When we talk about helping domestic violence survivors, it’s easy to think first about shelters, police reports, or court systems. And while those are important, they’re only part of the bigger picture. At La Casa de las Madres, we operate under the Empowerment Model, which shifts the focus: it’s all about giving survivors the power to reclaim their lives—in their own way and on their own terms.
In 1976, a coalition of San Francisco women—many of whom had experienced domestic violence first hand—recognized the dire lack of resources available to survivors. At the time, emergency shelters for women fleeing abuse were virtually nonexistent, and the legal, medical, and political systems largely ignored the issue. Women who left abusive partners faced the terrifying reality of homelessness, financial insecurity, and, often, further violence.
If you don’t personally know someone who has been trafficked, the concept may seem distant, unrelatable, and ‘in the shadows’ – that is, “something that happens in other parts of the world, but surely NOT in our own backyard.” The truth is, Human Trafficking occurs right under our noses.
The holidays are generally revered as a joyous time. While often filled with celebration and togetherness, the holidays can also amplify feelings of loneliness for those who lack a supportive network.
Violence impacts everyone — and a solution to end domestic violence is one that includes all people including those who have caused harmed. Sunny Schwartz, founder of the nationally-recognized Resolve To Stop The Violence Project (RSVP) in San Francisco, sat down with us to chat about restorative justice, empowering survivors, and community accountability.
La Casa de las Madres believes that empowering survivors means giving them the tools and resources to make the best financial decisions for themselves. We sat down with Alex to learn more about his background, the approach he takes to his economic empowerment workshop series for survivors, and why he believes financial empowerment is significant.
