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Hello Friend,

A new year has begun and as we navigate the early days of 2025, our community faces profound challenges, from the recent wildfires in Southern California to the shifting dynamics following the presidential inauguration. These uncertain times remind us of the importance of taking care of each other.


** Protecting Your Peace: Self-Care During Challenging Times
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When everything feels out of control, focus on what you can manage. Here are some quick self-care tips to help you protect your peace:
1. Create a Quiet Space to Recharge & Reflect
2. Set Boundaries When Topics Feel Overwhelming
3. Take News Breaks
4. Hydrate, Nourish, and Move Your Body
5. Reach Out

Connect with loved ones, community, or Peace Over Violence via our 24/7 hotline. You don’t have to go through this alone.

peaceoverviolence.org/hotlines


** A Message from our Executive Director/CEO addressing the LA wildfires
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From the Pacific Coast to the San Gabriel foothills, people of our beloved Los Angeles are experiencing the life-altering losses of their homes, neighborhoods and in some tragic cases their loved ones. They and we are also experiencing the anxiety of evacuating our homes, including members of our staff, Board, advisors, supporters, colleagues, partners and friends. The Pacific Palisades is gone. Altadena and parts of Pasadena are gone. This is heart-breaking. And this crisis is not over yet. My heart goes out to all impacted families during this time of high anxiety across our city and county as we all try to navigate the uncertainty, grief, and - at the moment - continued threat of more wind and fire.

Our Pasadena office is right in the midst of it all so we shall monitor the situation there very carefully. We will continue to assess how we can serve and meet our commitments in the safest way as events evolve.

I also want to express appreciation for the heroic efforts made by our local fire and police departments and emergency workers including those flying in from around the country and the world to help us. And I really want to express my gratitude to our own POV first responders, our staff and volunteers making sure that POV is there 24/7 for survivors and fielding requests for resources during this crisis time.

Right now even if you may not be directly impacted, we are all trauma adjacent - which means we are all impacted in this collective trauma, so please take good care of yourselves and each other. Amanda Gorman in her poem Smoldering Dawn ([link removed]) uses the phrase, “The hardest part is not disaster, but the after.” Once we get through the immediate crisis, “the after” will be daunting and huge. We will all have to hone our resiliencies so that together as a wider LA community we can heal, restore, repair, and rebuild. Remember we are POV Strong and together we are LA Strong!

For LA County resources, click here: lacounty.gov/emergency ([link removed])

Patti Giggans

Executive Director/CEO


** January is…
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** National Stalking Awareness Month
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A time to shed light on a pervasive but often misunderstood issue. Stalking affects over 13 million people annually in the U.S., creating fear, anxiety, and life-altering consequences for survivors. One in three women and one in six men will experience stalking in their lifetime, with behaviors like repeated unwanted contact, monitoring, and threats disrupting lives and safety. At Peace Over Violence, we provide survivors with the tools, resources, and support they need to regain control and heal. By educating ourselves and others about stalking, we can challenge harmful behaviors, foster accountability, and create safer communities.

See our stalking slideshow assets ([link removed]) .


** National Human Trafficking Awareness Month
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Human trafficking affects millions globally—and it’s happening in our communities, often hidden in plain sight. Traffickers exploit vulnerabilities like economic hardship, homelessness, or immigration challenges, trapping individuals in cycles of abuse and control. At Peace Over Violence, we work to support survivors by offering critical services and education while advocating for systemic changes to prevent trafficking.

If you are a victim of stalking or human trafficking, POV can help. We provide confidential support through counseling, legal assistance, case management, and connections to safe housing and resources to help you move forward and heal.


** Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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Is a time to honor the legacy of Dr. King and his commitment to justice, equality, and nonviolence. His vision of a world free from oppression continues to inspire our work at Peace Over Violence. On this day we are reminded of the importance of standing up against violence in all forms, advocating for the rights of every individual, and creating communities that are safe, inclusive, and just for all.


** Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month
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Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month is the perfect time to explore POV’s Empowerment Self-Defense & Safety programming. Our comprehensive, trauma-informed program focuses on equipping participants with practical safety tools, including verbal assertiveness, de-escalation strategies, and physical techniques. These workshops empower individuals to trust their instincts, set boundaries, use their voice, and respond effectively to threats.

We aim to create safer communities, one workshop at a time. Discover more, join a class, or request a training session at this link. ([link removed]) [link removed]


** Coming up: Youth Empowerment Self-Defense & Safety Class
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Please join us for a Youth Empowerment Self-Defense & Safety class in honor of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. This class is free and open to youth aged 12-18. Participants will learn how to be more assertive, how to resolve conflict, have healthy relationships, and how to execute some physical self-defense techniques.


WHEN

Saturday, February 15

9:00 - 11:00am

WHERE

POV Metro Headquarters

1541 Wilshire Blvd., 3rd Fl,
Los Angeles, CA 90017


Paid parking available - $14 / day - Visit peaceoverviolence.org/parking-metro for more info. 


Consent forms for participation under the age of 18 will be present at our office upon sign in. This class will be conducted in English. Questions? please contact [email protected].
RSVP ([link removed])


** Save the Date
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**
Denim Day 2025 is Wednesday, April 23rd!
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Make sure to mark your calendars now and get ready for Denim Day coming up 4/23/25. Denim Day is all about spreading awareness around sexual violence issues, supporting survivors, and educating ourselves and others. We can't wait to show you what we've been working on for this year's campaign. Stay tuned for exciting info about events, activities, and merch coming soon!
Learn More ([link removed])


** POV Reads
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** Preparing for Wildfires With Evacuation Plans, Emergency Supplies – And Domestic Violence Awareness ([link removed])
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by Claudia Boyd-Barrett

It’s been more than three years since the Camp Fire leveled the California town of Paradise. But for domestic violence counselor Marlen Hernandez and the clients she serves, the traumatic effects continue to rage.


** The Six Psychological Stages of Disaster ([link removed])
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by Chris Tompkins

In the study of trauma, most professionals classify trauma into two categories, “big T trauma” and “little t trauma.” Big T trauma includes domestic violence, sexual assault, death, war, or a natural disaster.


** Study Finds Climate Change May Increase Violence Against Women ([link removed])
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by Rebecca Shavit

Climate shocks like floods and storms are linked to rising intimate partner violence globally, with women in low-income nations most at risk.


** Trump’s first term ignited #MeToo. Will his second extinguish it? ([link removed])
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by Grace Panetta

Advocates for victims of sexual violence see Trump’s reelection — and his Cabinet picks — as a clear sign of backlash against the movement to hold powerful men accountable.


** Join our team
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** Looking to join the team at Peace Over Violence? Apply today!
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* Psychologist — Trauma Recovery Center ([link removed])
* Domestic Violence Case Manager FJC LACABAC ([link removed])
* Immigration Law Staff Attorney ([link removed])

Apply Today ([link removed])


** Connect with us and join the conversation on social media
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Follow us on our platforms to stay updated on our work and engage with our community.
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FOLLOW US

@peaceovrviolnce ([link removed]) on Instagram ([link removed])

“Peace Over Violence ([link removed]) ” on Facebook ([link removed])

@PeaceOvrViolnce ([link removed]) on X ([link removed])

#PeaceOverViolence


** Support healing services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
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Donate Today ([link removed])


** CONNECT WITH US
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** CONTACT
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Metro Headquarters
1541 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90017

213.955.9090 (tel:213.955.9090) office
213.955.9093 (tel:213.955.9090) fax
213.785.2684 (tel:213.785.2684) video
213.785.2749 (tel:213.785.2749) video


**
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West San Gabriel Valley Center
892 N Fair Oaks Ave, Suite D
Pasadena, CA 91103

626.584.6191 (tel:626.584.6191) office
626.584.6193 (tel:626.584.6193) fax
626.243.7972 (tel:626.243.7972) video


**
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** 24/7 LA RAPE & BATTERING HOTLINE
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626.793.3385 (tel:6267933385)
310.392.8381 (tel:3103928381)
213.626.3393 (tel:2136263393)


**
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Information
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** Committed to social service, social change and social justice
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Copyright (C) 2025 Peace Over Violence. All rights reserved.
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