City leaders mark Day of Denim, urge sustained funding for survivor services

Councilmember Mónica Rodríguez opened the council’s presentation recognizing the Day of Denim and called for sustained action to support survivors of sexual and domestic violence. "Nunca hay excusa para agresión sexual," Rodríguez said, framing the annual observance as both remembrance and a call to policy change.

Representatives from Peace Over Violence described the organization’s work and the continuing demand for services. Patty Giggins, founder of Peace Over Violence, thanked the council and said the group’s work involves both prevention and intervention: "Creemos a las mujeres; apoyar a quienes han sobrevivido significa brindar recursos reales y apoyo legal," she said. Wendy Blanco, the organization's director of clinical services, summarized program delivery and the need for staffing and training to respond to trauma.

Speakers noted the scale of demand for services in Los Angeles: presenters said Peace Over Violence served about 20,000 people in the previous year and that resource constraints and wait lists remain a challenge. Councilmembers joined in thanking survivors and community providers and urged the city to consider funding stability and program capacity in upcoming budget conversations.

The presentation closed with council recognition of Peace Over Violence’s work and a call to maintain the issue as a policy priority. No formal vote was required for the observance; the council proceeded to public comment on the day’s agenda.