Chu, Napolitano Team with Kaiser to Collect Goods for Domestic Violence Victims

Congresswomen Judy Chu and Grace Napolitano, who both represent Monrovia, recently celebrated the success of the 10th Annual Domestic Violence Collection Drive.

The lawmakers, along with officials at Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center, had a press conference Nov. 8 to announce what they had collected during the month-long drive in October.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During the drive, participants collected bags of women's and children's clothing, toiletry items, and other donations that will go to victims at shelters across the San Gabriel Valley, according to a news release.

Both Chu, D-Monterey Park, and Napolitano, D-El Monte, released the following statements regarding the effort:

“Domestic violence affects every community, and people of all ethnicities and walks of life,” Chu said. “As a State Assemblywoman in 2003, I joined forces with Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park to hold these Domestic Violence Awareness Collection Drives, and for ten years we have been helping victims as they overcome their physical and emotional scars.  This year has been a great success, and I thank Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park, Congresswoman Napolitano and all of our great partners for helping us support those most in need.”

“Victims of domestic violence often experience emotional and psychological trauma, which can lead to serious mental health issues,” Napolitano. “We must do more as a community to prevent domestic violence, but it is also critical that we ensure mental health resources as well as physical treatments are available for those who need them most. I thank Congresswoman Chu and Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park for their continued dedication to aiding victims of domestic violence.”