Newsletter Table of Contents:

• From Our Director of Programs
• The State of California Must Get Proactive to End Sexual and Domestic Violence 
• Support Our Work: The Big Day of Giving is Here!
• Events (see below)
• Our Impact: The Partnership by the Numbers

Recent Events

California Family Leave Rights Training: Preventing Domestic Violence with Economic Justice

On April 11^th, Alejandra Aguilar from our Policy Team helped train 120 Los Angeles service providers on California family leave laws, providing information in English and Spanish. This is part of our ongoing work to prevent domestic violence by increasing access to paid leave — a promising approach that works by reducing financial stress, increasing equity across parenting practices, and promoting child/parent bonding. A new Prevention Institute report written by Alisha Somji, Lisa Fujie Parks, and Sheila Savannah featured Alejandra, who is leading economic justice work at the Partnership with a deep commitment to the well-being of survivors and families: “As a preventionist working previously at a DV/SA agency, I would engage in conversations with advocates and counselors regarding the financial barriers that so many survivors faced in abusive relationships,” said Alejandra. “Then as a child, supporting my mother with the difficult decision to leave my father, she would always say: But how will I get by without him?”

If you’re a DV advocate who wants to learn more about how paid leave can advance your prevention work, fill out our 1-minute interest form. Alejandra will follow up with everyone who fills it out! 

Domestic Violence Housing First Convening: Increasing Survivor Well-Being and Agency

We’re still energized from our Domestic Violence Housing First (DVHF) Convening, led by Partnership Capacity-Building Specialist Miranda Stiers last March. The DVHF model takes guidance directly from survivors, meeting their needs to find safe, stable housing as soon as possible—or removing barriers to remaining safely in their homes. California has 65 programs implementing DVHF, encompassing all seven regions of our state.

The National Alliance for Safe Housing wrote about the convening, which brought together advocates from across the state to talk through best practices and strategies: “These programs are truly scaling up the availability of housing assistance and advocacy that is survivor-driven, trauma-informed, and community-engaged.”

Upcoming Events

➜ May 2: The BIG Day of Giving

On May 2, we are again participating in the Sacramento Region Community Foundation’s Big Day of Giving: It’s 24 little hours, with a big impact (and prizes!). With your support during Big Day of Giving on May 2, we will grow our impact in this community – and beyond, into all corners of California.

Will you help the Partnership reach its $5000 goal and fund work that helps to end domestic violence? Pre-schedule your gift now!

➜ May 5: National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls

According to a new report by the Urban Indian Health Institute, murder is the third most prevalent cause of death for American Indian and Alaska Native women. May 5^th is a day to raise awareness of the injustices of missing and murdered Native women, and call for social change through grassroots organizing. Wear red and show your support of Native advocates and survivors’ work by joining the conversation on social media. There are a number of excellent organizations to support throughout the state and nation, including but not limited to:

• National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC)
• La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians – Avellaka Program addressing safety for Native women
• Kene Me-Wu Family Healing Center

Take additional action:

• Add your organization’s name to NIWRC’s letter for a Resolution to Support a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls
• Read and share the new report from the Urban Indian Health Institute: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls: A Snapshot of Data from 71 Urban Cities in the United States

➜ ​June 9: Salsa Sunday in SF

Join us June 9 at El Rio in San Francisco for an afternoon of salsa dancing, drinks, and fun in the sun. Door proceeds from 3-4 pm go to the Partnership! $8 cover, please sign in at the door and let them know you are with the Partnership. Enjoy a free salsa lesson at 3:15 (no partner needed, anyone can lead or follow), live music from 4-8 pm. We’ll be there all day! But remember – only door proceeds from 3-4 pm go towards the Partnership, so pop in by then. Buy your tickets!

➜ Read Next Article: Our Impact: The Partnership by the Numbers