Handbags of Hope, a campaign in support of domestic violence shelters, provides gently used handbags full of necessities to displaced women and teens experiencing abuse at home.
Throughout October, a month that has been declared by City Officials as Domestic Violence Awareness month, numerous Santa Monica Police Department volunteers joined hands with the Santa Monica Commission on the Status of Women and the Westside Domestic Violence Network to launch a vigorous collection drive.
Santa Monice Police Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks lent her full support to the campaign emphatically voicing a universal sentiment shared by countless devoted volunteers and dedicated organizers; “because no lady should ever have to carry their personal belonging in a trash bag.”
Domestic Violence adversely impacts the mind, body and spirit of its victims through physical and emotional abuse as well as financial manipulation. Its impact extends beyond the family and spills into our community at large.
Lions Gate Entertainment, headquartered in Santa Monica, along with Calthorp School, the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel and the Fairmont Miramar hotel were enthusiastic corporate donors who, along with local faith-based organizations, championed the cause and provided collection points.
A total of 372 handbags will be delivered this coming Monday, November 8, 2015 to undisclosed Domestic Violence shelters within the city of Santa Monica.
