AVDA In the News

All this month, CBS12 News has been highlighting the life-saving work of one Palm Beach County nonprofit called AVDA, which stands for Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse. We've told you the stories of survivors, and introduced you to volunteers who work around the clock to help survivors find safety, and start self-sufficient lives.

One out of three women has been a victim of physical or sexual violence. But what if we could prevent domestic abuse before it happens? That's the goal of AVDA's (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) prevention team. Specifically, its "Committed Men" program, which specifically works with young men and boys to prevent intimate partner violence. The goal is to create the social change necessary to reduce dating and domestic violence in the future.

The non-profit Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, also known as AVDA, is raising funds for it’s many important programs. This month, they have a donor who has pledged to match up to $40,000 in contributions, so anything you donate will really make a difference.

Since 2008, AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) has implemented the Commit to Change: Violence Prevention Initiative in Palm Beach County as we believe one of the best ways to change individual’s beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors about domestic and dating violence is through education. In 2015, AVDA was awarded funding from the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) to specifically work with local young men and boys to prevent domestic violence through education and mentoring. Through this mentoring, and in an effort to engage young men in promoting healthy relationships, the Committed Men Campaign was developed. This campaign encourages youth to create and spread positive messages throughout the community about healthy relationships, how to prevent dating and domestic violence, and their role in ending violence for everyone. To date, the youth have created videos, key chains, posters, songs, and this comic book, titled “A Bad Rap”; sharing these messages in a relevant form to influence positive change among their peer groups. The creation of this comic book was a collaboration between AVDA’s Violence Prevention Education team, local youth involved in Committed Men, and community partners, such as local independent Hip-Hop Artist/Author, Ramon “Absoloot” Robinson . Ramon has been working together with AVDA through the violence prevention program for five years. As to why this works means so much to him, Ramon said, “I’m a better man because of the education I’ve received from AVDA. By doing the work necessary to change myself and the community I’ve become a better mentor and ultimately better husband and father.” To celebrate the release of this comic book and the Committed Men Campaign, AVDA is hosting an event to promote the message even further. Select youth, who are a part of AVDA’s Commit to Change Initiative, will hear from music industry veteran, Paul Porter, on the influence of music and media for positive change. The “Media’s Message” event will be streamed live on AVDA’s Instagram (@AVDACommits) on September 18 from 1-3PM. “We are proud of the local youth involved in the Commit to Change Program and are excited to share this comic book showcasing their work with the public,” Pam O’Brien, AVDA’s President & CEO.

Audrey-May Prosper still bears the scars of the domestic abuse attack that nearly took her life more than a decade ago. “The fire inside me burned brighter than the one around me,” she told a rapt audience at the 13th Annual AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) “Heart of a Woman” luncheon Jan. 26 at the Royal Palm Yacht Club in Boca Raton.

The shelter’s statistics say it all. Four hundred women and children received emergency housing last year while another 750 received referrals to other resources because the facility was at capacity. Outreach services increased 32%. Programs for community education, professional training and violence prevention grew 136%.

La Guia News features AVDA's economic empowerment programming in their September publication.

By: Joanie Cox-Henry Contributing Writer More than 100 hot pink sashes adorned the dining room at Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club Feb. 28 as women and men gathered for AVDA’s 12th Annual Heart of A Woman Luncheon. Founder of the #MeToo movement, Tarana Burke delivered a heartfelt speech to the sold-out crowd as they dined on gourmet chicken and fish and sipped white wine. Liz Quirantes emceed the event.