An Important Message from Peace Over Violence
Dear Friends, Supporters, Clients, Advocates, and Community Partners,
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Peace Over Violence, we write to share an important update with you. After more than four decades of extraordinary service to this organization and to the movement to end sexual, domestic, and interpersonal violence, Patti Giggans is retiring from her role as POV’s Executive Director, effective September 30, 2026.
It is quite difficult to put into words the appreciation and honor we have for Patti’s impact on Peace Over Violence and on the broader movement. But we will try.
For nearly half a century, Peace Over Violence has been woven into Patti’s life. She shares that ‘what began as work became a calling, a commitment, a community, and truly, a journey of a lifetime.’ As Patti prepares to leave, she reminds us that the work is not finished, but that there is confidence in what can be accomplished when committed people come together with a shared mission, vision, and purpose.
Patti has written a personal letter to the POV community in her own words, reflecting on her journey, her gratitude, and her hopes for the future of Peace Over Violence. We invite you to take a moment to read her heartfelt message here.
What began in 1971 as a small group of pioneering feminist activists to a multifaceted organization serving Los Angeles and communities beyond, with services spanning emergency response, intervention, prevention, education, and advocacy, Patti has been at the heart of POV for more than 45 years. Patti exhibits tireless leadership, advocacy, vision and consistent voice for survivors and for the belief that violence is preventable and that healthy relationships, families, and communities are possible.
We know that for many of you, Patti’s departure may come as a surprise. But we want to assure you that over the past several months, Patti, the Board as well as the Executive Leadership have been working quietly, intentionally and thoughtfully toward this transition.
Patti appointed Yvette Lozano as Deputy Executive Director in preparation of this transition and now, The Board is pleased to appoint Yvette as Interim Executive Director, effective October 1, 2026.
Yvette has been part of Peace Over Violence for 25 years, serving in increasingly senior leadership roles, bringing extensive experience as well as a deep understanding of our programs, our staff, our partners and supporters, and the people we serve. Her leadership provides an important continuity during this transition, while also creating space for POV to look ahead and continue evolving to meet the challenges before us.
We’re excited to support Yvette as she steps into this new role and as POV steps into unchartered territory. And we honor - and invite you to join us - in expressing our profound gratitude to Patti for her decades of service, leadership, advocacy, and dedication. Peace Over Violence would not be the organization it is today without her. This transition marks the end of an extraordinary chapter, but it is not the end of the work.
The work of ending interpersonal violence remains as urgent and as challenging as ever. We remain steadfast in our mission to build healthy relationships, families, and communities free from sexual, domestic, and interpersonal violence.
Our collective priority has been ensuring that our clients, survivors, donors, partners, volunteers, and staff feel safe and supported as POV moves forward. We know that trust is earned over time, and we are committed to honoring the trust you have placed in Peace Over Violence. Most of all, we hope we can rely on the same partnership, belief, and support that has carried Peace Over Violence for more than five decades. We look forward to many more years together.
With deep gratitude and commitment,
The Board of Directors
Peace Over Violence
P.S. A note about the timing of this announcement: We recognize that this message comes amid significant media attention surrounding the Cornell case and the experiences of survivors. We in no way intend to distract from or diminish the voices and stories at the center of this moment, or the countless survivors whose experiences continue to deserve attention, care, and action. We felt it was important, however, to share this news with our community in a timely and transparent way.
Our commitment to survivors remains unwavering. Peace Over Violence will continue to honor, support, and stand with survivors, and we remain here for anyone who needs support.
If you or someone you know needs help, the LA Rape and Battering Hotline is 213-626-3393 | 310-392-8381 | 626-793-3385