Background:

Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women in the United States. According to the California Department of Justice, on average there are more than 600 incidents of domestic violence reported every day in California. It is only recently that Californians have begun to realize that domestic violence is much more than a private matter. It is a public health epidemic that affects women in every neighborhood, business and home. Domestic violence hurts women, children, and seniors. Occasionally, men are also the victims of domestic violence.

Each October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, communities and organizations throughout California sponsor activities to increase public understanding of this little-noticed crime. Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the first “Day of Unity,” which was observed by the National Coalition against Domestic Violence in 1981. De La Torre will honor the following organizations who work to help victims of domestic violence:

• Chicana Service Action Center
  
• Su Casa
  
• Family Violence Prevention and Education Program (South Gate Police Department)
  
• Break the Cycle
  
• WomenShelter of Long Beach
  
• 1736 Family Crisis Center
  
• Department of Community Services (City of Commerce )
  
• Human Services Association