This Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) we bring you the story behind a thriver's story, tips for validating a survivor's experience, and how the community continues to come together United Through Love. 

DVAM Story - The Journey from Surviving to Thriving

When former CPAF client Yurie shared her story on September 8th at our gala fundraiser, her courage was palpable in the room. What made that moment even more meaningful for Yurie was the realization that exactly three years earlier on September 8th, 2020, Yurie saw her baby for the first time since he was taken by the Department of Child and Family Services because of (false) charges made by her abuser. When Yurie arrived at the shelter, the staff were expecting her son as well, but she came alone. Yurie felt fearful, powerless, and intimidated by her abuser. There wasn’t a moment when she felt at peace. She worked hard by taking classes and certification courses. She was able to hire an attorney and pay the fees to get her son back. When staff thanked Yurie for bravely sharing her story at the gala, Yurie responded by saying that she could now, whereas she couldn’t before because she felt threatened and afraid of her abuser. Today, she knows how to protect herself and doesn’t need to hide. Yurie’s journey is a testament to her strength, and the hope and determination of many survivors. Yurie’s CPAF Advocate conveyed this story with Yurie’s permission.

Statements to Validate a Survivor

CPAF staff share statements to validate a survivor and show we believe and support their experience. 

Click here or on the image above to watch the video!

CPAF Engages with the Community 

Thank you to our partner organization AAPI Equity Alliance for spotlighting CPAF’s pioneering work during October Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We are honored to be one of several agencies to collaborate on the Domestic Violence Prevention Project with AAPI Equity Alliance and continue building safe spaces and programs to build healthier families together. We also appreciate the Asian Pacific Americans group at NBC Universal for hosting CPAF during an online speaker event to raise awareness about domestic violence through an interactive exercise and to learn more about donor and volunteer engagement. We feel honored to continue partnering with NBC Universal employees through donation drives and in-kind giving. We are very grateful to Apple employees and CPAF volunteers who participated in our volunteer-led Chinese translation project. After participating in CPAF's Decoding Language and Culture training, Chinese-speaking Apple volunteers are developing a Chinese language version of our Emergency Shelter handbook. CPAF looks forward to building these and more partnerships in the future!  

We recently shared CPAF's 2023 impact report. Review the impact of your support here: CPAF.me/2023ImpactReport. As we enter the Season of Gratitude, we appreciate all that you do for the individuals, children, youth, and families CPAF serves. Thank you!