Miller: NFL has no monopoly on domestic violence
Posted on September 16, 2014
Ray Rice case gives league a chance to help women.
Close to 30 women in the United States – in the time it takes you to read this column – will be beaten physically by someone they love.
That number, based on other studies, could be higher.
The exact statistics are impossible to determine, but even the most optimistic estimates tell us this much:
In the time it has taken you to reach this point, at least one U.S. woman has become a victim of domestic violence.
Just something to think about while everyone is busy firing Roger Goodell, investigating who knew what and when they did or didn’t know it and determining whether the NFL really is a sleazy, lying, immoral machine of corruption. Or something worse.
Yeah, it has been quite a week, one that began with Ray Rice’s suspension and ended with Adrian Peterson’s indictment, a week that officially concludes Saturday – precisely on the 20th anniversary of a monumental event in the push to curb domestic abuse.
On Sept. 13, 1994, the Violence Against Women Act was formally signed, providing funding and other resources and enhancing the tools available to law enforcement officials in the prosecution of abusers.
A few days ago, President Obama issued a proclamation celebrating this anniversary, his statement reading in part “our country has changed its culture.”
While studies show a decrease in the reported cases of domestic violence during the past two decades, this wasn’t the week for anyone to be feeling great about our progress.
Twenty years. That’s also how long ago Nicole Brown Simpson became a victim. And when, in San Clemente, Laura’s House was established, a nonprofit that takes its name from another victim, a woman who died at age 38 at the hands of her abuser.
“The (Rice) video is very shocking and upsetting to the public, but it’s a very sad reality for all of us involved in Laura’s House,” says Andrea McCallister, the organization’s director of development and communications. “It’s everyday life for so many of the people we serve.”
Let’s remember those people today, let’s think about those people, and, just as importantly, let’s remain aware of all the silence still unbroken even as the clamor and noise and chaos swallow Goodell and his once-precious shield.
When this story began, it was about domestic violence and the NFL’s remarkable callousness in refusing to take the problem seriously. The story has become something much different now, of course, but its roots are no less strong, no less significant.
“This is an opportunity to continue an important national conversation,” McCallister says. “It’s a chance to really help people who are in these situations who now know they aren’t alone. The thing about domestic violence is it has no boundaries. It cuts across all social strata and socioeconomic levels. It exists everywhere. It exists here.”
Since its inception, Laura’s House has provided shelter and services to more than 4,000 battered women and children and counseling, life coaching and legal assistance to more than 45,000.
The organization’s 24-hour crisis hotline received nearly 3,000 calls in 2013, a number that might shock and certainly will disappoint in that it represents a 9.4 percent increase from the previous year.
“It’s someone you know,” McCallister says. “It’s a neighbor. It’s a friend. It’s a friend of a friend. And it isn’t always physical abuse, like was depicted here. It can be psychological. It can be sexual. It can be financial abuse. There are many different kinds of abuse.”
A lot of people this week have called domestic violence an NFL problem, rightly accusing the league of failing to take a more proactive approach and a harder stance. It’s just too bad the problem isn’t that isolated.
Domestic violence is a problem for all of us, a problem that produces more than 12 million victims each year.
And now, a once too-private subject, something that happened only in other people’s houses, has walked into all of our living rooms, appearing as a video from a hotel elevator.
The NFL has a real crisis. And a real opportunity.
“In my perfect world, I would love to see the league create a program that promotes awareness of domestic violence,” McCallister says. “This could be a very big movement by the players because they’re so influential. They could use their popularity and power for positive things.”
She’s right. They could wear armbands or patches or messages written on their cleats. And why not? We see this sort of thing all the time.
Who knows? They could even wear jerseys that express their support of the victims of abuse.
“That would be so powerful, so inspiring for so many,” McCallister says. “For men who are out there in the public eye to stand up and say, ‘I’m against domestic violence. We stand proud and we’re going to end domestic violence together.’ That would be amazing.”
Sure, they could even wear jerseys, jerseys in the official color of domestic violence awareness. By the way, that color is purple, just like the purple worn by the Baltimore Ravens.
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This article was published this weekend in Orange County Register and Los Angeles Register. You can see the original article online here.
Support Laura’s House and Win an Audi All Road for 1 year
Posted on September 3, 2014
We hope you will join us to celebrate this historic milestone, Saturday, September 27, 2014 at the Audi Mission Viejo Store. This evening will feature a reception on the rooftop of the Audi Mission Viejo store with a variety of 2015 Audi vehicles on display, live entertainment, beer & wine and hors d’oeuvres.
The event will be the site of the drawing of the winner of the 2014/2015 Audi All Road no cost 1 year lease. Winner need not be present to win. Proceeds will benefit Laura’s House. $25 requested per Opportunity Ticket. Tickets limited to 1,000
Visit: Audi All Road on Eventbrite here.
LARCS Harvest Festival
Posted on August 28, 2014
LARCS Harvest Festival Saturday, October 18th 1-5PM - Founder's Park
- LREF Pumpkin Patch
- Live Music
- Games & Activities
- Beer Garden
- Handmade Craft Fair
- Chili Cook-Off
- Cornhole Family Tournament
- Scarecrow Decorating Contest
- Free Giveaways at the LaderaLife Booth
Need more info? Visit LaderaLife.com
Marbella Country Club plays host to inspirational event benefitting Laura’s House
LADERA RANCH, Calif., August 14, 2014 – Laura’s House, a leading nonprofit dedicated to providing domestic violence education, prevention, shelter and counseling services to empower individuals and families affected by abuse, recently hosted its second annual HOPE Tournament: Building Brighter Futures for Families Affected by Domestic Violence. The August 11 charity golf event at picturesque Marbella Country Club in San Juan Capistrano andsponsored by South County Maserati of Mission Viejo, raised more than $40,000 this year – critical funds to benefit Laura’s House Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing Programs; the 24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline; Legal Support Services; and Counseling and Community Education Programs.
“Annual events like our HOPE golf tournament have such a large impact on our ability to provide domestic violence services to the 250,000 men, women and children that have reported domestic abuse in Orange County this year,” said Margaret Bayston, CEO and Executive Director, Laura’s House. “We reached our goal of doubling last year’s funds raised and could not have done it without our many tireless board members, sponsors and supporters.”
After completing their round on Marbella Country Club’s championship course, golfers gathered for an inspirational reception, which included dinner, an awards ceremony, moving speeches and live and silent auctions benefitting Laura’s House. Speaker and committee chair Matt West of 1st Enterprise Bank recognized Laura’s House efforts and highlighted the need for its services. Other committee members in attendance included: Patrick Lustig, Operating Partner of South County Maserati, John Medler, Mike Zalke of Sierra Sales, Monica Timpe-Godfrey of Timpe Group/Morgan Stanley, and Dawn McKahan and Cecilia Shedarowich of Creative Package McKahan.
Sponsors for The HOPE Tournament were South County Maserati (Silver Sponsor), Orange County Airstream (Bronze Sponsor), 1st Enterprise Bank (Bronze Sponsor), California United Bank (Bronze Sponsor), FinishMaster (Platinum Foursome Sponsor), South County Lubricants (Platinum Foursome Sponsor), The Timpe Group Morgan Stanley (Platinum Foursome Sponsor), Adoption Network Law Center (Platinum Foursome Sponsor), REHIA Insurance Agency, Inc. (Platinum Foursome Sponsor), Shaw & Sons (Platinum Foursome Sponsor), Danny’s Detail (Platinum Foursome Sponsor), Hittelman Law Group (Platinum Foursome Sponsor), Active Captive Management LLC (Platinum Foursome Sponsor), Integrated Project Services (Platinum Foursome Sponsor), AutoTrader (Platinum Foursome Sponsor), Lutzky Associates Development (Hole Sponsor), Canterbury Consulting (Hole Sponsor), Chase Thomas Custom Clothing (Hole Sponsor), The Rand Group, Morgan Stanley (Hole Sponsor), Garnett-Powers & Associates (Tee Sponsor), Wolin Design Group (Tee Sponsor), The McDowell School (Tee Sponsor), Schiefer Media (Tee Sponsor), and Friedmann & Friedmann Insurance Services, Inc. (Underwriter for hole-in-one contest).
About Laura’s House
The mission of Laura’s House is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
In 2014, Laura’s House celebrates its 20th anniversary serving those whose lives have been affected by domestic violence. For the past two decades, Laura’s House has provided shelter and support services to more than 4,000 battered women and children and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to over 45,000 people. Connect with Laura’s House on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Laura’s House Resale Stores Expand Into San Juan Capistrano on Aug. 9
Posted on August 26, 2014
Community Invited To Celebrate Second Location On Aug. 28
Ladera Ranch, Calif., July 29, 2014 – Laura’s House, a leading nonprofit dedicated to providing domestic violence education, prevention, shelter and counseling services to empower individuals and families affected by abuse, today announced the grand opening of a second Resale Store. Located inside Plaza Del Obispo at 31878 Del Obispo Street, Suite 104 in San Juan Capistrano, Laura’s House Resale Store will open its doors to the public Saturday, Aug. 9.
“By opening a new Laura’s House Resale Store in San Juan Capistrano, it will be more convenient for new donors and shoppers who live and work in this area,” said Heather Green, Resale Store manager. “Expanding our operations will allow us to raise more funds for the critically important services and programs Laura’s House provides.”
Laura’s House will celebrate its expansion of a second resale store with a public reception on Thursday, Aug. 28, from noon to 7 p.m. Community members are invited to enjoy shopping, music, food and fun in support of Laura’s House and its efforts to “end the silence” of domestic violence. A ribbon cutting ceremony with the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Sam Allevato, Supervisor Pat Bates and other local dignitaries will take place at 5 p.m. Hollywood Candy Girls also will provide a gourmet candy bar for guests to enjoy.
During the reception, Laura’s House will be accepting donations of gently used clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories, paintings, collectibles, books and more. Store proceeds benefit Laura’s House emergency shelter and counseling and resource programs through the resale of high-quality donated merchandise. As an act of customer appreciation, Laura’s House is launching a new loyalty card program as a way to reward repeat customers.
“Laura’s House Resale Store continues to have a powerful impact on our ability to provide the services and programs needed in the community,” said Margaret Bayston, executive director of Laura’s House. “We invite everyone to shop – and donate – to help us raise funds that allow Orange County families to rebuild their lives through domestic violence prevention and education programs.”
About the Laura’s House Resale Stores
Since 1995, Laura’s House has maintained a Resale Store with a mission to raise funds to support the programs and services that Laura’s House provides to individuals and families throughout Orange County, and beyond, who are rebuilding lives that are free of violence. The Lake Forest location of the Laura’s House Resale Store opened in 2009, and is located at 23635 El Toro Road, Suite F, in the Twin Peaks Shopping Center. The San Juan Capistrano store is located at 31878 Del Obispo Street, Suite 104 in the Plaza Del Obispo shopping center.
Store Hours:
Monday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Lake Forest open late until 8 p.m.) Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (San Juan Capistrano open late until 8 p.m.) Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Donation Drop-off Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
For information contact the San Juan Capistrano Resale Store at 949-218-6400, or click here.
About Laura’s House
The mission of Laura’s House is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
In 2014, Laura’s House celebrates its 20th anniversary serving those whose lives have been affected by domestic violence. For the past two decades, Laura’s House has provided shelter and support services to more than 4,000 battered women and children and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to over 45,000 people. Connect with Laura’s House on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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