Hello Friend,


It’s been a busy summer at POV, and we're excited to share what we’ve been up to! Check out what's happening and see how you can get involved and make a difference.


Thanks for being a part of our community!

An update from Patti Giggans, Executive Director/CEO

Patti’s POV:
Vindication and Victory


As expected, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ) has completed the investigation initially launched by former LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva against POV, former Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, LA Metro, Inspector General Max Huntsman, and me. The case is closed. There was no evidence to support charges of any kind against anyone.


This is the outcome I knew and expected all along, and I am extremely grateful for this vindication and victory and that justice was served.


Read more here:

https://www.peaceoverviolence.org/pattis-pov/vindication-victory\

YOV Summer Youth Institute


The 2024 Youth Over Violence Summer Youth Institute, themed "Making a Choice to Be Secure in Your Self-Expression," encouraged youth to discover and embrace their identities through creative outlets like art, poetry, and identity boxes. Our students attended community-building workshops led by organizations like Bresee Foundation and Para Los Niños, taking exciting and educational excursions to Shatto Lanes and the California Science Center, and practicing self-discovery through collage with our friends at the HaGomel Foundation.


POV’s Youth Institute proudly graduated 12 students this summer. We look forward to seeing our graduates act as advocates of peace and positive self-expression in our community and beyond.


Empowerment Self-Defense & Safety


Peace Over Violence partnered with the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles to train 4 of their staff as Empowerment Self-Defense Instructors, along with one of POV's own VPS volunteers.  The training took place at our Metro HQ for a total of 32 hours, over a span of 4 weeks. During this training, instructors learned how to teach a variety of audiences, including: youth, adults, kids, and people with disabilities.


Instructors received hands-on experience teaching Empowerment Self-Defense & Safety, found their presenter voices, and learned how to facilitate and manage large and small groups, protect the safety of participants and themselves when using physical techniques, and create a brave space for learning together.  

Big shoutout to our amazing newly graduated ESD Instructors, Brená, Jazmin, Yisel, Monica and Diana!


We can't wait to see how you teach in the community!


It takes a village of dedicated advocates, volunteers, and donors to support survivors in the aftermath of violence.


Join our village and become a monthly recurring donor.


Monthly gifts ensure that we have an ongoing source of funding to support our crucial programs and services year-round. By committing to a monthly gift, you are standing with survivors and supporting our mission to create a safer, more just world.

Choose your monthly contribution amount:

BIPOC Mental Health Month


BIPOC Mental Health Month, observed every July, highlights the unique mental health challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and people of color, aiming to raise awareness, break stigma, and promote culturally competent care. It’s a call to advocate for equitable access to mental health services.


Peace Over Violence offers comprehensive support for survivors, including programs designed specifically for survivors of color. Our Still I Rise trauma support group, led by Dr. Sky Ross, is designed for Black women who have experienced sexual or domestic violence. Our counseling groups provide strategies for coping and resilience, community support, and guidance through the healing process.


For additional support, we recommend The Loveland Foundation’s therapy fund for Black girls and women and The Black Infant Health program’s prenatal care services.


Celebrating Disability Pride Month in July


Disability Pride Month honors the history, achievements, and struggles of the disabled community. A time to recognize challenges faced by people with disabilities while promoting inclusion, accessibility, and the celebration of diverse abilities.


On July 18th, case managers from POV’s Deaf, Disabled, and Elderly program attended the Disability Pride Law and Resource Fair at Rancho Los Amigos, where they shared POV’s resources with attendees. At POV, we take pride in offering specialized services tailored to the survivor’s needs.



New Board Highlights

Shop back to school at POV!


Make a social statement with your fall fashion statement—check out our buttons, stickers, hats, and message tees!

POV Reads

The Black Woman's Guide to Overcoming Domestic Violence: Tools to Move Beyond Trauma, Reclaim Freedom, and Create the Life You Deserve

by Shavonne J. Moore-Lobban, PhD & Robyn L. Gobin, PhD

Grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this compassionate book addresses the unique struggles faced by Black women who have experienced domestic violence. You'll find practical and empowering skills to help you understand and heal from trauma, leave harmful situations, and regain a sense of safety and freedom.

What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma

by Stephanie Foo

A searing memoir of reckoning and healing by acclaimed journalist Stephanie Foo, investigating the little-understood science behind complex PTSD and how it has shaped her life.

POV Watches

Baby Reindeer

created by Richard Gadd for Netflix

A dark comedy based on a true story about a case of extreme stalking and the interconnectedness of trauma.

(trigger warning: stalking, sexual assault, distressing themes)



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