FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 16, 2014
Media Contacts: Jessica Merrill Communications & Development Manager jessica@cpedv.org; (916) 444-7163, x118 Sanja Alajbegovic Senior Digital Communications Manager sanjaa@womensfoundca.org;(415) 321-2049

Surina Khan of the Women’s Foundation of California to deliver keynote address at The Partnership’s Annual Conference

SACRAMENTO— The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (the Partnership) is pleased to announce that Surina Khan, Chief Executive Officer at the Women’s Foundation of California, will present the keynote address at its 2014 Conference: Connecting the Dots: Domestic Violence, Health and Well-being. At 9:15 a.m. on September 17th, Khan will speak to nearly 300 shelter providers and domestic violence advocates, in addition to professionals in the fields of public health, reproductive justice and criminal justice. Guests from all over the state will convene at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport to hear inspiring speeches, participate in workshops and strengthen community collaborations in the domestic violence movement.

Khan’s address will draw from her early experiences working with the LGBT community as well as her extensive global work on women’s rights. She will discuss the pervasive nature of abuse across every social and economic class, and illustrate the rippling effect it has on economies, immigrant communities and health. In addition, Khan will highlight strategies for change, including coalition building, communications, and cross-movement work.

“I am honored to be delivering the keynote address to the Partnership’s 2014 conference,” said Khan. “Relationship violence is both a public health problem and a social justice problem that we must all work to end.”

A known trailblazer for gender equality in our state, Khan has been at the forefront of economic justice and LGBT rights for years. She’s been instrumental to the success of the Women’s Policy Institute—an initiative which allows participants to navigate the complex legislative process and build enduring relationships with elected and appointed officials. Partnership staff has been closely involved with the domestic violence teams at the Women’s Policy Institute, acting in mentorship and fellowship roles.

In California, domestic violence has become a public health crisis. On one day in 2013, domestic violence shelters served 5,263 victims and answered 1,703 hotline calls (NNEDV Census). The Partnership’s 2014 Connecting the Dots Conference seeks to address the epidemic of domestic violence by discussing the issue through a public health lens, with workshop tracks that discuss healthcare access for domestic violence survivors, intersections with the reproductive justice movement and collaboration with public health professionals on prevention.

About the Partnership
The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (the Partnership) is California’s recognized domestic violence coalition, with organizational and individual members across the state. Working at the local, state and national levels for nearly 30 years, the Partnership has a long track record of successfully passing over 100 pieces of legislation on behalf of domestic violence victims and their children. The Partnership believes that by sharing expertise, advocates and legislators can end domestic violence. Every day we inspire, inform and connect all those concerned with this issue, because together we’re stronger. With offices in Sacramento, the Partnership’s member programs span the entire state. For more information, visit www.cpedv.org.

About the Women’s Foundation of California
The Women’s Foundation of California works toward a just and equitable California, in which all people and communities, in every region of the state, thrive.

For 35 years, the Foundation has been not just a grantmaker, but a relentless advocate for social change. As a publicly supported foundation, we raise every dollar that we use for strategic grantmaking, public policy, workforce development and women’s leadership development. We have built a dynamic network comprised of dedicated donor activists, leaders and grassroots organizations working throughout the state.

With the help of our supporters, we strive to make California a model for the nation—a place where equity and economic security is realized by all women and families in the state. For more information, visit www.womensfoundca.org.