violence legislation and school policy, and organizing youth conferences designed to educate young people on healthy, violence-free lifestyles.

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Training and supervision are provided for all volunteers. Each program answers specific community needs and has defined requirements for participation. Peace Over Violence serves a large monolingual Spanish-speaking population, as well as people who are deaf and/or hard of hearing. Volunteer candidates who are bilingual in Spanish or American Sign Language are strongly encouraged to join.

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Administrative and Facility Volunteer

4 hour shift, once per week
Answer and direct all phone calls; Accept and process in-kind donations; Complete projects assigned by professional staff;Facilities maintenance projects
Emergency Hotline Volunteer
Is responsible for connecting community residents with WTLC's services as well as networking with schools, businesses, faith-based communities, and service providers to provide trainings and presentations. Our program asks for a commitment of five hours per week to answer hotline calls and document those calls. Required to attend the 40 Hour Hotline Training Program.

Children's Program Volunteer

Weekly shifts supporting the child development activities and teen programs of WTLC. Required to attend the 40 Hour Hotline Training Program. Training is offered in March and August. Click here for training dates and registration information.

Community Ambassador

WTLC is looking for individuals in the community who are dedicated to ending the cycle of violence and exploitation. Become a Community Ambassador to help WTLC maximize our reach and increase awareness in our community. Get involved by attending community resource fairs and other outreach events as a WTLC representative and help promote WTLC programs within your community network and on social media. WTLC will provide you with a 2.5 hour training that gives you the tools and knowledge to be a successful Community Ambassador.If you are interested in becoming a WTLC Community Ambassador, please email info@wtlc.org for more information.

Board Membership Opportunities

To learn more about board of directors opportunities, contact our Chief Executive Officer, Mark Lee, at 714-992-1939 x 105 or MLee@wtlc.org.

Pro Bono Legal Services

WTLC's Legal Advocacy program greatly benefits from the pro bono services provided by attorneys. WTLC will provide introductory trainings for attorneys interested in volunteering, but are not familiar with domestic violence. Please contact our Chief Executive Officer, Mark Lee, at 714-992-1939 x 105 or MLee@wtlc.org.

Special Events and Community Events

WTLC hosts an annual fundraiser and is always looking for volunteers to support those events by working with the task forces to assist. The Community Education and Advocacy team attends several street fairs, health fairs, community events for tabling and volunteers are able to support those events along with staff members. Event times and locations vary but are often on the weekends.

Become a volunteer:

1. All volunteers must be 18

2. Complete volunteer application

3. All volunteers will need to complete an interview, background check, and TB Test

4. All direct services volunteers must complete the 40 hour domestic violence certification training.

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Volunteer - WTLC: Ending the Cycle of Violence and Exploitation

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Administrative and Facility Volunteer 4 hour shift, once per week Answer and direct all phone calls; Accept and process in-kind donations; Complete projects assigned by professional staff;Facilities maintenance projects Emergency Hotline Volunteer Is responsible for connecting community residents with WTLC's services as well as networking with schools, businesses, faith-based communities, and service providers to provide trainings and presentations.

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Create a safety plan using our interactive safety planning tool, which asks a series of questions to help survivors identify their options.

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Immigration Options for Victims of Crimes

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Immigration Options for Victims of Crimes

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Many immigrants are fearful of admitting that they have been a victim of a crime in part because they believe they will be removed (deported) from the United States if they report the crime. U.S. law provides several protections for legal and undocumented immigrants who have been victims of a crime. There are specific protections for victims of domestic violence, victims of certain crimes, and victims of human trafficking.

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

VAWA Self-Petitioners

Some immigrants may be afraid to report acts of domestic violence to the police or to seek other forms of assistance. Such fear causes many immigrants to remain in abusive relationships.

Victims of domestic violence who are the child, parent, or current/former spouse of a United States citizen or a permanent resident (green card holder) and are abused by the citizen or permanent resident may be eligible to apply for a green card themselves without needing the abuser to file for immigration benefits on their behalf. This provision of the law was created under the VAWA.

Victims must establish that they:

Have or had a qualifying relationship with the abuser spouse, or, are the parent or child of the abuser,

Reside or resided with the abuser,

Have good moral character, and

Have been victims of battery or extreme cruelty.

VAWA provisions apply equally to men and women. Victims of domestic violence, whether a spouse, child, or parent of the abuser, may self-petition by filing Form I-360, Petition for Widow(er)s, Amerasians, and Special Immigrants.

U Nonimmigrant Status

U nonimmigrant status (or U visa) offers immigration protection for victims and is also a tool for law enforcement. To obtain U status, the victim must obtain a certification from law enforcement, however, law enforcement officials should note that providing a certification does not grant a benefit-only U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has the authority to grant or deny this benefit.

Victims are not required to be in legal immigration status, but they must:

Be a victim of qualifying criminal activity and have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime,

Possess credible and reliable information about the qualifying criminal activity,

Be, have been, or are likely to be helpful to the investigation and/or prosecution of that qualifying criminal activity, and

Be a victim of criminal activity that violated a U.S. law.

Victims of the following crimes may be eligible for a U nonimmigrant visa:

Abduction

Abusive Sexual Contact

Blackmail

Domestic Violence

Extortion

False Imprisonment

Female Genital Mutilation

Perjury

Felonious Assault

Hostage Taken

Incest

Peonage

Involuntary Servitude

Kidnapping

Manslaughter

Rape

Murder

Obstruction of Justice

Witness Tampering

Prostitution

Sexual Assault

Slave Trade

Torture

Trafficking

Sexual Exploitation

Unlawful Criminal Restraint

Other Related Crimes

To apply for U nonimmigrant status, the victim must file Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status. Law enforcement official must certify Form I-918, Supplement B. Qualifying family members may also be eligible to apply for benefits.

T Nonimmigrant Status

Trafficking in persons-also known as "human trafficking"-is a form of modern-day slavery. Traffickers prey on many types of people, often including individuals who are poor, unemployed, underemployed, or who lack the safety and protection of strong social networks. Victims are often lured under the false pretenses of good jobs and better lives, and then forced to work under brutal and inhumane conditions. Many believe that human trafficking is a problem that only occurs in other countries-but human trafficking also happens in the United States.

The T nonimmigrant status (or T visa) provides immigration protection to victims of severe forms of trafficking in persons who assist law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases.

Victims are not required to be in legal immigration status, but they must:

Be a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons,

Be physically present in the United States on account of the trafficking,

Comply with any reasonable requests for assistance in the investigation or prosecution (or be under the age of 18), and

Suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed from the United States.

To apply for a T nonimmigrant status, applicants must file Form I-914, Application for T Nonimmigrant Status. Qualifying family members may also be eligible to apply for benefits.

Many immigrants are fearful of admitting that they have been a victim of a crime in part because they believe they will be removed (deported) from the United States if they report the crime. Officials such as police officers, healthcare providers, judges, and prosecutors are often the first to see the signs of violence and are therefore in a unique position to provide information and assistance to those who have been victims. This brochure is designed to assist front-line workers in this endeavor.

U.S. law provides several protections for legal and undocumented immigrants who have been victims of a crime. Often victims are unaware of such protections, thus frontline workers serve as a critical link for immigrant victims. There are specific protections for victims of domestic violence, victims of certain crimes, and victims of human trafficking.

All agencies within the Department of Homeland Security, including USCIS, are legally prohibited from disclosing that a victim has applied for VAWA, T, or U immigration benefits.

Contact

For law enforcement officials and representatives of record:802-527-4888
Call USCIS:

For all others:800-375-5283
Call USCIS:

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Immigration Options for Victims of Crimes

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Many immigrants are fearful of admitting that they have been a victim of a crime in part because they believe they will be removed (deported) from the United States if they report the crime. U.S. law provides several protections for legal and undocumented immigrants who have been victims of a crime.

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Immigration status as an extra weapon of power and control

AND

Threatening to call Immigration and Customs Enforcement if a victim challenges or reports domestic or sexual violence

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24-hour Bilingual Hotline: (877) 531-5522
Administrative Office: (714) 992-1939 Ext. 100
info@wtlc.org
Services offered:

Clinical: Individual, family, and group counseling for children and adult, Play Therapy and Therapeutic Art workshops,  and on-site Psychiatric services twice a month for uninsured participants

Educational and Skill Building: Parenting, Financial Literacy, Personal Empowerment classes

Family Engagement: Movie Nights, Game Nights, Art workshops

Legal: Family law, Protective Orders, Court Accompaniment, Immigration Relief Services, Referrals to affordable legal representation

Peer Support Groups: Human Trafficking, PTSD, and Relapse Prevention

Holistic: Yoga and Meditation

Resources and referrals

Bridge Housing

Safety Net Motel

Immediate on-site housing

Transitional Housing

Key Housing First Program

Prevention Education and Advocacy

40Hr. Domestic Violence Counselor State Certified Training

Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Awareness Campaigns

Elder and Dependent Adult, Human Trafficking, LGBTQIA, Youth and Young Adults

Presentations and Healthy Relationships/Empowerment Workshop Series

Supervised Visitation

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WTLC: Ending the Cycle of Violence and Exploitation

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If you think you may be a victim of abuse, or know someone who is, call us now on our 24-hour hotline 877-531-5522.

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https://www.lapdonline.org/get_informed/content_basic_view/8891

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The statistics below are from the Bureau of Justice Statistics' National Crime Victimization Survey. Single copies may be obtained from:

BJS Clearinghouse
Box 179
Annapolis Junction, Maryland 20701-1079
800-732-3277
410-792-4358 Fax Orders

Every year, in the United States there are over 3 million incidents of reported domestic violence. Every year, 4,000 victims of domestic violence are killed. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 95% of assaults on spouses or ex-spouses are committed by men against women. Nearly one-third of the women who seek care from hospital emergency rooms are there for injuries resulting from domestic violence.

Women were attacked about six times more often by offenders with whom they had an intimate relationship than were male violence victims.

During each year women were the victims of more than 4.5 million violent crimes, including approximately 500,000 rapes or other sexual assaults. In 29 percent of the violent crimes against women by lone offenders the perpetrators were intimates -husbands, former husbands, boyfriends or former boyfriends.

The victim's friends or acquaintances committed more than half of the rapes and sexual assaults, intimates committed 26 percent, and strangers were responsible for about one in five.

Forty-five percent of all violent attacks against female victims 12 years old and older by multiple offenders also involved offenders they knew.

During 1992 approximately 28 percent of female homicide victims (1,414 women) were known to have been killed by their husbands, former husbands or boyfriends. In contrast, just over 3 percent of male homicide victims (637) were known to have been killed by their wives, former wives or girlfriends.

Men, however, were more likely than women to experience violent crimes committed by both acquaintances and strangers. In fact, men were about twice as likely as women to experience acts of violence by strangers.

About a fifth of the lone-offender attacks against women involved a weapon. Strangers used weapons 30 percent of the time, compared to 18 percent for intimates. However, women were injured by intimates in 52 percent of the attacks, compared to 20 percent of the attacks by strangers.

Women from 15 to 44 years old were more likely than women of other ages to be victimized by an intimate. Also, the rate of intimate-offender attacks on women separated from their husbands was about three times higher than that of divorced women and about 25 times higher than that of married women. However, because the survey records a respondent's marital status only at the time of the interview, it is possible in some instances that separation or divorce followed the violence.

Women of all races were about equally vulnerable to attacks by intimates. However, women in families with incomes below $10,000 per year were more likely than other women to be violently attacked by an intimate.

Battered women seek medical attention for injuries sustained as a consequence of domestic violence significantly more often after separation than during cohabitation. About 75 percent of the visits to emergency rooms by battered women occur after separation. About 75 percent of the calls to law enforcement for intervention and assistance in domestic violence occur after separation from batterers.

Twenty years ago, the first battered women's shelter in the United States, Women's Advocates, was opened in St. Paul, Minnesota. This program is still in existence today.

Each year, medical expenses from domestic violence total at least $3 to $5 billion. Businesses forfeit another $100 million in lost wages, sick leave, absenteeism and non-productivity.

It is estimated that 25 percent of workplace problems such as absenteeism, lower productivity, turnover and excessive use of medical benefits are due to family violence.

Violence is the reason stated for divorce in 22 percent of middle-class marriages.

Fifty-three percent of battered women still involved with the perpetrator experienced self-blame for causing the violence.

Estimating rates of violence against women, especially sexual assault and other incidents committed by intimate offenders, continues to be a difficult task. Many factors inhibit women from reporting these crimes either to police or to government interviewers. The private nature of the event, the perceived stigma and the belief that no purpose would be served in reporting the crime keeps an unknown portion of the victims from talking about the event.

INTERESTING FACTS

Venice Beach is the second largest tourist attraction in California, after Disneyland

The LAPD was established in 1869

The Los Angeles Police Academy was used for the 1932 Olympic Game's pistol and rifle competitions

The Los Angeles Police Academy remains a favorite of filmmakers, whose "Academy Arches" are recognizable around the world

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Domestic Violence: Disturbing Facts about Domestic Violence

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It is the mission of the LAPD to safeguard the lives and property of the people we serve. To reduce the incidence and fear of crime, and to enhance public safety while working with the diverse communities to improve their quality of life.

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Low self-esteem

Low income

Low academic achievement/low verbal IQ

Young age

Aggressive or delinquent behavior as a youth

Heavy alcohol and drug use

Depression and suicide attempts

Anger and hostility

Lack of nonviolent social problem-solving skills

Antisocial personality traits and conduct problems

Poor behavioral control/impulsiveness

Traits associated with borderline personality disorder

History of being physically abusive

Having few friends and being isolated from other people

Unemployment

Emotional dependence and insecurity

Belief in strict gender roles (e.g., male dominance and aggression in relationships)

Desire for power and control in relationships

Hostility towards women

Attitudes accepting or justifying IPV

Being a victim of physical or psychological abuse (consistently one of the strongest predictors of perpetration)

Unplanned pregnancy

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Marital conflict–fights, tension, and other struggles

Jealousy, possessiveness, and negative emotion within an intimate relationship

Marital instability–divorces or separations

Dominance and control of the relationship by one partner over the other

Economic stress

Unhealthy family relationships and interactions

Association with antisocial and aggressive peers

Parents with less than a high-school education

Having few friends and being isolated from other people

Witnessing IPV between parents as a child

History of experiencing poor parenting as a child

History of experiencing physical discipline as a child

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Poverty and associated factors (for example, overcrowding, high unemployment rates)

Low social capital–lack of institutions, relationships, and norms that shape a community’s social interactions

Poor neighborhood support and cohesion

Weak community sanctions against IPV (for example, unwillingness of neighbors to intervene in situations where they witness violence)

High density of places that sell alcohol

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Traditional gender norms and gender inequality (for example, the idea women should stay at home, not enter the workforce, and be submissive; men should support the family and make the decisions)

Cultural norms that support aggression toward others

Societal income inequality

Weak health, educational, economic, and social policies/laws

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Domestic abuse, also called "domestic violence" or "intimate partner violence", can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.

Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone.

Domestic abuse can occur within a range of relationships including couples who are married, living together or dating.

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Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, faith or class

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Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, faith or class

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Sometimes feel scared of how your partner may behave?

Constantly make excuses to other people for your partner’s behaviour?

Believe that you can help your partner change if only you changed something about yourself?

Try not to do anything that would cause conflict or make your partner angry?

Always do what your partner wants you to do instead of what you want?

Stay with your partner because you are afraid of what your partner would do if you broke up?

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includes undermining a person's sense of self-worth through constant criticism; belittling one's abilities; name-calling or other verbal abuse; damaging a partner's relationship with the children; or not letting a partner see friends and family. You may be in an emotionally abusive relationship if your partner:

Calls you names, insults you or continually criticizes you.

Does not trust you and acts in a jealous or possessive manner.

Tries to isolate you from family or friends.

Monitors where you go, whom you call and with whom you spend your time.

Does not want you to work.

Controls finances or refuses to share money.

Punishes you by withholding affection.

Expects you to ask permission.

Threatens to hurt you, the children, your family or your pets.

Humiliates you in any way.

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involves causing fear by intimidation; threatening physical harm to self, partner or children; destruction of pets and property; “mind games”; or forcing isolation from friends, family, school and/or work.

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involves making or attempting to make a person financially dependent by maintaining total control over financial resources, withholding access to money, and/or forbidding attendance at school or employment.

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involves hurting or trying to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, burning, grabbing, pinching, shoving, slapping, hair-pulling, biting, denying medical care or forcing alcohol and/or drug use, or using other physical force. You may be in a physically abusive relationship if your partner:

Damages property when angry (throws objects, punches walls, kicks doors, etc.).

Pushes, slaps, bites, kicks or chokes you.

Abandons you in a dangerous or unfamiliar place.

Scares you by driving recklessly.

Uses a weapon to threaten or hurt you.

Forces you to leave your home.

Traps you in your home or keeps you from leaving.

Prevents you from calling police or seeking medical attention.

Hurts your children.

Uses physical force in sexual situations.

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involves forcing a partner to take part in a sex act when the partner does not consent. You may be in a sexually abusive relationship if your partner:

Accuses you of cheating or is often jealous of your outside relationships.

Wants you to dress in a sexual way.

Insults you in sexual ways or calls you sexual names.

Has ever forced or manipulated you into having sex or performing sexual acts.

Holds you down during sex.

Demands sex when you are sick, tired or after beating you.

Hurts you with weapons or objects during sex.

Involves other people in sexual activities with you.

Ignores your feelings regarding sex.

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involves any pattern of behavior that serves no legitimate purpose and is intended to harass, annoy, or terrorize the victim. Typical stalking activities include repeated telephone calls, unwelcome letters or gifts by mail, surveillance at work, home and other places that the victim is known to frequent. Stalking usually escalates.

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The Three C's in a Healthy Relationship 

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The Three C's in a Healthy Relationship 

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- Communicate
- Compromise
- Commit

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https://www.phillyvoice.com/five-signs-unhealthy-relationship-059991/

- Dishonesty
- Controlling behavior
- Avoidance
- Insecurity
- Co-dependency

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Click the + sign to share an image, link, video, or message.

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RSVP Link: https://bit.ly/26october2021

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Tuesday October 26th 4:30pm-6:30pm Bldg. 10, Founders Hall Thank you for your interest in attending the I Got Flowers Today event for Domestic Violence Awareness Month hosted by the Mt. SAC Equity Center and the Pride Center. Please fill out the form below to RSVP. Note: There will be limited seating, 35 attendees.

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Always remember...
YOU ARE ENOUGH
YOU MATTER
YOU ARE IMPORTANT

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the hardest step is the first step when you decide ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

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https://www.strangulationtraininginstitute.com/impact-of-strangulation-crimes/

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How to Help Victims of Intimate Partner Violence - SocialWork_Career

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What abusers say to their intimate partners. It's one of their crazy-making tactics to gain and maintain control over their partner. 

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YOUR ABUSIVE PARTNER DOESN’T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH…

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An excellent book that helps women start getting the clarity needed to really break free.

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Another excellent book for gaining clarity and getting answers to the questions that spin in our heads when we're trying to break free from an abuser.

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It wasn't your fault.

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You survived because...
...you are STRONGER than you know!
...you are SMARTER than you thought!
...you are more VALUABLE than riches!
...you WANT and DESERVE the BEST!
...you have an AMAZING story to tell!

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Tell my why, "I Got Flowers Today" made me cry. 

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Tell my why, "I Got Flowers Today" made me cry. 

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It reminds me of a time when, I always got flowers after a fight. For me, flowers=apologies. Today, I will buy me flowers because I can and I will growth, strength, resilience into my life.

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You're not alone.