Center for Domestic Peace

This powerful film shares the stories of survivors who made the courageous decision to leave violence behind in search of safety for themselves and their children, only to face the harsh realities of housing instability and systemic barriers. It offers an honest look at what survivors truly endure, the resilience it takes to rebuild, and the life-changing impact of supportive services and safe housing.

Created through the 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄) 𝐂𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭, this project highlights the critical connection between domestic violence and homelessness — and the urgent need for communities to create pathways to safety, stability, and healing for every survivor.

“Why don’t they just leave?” This question oversimplifies the complex realities faced by survivors of domestic violence. Survivors may stay because of fear, financial dependence, concern for their children, emotional attachment, lack of support, cultural pressures, or the reality that leaving can actually increase the risk of violence. The film demonstrates that leaving an abusive relationship is not a simple decision, but a difficult and often dangerous process that can lead to significant hardship and instability.

Leaving an abusive home should never mean becoming homeless — yet for so many survivors, safety comes at an unimaginable cost. At C4DP, we witness these realities every day, and we remain committed to ensuring survivors never have to choose between abuse and homelessness.

Pease watch the film:

Housing Opportunities Mean Everything: Domestic Violence, Housing, and the Cost of Inaction This film shares the stories of survivors who became homeless after...

🌿 Honoring Faye D’Opal

Today we honor the remarkable legacy of former Board President Faye D’Opal, whose life was defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

Faye embodied a lifelong commitment to social justice, peace, and community. Deeply compassionate, steadfast, and action oriented, Faye brought together her legal expertise and her extensive community experience in the United States and Central and South America in service of survivors of violence and impoverished and marginalized communities.

In the early 1990s, when the organization was known as Marin Abused Women’s Services, Faye joined the board of what is now Center for Domestic Peace (C4DP). She served two terms as board chair, helping to guide the organization through a critical period of growth and institutional strengthening. During her tenure, she played a key role in developing a comprehensive governance charter—one that remains in use today and has served as a model for other nonprofit organizations.

One of Faye’s most enduring contributions was her leadership in helping secure a new site for the C4DP’s emergency, confidential shelter for survivors of domestic violence in 1990. C4DP had long outgrown its shelter facility which lacked adequate beds and play space for the children. It was C4DP’s vision to re-locate to a peaceful, secluded, and enclosed space with a large area for children to play-at-large.

👉 Read More About Faye: https://centerfordomesticpeace.org/honoring-faye-dopal/

We remember her with deep gratitude and extend our heartfelt condolences to those who knew and loved her.

Here is a link to her celebration of life on Saturday June 20th: https://celebratefdo.rsvpify.com/

Domestic violence affects people of all genders and orientations. In LGBTQIA+ relationships, emotional abuse can be harder to recognize due to stigma, myths, and the very real need for connection within marginalized communities.

People who use harmful behaviors—like isolation—may believe their actions are justified. Still, no circumstance makes intimate partner abuse acceptable.

Survivors deserve support, safety, and the space to navigate trauma, mental health, substance use, and anger without harm—and no one has to face these challenges alone. If you’re feeling trapped by the person you love, call 415-924-6616 to speak with a compassionate advocate.