For more information about what data is available for request, click here.
The Los Angeles County Office of Violence Prevention (OVP), housed within the Department of Public Health, works to strengthen coordination, capacity and partnerships to address the root causes of violence, and to advance policies and practices that are grounded in race equity, to prevent all forms of violence and to promote healing across all communities in Los Angeles County.
OVP monitors the trends and circumstances of violent deaths affecting Los Angeles County to inform decision makers and program planners about ways to prevent and intervene on violence in the community, at home and in the workplace.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is observed every April to raise awareness and promote the prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. This year marks the 25th anniversary of SAAM and sexual violence prevention, awareness and education campaigns and events will be held worldwide and locally here in LA County. These efforts began as local grassroots movements led by survivors and advocates focused on preventing sexual assault and making communities safer. Over the years SAAM has grown significantly to include family, friends and allies of survivors, entities and systems such as education, healthcare and local, state and federal government partners.
What is Sexual Violence?
Sexual violence is an umbrella term for multiple forms of violence and abuse including sexual assault. Other forms of sexual violence include child sexual abuse, incest, sexual coercion, harassment or exploitation, rape, stalking, technology-facilitated abuse and reproductive coercion.
What is Sexual Assault?
While sexual assault might be thought of only as rape, the full definition of sexual assault includes any unwanted sexual contact. This can include attempted or completed sexual acts when someone used force, threats, pressure, intimidation or authority, or when someone did not, or could not, give permission.
How Common is Sexual Violence?
National Statistics Nearly half of women and more than one in six men report experiencing some form of sexual violence during their lifetime, including rape, attempted rape, sexual coercion, and unwanted sexual contact.1 Most survivors report experiencing their first assault before the age of 25, and almost half of female victims were first assaulted as a minor.2
Source: Leemis RW, Zhang Kudon H, Zhu, Smith SG, Chen J, Friar NW, & Basile KC. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS):2023/2024 Sexual Violence data Brief. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2025.
Los Angeles County Statistics
In 2024, LA County law enforcement reported over 3,300 rapes.3 During 2023, LA County residents made over 1,500 visits to the emergency department due to sexual assaults. 4 Results from the 2023 Los Angeles County Health Survey estimated that 427,000 adults in Los Angeles County have ever experienced unwanted sex by an intimate partner.5
Source: 2023 Los Angeles County Healthy Survey; Office of Health Assessment and Epidemiology; Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
The true magnitude of the problem remains unknown driven by a lack of standardized measures, stigma, fear and safety concerns which often results in underreporting.
Sexual Violence is a Public Health Issue
Sexual violence is a serious public health issue that impacts everyone in LA. Sexual violence not only impacts the individual survivor but also their family members and friends; occurs in places where people live, work, attend school, play, and worship; and is often committed by people we know and trust.
Multiple forms of oppression like racism, classism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism contribute to all forms of sexual violence. Discrimination and oppression by systems and people contribute to some victims/survivors having less access to services and supports, not being believed and/or being blamed for the violence, retaliation and poorer outcomes when they do report to systems such as law enforcement, educational institutions, and the criminal justice system.
Sexual violence disproportionately impacts communities who are economically and socially disadvantaged, including women and girls, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, individuals with disabilities, immigrant and undocumented individuals. Sexual violence intersects with many other forms of violence including child abuse, domestic, intimate partner and teen dating violence, human trafficking, gang violence, dependent adult and elder abuse, among others.
Survivors may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and experience recurring reproductive, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and sexual health problems.6
Sexual violence survivors are also at an increased risk of tobacco use, alcohol and drug abuse and for engaging in risky sexual activity.7
The resulting trauma from sexual violence can impact the ability to retain employment and disrupt earning power.8
The Los Angeles County Sexual Assault Council
On April 11, 2022, the Los Angeles County Commission for Women’s Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Assault recommended that the LA County Board of Supervisors establish a Sexual Assault Council to coordinate a countywide response for survivors of sexual violence. The Commission recommended that the council include members from county systems such as law enforcement, the district attorney’s office, child protective services and the Department of Mental Health in addition to victim service providers such as sexual assault response teams (SARTs) and rape crisis centers, and survivors with lived experience. On September 27, 2022, the Board of Supervisors adopted the motion by Supervisors Sheila Kuehl and Hilda L. Solis, to establish the Los Angeles County Sexual Assault Council (LAC SAC) with funding and staffing resources allocated in October 2024. The Office of Violence Prevention officially launched LAC SAC in April 2025 with 17 voting council members from a wide range of fields and areas across LA County. The mission of the LAC SAC is as follows: “The Los Angeles County Sexual Assault Council leads and coordinates countywide efforts to address sexual violence across Los Angeles County’s culturally diverse communities.The Council convenes partners to advance prevention, strengthen training and practice, and improve system responses so survivors receive safe, respectful care and communities have the tools to reduce harm.”
Reaffirming its commitment to supporting survivors, raising public awareness and advancing efforts to prevent sexual assault across our communities, the LA County Board of Supervisors proclaimed the month of April 2026 as SAAM and April 29, 2026, as Denim Day in Los Angeles County.
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/sexual-violence/about/index.html [2] https://www.cdc.gov/sexual-violence/about/index.html [3] https://openjustice.doj.ca.gov/exploration/crime-statistics/crimes-clearances [4] California Department of Health Care Access and Information, 2023 Emergency Department Data. [5] https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/bos/supdocs/210350.pdf [6] Basile KC and Smith SG. (2011). Sexual Violence Victimization of Women: Prevalence, Characteristics, and the Role of Public Health and Prevention. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine (5): 407-417. [7] Basile KC, Clayton HB, Rostad WL, & Leemis RW. (2020). Sexual violence victimization of youth and health risk behaviors. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 58(4), 570-579 [8] Basile KC and Smith SG. (2011). Sexual Violence Victimization of Women: Prevalence, Characteristics, and the Role of Public Health and Prevention. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine (5): 407-417.
Intimate partner violence impacts many of Los Angeles County’s youth. According to the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, during 2021, 7.3% of high school students in LAUSD reported experiencing sexual dating violence in the past year and 5.7% reported experiencing physical dating violence.2 Among young adults ages 18-24, the 2023 Los Angeles County Health Survey found that 8.3% reported ever experiencing physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner.3
Beliefs about relationships, respect and boundaries are often formed during adolescence. By engaging young people early, we can prevent unhealthy relationship patterns and encourage respect, consent an open communication.
To support this goal, OVP developed the Check for Respect Teen Dating Violence Prevention Toolkit, a resource designed to help teens and young adults recognize the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships. It also provides guidance for adults who work with youth to help them recognize when a young person may be in an unsafe relationship and how to connect them with support.
The toolkit includes a poster, postcard, handout and stickers that educate about respect, consent and boundaries in dating relationships. OVP developed the toolkit in collaboration with county departments and youth-serving organizations.
2. 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available: https://nccd.cdc.gov/Youthonline/App/Default.aspx. Accessed 5/22/2023. 3. 2023 Los Angeles County Health Survey; Office of Health Assessment and Epidemiology, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Recent actions by immigration enforcement agents have caused fear and anxiety in communities across Los Angeles County. The Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) stands in solidarity with immigrant communities during this time of uncertainty and upheaval. We are committed to upholding the core principles of public health, including equity, compassion, promoting wellbeing, and preventing harm by supporting communities across Los Angeles County regardless of their immigration status.
Detention, deportation and threat of deportation affect undocumented people, their children and family members who are often legal residents, anyone perceived to be an immigrant based on skin color or other factors, people with whom they share communities or schools, and our broader society. The health of our communities cannot be upheld, promoted, or protected when our immigrant and refugee communities are in fear of being detained and deported.
Now is the time to come together, speak up, and support each other. We are here. We care. And we will keep working side by side with our communities to ensure that every person and community is treated with human dignity. Towards this end OVP will continue to share information and resources with all immigrant populations and with our community partners; create and support healing spaces and venues; and support those on the frontlines to facilitate access to resources.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center: Red Cards inform how people can assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when immigration agents go to a home.
California Collaborative For Immigrant Justice
CCIJ utilizes coordination, advocacy, and legal services to fight for the liberation of immigrants in detention in California. CCIJ uses legal and advocacy initiatives, data and reporting, public health and immigrant detention and campaigns for liberation to strengthen and guide both grassroots and statewide efforts.
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
CHIRLA's Workers' Rights and Labor Legal Services Department works at the intersection of immigration law and employment law. Access immigration legal services for students, deportation defense, family immigration and unity, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
Detention Support
What to Do if You Are Arrested or Detained by Immigration
To locate a loved one that has been detained for more than 48 hours, visit the ICE Online Detainee Locator System.Please note: Online Detainee Locator System cannot search for records of persons under the age of 18.
LAUSD Parent and Family Academy Webinar Recording: Know Your Rights essential updates, real-life vignettes, and a family preparedness plan. English | Español
The Mobile Immigrant Services Clinic provides free, in-language support to immigrants experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity across LA County.
Provide emergency childcare, food, and transportation.
Shop for their groceries or run errands for them if they do not feel safe leaving their homes. Visit FREE food distributions at DPH Wellness Centers and offer to pick it up for them.
Help cover rent, utilities, or lost income.
Connect folks to legal aid and help gather vital documents.
Encourage and assist them make plans for what to do when a family member is displaced.
Offer mental health support, healing circles, and spaces to feel safe again.
Keep showing up! - Organize, advocate, and amplify their stories.
Medi-Cal & Personal Data
There are reports that the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services may have shared personal data, including immigration status, of Medi-Cal members with the Department of Homeland Security. The State of California has been attempting to verify if this occurred but has been unable to do so at this point. Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) continues to administer the Medi-Cal program, which provides health care access to over 3.4 million residents across Los Angeles County.
DPSS suggests customers consider a few things:
Eligibility rules for Medi-Cal and other DPSS-administered programs have not changed. If any changes do occur, you will be notified.
DPSS services are available remotely. You can reach them at 866-613-3777, or through the BenefitsCal website.
Familiarize yourself with the Know Your Rights materials they have distributed on social media platforms and at our public offices.
My Tree of Pride/Nuestro Árbol del Orgullo: A gentle art activity for children and kids at heart to celebrate their roots, express their dreams, and reclaim joy—especially in the face of anti-immigrant messages that can weigh on their hearts.
It’s okay if you’re feeling confused, scared, or unsure.
Do you want to talk about what’s happening?
Some people in our country are being taken away from their homes because of where they were born, where their families are from, or how they got here.
Families are being separated, and this is hurting a lot of people - including kids just like you.
This is not okay, and it is not how these issues are supposed to be handled. Everyone deserves to feel safe, to be with their families, and to have a place to call home.
There are many reasons why someone might come to this country. Most people want to create a beautiful life for themselves and their families, just like we do.
You may have heard the word ICE, which stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It is the law enforcement agency that comes to send people away.
Many of our community members are working hard to protect people and keep everyone safe. Many people are raising their voices to speak up for change.
People like me are here to help keep you safe and informed. You can always ask questions. You can always talk to me.
It’s okay to feel big feelings about this. Scared. Mad. Confused. You are not alone.
You can help by learning, listening, and speaking up for what is right. Every voice matters - including yours.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Office of Violence Prevention, in partnership with Southern California Grantmakers, is excited to announce 12 community-based organizations that have been selected to receive funding as part of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention Community Grant. This represents the first time Los Angeles County has allocated funding of this scale, $2 million, for GBV prevention efforts. Awardees were selected through a competitive review process and represent a diverse and dynamic group of organizations committed to advancing GBV prevention, healing, and safety across Los Angeles County.
We sincerely thank all the organizations that applied and recognize the time, care, and commitment that went into each proposal. The overwhelming response to this opportunity reflects the depth of work happening across our communities to end GBV. We are honored to collaborate with these trusted organizations and other county and communities partners to advance this vital work.
The following organizations will lead innovative efforts across four strategic focus areas:
Healthy Relationships Education & Training
Alma Family Services (Supervisorial District 1)
$200,000
Inner City Visions (Supervisorial District 2)
$174,555
Haven Hills (Supervisorial District 3)
$119,047
Interval House (Supervisorial District 4)
$200,000
Child & Family Center (Supervisorial District 5)
$200,000
Engaging Men & Boys
Jail Guitar Doors
$199,993
The Prism Way
$173,837
LGBTQ+ Youth Leaders
Latino Equality Alliance
$165,883
Men's Health Foundation
$145,240
Minority AIDS Project
$164,922
Economic Empowerment for Women & Girls
Maternal & Child Health Access
$112,167
Sanctuary of Hope
$99,501
OVP supports the County’s LA vs. Hate Initiative led by the Human Relations Commission in collaboration with community partners. LA vs Hate is a community-centered creative campaign to encourage and support all residents of Los Angeles County to unite against, report, and resist hate.
If you are the victim, or witness of, a hate incident or hate crime you can report the incident/crime with 211 LA. Your report is confidential and 211 is not affiliated with law enforcement.
After extensive review and input, the Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) Early Implementation Strategic Plan was adopted by the County Leadership Committee and Community Partnership Council in September 2020. Read more about OVP Early Implementation Strategic Plan here.
The OVP Strategic Plan is a live document and we welcome your ongoing feedback, specifically as it pertains to our priorities, goals, objectives and strategies. Please provide your input by sending an email to ovp@ph.lacounty.gov or email Andrea Welsing, OVP Director, directly at awelsing@ph.lacounty.gov. We hope you will provide your thoughts, comments and recommendations for the Strategic Plan and that you will continue to be part of our violence prevention and healing efforts as we work together to advance strategies to prevent violence and promote healing.
