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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). In light of recent statistics, it is likely that you know someone who has been sexually assaulted, even if they haven't shared their experience with you. Did you know:

• 1 in 4 women have been raped or sexually assaulted as an adult.

• 1 in 4 U.S. girls and 1 in 6 U.S. boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18.

• Just over 1 in 4 women whose assault met the legal definition of rape thought of themselves as rape victims.

People of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, those with disabilities, and other members of marginalized communities experience disproportionately higher rates of sexual violence.

These numbers represent the lived experiences of millions. SAAM provides a platform to raise awareness, challenge harmful attitudes, and promote survivor-centered support systems. By fostering open conversations, advocating for prevention strategies, and supporting survivors, we aim for a future free of sexual violence, where everyone is treated with dignity.

SAAM also means it is time for Denim Day! POV is the home of Denim Day and we are busy gearing up for our annual sexual violence prevention education campaign—the longest-running in history! See our info below and make sure you are getting ready to join with us on Wednesday, April 24th 👖❤️

Denim Day 2024 is 4/24/24

In two weeks we will commemorate TWENTY FIVE YEARS of Denim Day. Join millions across the world by wearing your jeans with a purpose, supporting survivors, and educating yourself and others about all forms of sexual violence.  Our website and shop are full of resources and materials ready for you to gear up!

Event Recap: Denim Day 2024 Launch

On March 28th we held a GEAR UP Launch party for Denim Day 2024. This year celebrates the 25th anniversary of the campaign and we were happy to gather together to launch Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), celebrate 25 YEARS of Denim Day impact, and recognize 25 Champions for Change!

Almost 100 people donning their denim gathered at the POV Metro Headquarters which was fully decorated for the Denim Day fete. We had a photobooth, a Denim Day archive with 25 years of materials for guests to peruse, giveaways, a giant pledge for people to sign, Denim Day branded dinner and dessert, a Denim Day merch shop, special guests and and an inspiring program…

Attention LOS ANGELES: Denim Day Rally & Press Conference

Peace Over Violence invites you to join us:

Wednesday, April 24th @ 9am

Los Angeles City Hall South Lawn Steps (This location faces 1st St)

featuring:

inspirational program

community solidarity
special performance by Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas
empowerment self defense demo
interactive activities
coffee & treats

ASL Interpreted

VOCA Advocacy

We are anticipating devastating cuts to the Victim of Crime funds that directly support survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Given the dire potential consequences to POV and organizations like us, on behalf of the victims and survivors we all serve, we ask that Congress invest adequate funding for VOCA in the final FY24 Appropriations budget. Reach out to your legislative offices and encourage them to include money in the state budget to support VOCA by accessing this easy advocacy tool.

Last Chance: Become a Counselor Advocate

Peace Over Violence encourages caring and compassionate individuals from the diverse communities of LA County to become trauma informed Counselor Advocates working directly with survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Upon completion of the 82.5 hour training, you will be part of the Peace Over Violence Intervention Division’s Emergency Response Team, volunteering for either of the following programs: 24-Hour Hotline and Emergency Response Team or Domestic Abuse Response Team.

Training begins April 30th and sessions are held weekly in person at POV Metro Headquarters and on zoom. For more information and to apply,  please contact: [email protected] or visit bit.ly/CAT430.  Application Deadline: April 12th.

Share your story

Peace Over Violence’s Survivor Speakers Bureau, Voices Over Violence, is a group of individuals that share and discuss openly and educationally their experiences with sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and domestic violence. We often get requests from the community for survivors to speak about their experiences through presentations, panel discussions, and media interviews to educate the public about the realities of interpersonal violence. Speakers are able to address common myths surrounding violence, resources, and the healing process.

If you are a survivor of child sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, stalking, or sexual assault and would like to share your story, please contact Shirley LaBrie at [email protected] for more information and/or an application or attend our upcoming virtual information session.

INFO SESSION DATE

Monday, April 22nd at 7 PM

RSVP AND ZOOM LINK 

bit.ly/voicesinfo

TRAINING DATE

Saturday, May 18th at 7pm

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Thursday, May 11th

POV Reads

Opinion: It’s Time for California to Invest in Support for Violence Survivors

by Amanda Gould and Holly Fleming

In 2022, an undocumented LGBTQ+ person arrived at the Los Angeles LGBT Center after experiencing persecution and severe sexual violence.

Building Connected Communities: Sexual Assault Awareness Month

by nsvrc.org

Building Connected Communities helps us reduce the likelihood of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment in our communities.

Know My Name: A Memoir

by Chanel Miller

She was known to the world as Emily Doe when she stunned millions with a letter. Brock Turner had been sentenced to just six months in county jail after he was found sexually assaulting her on Stanford's campus. This is her story.

Ethan Crumbley’s Parents Were Just Part of a Much Bigger Problem

by Elizabeth Spiers

James and Jennifer Crumbley never anticipated that their then-15-year-old son, Ethan, would use the 9-millimeter Sig Sauer handgun[…] to kill four students at a Michigan high school.

Rape and sexual violence in Sudan’s ongoing conflict may amount to war crimes, a new UN report says

by Jamey Keaten, Associated Press

The U.N. human rights office said in a new report Friday that scores of people, including children, have been subjected to rape and other forms of sexual violence in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, assaults that may amount to war crimes.

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