City of Santa Cruz Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women

04/25/2025

All untested r**e kits were destroyed before 2002 in Santa Cruz County. Little known fact of SC history. This is a good article about the overall problems with prosecution.

Standardized forensic exams are a useful tool for sexual-violence investigations—or they would be if police departments consistently tested their findings.

03/14/2025

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department has released a sketch of a suspect wanted in two sexual battery incidents that happened on campus, one on March 7 and another on Feb. 20, in an effort to identify the individual. Get the story from https://buff.ly/LSiyAdy

03/06/2025

We must address why the system is stacked against survivors of this brutal invasion.

Assaulted at 22, Nguyen was shocked to find she would have to pay for her r**e evidence kit – which might be destroyed long before any court case. She talks about her battle for survivors’ rights, and the ambition that is taking her into space

12/29/2024

12/29/2024

Who carries the mental load of the holiday season in your family? Historically, the bulk of these responsibilities has fallen on women. In the , we explore practical tips for achieving and the positive impact it has on everyone in the household. A more balanced holiday season is a more joyful holiday season for all.

12/29/2024

12/29/2024

12/29/2024

Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. There is NO “typical victim.”

Victims of domestic violence come from all walks of life, varying age groups, all backgrounds, all communities, all education levels, all economic levels, all cultures, all ethnicities, all religions, all abilities, and all lifestyles. That’s why it’s so important to understand the dynamics of abuse.

12/29/2024

The holiday may be moving along quickly, but the pressures and emotional challenges can linger—especially for men who often feel the need to 'hold it all together.' Prioritizing your mental well-being is just as important as showing up for others. So, remember to take a moment to check in with yourself, set boundaries, and reach out for support when needed. How are you taking care of yourself as the year comes to an end?

12/18/2024

🎁 Our offices are overflowing with gifts and hope, all thanks to YOU—our incredible donor community. 🎁

Your generosity is bringing joy and comfort to survivors and their children this holiday season.

Carolina*(named changed for confidentiality)a mother of three shared:
“Monarch’s adopt-a-family took one thing off my overflowing plate this winter. Giving my children Christmas presents didn’t feel possible a couple of months ago, as just paying rent and buying food felt out of reach. Now I know my kiddos will feel the love and joy they deserve. What I really didn’t expect was anything for myself. I haven’t received Christmas gifts since I was a child and was overwhelmed with the clothing and gift cards I was given. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

❤️ Because of you, families like Carolina’s* are experiencing the joy, hope, and love they truly deserve. Thank you for making the holidays brighter. ✨

🎁 Nuestras oficinas están repletas de regalos y esperanza, todo gracias a USTEDES, nuestra increíble comunidad de donantes. 🎁

Su generosidad está trayendo alegría y consuelo a sobrevivientes y a sus hijos esta temporada navideña.

Carolina*, (nombre cambiado por confidencialidad) una madre de tres ninos.

“La iniciativa de adopta-una-familia de Monarch me quitó una carga de mi plato tan lleno este invierno. No sentía posible darles regalos de Navidad a mis hijos hace un par de meses, ya que simplemente pagar la renta y comprar comida parecía imposible. Ahora sé que mis pequeños sentirán el amor y la alegría que merecen. Lo que realmente no esperaba era recibir algo para mí. No he recibido regalos de Navidad desde que era niña y me emocionó mucho la ropa y las tarjetas de regalo que recibí. Gracias con todo mi corazón.”

❤️ Gracias a ustedes, familias como la de Carolina están experimentando la alegría, la esperanza y el amor que realmente merecen. Gracias por hacer las fiestas más brillantes. ✨

12/18/2024

12/18/2024

We have a few ideas for taking charge of the emotional and physical safety of yourself and your loved ones this holiday season.

To learn more, visit: https://www.kidpower.org/library/article/emotional-safety-holidays/

12/18/2024

Incarcerated women seek relief after exposing harassment, retaliation and assault by staff

12/04/2024

This 2013 PSA is still relevant today.

A satirical video campaign against sexual assaults in India made an impact on YouTube. The short video entitled “It’s your fault” has been viewed close to 3 ...

12/04/2024

Victim was going to testify about being forced to see a psychiatrist for lying or face expulsion from school after r**e by Lawrence Hecker, now 93

11/26/2024

Why is r**e so prevalent? Our culture continues to use blame and shame as a tactic.

A satirical video campaign against sexual assaults in India made an impact on YouTube. The short video entitled “It’s your fault” has been viewed close to 3 ...

11/25/2024