The California Women’s Law Center is observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October by sharing resources such as our guide to obtaining restraining orders, and supporting survivors through an upcoming event called Handbags of Hope. 

Domestic violence affects people of all income levels, races, genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and religions. While domestic violence can affect anyone, women are 2.5 times more likely to experience intimate partner violence than men. 

Domestic violence is an intersectional  issue which can be compounded by women’s pay inequality and other barriers to economic security. Women’s shelters report that over 70% of women stayed with an abuser longer than they wanted to because of financial restraints and economic instability. 

One way CWLC is supporting survivors is by partnering with Handbags of Hope again this year to collect new and gently used handbags filled with toiletries, personal care items, and a $15 gift card. The handbags will be distributed to domestic violence shelters throughout Los Angeles. 

To help support survivors of domestic violence and participate in our Handbags of Hope effort, please bring your donations to our office in El Segundo before October 11th, or to the LASD Youth Athletic League on October 12th, between 11am-2pm. For more information, please contact us at (323) 951-1041 or cwlc@cwlc.org. 

We thank you for your ongoing support,

Betsy Butler

Executive Director