SCC Office of Gender-Based Violence Prevention

Registration is officially open for our 31st Annual Domestic Violence Conference! For a short time, enjoy early bird pricing on tickets. Join us as we work together to support survivors and prevent domestic violence.

Image Description: Logo for the 31st Annual Domestic Violence Conference 2024. Pathways to Inclusion. Registration open. October 25, 2024. 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. San Jose, CA. Sign up today for early bird prices: dvconference2024.eventbrite.com.

Nominations are now open for our Annual Domestic Violence Conference Awards! Help us recognize and honor those dedicated to creating a safe, violence-free community by submitting your nominations by August 26, 2024. Visit bit.ly/DVAwards2024 for more details.

Image Description: 31st Annual Domestic Violence Conference recognition awards. Do you know someone who is dedicated to ending domestic violence and promoting peace in Santa Clara County? Nominations now open for the following awards: Beacon of Hope, Outstanding Advocate, Champion of Peace. Awards will be presented on October 25, 2024 during our Annual Domestic Violence Conference in San Jose, CA. Nominations deadline is August 26, 2024. Follow this link to nominate: bit.ly/DVAwards2024.

This Friday, join us for a community rally to urge California legislators to stop funding cuts for services that help survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. These funds are essential for keeping our community safe and healthy. Let’s come together to support survivors and keep our community strong.

Exciting news! We're looking for workshop proposals for this year's Annual Domestic Violence Conference, happening on October 25, 2024, in San Jose, CA.

This year's theme, "Pathways to Inclusion," will focus on engaging men/boys in ending domestic violence and reaching underserved communities through inclusive strategies.

Share your workshop ideas by July 7, 2024, and check out sccendviolence.org for more information!

Join us on Friday, May 24th for this pivotal panel discussion on addressing the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples within our local community, hosted by the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley.

Register now at https://bit.ly/MMIPpaneldiscussion

Did you know there are free support resources for survivors of sexual violence right here in our community? Santa Clara County has several organizations that help survivors and their loved ones heal. Save this post so you can find these resources easily when you need them.

Image description: Free support resources for survivors of sexual violence in Santa Clara County. YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley: Confidential services, including a 24-hour support line, housing assistance, and counseling. 1-800-572-2782. Community Solutions: Confidential services, including a 24-hour support line, housing assistance, and counseling. 1-877-363-7238. Santa Clara County Victim Services Unit: Support to survivors navigating the criminal justice process. 408-295-2656. Find more resources at sccEndViolence.org.

Join us in wearing denim to show support for survivors of sexual violence.

Image description: Today is Denim Day. Stand with survivors today and every day. Photo of staff from the County of Santa Clara's Division of Equity and Social Justice wearing denim.

Have you heard about Denim Day? In the 1990s, a court in Italy blamed a woman for her sexual assault because she was wearing tight jeans. Now, we wear denim on this day to remind others that clothing does not equal consent.

Image description: April 24, wear denim for denim day. A young woman wearing denim.

Building communities that support survivors can make a big difference in stopping sexual violence. When you listen to survivors and believe them, you help make our community stronger and more connected.

Image description: Support survivors. A group of people embracing one another.

Your voice has power in preventing violence. If you notice things that undermine consent, such as inappropriate jokes or victim-blaming, say something. Speaking up against these harmful attitudes can help make our community safer for everyone.

Image description: A group of people holding a banner that says, "Speak up for others."

Creating safe communities means being kind and respectful to everyone. When you ask for consent and respect others' boundaries in your everyday interactions, you show others how to behave in a safe and healthy way.

Image description: Lead by example. A woman giving a man a basket of food with a child watching.

Preventing gender-based violence in our community takes work. One way you can make a difference is by talking with friends, family, and co-workers about why consent matters. By talking about consent, we encourage a community where everyone is treated with respect and understanding.

Image description: Normalize talking about consent. Three people sitting on a couch in conversation.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This month, we’re working alongside our partners and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. We'll post on the power of community in preventing sexual violence and supporting survivors. Check back to learn how you can help!

Image description: A graphic of a cityscape with buildings and a sign that reads Building Connected Communities. Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2024. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Learn the facts and build a safer community!

Image Description: Myth and Fact about stalking. Myth: Stalking is a normal dating behavior and shows how much someone cares for you. Fact: Stalking is a violation of boundaries and is never acceptable in dating or breakup situations. Warning signs of stalking in relationships may include texting/calling repeatedly, constantly monitoring or tracking your whereabouts, or showing up where you are without an invitation. Source: One Love. There is nothing loving or romantic about making someone feel distressed or fear for their safety. Connect with these resources for more information and support around stalking and dating: contact Love is Respect by texting LOVEIS to 22522, contact the National Domestic Violence hotline by texting START to 88788, and contact Safe Chat Silicon Valley by texting (833) 488-1236.

This March, we are recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Studies show us that people with disabilities are at greater risk for experiencing sexual violence. However, many don't report because they are afraid they won't be heard or believed. By raising awareness about this issue, we can take steps to stop the cycle of violence and make sure every survivor gets the support they deserve.

Image Description: People with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience sexual violence 7x more often than people without disabilities. Yet only 3% of these cases are ever reported.

Starting in January 2024, workers in California can earn 5 paid sick and safe days each year. These days provide up to 40 hours of paid time off for health and safety needs. They can also be used by survivors of gender-based violence to access support services. If you have questions, contact our Office of Labor Standards Enforcement advice line at 866-870-7725 or the Legal Aid at Work advice line at 866-864-8208.

Image description: Did you know? In California, workers can use paid sick and safe days to get help for situations involving domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. This includes attending medical appointments, legal meetings, or seeking counseling or other support services.

This International Women's Day, we're reminded of the inspiring leaders who have fought for women's rights and gender equality. We know there are still challenges ahead. Our office is committed to learning from and supporting leaders within our community as we work towards a world where women and all people can live free from violence.

Image Description: International women’s day. March 8. A cartoon illustration of women representing varying ethnicities and abilities smiling together in unity.

As we honor Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, it's the perfect time to shine a light on HEART, a program that goes above and beyond to promote healthy, equitable, and respectful connections for everyone. HEART stands out for its inclusive and uplifting approach, embracing all types of relationships, with a special focus on the LGBTQ+ community.

Follow for tips on creating positive and safe relationships.

Image description:
HEART, a program of Caminar. Resource Spotlight. Photo of two HEART program staff members. How is HEART working to end gender-based violence in the LGBTQ+ community? " HEART’s programming is open to all and we provide many of our services in LGBTQ+ specific spaces (ex. LGBTQ Youth Space, LGBTQ Wellness, Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center) to uplift communities that are often left out of conversations surrounding violence prevention and healthy relationship building." What are key services HEART provides for LGBTQ+ survivors? "HEART offers 1 on 1 in-person or virtual resource referral meetings to our participants with the goal of sustaining their safety or getting them back into a safe environment. We recognize that connecting folk to their basic needs (ex. food, housing, employment, mental health services) is the first step in harm reduction, and we serve as the liaison to these intervention services." What exciting things are happening at HEART? " In addition to the monthly sessions we host at the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center, we have tailored unique workshop curriculums for parent/caregiver groups, students (middle school - collegiate level), LGBTQ+ specific groups, corporate partners, and other community organizations. Attend an In-Person LGBTQ+ Healthy Relationships Workshop (18+). Date: Every 2nd & 3rd Thursday of the Month. Time: 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Location: Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center, 938 The Alameda, San Jose 95126." HEART Contact Information. Contact by email at [email protected]. Call their office at 408-841-7600. Follow on Instagram using the handle

Everyone deserves a healthy relationship. We are all worthy of compassion and respect in our romantic relationships. Your action item for today: tell one person how worthy they are of healthy, real love today!



The Do’s and Don’ts of a healthy relationship.
Don’t feel like you have to spend 24/7 with your partner. Do encourage your partner to spend time with their friends without you and participate in activities they enjoy. Friendly Reminder: Keep your life balanced. Find what interests you and get involved.
Don’t go through your partner’s phone without their permission. Do have calm conversations with your partner about your anxieties rather than breaking their trust. Don’t force your partner to share their location with you, or guilt them when they want to have privacy. Do set expectations on what you find acceptable (or not) in their actions towards you online. Be firm, but flexible. Don’t respond angrily or aggressively when your partner shares their opinions or concerns with you. Do encourage your partner to be comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings with you. Both partners should feel safe, heard, and not judged. Respect is mutual. A cute, little ghost reaches out. Don’t ghost! Do tell your partner if you can’t respond or want to have the conversation in-person. Don’t have important conversations over text or online. It may not be the right environment for important topics. Do try to communicate with your partner in-person when you are both calm and ready to have an open conversation. Don’t force or guilt your partner to do anything that makes them uncomfortable. Do make sure your partner feels physically and emotionally safe. Consent is always necessary. Don’t assume that trust “just happens” or does not require constant care. Do allow for trust to build over time. Be open and honest, stay consistent, and be respectful. Don’t have unrealistic expectations. No one can be everything we might want them to be. Do accept people as they are. Friendly Reminder: Healthy relationships are made of real people!

February marks both Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and Black History Month. When we look at these topics together, it's important to understand how issues like racism can impact dating violence, especially for Black teens. By recognizing these connections, we can improve our efforts to support survivors and make our community safer for everyone. Check out the resources on the last slide to learn more.



Image description: (1) Teen dating violence in the Black community. (2) In a study among high school students, dating violence among Black and Multiracial youth was significantly greater than among Hispanic, White, or Asian youth. (3) Why does this happen? One factor is that in communities where Black youth are more likely to live, there are often fewer services available to address dating violence. This lack of support creates barriers for youth in getting the help they need and leaves them vulnerable to further harm. (4) Local Resources for teen dating violence in the Black community. Ujima: The national center on violence against women in the Black community. An organization dedicated to support and advocating for the Black community in response to gender-based and community violence. Black Women's Blueprint. An organization advancing social, political, and economic equity for Black women through advocacy and healing programs. Eleven24. Provides education and resources rooted in intersectionality for caring adults and young people to prevent interpersonal violence.

Building healthy relationships starts with caring for ourselves. When we are kind to ourselves and know our worth, we show others how we want to be treated. Always remember: you are unique, you are valuable, and you are enough just as you are.

For more tips on loving yourself, visit berkeleywellbeing.com/self-love

Image description: Quote from Toni Morrison, "You are your best thing."

Recognizing the signs of relationship violence is the first step in breaking the cycle.

If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship violence, there is help. For free, confidential, and anonymous support, reach out to Safe Chat Silicon Valley or Love is Respect.



Image Description: (1) What does dating violence look like? Physical: Hitting, shoving, choking, pinching, throwing things, preventing you from leaving a room. Emotional & verbal: Name-calling, isolating, being possessive, gaslighting, love bombing, threatening self-harm. Sexual: Pressuring you into sexual acts, sabotaging birth control, threatening to share private photos. Academic: Pressuring you to skip class, interfering with your ability to do your homework/study, damaging school materials. Digital: Obsessively messaging, using social media to track you, controlling who you follow online. (2) If you or someone who know is experiencing dating violence, there is help. Reach out to Safe Chat Silicon Valley by texting (833) 488-1236 or reach out to Love Is Respect by texting "LoveIs" to 22522.

This month, we are focusing on raising awareness about teen dating violence. Join us in spreading the word by liking and sharing our posts! Your participation matters and has the power to create positive change.

Image Description: (1) What is teen dating violence? (2) Teen dating violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used to gain and maintain power and control over a dating partner. This form of violence often happens repeatedly, and can become worse over time. However, even a single instance of abuse is never okay. (3) One in three teens report experiencing dating violence. Teen dating violence affects young people across all identities regardless of race, class, gender, or sexual orientation. Teen dating violence is even more common in LGBTQ teen intimate partner relationships compared to heterosexual teen intimate partner relationships. Transgender youth are especially at risk and report the highest rates of violence. (4) While many people assume abuse means physical violence, abuse can come in many forms, such as: physical, emotional, financial, verbal, digital, and sexual. Every type of abuse is serious and no one deserves to experience abuse of any kind. (5) Learn more about teen dating violence at Love Is Respect, loveisrespect.org and the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the hotline.org.

Today, members of the Division of Equity and Social Justice wear orange to stand united against teen dating violence. Share your orange outfits using and join us in spreading the message that everyone deserves a safe and healthy relationship.

Image Description: An orange ribbon symbolizing teen dating violence awareness. Two group photos of Santa Clara County employees from the Division of Equity and Social Justice wearing orange.

Reminder! Wear orange tomorrow to kick-off Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Here's how to participate:
1. Tomorrow morning, put on your favorite orange outfit
2. Snap a picture
3. Share it on your social media, using

Image Description: Image of four young people waving and wearing orange clothing. Wear Orange Day. February 6, 2024.

Today marks the beginning of Teen Dating Violence Awareness month. Throughout the month, we'll explore what teen dating violence looks like and share ways to support survivors in our community.



Image Description: Young people interlocking hands across the bottom of the image. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Continuing to honor Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we are excited to highlight an important community partner making a positive impact in Santa Clara County, Justice At Last. Since 2015, has offered free legal support to over 1,000 survivors of human trafficking. Through their holistic approach and specialized trainings, Justice At Last continues to empower survivors and ensure our community has the tools and knowledge needed to support them on their healing journeys.

Image description: Justice at Last. Resource Spotlight. Group photo of Justice at Last staff. How are you working to end human trafficking? "Justice At Last is a 501(c)3 nonprofit law firm exclusively serving trafficked persons throughout the entire Bay Area. We are a legal mobile practice and meet our clients where they already receive trusted services. Justice At Last has an office in San Jose and we provide legal representation and wraparound supportive services throughout all of Santa Clara County." What are some key services your organization provides? "We provide clients with free legal services in the areas of law identified by our clients and those with lived experience as being the most critical and the least available to survivors of trafficking. Justice At Last also provides free trainings to community-based organizations, law enforcement and social service agencies." How can the community support your organization? "As a nonprofit law firm, we rely on volunteers and legal professionals who work on a pro bono basis to support our clients. We welcome volunteers from a diverse range of professional and educational backgrounds, including legal professionals, law school students, college and high school students, marketing and fundraising professionals and others inspired by our mission. To get involved, visit justiceatlast.org/volunteer" Justice at Last contact information. Schedule an intake, Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Mailing address is P.O. Box 566, San Carlos, CA 94070. Contact by email at [email protected] or by phone at 6509180719. Find their website using justiceatlast.org.

Learn the facts and build a safer community!

Like and share for more Myths and Facts on Human Trafficking.



Image Description: Myth and Fact about human trafficking. Myth: Human trafficking is a global problem. There is nothing I can do to help. Fact: Human trafficking is a global issue and is also happening in our local community. Everyone can help by spreading awareness, supporting anti-trafficking organizations such as the South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking, and reporting tips to the National Human Trafficking Line: 888-373-7888. Source: National Human Trafficking Hotline

Learn the facts and build a safer community!

Like and share for more Myths and Facts on Stalking.



Image Description: Myth and Fact about stalking. Myth: Stalking is only a problem for women. Fact: While women experience stalking more than twice as often as men, it’s important to recognize that people of all gender identities and backgrounds can be victims of stalking. Source: Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men experience stalking at some point in their lifetime. LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely than heterosexual and cisgender individuals to experience stalking. 1 in 7 transgender and nonbinary undergraduate students experience stalking. Women who are two or more races, and American Indian/Alaska Native women experience the highest rates of stalking victimization in the US. Source: Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center