The Domestic Violence Center of Santa Clarita Valley, in partnership with the City of Santa Clarita and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, is proud to launch a new four-part series called “Stop the Silence, Stand Up Against Violence” to raise awareness about family violence in Santa Clarita and local resources for those in need.

The DVC of SCV developed the four-part series with City and Sheriff’s Department representatives in response to recent family-violence related incidents in and around the Santa Clarita Valley.  The goals of the free workshop series are to raise awareness about what family violence is and looks like; to provide tools to help stop the cycle of abuse; to share the best way to protect family and friends both physically and legally; and to empower people to take action if they suspect family violence is taking place.

“Family violence is a community issue and for far too long it has been considered ‘someone else’s business,’” said DVC Executive Director Linda Davies.  “In order for positive change to happen, the community must learn more about what family violence looks like, how to protect themselves and others, and ways to stop the cycle of family violence.  Santa Clarita is not immune to these things.  We believe that by working with the City and Sheriff’s Department to educate and empower residents, we can encourage people to make better choice, which will ultimately save lives.”

The following workshops will be offered as part of the “Stop the Silence, Stand Up Against Violence” program.

Non-Violent Parenting Workshop

Tuesday, October 13, 2015 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm

This workshop is designed to shift the parenting paradigm, helping attendees recognize how they were parented and how they may want to do things differently.

The workshop will:

* provide strategies that are based on empathy, connecting language, and the understanding of a child’s emotional, physical and brain development.

* emphasize the value of empathy, connecting language and the understanding of a child’s emotional, physical and brain development.

* learn to observe children through a lens of compassion, by modeling empathy and mutual respect.

* break the cycle of violence and help children grow to be individuals who are able to contribute effectively to the quality of their communities.

Understanding the Law

Tuesday, January 12, 2016 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm

This workshop is designed to provide women and men with a better understanding of the legal system, including protective and restraining orders, and details about developing a court safety plan.

The workshop will provide details about:

* the differences between the criminal and civil legal systems

* where domestic and family violence law derives from

* the importance of obtaining the proper restraining order at the right time, and statistics associated with success

* the requirements and procedures to obtain a domestic violence restraining order.

Be an Upstander, Not a Bystander

Tuesday, April 12, 2016 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Family violence is a community issue, no longer just something kept behind closed doors.  In order to make change possible, men, women, friends and family must learn more, get involved, and take a stand against violence. 

The workshop will provide details about:
* characteristics of an upstander – a person who recognizes when something is wrong and acts to make it right.

* how to avoid being a bystander – a person who is present at an event or incident but does not take part.

* techniques to safety and effectively become an Upstander in your community.

Self Defense for All

Tuesday, June 14, 2016 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Men, women and teens can all benefit from better knowledge of how to protect themselves in the event of a family violence issue.

The workshop will provide details about:

* managing physiological responses that can occur in stressful situations

* methods of reducing anxiety and tension

* offensive and defensive self-defense techniques.

All four workshops will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm at the SAVIA building, located at 23780 Newhall Avenue.  Registration is not mandatory to attend, but is appreciated.  Free childcare will be available to all in attendance.  To learn more about the “Stop the Silence, Stand up Against Violence” program, please call the DVC of SCV at    (661) 259-8175 or visit dvc-scv.org.

About the Domestic Violence Center of Santa Clarita Valley

The Domestic Violence Center transforms lives. The organization helps women, children, and men gain the confidence and capability to demonstrate dignity and respect now, and in future generations.