Congresswomen Grace Napolitano and Judy Chu Kick Off Annual Domestic Violence Collection Drive

Press Release

Yesterday, Reps. Grace F. Napolitano (D-El Monte) and Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) joined Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park and other local partnering organizations at a press conference at the Monrovia Community Center to kick off the 14th Annual Domestic Violence Collection Drive.

"A person's mental wellness can be impacted by any number of life factors; no one is immune," said Rep. Napolitano. "Some struggle managing their anger, stress, or are under the influence of a substance, often targeting and hurting those they love. There is no excuse for resorting to violence; ever. In addition to incurring physical harm from a person they loved and trusted, victims of domestic violence, including children, often suffer emotionally and psychologically. These invisible wounds can and must be treated just like any other malady, yet shame and fear continue to prevent many victims from seeking the support they and their families need. Children who suffer abuse also sometimes become abusers. This is why we are again raising awareness of domestic violence in the San Gabriel Valley and all across the country, saying NO MORE! No more should any woman or man suffer from violence in the home. No more should victims feel shame or keep silent about her or his abuser. Thank you to Congresswoman Chu, Kaiser Permanente, and all of the partnering organizations and volunteers for your continued support through words of encouragement, critical awareness raised, and donations, as we fight to end domestic violence once and for all."

"I'm proud to once again be hosting this Domestic Violence Drive with my colleague, Congressmember Grace Napolitano," said Rep. Chu. "The goods we collect this month will go directly to the shelters and groups that are on the front lines of the battle against domestic violence. These amazing organizations provide shelter, education, legal support, transportation, and more. But increasing demand and decreasing funding -- including from the Republican-controlled Congress - mean they sometimes struggle to meet the needs of the community, sometimes even being forced to turn domestic violence survivors away due to lack of beds. We know that helping a victim of domestic violence when they have made the difficult choice to leave their abuser can be the difference between life or death, and so I am amazed at the outpouring of support we have seen in past years to provide these women and their children with clothes, school supplies, and even a little pampering. I encourage all of our residents to contribute to this effort."

The month-long drive, part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, will collect gently used women's and children's clothing, household cleaning products, toiletry items, and children's school supplies--no BREAKABLE items, please--and other donations. These items will help support victims of domestic violence served by shelters and organizations throughout the San Gabriel Valley, including House of Ruth, Women's & Children Crisis Center, and YWCA-WINGS San Gabriel Valley. Donations can be dropped off at Kaiser Permanente facilities in Baldwin Park, Diamond Bar, Montebello, San Dimas, and West Covina.

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