Hello Friend,


This month, we’ve been hard at work at Peace Over Violence, focusing on a range of projects that uplift our communities and drive our mission forward. From new initiatives to ongoing support for survivors, there’s a lot happening, and we’re excited to share the latest with you.

We’re also observing Latine Heritage Month, National Suicide Prevention Month, and Campus Sexual Assault Awareness Month by raising awareness, fostering meaningful conversations, and advocating for systemic change. We’re dedicated to educating communities, supporting survivors, and celebrating the strength and resilience of those we serve.


Keep reading to learn more about how we're making an impact this month and beyond!

Honoring Latine Heritage Month


As we celebrate Latine Heritage Month, Peace Over Violence recognizes the rich diversity and contributions of the Latine community. The term Latine encompasses a variety of identities and cultural practices from Latin America and the Caribbean.


We understand that Latine survivors often face unique challenges, especially those who are undocumented or dealing with cultural and language barriers. Our bilingual services are designed to ensure everyone receives the support they need, while our holistic approach honors each survivor’s cultural identity and personal history. Programs and services in Spanish have long been a part of POV. Currently, we offer hotline and emergency support in Spanish; individual and group support groups for survivors, parents, unaccompanied minors and other culturally specific groups; legal immigration services; even a soccer team with our youth!  


This month, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting Latine survivors and fostering a community where all can thrive.


Meet some of our bilingual staff:


Ana Santamaria

Senior Peer Counselor

Watch Video


Claudia Mosquera

Domestic Abuse Response Team - Hollywood

Watch Video


Maria Tepanohaya

Domestic Violence Specialist - FJC Central Bureau

Watch Video


Raising Awareness: Campus Sexual Assault Awareness Month


As we observe Campus Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Peace Over Violence stands with survivors and advocates for change on college campuses. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault and the urgent need for prevention and support.


Sexual violence affects individuals across all demographics, yet survivors often face barriers in seeking help and justice. We recognize that college environments can be particularly challenging, with unique social pressures and institutional responses that may not always prioritize survivor needs.


At Peace Over Violence, we are dedicated to providing resources, education, and advocacy for survivors on campus. Together, we can create safer spaces for all students and empower individuals to speak out against sexual violence.


Next Month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month


Fostering Healing and Growth

by Federico Carmona, Trauma Therapist, POV


Confronting the reality of domestic violence can be unsettling as it forces us to face the raw and painful aspects of intimate relationships we prefer to avoid or conceal. It challenges ingrained beliefs about family, safety, and trust, causing inner conflict and discomfort. The personal nature of this subject can also stir up strong emotions as we reflect on our own experiences or those of loved ones. Additionally, the pressure to maintain the appearance of familial or relational harmony, perpetuated by societal norms, contributes to our reluctance to address this difficult yet important issue openly. These complex dynamics make it problematic to have open and effective discussions about domestic violence despite the urgent need for awareness and dialogue.


October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on the impact of this type of abuse and fostering a supportive community for survivors. It’s a critical opportunity to educate the nation, raise awareness, and provide resources to those affected by domestic violence. This year, in addition to increasing public awareness, we’re offering new webinars and groups to help survivors take steps toward healing and growth.

Let’s talk about dating after experiencing domestic violence.


For many survivors of abuse, betrayal, or other forms of relational trauma, re-entering the dating world can be a daunting prospect. The emotional scars left by previous experiences may result in anxiety, self-doubt, or lingering fears about forming new connections. However, with the right tools and support, rebuilding a healthier, more fulfilling love life is possible.


A one-time free webinar and an 8-week group will provide invaluable insights into understanding and managing the emotional challenges of considering dating again. Whether one’s preparing for their first date after relational trauma or seeking to improve their current dating experience, this educational opportunity will offer practical guidance on addressing residual trauma and making positive, empowered choices in relationships.

This session will focus on understanding and managing residual trauma that might still affect your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, preventing you from making healthier, more fulfilling connections in your dating life.

Let’s talk about learning to regulate emotions and feelings.


Emotions such as stress, anger, and mood swings often become intense challenges for survivors of domestic or sexual violence. These feelings can disrupt daily life and complicate relationships. Yet, by learning to manage and regulate these emotions, survivors can regain control and improve their overall mental health.


A one-time free webinar and an 8-week group will equip survivors with emotional regulation strategies and techniques for controlling impulsive reactions, enhancing emotional stability, and transforming negative emotions into more positive, constructive experiences.

If you’re ready to take charge of your emotional well-being and feel more positive about yourself, this webinar is for you!


WHEN

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

6:00 - 7:30 pm


REGISTRATION
bit.ly/mye-rsvp


FACILITATORS
Federico Carmona, Trauma Therapist

New Youth Program Outreach in Boyle Heights & East LA


POV has a new grant focusing on providing free youth services to the communities of Boyle Heights and East LA. Prevention programming is a key component of POV’s work building healthy relationships, families, and communities free from violence. These free educational workshops and intervention services are for both youth and their families residing in the Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles area. These essential services and activities empower youth and their loved ones to live safe and healthy lives.

For more information and to request free programming, visit peaceoverviolence.org/youthpeacebuilders.

POV Reads

Thirty Years of the Violence Against Women Act Shows Progress Is Possible

by Esta Soler

Today, more Americans than ever recognize family violence as a societal problem, worthy of public attention and investment. The Violence Against Women Act helped make that happen.

NY Times Opinion: Who Gets to Kill in Self-Defense?

by Rachel Louise Snyder

The first fight Anita Ford remembers having with her husband, Barry Ford, was over dishes. They’d been married only a few years. She turned 18 three weeks before their wedding; five months later, she gave birth to their first child, a boy named Robert.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Linked To Firebombed Car Possibly Belonging To Kid Cudi: A Complete Timeline Of Allegations Against Him

by Antonio Pequeño IV & Mary Whitfill Roeloffs

Rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is currently in jail as he faces charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, has been accused of setting fire to a car—believed to have belonged to musician Kid Cudi—between December 2011 and January 2012, amid a federal indictment and numerous civil lawsuits pending against the music mogul.

POV in the News

Judge denies bail appeal for Sean ‘Diddy' Combs

NBC Los Angeles

Rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was denied bail again after his attorneys tried to argue for home confinement as the federal case against him




Fundraising Highlight: Makenna Martin’s Hottest Dodger Bracket


“The bracket started out just as a fun thing for us to do together on Twitter, but following the allegations of abuse committed by Trevor Bauer and more recently following the arrest of Julio Urías, I felt inspired to raise money for domestic violence survivors with my platform. I chose Peace Over Violence because I believe that they are well equipped to provide the support and aid to those in need and I resonated with their message and values. Over the last 3 years, our community has raised over $23,000 for domestic violence relief. Our contribution of $8,600 to POV in 2022 garnered us an honor as a major donor in their annual report, and last year's total of $9,110 was featured at the POV gala! I am confident we can continue to raise the bar this year, thank you!”

– Makenna

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