Press Releases

October 20, 2005:

City Council recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The Cerritos City Council recently issued a proclamation declaring October 2004 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Cerritos. The proclamation was presented to Jan Laine, executive director of Su Casa Domestic Abuse Network. The City Council also recognized the 25th anniversary of Su Casa Domestic Abuse Network.

Two to four million women of all races and socio-economic levels are beaten annually by their partners, and four women are beaten to death by a male intimate partner each day in the United States. Each year, an estimated 3.3 million children are exposed to violence by family members against their mothers or female caretakers, and are 15 times more likely to be abused themselves.

The City Council commended Su Casa Domestic Abuse Network for the supportive services it provides to victims and survivors of domestic violence. The organization was created by Petra Medelez, who took the steps to flee an abusive marriage in 1976. In 1979, Medelez began the Su Casa crisis hotline, and in 1980 she used her own home as the first-ever shelter. Cerritos/Artesia Soroptimist International provided more than $200,000 in funding for the land and construction of Su Casa’s new shelter in 1987. Today, Su Casa includes an on-site school and preschool; a large playground with equipment; a crisis hotline; ample storage for food, clothing and toys; a transitional shelter; and staff offices.