Empowerment Award 2008
Voices Over Violence:
Survivors Who Speak Out
Peace Over Violence often gets requests from the community for survivors to speak about their experiences through presentations, panel discussions, and media interviews, to educate the public about the realities of interpersonal violence. Our Speakers Bureau “Voices over Violence” is a group of individuals willing to share and discuss in an open and educational way their experiences with sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and domestic violence. Speakers are able to address common myths surrounding violence, resources, and the healing process.
The Bureau was created to put a human face on the too often silenced survivors of sexual and domestic violence. By sharing personal experiences, volunteers help to lift the shroud of shame that often surrounds these crimes and dispel popular myths that still prevail, and often wrongly place blame on the victim, instead of on the perpetrators of such crimes, where it belongs.
Stories from survivors help to educate the community about the realities of violence, inform other survivors that they are not alone, and bring an authentic voice to the issues of sexual and domestic violence.
Peace Over Violence is honored to honor those who speak out with the 2008 Humanitarian Award for Empowerment.
Art Blair—In 1979, as a Sergeant running a Crime Prevention Unit for USC and making “Lady Beware” presentations, I was invited to attend the then LACAAW’s rape and battering training. During that training I realized that I had blocked out that I too was a survivor of child sexual assault. How fortunate was I to be surrounded by such caring people as I made this discovery and started my healing. I have been a volunteer for almost thirty years and I will continue to be a voice over violence.
Anabella Vara—Domestic violence completely changed my life and that of my family. We have suffered great loss but we go on and I am determined to continue to heal and be strong and to laugh everyday. We must choose peace over violence everyday.
Lora Luczywo—I am a third generation native of Los Angeles and my life revolves around my family, my husband and my two dogs. We are expecting our first child in March. I believe in empowering women and youth through education, understanding and tolerance.
Amara Wilson—I’m a firm believer in equal rights and justice for all. A nine year resident of Los Angeles, I’ve become a permanent fixture of the Entertainment/Arts world. My goal for every project I’m involved in is to raise community awareness through entertainment.
Robbie Rutstein—I believe in the healing energy of snakes, Heavy Metal Rock, my friends, tattoos and Hockey (no, I’m not a hockey mom) but most of all, through the work we do for Peace Over Violence. I am forever committed to eradicating violence and honored to be part of the remarkable family and organization known as Peace over Violence.
Jennie Campbell—I work as a Direct Mail Marketing Coordinator, but my true passion is writing. I live in Los Angeles, where my partner, Brian, and family and friends support me. Through speaking and writing, I aspire to inspire victims of violence to become survivors.
Lucinda Guarino—I worked the POV crisis intervention hotline for several years before deciding to go public with my story. It is my passion to help survivors become healed and empowered through education. I have two teen-age daughters and I utilize every opportunity to spread the message of non-violence.
Rebecca Tomasini—Born and raised in New England, I came to Los Angeles leaving behind a life in New York City as a banker, to become a high school English teacher in East LA. I now work for the California Charter Schools Association. Dogs, hiking, the ocean, travel and the hope that Obama will be our next President are things that make me happy.
Christina Stevenson—Reaching out and communicating with those who have been affected by interpersonal violence is my passion. Currently, I am a volunteer on the Crisis Hotline and Voices Over Violence. I have future plans of attending law school and specializing in Criminal Law with the goal of helping the survivors of violence.
Jeri Elster—I have had the opportunity to address these issues internationally on behalf of victim-survivors who have not yet had a voice. I am a second generation Angelino whose dogs have been my soulmates and protectors. I have been affiliated with POV for over 8 years and I share my gratitude for the agency.
Michelle Yee—I am honored to be a part of Peace Over Violence and hope to continue carrying its ideals into all that I do. I recently finished graduate school at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and plan to return to California with my husband in the near future.