by Dianne Anderson

If Jenny Barbosa had just one wish, it would be that agencies like hers wouldn’t need to exist, and that the problem and the reason for their services could disappear.

What keeps women in danger for their lives is the fear that they and their children will become homeless.

“If someone doesn’t have the financial means, or a car, or they’re not working, or maybe the partner doesn’t want them to work, housing or food might hold them. [They say] if I leave, where am I going to go?” said Barbosa, a Prevention Specialist at WomenShelter of Long Beach

On average, 1,000 women are killed each year by their partners in domestic violence situations, with over 80% of the victims killed by their men.

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, her program received support from the Port of Long Beach this month in lighting the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge, which is glowing purple until October 31 to create awareness and action.

The Long Beach Women’s Shelter has helped women for the past 45 years escape the cycle of violence, and by the time they get to her facility, they, along with their children, can find hope and a home.

Usually, she said their program is mistaken for homeless services, but they provide much more, including support groups for women, men, LGBTQ, and children.

Lately, many nonprofits are very aware that federal dollars are being pulled, and gaps at the local and state level are expected to be severe. All eyes are on the critical need for funding.

She said they can’t do the work alone. Her program coordinates with other agencies to handle overflow so no family in danger is forced to the streets.

“We don’t know what the years might bring in regards to funding, but our mission is to eliminate domestic violence and ensure the services continue to be free of cost,” she said.

For those in dangerous domestic violence situations, they can access emergency housing, and also call their hotline 562.437.4663 to connect with an advocate.

Anyone unsure what steps to take, or currently in an unhealthy or threatening relationship, can walk into their resource center and get help.

“This includes creating a safety plan if they are living with a person of harm, so they can eventually leave that relationship,” she said. “We provide further assistance on how to connect with shelters, or if someone is possibly ready to file a police report, we guide them on the process.”

At their resource center, they offer preventative services and a support group with others who have experienced domestic violence. Their 16-week education program offers a deeper understanding of domestic violence for adults, but also a youth program for ages 7-17 to deal with what they’ve witnessed at home.

B said that the next generation has to learn how to break the cycle.

“We discuss expressing feelings, conflict resolution, defining what domestic violence is, and family separation,” she said. “If they thought bullying is okay, we can provide education and knowledge to know it’s not acceptable, and alternatives to express themselves without having to use violence.”

Outreach is essential as domestic violence is still very stigmatized. At community events, she notices women are reluctant to be seen at the tables.

With the lighting of the bridge and last year’s candlelight vigil, she hopes that the message can get out that this is more than a community issue, it’s a nationwide issue.

The event is more importantly in remembrance of those that have been killed by domestic violence.

She said it can happen to anyone, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural background, or socioeconomic status, but financial abuse is one way for the abuser to keep their partner in harm’s way.

Some victims are kept locked in a relationship because they are not allowed to work, and they fear being harmed if they leave, or if their partner has threatened their legal status.

“If you leave, I’ll call immigration. You don’t have money, you don’t have housing, where are you going to go? Especially when children are involved, housing is a critical thing when it comes to individuals not leaving,” she said.

For as bad as the domestic violence statistics are, her big concern is that it is underreported.

Studies show domestic violence deaths are misclassified or underreported, usually filed under broader homicide, accident, or missing person categories, depending on what law enforcement can confirm or what’s recorded on the death certificate.

“It brings that question of how many folks experience this violence, especially if children are involved, or for financial stability and different forms of abuse, of that power and control,” she said.

Research also shows that one in every 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence, and as they grow up, they are at higher risk of becoming an abuser or a victim.

When the kids see it at home, it becomes normalized, often the only model of relationship that they know, and the reason why violence is on repeat.

“After the pandemic, we’re seeing a lot of youth getting into their own teen violent relationships where they are experiencing abuse within their relationships,” she said. “This is something we see happening within ages 12 to 18.”

At community events at the City of Long Beach, and lately in partnering with LBUSD, her program is attending back-to-school nights, and they are outreaching with presentations.

With the holidays already in motion, they welcome any donations or support, including volunteers giving time, or hosting donation drives for personal hygiene products and diapers.

“We often have families with small toddlers and babies, even canned goods, food, and clothing within our resource center and shelter facility. Especially with the holidays coming up, we host a sponsor-a-family program for Thanksgiving and Christmas to ensure no family goes without any meal or clothing. Any items are always appreciated,” she said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Notes from the Field: Intimate Partner Homicide Among Women” shows that in the U.S., 68% of victims were killed at home, firearms were involved in about 66% of cases, and nearly 30% of victims were Black women, although they only represent about 13% of the female population.

When contacting any domestic violence help, the National Domestic Violence Hotline warns to clear browser history, use private or incognito mode, and not leave evidence for abusers monitoring devices, phones, computers, and accounts.

For 24/7 help with emergency shelters, transitional housing, information on legal rights, protection and a safety plan, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788 or chat at thehotline.org.

For the WomenShelter of Long Beach (WSLB), see https://www.womenshelterlb.org/
24-Hour Crisis Hotline: (562) 437-4663 (or 562-437-HOME)
Domestic Violence Resource Center (Office): (562) 437-7233

https://www.thehotline.org/

For more data from Emory Medical University, see  https://med.emory.edu/departments/psychiatry/nia/resources/domestic_violence.html