Partners Against Violence Advocates Preparing for Public Advocacy Day on May 5, 2026
- Apr 28
- 2 min read
The Impact of Sexual Violence
Did you know that the estimated lifetime economic burden of rape among U.S. adults is $122,461? At the same time, the average annual income in the U.S. is approximately $66,629, making it nearly impossible for many survivors to absorb the financial impact of violence on their own. These costs can include criminal justice activities, medical bills, lost wages or educational disruptions, and ongoing therapy and counseling. When combined, these financial burdens can place survivors at risk of housing instability and long-term hardship.
This reality highlights the critical role of rape crisis centers like Partners Against Violence. By providing free, trauma-informed services including crisis intervention, advocacy, forensic and court accompaniment, counseling, and case management we help remove financial barriers that might otherwise prevent survivors from seeking care and support. Access to these services ensures that survivors are not forced to choose between their healing and their financial stability. Instead, they are met with compassionate support, resources, and guidance at no cost, allowing them to focus on recovery, safety, and rebuilding their lives.
Peterson, C., DeGue, S., Florence, C., & Lokey, C. N. (2017). Lifetime economic burden of rape among U.S. adults. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 52(6), 691–701.
The Call to Action
To ensure these essential services remain available, our advocates are preparing to travel once again to Sacramento for Policy Advocacy Day. Following the recent state budget proposal, which did not include funding for the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), our team will join others across California to advocate for the life-saving resources survivors need.
Why We Travel?
San Bernardino and Riverside County are our home, however Sacramento is where the rules are written. By showing up in person our advocates put a human face on policy issues by carrying the lived experiences of the 1,408+ survivors and families (per FY 2024-2025) receiving ongoing services, directly to the steps of the State Capitol. We're aiming to ensure we're not just dots on a map but a priority on the assembly floor!
Preparing the Path: A Community Call to Action
As we prepare to travel north to fight for survivors in our regions, we wanted to hear directly from you. We hosted community call to action events at each of our four offices before our advocacy trip to discuss urgent survivor needs, highlight local services and prevention efforts, and the City’s commitment to supporting survivors of sexual violence.
These community insights are more than just data points, they are the heart of our message. On May 5th, we aren't just bringing statistics to the State Capitol. We’re bringing your voices, your needs, and your stories. Follow along with us on social media as we take our message to the assembly floor. Together, we can ensure that healing remains accessible for every survivor.
Our Mission:
Partnering to build healthy relationships, families, communities
and generations that are free from violence.
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