Partners Against Violence usually gets funding from the VOCA fund (the Victims of Crime Act), California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), and Governor Newsom’s office. Since federal funds were being cut, PAV was forced to look to the state. They attended two different rallies in Sacramento, as well as Policy Advocacy Day, back in early May. The hope was to talk to senators and assembly members about the cuts and their need for $208 million a year for Sexual Support Services to keep going in California. Newsom awarded the Crisis Centers $103 million one-time to be shared throughout Centers in California, leaving Partners needing funding.
Sara Shook, the acting Associate Director of Programs for Partners, told me, “We’ve had to restructure, losing two full-time employees and our part-time PR person. This has been taxing on our staff and volunteers who continue providing essential services while juggling increased responsibilities.”
“Our community outreach extends to high schools like 29 Palms High School, where our counselors provide confidential support to students,” explained Shook. “We ensure confidentiality, which is crucial for teens who may face barriers in seeking help due to transportation or privacy concerns.”
PAV has been around for over fifty years and offers a 24-hour hotline, support during forensic exams, advocacy during legal proceedings, and counseling. They are also actively involved in prevention efforts, visiting schools to educate students on healthy relationships and identifying early signs of abuse. The community education specialists in each office go into high schools and junior highs. They provide in-person counseling, group counseling, and educational groups. They talk about healthy relationships no matter what that relationship looks like, whether that be male and female, a friendship, or an LGBTQ relationship. The focus is to be in healthy relationships and recognizing what that looks like.
Volunteers play a vital role in supporting the organization’s operations. They assist on the hotline and during outreach events, advocating for increased funding at rallies and legislative sessions in Sacramento. PAV is also reaching out to the community to request more volunteers.
Partners Against Violence focuses on fundraising efforts and seeking support from community donations and philanthropic donors to lessen its reliance on government funding. They emphasize the importance of sustained financial backing to maintain their lifesaving services. They want sponsors to know that their donations can directly impact survivors’ lives and help ensure essential services continue without interruption.
“Despite the funding challenges,” Shook said, “we’re committed to being here 24/7 for survivors. Our services are not just crucial; they’re lifesaving for many in our community.”
The California Crime Victims Fund helped maintain services like crisis hotlines and emergency shelters. As advocacy groups work toward long-term stability, state-level funding will continue to play a crucial role. The California VOCA Alliance, a coalition supporting this bill, has already begun work to ensure funds remain available as the new funds builds up.
The need for PAV and other sexual advocacy groups to increase funding and maintain their volunteers is strong, and supporters are encouraged to stay involved by following updates on the website and supporting legislation that directly impacts crime victim services. Together, these efforts ensure that every Californian can access the support they need for safety and healing.
