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Home > Desert Oracle Radio > Partners Against Violence highlights concerns about sexual violence survivor support and funding


	Podcast:		Desert Oracle Radio
	Episode:		Partners Against Violence highlights concerns about sexual violence survivor support and funding
	Category:		Society & Culture
	Duration:		00:00:00
	Publish Date:		2026-04-28 16:28:08
	Description:		Community members, law enforcement, advocates, and local leaders gathered on Monday, April 27, for an event hosted by Partners Against Violence (PAV). PAV is an organization that works on the front lines of victim support in the Morongo Basin. The focus was both practical and urgent: how to help survivors navigate the system and ensure those services remain available in the future. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Captain Steve Scovel says many victims are overwhelmed the moment they try to take action. He explains how PAV supports the process. “Any time there is a domestic violence situation, they help them obtain restraining orders, which can be very confusing,” Scovel said. That support can determine whether someone follows through or gives up. “They can also sit in on a case as a victim interviews as an advocate.” San Bernardino County Sheriff Captain Steve Scovel Inside the courtroom, prosecutors say their work depends heavily on that kind of support. Deputy District Attorney Heather Razook told the crowd that survivors carry the real burden of the justice process, saying “The reality is we have the easy job. We rely heavily on organizations like Partners Against Violence and on victim advocates like Lorenzo, who are there to support the survivors of violent crimes. The survivors have the hardest job; we ask them to come, we ask them to confront the person who attacked them. We ask a lot.” Behind the scenes, victim advocates often manage an overwhelming caseload. Lorenzo Esparza is the only victim advocate serving the Morongo Basin and says he’s currently handling hundreds of cases. Yucca Valley Mayor Pro Tem Jim Schooler says that organizations like Partners Against Violence are essential because they provide services that government agencies can’t. “There are so many things local government can’t do, but we still get the calls, and we rely heavily on Partners Against Violence and other nonprofits that fill that void for the community,” Schooler said. But those services may be at risk. Speakers highlighted a proposed 45% reduction in federal funding for the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which supports victim services nationwide. For survivors, that funding can mean the difference between getting help or being left on their own. The message of the day was clear: support systems save lives. Left to Right: Councilmembers Octavious Scott and April Ramirez, Partners Against Violence representative Sarah Shock Advocates say that support goes beyond crisis response. It includes education, prevention, and community awareness, especially for younger generations, helping them learn what healthy relationships look like. And for many in the room, the work is deeply personal. Survivors, advocates, and community members stood side by side, sharing stories, resources, and a common goal of ensuring no one has to navigate violence alone. If you or someone you know needs help, Partners Against Violence provides confidential support and resources throughout the Morongo Basin. You can contact them at (760) 369-3353 The National Domestic Violence Hotline can also be reached at 1-800-799-7233 The post Partners Against Violence highlights concerns about sexual violence survivor support and funding appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.
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