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A Message from Patti Giggans, POV’s Executive Director/CEO
Dear Friend,
This summer, survivors and families across Los Angeles and beyond have faced intensified fear, violence, and uncertainty–especially with ongoing ICE raids that continue to disrupt lives and communities. As a Trauma Recovery Center, Peace Over Violence is committed to providing a safe space for survivors and their families during this time. However, some survivors are avoiding services–or staying in abusive situations–out of fear that seeking help could put them or their loved ones at risk.
That fear is real, creating dangerous barriers to safety for many–including immigrants who are in the U.S. with legal protection, such as those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petitions, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS–for unaccompanied minors), and U Visa applications. This fear and insecurity ripple outward, especially in Los Angeles City and County, where many families are of mixed immigration status.
That’s why we’ve expanded virtual services, adapted safety planning, and connected survivors in distress with counseling and referrals. Our legal team is also providing critical Know Your Rights guidance to help survivors understand their options. Staff and volunteers are trained to handle ICE encounters and follow strict protocols: no entry without a valid warrant. Clear signage and internal procedures help ensure survivor safety–whether connecting from home or walking through our doors.
In this issue, you’ll see how, despite ongoing threats, our community continues to rise–led by youth stepping up, fresh voices speaking up, and upcoming opportunities to stand up in solidarity. In our Los Angeles, everyone belongs. And even amid threats of defunding and cutbacks, Peace Over Violence remains committed to our mission and vision. We will not be discouraged.
In solidarity,
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| Patti Giggans
Executive Director/CEO |
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Join us on October 15th for our first-ever Lunch Over Violence, held during Domestic Violence Awareness Month to raise critical funds for Peace Over Violence’s Trauma Recovery Center.
We served over 25,000 individuals last year, and as funding grows more uncertain, your support is more vital than ever.
As part of the program, we’ll highlight voices advancing advocacy and empowerment for survivors, including Dr. Ramani Durvasula, NY Times bestselling author of It’s Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People, whose work has helped countless survivors name their experiences and begin to heal.
DETAILS Wednesday, October 15, 2025 Taglyan Complex, Hollywood 11:30am - 2:00pm
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Congrats Youth Over Violence Summer Leadership Institute Graduates!
Wrap up the summer with us and see how we gave 26 youth leaders the tools to raise their voices and spark change in our communities.
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Make a Difference with POV!Fall 2025 Violence Prevention Specialist (VPS) Training – Share What Matters Education is how we end violence before it starts. As a Violence Prevention Specialist, you’ll lead honest conversations about consent, boundaries, and respect, and facilitate workshops in schools, community centers, and youth spaces across LA.
Training runs Saturdays, September 6 – October 4 at POV Metro HQ.
Apply by Monday, September 2.
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Congrats to Our Recent Counselor Advocate Graduates!
We’re proud to welcome our newest Counselor Advocates, now supporting survivors on POV’s 24-hour Hotline and Emergency Response Team.
Over weeks of intensive training, they strengthened their empathy muscles, built crisis response skills, and prepared to be steady, compassionate support for survivors when it’s needed most.
Fall Counselor Advocate Training (CAT) starts this week–but volunteer opportunities are open year-round, whenever you're ready to take that first step. Whether you’ve been waiting for the right moment or just learning about us, there’s a place for you here.
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Welcoming new members to the POV Advisory Circle!
Leann Levine We’re excited to welcome Leann Levine to the POV Advisory Circle! As a benefits advisor with Aflac and former Toastmasters District Director, Leann brings practical experience and a strong commitment to supporting survivors and our community.
Dr. Sarai Crain Dr. Sarai Crain joins our Advisory Circle bringing her leadership as Deputy Director at the California DOJ, currently working to clear the backlog of unprocessed rape kits statewide. Her community ties and commitment to ending violence against women and children will be a powerful asset to POV’s work.
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Join us in honoring those we have lost by celebrating their lives of service, courage, and unwavering independence–and their profound, lasting impacts on our society. |
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| With deep gratitude, we honor Wallis Annenberg of the Annenberg Foundation. Her contributions to the arts, wildlife, and people are widely recognized, and her vision and generosity have touched countless individuals and organizations. Peace Over Violence has been privileged to receive her support through the Annenberg Foundation, including crucial resources that made our downtown LA Metro Headquarters possible. |
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| We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lisa Gaeta, founder of IMPACT Personal Safety. POV was proud to honor Lisa’s legacy of leading and promoting Empowerment Self-Defense & Safety during our 25th Denim Day anniversary. Through her groundbreaking work, Lisa transformed how survivors and communities access vital tools for personal safety, empowering them to embrace the strength within themselves. |
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| Remembering Ruth Beaglehole, who–through the Center for Nonviolent Education and Parenting–inspired a movement toward kinder, more compassionate parenting and community care. Ruth was an innovator and influential advocate for children, families, and policy, one of the early pioneers opposing spanking and hitting, and a passionate promoter of the emotional respect that all children deserve. |
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Impacted by incarceration and sexual violence? Join us Thursday, August 28 at 1PM to discuss creating safer spaces for survivors in LASD facilities–cohosted with The Center for Health Justice, Just Detention International, Young Women’s Freedom Center, Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition, and the Anti-Recidivism Coalition.
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by Jackson Katz for Ms. Magazine |
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by Karen Musalo for LA Times |
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by Rebecca Solnit for The Guardian |
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by Joseph Stepansky for Al Jazeera |
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Join our team
Looking to join the team at Peace Over Violence? Apply today! |
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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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24/7 LA RAPE & BATTERING HOTLINE |
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Support
Referrals
Accompaniments
Advocacy
Counseling
Self-Defense
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Committed to social service, social change and social justice
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