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** Hello Friend,
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**
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** This year marks 55 years of Peace Over Violence showing up for survivors and building safer, stronger communities.
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** Here’s a quick look at what’s happening this month.
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**
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** January is…
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** Stalking Awareness Month ([link removed])
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Stalking can happen in-person, online, or through technology—and often overlaps with dating violence and domestic violence. This month, we’re sharing resources to help you recognize stalking behaviors and understand safety planning options.


** Human Trafficking Prevention Month
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Human trafficking can be hard to identify, and survivors often face barriers to safety such as coercion, isolation, or threats. Help is available. Peace Over Violence has worked closely with LA-based Cast (Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking), a trusted organization providing comprehensive services and a 24-hour hotline for support and referrals. castla.org ([link removed]) | 888-539-2373


** Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month
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** Self-Defense Is More Than Physical
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Empowerment Self-Defense & Safety ([link removed]) isn’t about being tough—it’s about building real-life skills you can use every day: awareness, assertiveness, verbal confrontation techniques, and practical strategies to prevent, resist, and escape violence.

Our trainings include:
* Verbal confrontation + boundary-setting (including de-escalation and assertive communication)
* Psychological and situational awareness to identify risk and respond with intention
* Physical techniques designed for real-world safety (adaptable to different bodies and abilities)
* Practice building options in the moment — so you can choose what works for you

Whether you’re brand new or returning, you deserve a space where you can practice safely and build confidence at your own pace.
Register for a Class ([link removed])


** Upcoming class: Empowerment Self-Defense & Safety for girls 9+
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** Know your worth. Trust your instincts. Build your power.
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This interactive class is designed for teen girls to build confidence, recognize unhealthy dating behaviors, and practice real-world self defense and boundary-setting skills in a supportive environment.

In this class, you’ll learn how to:
* Set and communicate clear boundaries
* Trust your instincts without guilt
* Use your voice, body language, and movement for safety
* Practice empowerment-based self-defense strategies
* Learn to recognize unhealthy behaviors in all types of relationships

What to expect:
* Fun, interactive, and empowering
* Trauma-informed and youth-centered
* Inclusive and supportive space
* No experience needed
* Led by trained facilitators

WHEN

Saturday, February 7

Free to attend. Optional donations support this self-defense program.

AGES

9 to 13 | 10:00am to 11:30am

14 to 18 | 12:00pm to 1:30pm

WHERE

Peace Over Violence Metro HQ

1541 Wilshire Blvd 3rd Fl Los Angeles, CA 90201

Paid Parking Available ([link removed])

Deadline to RSVP: February 4
Register here ([link removed])


** Virtual Support Group: Dating After Interpersonal Trauma
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If you’re a past or current POV client preparing to explore dating again but struggle with fear, triggers, or impulses after interpersonal trauma, this group is for you.

This free 10-week support group for women includes weekly psychoeducation (boundaries, attachment, red flags, etc.) plus group processing and discussion.

WHEN

January 26-April 6, 2026

Mondays | 11:00am–12:30pm (Zoom)

Only 12 spots! | Register by Jan 23: peaceoverviolence.org/DTW126

*Open to past/current POV clients. New clients must complete an intake before the group begins.

ASL interpretation available.

Questions: [email protected]
Register here ([link removed])
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** Program Highlight: Almas Unidas (United Souls)
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Almas Unidas is a support group within POV’s Latinx, Spanish & Indigenous Programming, led by longtime staff member Marilu. Through art-based expressive healing, participants are invited to process and share their experiences through creation and explore self-expression in a culturally grounded, trauma-informed space.

Learn more about support groups and culturally specific services at POV.
Explore Our Support Groups ([link removed])
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** POV trains Pasadena PD
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POV kicked off the new year by collaborating with the Pasadena Police Department to strengthen their Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Response Team (DVSART) program. Over five days, POV’s Deputy Executive Director led trauma-informed policing trainings for patrol officers who respond to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

The training emphasized:
* Understanding the physical, emotional, and psychological impacts of trauma on survivors
* Strategies for building trust and ensuring survivor safety during initial police interactions
* Best practices for survivor-centered response in domestic violence and sexual assault cases
* Effective coordination with POV advocacy services and community-based resources

We’re proud to partner with the PPD to improve outcomes for survivors and support a compassionate, informed, survivor-centered response from law enforcement. Together, we’re strengthening coordination with POV advocacy services and community-based resources—reinforcing Pasadena’s broader network of care for victims of interpersonal violence.


** Survey: Make your voice heard!
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The LA County Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) is conducting a survey to better understand the needs of people who have experienced sexual assault.

Your feedback will help guide the LA County Sexual Assault Council’s (LAC SAC) work to strengthen survivor-centered services and systems across the county.
Take the Survey ([link removed])
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** Denim Day 2026: Save the Date!
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** Wednesday, April 29
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Denim Day is the longest running sexual violence prevention education campaign in history and is now a worldwide movement.

Speak out in support of survivors of sexual assault, amplifying stories, experiences, and the collective need for change. Join the Denim Day movement.

PARTICIPATE
* Wear jeans with a purpose on Denim Day and educate yourself and others about all forms of sexual violence

GET INVOLVED
* Access the Denim Day Action Kit and observe Denim Day by hosting an educational event on your campus, in your community, organization or business
* Purchase Denim Day materials and swag and gear up to raise awareness and create solidarity

TAKE ACTION
* Support the campaign by donating, sponsoring and/or crowdfunding
* Engage online through social media using #denimday
* and tag Peace Over Violence (@peaceovrviolnce)

Learn more at denimday.org
Learn More ([link removed])
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** You are invited to join us for the Golf Over Violence Classic
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** Monday, May 11
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Join us in taking a stand against gender-based violence by supporting survivors and spreading awareness through our golf fundraiser benefiting Peace Over Violence.

Peace Over Violence is a brave space in the fight against sexual and domestic violence, offering crisis intervention services and violence prevention education. Their dedicated staff provides compassionate support to survivors, guiding them on their healing journeys. Additionally, the organization educates teens about healthy relationships, empowers girls through self-defense training, teaches boys conflict resolution skills, and advocates for policy changes.

At Peace Over Violence, the belief is clear: violence is preventable. With your support, we can work together to end violence against women, youth, and children. Join us as we drive change and create a safer, more equitable future for all.
Learn More ([link removed])


** POV Reads
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** From Fear to Choice: How Empowerment Self-Defense Changes Lives ([link removed])
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by Lauren R. Taylor for Psychology Today

Choice, consent, and social context change the way we think about safety.


** Hockey’s Cultural Renaissance Can’t Ignore Domestic Violence ([link removed])
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by Kaitlyn Sims and Samantha Berkowitz for Ms. Magazine

While we are on the subject of hockey (cough, Heated Rivalry) … why doesn’t the NHL have a domestic violence policy?


** Brain injuries linked to cognitive issues in domestic violence survivors, Australian study finds ([link removed])
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by Cait Kelly for The Guardian

An Australian-first study has strengthened evidence that intimate partner violence can cause lasting brain injuries, leading to memory loss, learning changes and other long-term cognitive problems.


** About Human Trafficking ([link removed])
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Cast (Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking)

Facts, stats, & resources from our partners at Cast.


** L.A. County women’s jail inmates allege sexual abuse by guards: ‘We’re all broken’ ([link removed])
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By Connor Sheets for LA TIMES

Two women at Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood claim they were sexually assaulted by a jail staff member.
[link removed]


** Join our team
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** Looking to join the team at Peace Over Violence? Apply today!
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* CalWORKs Coordinator ([link removed])
* Domestic Violence Specialist - DART Hollenbeck ([link removed])
* Housing Case Manager ([link removed])
* SART Coordinator 1 ([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 office
213.955.9093 fax
213.785.2684 video
213.785.2749 video

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


** 24/7 LA RAPE & BATTERING HOTLINE
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626.793.3385
310.392.8381
213.626.3393

Information
Support
Referrals
Accompaniments
Advocacy
Counseling
Self-Defense

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** Committed to social service, social change and social justice
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Copyright (C) 2026 Peace Over Violence. All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you are a POV supporter.
Our mailing address is:
Peace Over Violence
1541 Wilshire Blvd.
3rd Fl
Los Angeles, CA 90017
USA
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