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Please demonstrate your commitment to the safety of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault by making a donation.

August 4, 2011
In This Issue
Sweats = Safe
Support WEAVE's United Way and CSECC Campaign
Domestic Violence Legislation Passed By Governor
WEAVE Executive Director Appointed to First 5 Sacramento Commission
Celebrating WEAVE's Safehouse
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links

Sweats = Safe
How YOU Can Support Sexual Assault Victims

WEAVE's Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) accompanies every victim who reports a rape in Sacramento County to the hospital. Advocates respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They remain with the sexual assault victim until the evidentiary exam is complete, no matter how long it takes.

 

Earlier this month, "Mary" was met by a WEAVE SART advocate after she was brutally sexually assaulted. She shared that having an advocate there for her was important to her recovering. "The kindness, consideration and love I felt was so amazing that it made the experience unforgettable in a positive way."

 

At the hospital, Mary's clothing was taken as evidence. This is an important part of the DNA evidence collection process, but leaves the victim with nothing to wear home. The advocate provided Mary with a pair of new sweats, underwear, and a t-shirt. Mary was relieved to not have to worry about how to get clean clothes delivered to the hospital.

 

WEAVE provides clothing, toiletries and snacks to more than 300 sexual assault victims every year - that's a pair of sweats a day. To ensure that every sexual assault victim leaves the hospital in clean clothes and feeling safe and supported, we need your help!

 

Our supply of sweats is nearly gone. YOUR help is needed to ensure the next woman who must deal with the trauma of sexual assault will not need to worry about having clothes to wear home from the hospital. A pair of sweats makes a difference as a victim transforms into a survivor.

 

Ways YOU can help:

  1. Purchase a pair of new cotton sweats and t-shirt in any size. We ask that clothing be free of logos or printing.
  2. Donate $25 and we'll buy the sweats for you.
  3. Organize a sweats drive at your business, school or church. Click here to get started.
  4. Share this email with 5 friends and post it on Facebook.

With your help, we can ensure every survivor leaves the hospital knowing our community cares.

 

Donations accepted at:

 

WEAVE 

1900 K Street, Sacramento 

Monday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PM

 

WEAVE Thrift Arden 

2401 Arden Way, Sacramento

Monday - Saturday 10 AM - 3 PM 

Sunday Noon - 3 PM

Support WEAVE's United Way and CSECC Campaign

WEAVE is proud to be a certified nonprofit partner of United Way California Capital Region and the California State Employees Charitable Campaign (CSECC). Nonprofit organizations must pass a stringent assessment process to be a certified nonprofit partner and WEAVE is proud to meet these requirements.

 

We love meeting WEAVE supporters through United Way and CSECC campaigns and would like to share the work we do with you and your co-workers. If your employer is holding a United Way or CSECC campaign, please suggest they request a WEAVE representative to give a presentation.

 

Thank you for supporting WEAVE through United Way and CSECC! 

Domestic Violence Legislation Passed By Governor

Recently three bills to support victims of domestic violence were signed by Governor Jerry Brown. All three bills are supported by the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, the statewide coalition that represents WEAVE and the 100+ sister agencies throughout California.

 

AB 454 introduced by Assembly Member Silva requires that all victims being protected by a domestic violence restraining order be notified if the order is modified or terminated. If the victim cannot be notified, it furthermore requires the modification or termination to cease.

 

SB 430 introduced by Senator Kehoe allows the courts to pursue felony charges if a domestic violence abuser uses strangulation or suffocation to assault the victim.

 

SB 723 introduced by Senator Pavley states that in all cases when an individual is convicted of domestic violence, this bill would give courts the ability to issue a restraining order for up to 10 years to protect the victim.

WEAVE Executive Director Appointed to First 5 Sacramento Commission

WEAVE's Executive Director Beth Hassett was appointed to the First 5 Sacramento Commission on July 20, 2011 by the County of Sacramento Board of Supervisors. The Commission was formed in 1998 in response to the passage of Proposition 10, the California Children and Families Act. As an alternate commissioner, Beth will serve to support the healthy development of children zero to age five, the empowerment of families and the strengthening of communities. She contributes her extensive knowledge of the effects domestic violence and sexual assault can have on young children.

Celebrating WEAVE's Safehouse

Two years ago this month, WEAVE dedicated its new Safehouse. Since the opening, 446 women and 401 children have found refuge at WEAVE's Safehouse. These families are staying longer - 28 days (compared to 11 days) is now the average. The longer stays mean families have access to more supportive services and have additional time to heal from the abuse they have experienced. More importantly, it means they are more likely to permanently leave the abusive relationship and start a new, safer life for themselves and their children.

 

"Celia", a young Spanish-speaking woman, called WEAVE's support line and requested emergency shelter for herself and her four-year-old son. She was alone, had no money or job, and feared for her life. Celia and her son were immediately brought to WEAVE's Safehouse to ensure their safety.

 

During her stay, with help from our bilingual staff, Celia and her son received counseling to help her understand the confusing dynamics of a domestic violence relationship, assistance with navigating the process of obtaining a restraining order, and help in securing food stamps, emergency aid and placement in transitional housing. Through therapy, Celia's son was able to express his feelings about how scared he was in his home and how much he resented the daily violence he witnessed.

 

Celia met another young Spanish-Speaking mother while staying at the Safehouse. She found comfort and camaraderie with this friend who understood the challenges she was facing. They have continued to support one another since leaving the Safehouse, even helping each other out with childcare and offering encouragement along their path to a life free from violence.

 

You can continue to support women and children escaping violent environments. Click here to make a donation to WEAVE's Safehouse today.