05/29/2024
Trigger warning: I’m going to briefly point to child sexual assault.
Those of you who know me well, and those who have attended my self-defense classes, know that I am a survivor of years of child sexual assault.
I was assaulted during a time when crisis centers for sexual and domestic violence did not exist. There was nowhere to go. All that was available to my low income family were basic psych advice; they told her I was too young to remember, and that I would forget about the abuse overtime.
Well, that didn’t happen. I’ve spent a lifetime learning to regulate extremely difficult emotional states and behaviors in order to live a happier, more productive life. Had the services of today been available when I was abused, my life and relationships would’ve been decidedly easier.
It took feminist women in the 70s to establish the first services for women in LA County. It’s taken 50 years to establish a strong network of crisis centers in LA with the support of local, state and federal funds. Now, due to federal funding cuts with this do nothing Congress, crisis services stand to lose millions.
In the state of California, 400 agencies including r**e crisis centers, domestic violence shelter and non-shelter programs, child abuse centers, and legal services to survivors will experience cuts up to 48%. These programs serve the communities that need it the most. Over 40 agencies will be impacted in Los Angeles County alone.
Please take action!!
Protect Survivors of Sexyal and Domestic Violence.
Tell the California Legislature to invest $200 million in ongoing funding to backfill federal VOCA funds. Due to ongoing federal instability the state's victim service providers are at risk of losing funds for hotline, crisis support, healing ther**eutic support, and legal support.
PLEASE!!! I cannot stand the thought of another child, another survivor, receiving no support after such devastating personal violation.
With tears rolling, I am asking you to please help and do anything you can to donate to your local center, but at least send a letter to Governor Newsom letting him know that you want him to fill that gap in funding in the current budget. Please click on the link and do just that.
We are a wealthy nation and a wealthy state. These backward steps should not be happening.
Tell the California Legislature to invest $200 million in ongoing funding to backfill federal VOCA funds. Due to ongoing federal instability the state's victim service providers are at risk of dev...
