Domestic Violence Not Ethnic Issue

We at the California Wellness Foundation read with keen interest The Times’ Oct. 27 article titled “Redefining Approach to Family Violence.” The foundation has committed $35 million of its funds over a five-year period for its comprehensive Violence Prevention Initiative, including support for programs that elevate public awareness and promote community-based solutions to address the alarming levels of violence in our state.

We laud The Times for covering the important work of local law enforcement agencies and their efforts to redefine their roles in addressing domestic violence. However, we were greatly disturbed by the news judgment that lead to publishing pictures of Latino males who were identified as suspected abusers in the article.

Research shows that violence and spousal abuse have no ethnic and economic boundaries, yet this exclusive portrayal of Latinos as abusers distorts the reality of the problem.

GARY L. YATES

President and C.E.O.

California Wellness Foundation

Woodland Hills

* I just finished reading the article, “Redefining Approach to Family Violence” and applaud the efforts of the various police departments and the local community agencies who are joining efforts to combat this crime. As the article stated, this is a problem that affects the whole family as well as anyone who comes into contact with members of the family.

The Irvine Unified School District, together with our collaborative partners (Human Options, the Irvine Police Department, Orange County Probation, Orange County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, and Community Service Programs Inc.) have been awarded a grant from the office of the attorney general to address the issues of domestic violence and teen relationship abuse. The goals of this grant are to increase awareness in the general community.

I am thrilled to see that so many communities are taking an active role in combating domestic violence.

PAT MCKENZIE

Project Director

Guidance Resources

Irvine