The United Nations has declared November 25^th as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to raise public awareness and stop gender-based violence. Since the pandemic began, domestic violence incidents have spiked. According to the World Health Organization, over a quarter of women aged 15-49 years old who have been in a relationship, have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner at least once in their lifetime. Additionally, 38% of all murders of women are committed by their intimate partners.

This is how you can help end gender-based violence against women and girls:

For more information on global gender-based violence visit the link below. Together we can end gender-based violence.

What a year this has been! In spite of the pandemic, I hope the approaching holiday season brings you moments of peace and joy. Perhaps you are planning holiday gatherings with family and friends, filled with warm conversation and favorite foods. Maybe you’re looking forward to some alone time and a good book, or a community event that fosters warmth and good will.

Many holiday traditions give us a break from our routines. They offer us happiness, joy, and peace. For individuals experiencing intimate partner abuse, however, the holiday season offers no relief from daily depression, fear, and pain. While the logistics of holiday travel and family gatherings can be time-consuming, the planning that faces someone wanting to escape abuse is daunting. When a survivor decides to leave an abusive relationship they must consider safety, financial resources, and affordable housing options, as well as deal with possible legal issues, among other barriers. According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, between 22 and 57 percent of homeless women and children are homeless due to domestic violence, and 38 percent of all domestic violence survivors experience homelessness at some point in their lives. Survivors who try multiple times to leave often suffer multiple spells of homelessness.

House of Ruth is here to help. With your support, survivors of domestic violence can find safety, healing, and affordable housing.

This is how Crystal describes her journey: “I felt depressed, fearful and alone. I was a mess, my heart needed mending and House of Ruth was the only support I had. After several years of putting up with physical, verbal, emotional, and financial abuse from my partner, I left him. I had nowhere to go so I slept in my car, until I met with a county worker who referred me to House of Ruth. I was accepted into the emergency shelter program and began counseling, healthy relationship classes, and case management services. The Housing Services team assisted me with obtaining my own apartment in a safe city away from my abuser and helped me get back on my feet. I’m thankful to be alive and have a message to individuals suffering from abuse. You can walk away from the situation and move on; you don’t have to go through this by yourself. It gives me strength and hope to know that there is a community out there that cares about people and wants to see them succeed.”    

House of Ruth needs your support to prevent domestic violence and to provide survivors and their children a safe place to heal and thrive. In the spirit of the holidays, please consider a generous gift to House of Ruth today.

With deep gratitude and warm wishes,

Pat Bell,

Executive Director

We need your help with the following brand new items:

** Please Note: We are currently not accepting gently used items at this time. All gently used items can be donated directly to, Acts Thrift Store, 232 E Foothill Blvd Pomona CA., 909-491-3199. House of Ruth will receive store credit that can be used by House of Ruth clients. Just let them know House of Ruth referred you.