STATEMENT FROM PEACE OVER VIOLENCE | September 16, 2022

On the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 14, a search warrant from the Los Angeles County Sheriff was executed at the headquarters of Peace Over Violence and the home of Patti Giggans, our Executive Director and Commissioner on the LA County Sheriff’s Civilian Oversight Commission (COC). The Sheriff removed items including desktop computers, our agency server, and Patti’s personal vehicle.Simultaneously, they also raided the home of LA County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, her offices at the Hall of Administration, and the LA Metro offices.

These actions are intended to disrupt Peace Over Violence and silence Patti Giggans and are due to the Sheriff’s ongoing personal political vendettas that have transpired publicly. Clearly, these bullying tactics are meant to intimidate anyone who has criticism of the Sheriff. We reject the attempt to defame the organization, its programming and values, its integrity and the integrity of its Executive Director/CEO. 

Peace Over Violence and its Executive Director Patti Giggans are nationally recognized leaders in sexual and domestic violence with a reputation for providing responsive, quality services to survivors. We have partnered with law enforcement and government institutions for more than 51 years to fill the gaps that exist in supporting survivors including operating the nation’s first and longest running sexual assault and domestic violence hotline. Our hotlines are supported in part by government contracts, grants, and other donations. Our government contracts have all been fairly granted and followed the rules and protocols of the awarding agency.

Despite this event, Peace Over Violence remains committed to the work of providing a safe place, listening ear, and trauma informed wraparound services to individuals and families impacted by sexual and domestic violence in Los Angeles County.

For Information: Darcy Pollan, darcy@peaceoverviolence.org