Domestic violence has risen across Southern California during the pandemic, and it’s a trend our KNX Hero of the Week is trying to change.
Many times, abuse is reported or discovered by colleagues at work or at school.
But things are different right now.
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"For a lot of people, if you are in a domestic violence situation, these are your escapes," explains Laverne Delgado, the Executive Director of Freedom and Fashion.
"Now that those things are shut down, you pack that on to natural stresses of life with the pandemic. People are agitated and aggravated. And, for those who struggle with anger issues and abusive behavior, the victims are in the line of fire."
Freedom and Fashion a non-profit based in Pasadena, that helps provide freedom for those escaping an abusive situation. It also provides clothes and beauty care to survivors taking an independent step.
"We started Freedom and Fashion over a decade ago as an awareness platform," says Laverne. "Eventually, we developed our programming to have a direct impact component [so we can] directly serve survivors of sex-trafficking and domestic violence. And, we teach them the art of fashion and beauty, while helping them evolve mentally and emotionally, and enable true transformation in their lives."
Ryan Johnson works with Freedom and Fashion, and she says Laverne uses her own experience - rising out of an abusive relationship - to inspire everyone around her. "She always creates a safe space, for not only the survivors, but with the team of volunteers that she works with," say Ryan. She adds that the team is given support when contributing ideas for Fashion and Freedom that can make a greater impact.
For Laverne, Freedom and Fashion is passion project to help those in need. And, she says the victims inspire her. "It's an honor to have gotten to heal together," says Laverne, "because we all can relate to pain."
Laverne Delgado is this week's KNX Hero of the Week!
"I'm very humbled to the position, and the privilege to be able to do what I do," says Laverne.
KNX Heroes is brought to you by California Resources Corporation, saluting our military veterans, and all of our heroes.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. For donation information or to help an abuse victim - contact Freedom and ?Fashion at
https://freedomandfashion.org
You can also nominate your own KNX Hero at
https://knx1070.radio.com/nominate
