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| Happy Holidays from POV
Hello Friend,
As the year comes to a close, we’re reminded that healing is not linear — and the holidays can be especially difficult for many survivors, including those still seeking safety. Peace Over Violence is here with you this season, and our confidential hotline remains available 24/7/365, including on holidays.
At the same time, this season also offers moments of connection, reflection, and hope. We are grateful for everyone in our community who continues to stand for safety, healing, and justice. From all of us at Peace Over Violence, we wish you a warm, peaceful, and restorative holiday season — and a bright start to the new year! |
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| December is…
Universal Human Rights MonthObserved throughout December, Universal Human Rights Month highlights the fundamental rights and freedoms every person is entitled to, promoting dignity, equality, and justice worldwide.
International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers (December 17)This day raises awareness about violence, discrimination, and stigma faced by sex workers and calls for safety, human rights, and legal protections for all people in the sex trade.
International Migrants Day (December 18)International Migrants Day recognizes the contributions of migrants around the world while advocating for their rights, dignity, and humane treatment across borders. |
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| Action Sparks Change
Our year-end campaign, Action Sparks Change, is officially underway! This season, we’re sharing stories that show how every act of support — every call answered, every survivor heard, every young person educated — begins with action. If you’re able, we invite you to join us by making a year-end gift. Your action fuels ours, helping ensure survivors have someone to turn to 24/7 and keeping our prevention, advocacy, and healing programs strong. |
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| Self-Care Through the Holiday Rush
The holiday season can be challenging for many of us. Busy schedules, emotional demands, and the pressure to show up for others can leave anyone feeling drained. That’s why it’s especially important to pause, take a breath, and give ourselves permission to rest and reset.
Our “Self-Care Means” graphic offers simple reminders for how to take care of yourself during this busy time — whether that means slowing down, setting boundaries, or finding small moments of comfort and calm.
Self-care isn’t indulgent; it’s essential. It helps us stay grounded, present, and able to show up for the people and causes we care about. Below, you’ll also find helpful tips and reflections from our clinical interns, who are learning to prioritize rest in their own full, demanding schedules.
Taking care of yourself is an act of care for your entire community — now and throughout the year. |
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| "Holidays create a lot of opportunities to socialize. You are allowed to say 'no' to an event or to an interaction. Your gift is acknowledging your social battery limits."
–– John
“Today’s self-care: pretending my couch is a spa, and my nap is a wellness treatment.”
–– Vera
“Self-care is an ethical responsibility to ourselves and to others - when we tend to ourselves, we empower ourselves to also show up for life with authenticity, love, and respect.”
–– Birka
"Do something small for yourself that you can carry with you throughout the day, like getting a mani-pedi or a blowout. Something that will bring you little sparks of joy long after they're finished."
–– Amber
"Ask your body what it needs, and it will respond through the felt sense. Listening to your body's wisdom promotes self-awareness, which is an essential part of self-care."
–– Claire
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| Pasadena Police Department Hosts Holiday Celebration for POV Families
The Pasadena Police Department once again opened their heliport for a magical holiday celebration honoring Peace Over Violence clients and their families. Officers provided transportation for all attendees — and the highlight of the day came when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived by helicopter, bringing excitement and joy to every child waiting below.
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| Families were welcomed with gifts, food, and festive cheer, creating a safe and memorable holiday experience for survivors and their children. More than 45 kids attended this year’s event, each one leaving with smiles, laughter, and holiday magic they won’t soon forget. We are grateful to the Pasadena Police Department for their continued partnership and generosity in making this special tradition possible for the families we serve. |
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Become a volunteer!Applications due 12/19
Be the spark that shifts a story. When you volunteer with Peace Over Violence, you help turn courage into action and action into lasting change.
A new round of Counselor Advocate Training starts next month. POV has been supporting and advocating survivors for over 50 years. Become a part of that legacy by joining our hybrid volunteer training opportunity.
“Counselor Advocate Training—CAT—is a community healing experience. We learn how to offer real-life support to survivors during their hardest moments, but the training also gives us the opportunity to bond with each other and heal as a community.”
Once you complete CAT, you’ll join the dedicated volunteers who power our 24-hour crisis hotline—stepping into the frontline of support in a generational movement for safety, dignity, and justice. |
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Gift Card Drive
Share the spirit of the season by helping survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence celebrate the holidays with joy and dignity. A gift card gives survivors the freedom to choose the gifts, treats, and essentials that mean the most to them and their loved ones. You can send a gift card electronically or by mail to Peace Over Violence — or spread the cheer by hosting a gift card drive at your school, workplace, or with your community group. Suggested gift cards: supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, toy stores, Target, Walmart, and more.
Please email, mail or deliver gift cards to: Peace Over Violence Attn: Sonia T. 1541 Wilshire Blvd., 3rd Fl Los Angeles, CA 90017
[email protected] |
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Shop POV!
Need a last-minute gift? Trying to spend your remaining budget before the end of the year? The POV Shop has you covered with POV merch and iconic Denim Day gear. It’s the perfect time to stock up for Denim Day 2026 (Wednesday, April 29th!) and start the new year with purpose. Best of all, every purchase directly supports the life-saving services Peace Over Violence provides.
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| | | by RAINN
Learn how self-care enables healing for survivors of sexual trauma, and explore self-care steps you can take to support yourself and those you love. . |
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| | by Norma Rodriguez & Jaya Drohan for La Casa de las Madres
Self-care, often misconstrued as a luxury, takes on a profound significance for survivors of domestic violence. It becomes a transformative act of survival, resistance, and healing. |
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| | by NNEDV
What can be done to increase your safety or the safety of your loved ones? An important first step everyone can take is to learn about the signs and forms of abuse. Here are some things to look out for during the holidays.
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| Connect with us and join the conversation on social media
Follow us on our platforms to stay updated on our work and engage with our community. |
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| | | Support healing services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. |
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| | | | | Metro Headquarters
1541 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213.955.9090 office
213.955.9093 fax
213.785.2684 video
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 office
626.584.6193 fax
626.243.7972 video
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24/7 LA RAPE & BATTERING HOTLINE |
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| 626.793.3385
310.392.8381
213.626.3393
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| Information
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