We are currently living in a time of transformation. Despite being in the midst of a global pandemic, thousands of people have been gathering in the streets of cities across the country to defend Black lives and support those who have lost a loved one due to police violence. Needed shifts are happening and Peace Over Violence is actively reimagining our work as well.
We are assessing what current systems can be transformed and which ones are obsolete. We are reflecting on the unequal and intersecting power relationships and structures of exclusion both internally and externally. We are reimagining what public safety can look like. We are building to bring about healing justice using technology. We are asking ourselves how we can better support Black survivors, survivors of color and our communities.
The Peace Over Violence staff, Board of Directors and volunteers remain committed to our movement and to all survivors while we stand in solidarity with the struggle to transform our world.
Peace Over Violence is committed to supporting the needs of the survivors and communities we serve in the Los Angeles area, which includes developing engaging content, activities and events for readers and audiences across our digital platforms. To help us better produce content that fosters engagement, we invite you to take a few moments to answer a short survey.
Peace Over Violence is proud to spotlight one of our support groups called Still I Rise, a 12-week psychoeducational trauma processing group for woman-identifying Black survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Utilizing a curriculum developed by Dr. Brenda Ingram, a licensed clinical social worker and educator who specializes in African American mental health, this therapeutic group offers a culturally affirming healing environment aimed at supporting clients in developing their own rolodex of coping tools. Simultaneously, the group also works to foster community among its members and collectively honor each participant’s resilience.
“Safe spaces for Black survivors are needed now more than ever, as the impact of systemic racism continues to affect Black Americans in a myriad of ways.”
– Julia Childs Heyl, Still I Rise Facilitator and Special Projects Outreach Coordinator
Topics covered include social media and self-care, the cycle of violence, and understanding the history and narrative of violence against Black women.
Our growth over the last few years has prompted us to find a new home, something we’ve been working on for some time now. As our work and staff have expanded, we’ve outgrown our current metro headquarters. Moving to our new, future home is not just about increasing square footage; it’s about responding to the needs of our community and creating a living space that they can use.
COVID-19 has brought challenges, but we are ramping up our fundraising efforts so we can be ready to serve community members in-person when we are able to safely and responsibly open our office doors to the public.
We will be sending more information within the coming weeks so stay tuned! Until then, we invite you to learn more about the brave space we are building and we hope you can join us on this journey.
POV’s Youth Over Violence Leadership Institute will soon begin its 10th year supporting leadership cultivation for youth between the ages of 14-19 in Los Angeles.
This year’s 100% virtual program, which will run from July 6-August 13, includes a curriculum that covers the roots of violence, healthy relationships, media literacy, and community organizing. The Institute will also include trauma-informed activities that promote socio-emotional learning, healing and self-confidence.
Applications are OPEN and ALL SUPPLIES will be provided by the program. All you need is a computer or tablet and a desire to make a difference in your community. Stipends will be available for all participants.
Peace Over Violence will be co-hosting conversations on IG Live with Black therapists to discuss some of the needs of Black survivors and healing in Black communities. In this three-part series, we will be focusing on the past, present, and future of Black healing.
Join us for this three-part weekly series by following us on Instagram @peaceovrviolnce. More details to come!
Support healing services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
