A Window Between Worlds: 20 Years of Creativity and Healing

Can art help to end domestic violence? A Window Between Worlds believes that through creativity and healing, battered women and children can find a renewed sense of power and self. The images of survival, strength, and hope also spread the word about domestic violence, educating the public while survivors share their process of taking steps toward a better life.

Since 1991, A Window Between Worlds has provided healing tools through creative expression to 49,500 battered women and children in crisis centers and transitional homes. Art workshops provide a renewed sense of hope for women, helping them to realize that their lives are profound and their relationships are important. Their self-confidence is boosted, and they learn to value themselves more.

Art as an Outlet to Coping with Domestic Violence

Through art women and children are able to break the silence of their struggles and tell their stories. A Window Between Worlds believes that art is able to assist in:

1. Breaking the Silence
2. Recovering a Sense of Safety
3. Releasing Anger
4. Recovering a Sense of Joy
5. Building Feelings of Self Worth and Confidence
6. Developing a Positive Vision for the Future
7. Finding Support for Change
8. Building Connections with Each Other
9. Transforming Shelters

Get Involved with A Window Between Worlds

The Volunteer Opportunities are endless at A Window Between Worlds. From art project prep and artistic tasks to database entry and general office help, check out A Window Between Worlds Today to see how you can help.

A Window Between Worlds relies heavily on donations. Make a donation today to support the healing power of art for victims of domestic violence.

You can also contact A Window Between Worlds at 710 4th Avenue, Suite 5, Venice, California 90291. You can also call them at 301.396.0317 or check out A Window Between Worlds website.

Peace Over Violence: One on One, One by One

Peace Over Violence is a fantastic non-profit, feminist, multicultural, volunteer organization that works to build relationships from the ground up for families and communities to keep them free from sexual, interpersonal, and domestic violence. In 2011, Peace Over Violence has been around for 40 years making a difference in the lives of people in Los Angeles.

Peace Over Violence works to provide services in the following areas:

• Emergency: 24-7, Peace Over Violence offers support to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking. Find the corresponding number to your area for the 24 hour crisis line:
  213.626.3393 Central Los Angeles
  310.392.8381 South Los Angeles
  626.793.3385 West San Gabriel Valley
  877.633.0044 Stalking Hotline
• Intervention: A lot of people are unable to report instances of violence because they are disabled, elderly, or undocumented. Their intervention services give group counseling, and solve short term crises.
• Prevention: These services teach people how to deal with violence and the after effects which include psychological and emotional pain.
• Education: Education is the best way to make people aware of domestic violence issues. Peace Over Violence offers preventative education and teen services to make people aware of whether or not they are in an abusive relationship and how to avoid it.
• Advocacy: Peace Over Violence offers advocacy services for people going through the legal battle and receive just accommodations and compensation through the legal system.

Volunteer and Donate to Peace Over Violence

Volunteers make up the bulk of the Peace Over Violence impact. You can join a program or become an intern. All volunteers will go through a specialized training program and work with the staff.

You can also donate to Peace Over Violence.

To contact Peace Over Violence, visit 1015 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90017 or see the entire list of Peace Over Violence contacts.

California Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Helping Victims of Domestic Violence

California Coalition Against Domestic Violence works on empowering battered women and children to avoid permanent damage that domestic violence usually holds on them. Through advocacy and education, CCADV serves domestic violence victims through a resource and referral service, especially in October which is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

How do you know if you are in a dangerous relationship? (source)

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may be in an abusive or dangerous relationship.

• Does your partner blame you when he or she mistreats you?
• Does your partner call you names?
• Does your partner’s temper scare you?
• Does your partner try to control a lot of aspects of your life?
• Does your partner pick at your friends and family, attempting to cut you off?
• Does your partner try to make you choose?
• Do they get violent on drugs and alcohol?
• Do they throw things at you?
• Do they physically assault you?
• Does your partner follow you?
• Does your partner force you to have sex?
• Does your partner want you to give him your paycheck?
• Do you hide things from your partner as to not upset him?
• Are you afraid to speak up against your partner?
• Are you afraid of your partner when he becomes angry?
• Are you uncomfortable to your partner’s verbal teasing?

What You Can Do

Educate yourself. Learn that abuse is a learned behavior and spread that knowledge. Make sure to report any instances of domestic abuse you might hear of and raise awareness in the circles where you socialize.

Donate today to California Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

AGAPE Foundation Against Domestic Violence: Making A Difference in the Fight Against Domestic Abuse

In order to end the cycle of domestic violence through education, intervention and prevention awareness, the AGAPE foundation wants to empower victims of domestic violence and move them towards self-sufficiency. AGAPE gives women and children who are affected by domestic violence services in order to overcome the vicious cycle.

Schools, churches, events, businesses, agencies, companies and other providers assist in offering ongoing domestic violence education to increase public education awareness and violence prevention.

Outreach Services

AGAPE offers a handful of services including:

• Domestic violence crisis intervention
• Domestic violence prevention
• Domestic violence counseling
• Individual and group counseling
• Youth and teen dating violence
• Conflict resolution
• Child abuse counseling
• Elder abuse
• Bullying prevention
• Breakthrough parenting counseling
• Drugs and alcohol counseling
• Restraining orders
• Anger management classes
• Positive mentoring program
• Community outreach and education
• Food distribution services
• Clothing services
• Transportation services
• Shelter referral services
• Information and ongoing referral services

Donate to AGAPE

Financial contributions are always welcome at AGAPE. Make your check payable to AGAPE Foundation Against Domestic Violence, Inc. and mail it to PO Box 8791, Los Angeles, CA 90008. You can also donate online.