Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley

Improving the Lives of Women through Service, Advocacy and Awareness.
Domestic Violence and what is being done locally to educate the public, provide awareness and ultimately prevent violence against women was the topic of the evening at the Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) and local Sorpotomist Clubs’ joint meeting on January 20, 2016.
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on September 13, 1994.  It created the first federal legislation acknowledging domestic violence as a crime and provided federal resources, such as law enforcement training and rape victims free examinations; however, domestic violence is still a challenge!  The Domestic Violence Center (DVC) served 1,417 SCV victims in 2015.
Zonta Clubs in 67 countries represented one voice to “Say No” to violence against women and girls during the United Nations 16 days of Activism from November 25 to December 10, 2015.  Each club created their own “No to Violence” message.
Locally, Zonta, in collaboration with DVC and local Sheriff’s Department, identified a “Red Dress” display to raise awareness of domestic violence in the area.  “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” display of six red dresses symbolized six women who lost their lives to domestic violence in SCV in 2015.  The traveling display of six red dresses was presented at 15 locations throughout SCV to include City Hall, Westfield Valencia Town Center, SCV Court House, churches, high schools, College of the Canyons, Old Town Newhall Library, Veterans Historical Plaza, Canyon Country Community Center, Big Lots shopping center, and along Main Street in Old Town Newhall.  These six red dresses symbolized the reality of domestic violence in our neighborhoods.
Eleven SCV agencies have formed the Domestic Intervention Violence Education Resource Team (DIVERT) Task Force; their website, www.DIVERT.santa-clarita.com,  provides access to free classes, programs, seminars and specific help from these agencies.  It also includes programs, often court-mandated, for abusers and targeted services for children.
The Domestic Violence Court Advocates Program (DVCAP), comprised of Zontians and other volunteers, assist Domestic Violence victims gain confidence and be successful in removing themselves from violence.  Two hundred Certified Court Advocates have completed the state mandated 40 hour Domestic Violence training, plus Neighborhood Legal Services training, and are available to provide services.
Advocates assist clients, in crisis mode, complete extensive Restraining Order forms in a safe and friendly atmosphere; after attorney review, the client can file the documents with the court clerk – usually the same day. Clients are counseled about what to expect and what is expected of them when they go to court, i.e., their demeanor, attire, how to address the judge, etc.
New and continuing clients receive services from Court Advocates to prepare   Temporary Restraining Orders and Restraining Orders and other legal assistance at three-hour Clinic available twice per week; 44 women were accompanied to court and 114 Temporary restraining orders were written during 2015.
Say  “No to Violence Against Women”, reduce the number of domestic violence victims through awareness, be “up-standers not bystanders”, and keep the Red Dress Display at six dresses!
For more information about Zonta, visit www.scvzonta.org or call Phyllis Walker at 661-251-1172.