These programs focus on empowering women and girls, changing the behavior of potential batterers and rapists, offering support to women survivors of violence and changing community attitudes towards violence against women. The Commission develops and implements educational programs, reviews police response to crimes of sexual assault and domestic violence, and contracts with local agencies to provide services which include prevention and education programs and support services for survivors of violence. The Commission consists of seven members appointed by the City Council. The Commission offers self-defense classes for girls, teens, women, and seniors. Classes are free for City residents.
Classes teach women how to increase personal safety at home, work, school and on the street.
The Commission has given the Santa Cruz Public Libraries an extensive collection of books and videos on various topics related to issues of violence and of women. Some of the subjects are domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, teens, stereotypes, and gay youth. You may look up items in the Library's catalog, which is accessible on the Internet.