$2.2M in funding for gender-based violence prevention approved by LA County Supervisors
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved over $2 million in funding for gender-based violence prevention services. This initiative aims to address and prevent various forms of gender-based violence through education, engagement, and empowerment strategies. Meanwhile, recent actions by the Trump Administration have sparked debate over gender-related policies.
What the $2M will be used for
What we know: The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion to allocate $2,260,500 for gender-based violence prevention services. The funding will support a 15-month contract with Southern California Grantmakers, focusing on four key areas: healthy relationship education and training, engaging men and boys, innovative programs for LGBTQ+ youth, and economic empowerment strategies for girls. The funding comes from the county Department of Public Health budget and awaits final approval by county counsel.
Human rights violation
The Backstory: Gender-based violence (GBV) is recognized as a widespread human rights violation. The motion cited data stating that in Los Angeles County alone, over 800,000 adults have reported experiencing physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner. Nationally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly 1 in 2 women and over 40% of men have faced such behavior from intimate partners. GBV encompasses domestic violence, intimate partner violence, gendered cyber abuses, sexual harassment, sexual assault, exploitation, trafficking, and homophobic and transphobic abuses. It is deeply rooted in structural gender inequalities, patriarchy, and power imbalances.
What They’re Saying: The motion, put forth by Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Holly Mitchell, emphasizes the importance of prevention in eliminating GBV. Southern California Grantmakers, the organization awarded the contract, describes itself as a community of philanthropists and grantmakers dedicated to making a difference locally and globally.
Trump administration approach to gender-related issues
The Other Side: In contrast, a recent memo from the White House under the Trump Administration, titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government," outlines a different approach to gender-related issues.
This executive order has led to legal challenges and debates over transgender rights and healthcare. The order emphasizes a return to biological definitions and traditional gender roles, which has sparked significant controversy and differing opinions on the best methods to address gender-based issues.
Funding still pending final approval
What’s Next: The agreement for the funding allocation is pending final approval by county counsel. Once approved, Southern California Grantmakers will begin implementing the preventive services outlined in the contract. The initiative aims to create a safer and more equitable environment by addressing the root causes of gender-based violence and promoting healthy relationships and empowerment. Meanwhile, the legal and social implications of the Trump Administration's executive order continue to unfold, with potential impacts on federal policies and transgender rights.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, City News Service, and recent directives from the White House.