Domestic Violence Awareness Month

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

The question we ask ourselves during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), and throughout the year, is how do we, as a community, turn awareness into action? How do we spark a change across the state?

“Silence Hides Violence: Be a Voice” was the California Victim Compensation Program’s (CalVCP) theme and call to action during DVAM as we step up to make a change and encourage others to do the same.

Domestic violence affects 12 million people every year in the U.S. including men, women, and children. It has many faces as it knows no gender, race or ethnicity. It is no secret that domestic violence occurs; however, it is a silent problem. We must be a voice for domestic violence survivors.

Calling All Modern-Day Abolitionists

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

Humans are being bought and sold for labor and sex all over our world, country and here in California.

In the last decade, many organizations, agencies and government groups have formed to combat this dreadful crime. However, with continued challenges of globalization and the use of technology, the fight against one of the world’s most profitable criminal enterprises is not yet over.

California is home to three of the thirteen FBI-identified high-intensity child sex trafficking regions in the nation. The Victims of Trafficking Division of WEAVE, a Northern California based advocacy and crisis center for women and men, confirms the realities I wish were not true: “The survivors we work with are reporting initial trafficking victimization between 12 and 14 years old. It is disheartening.”

Our work to ensure the rights of human trafficking victims, prevent future violence, and reach all victims has never been more challenging. Now more than ever, collaboration is the pathway to success. Our collective energy, skill, and commitment will lead the way to realizing freedom.

Today in recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Day, will you resolve to join me in this fight? Anti-trafficking organizations have many needs, affording us numerous ways to get involved:

• Volunteer your time and skills at a nonprofit or agency. Organizations in every county need assistance with public relations, training, office work, graphic art, fundraising and awareness, and outreach efforts.
• Donate care package items such as backpacks, sweats, underclothing, journals, shampoo, and bus passes. Most agencies need help meeting the basic needs of trafficking survivors.
• Donate money to help fund a local anti-trafficking program.

There is a long way to go until all of California experiences freedom, but if we each play our part, we can end this battle.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB). VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.

Suited for Success Clothing Drive

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

Yesterday I was honored to participate in a press conference for the 2nd Annual CalVCP Suited for Success Program where we presented three very deserving organizations with nearly 2,000 clothing items. The Suited for Success Program was a great success and we are proud of all of the donations that were made. Suited for Success is an incredible program run by our friends at WEAVE to provide interview-quality professional and business casual clothing to victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault in the greater Sacramento area.

This year, we were thrilled to partner with the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence and expand the potential for collection. With their assistance we were able to place collection bins in several State agencies and departments, including the Governor’s Office. We also had a helping hand from many Legislative offices and from our friends at Chicory Coffee and Tea on L Street.

WEAVE began this program back in 1999 to fill the need in assisting domestic violence victims attain economic independence. WEAVE, along with our partners, My Sister’s House and the Domestic Violence Intervention Center, help domestic violence victims who are forced to leave their homes and start all over again. Many lack the financial freedom to get back on their feet — and that is where these incredible organizations and the Suited for Success Program come in.

I was touched by a message I received shortly following the press event from Nilda Valmores, Executive Director at My Sister’s House. She wrote:

"A client from our Women to Work Program just came by sharing that she has an interview in a few hours. I asked her if she had her outfit. She said "no." I said, "Guess what I have in my van?" She found not only a great outfit for the interview but some wonderful items for when she starts the job . . . we're feeling positive. She said, "I feel like it's Christmas!"

I was moved by this story and reminded of the great work these organizations do and why it is so important to continue to support victims of domestic violence. We know that domestic violence continues to be a concerning issue for California and here in the Sacramento region. The California Victim Compensation Program provides assistance to more than 15,000 victims of domestic violence every year. In fact, 35 percent of all the applications we process annually come from domestic violence victims. Many victims come to us looking to relocate, go to counseling, and get medical attention, and I am proud that we have such a program that can assist with these financial burdens.

Thank you to all who joined us and who donated the life-changing clothing to these worthy organizations. A special thanks to the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence for being a great partner with us during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and of course to WEAVE, My Sister’s House, and the Domestic Violence Intervention Center who will distribute the clothing to those in need.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB). VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.