Today LAAW is facing a budget crisis that may force it to cease operation in a matter of months.

"We are there to help battered and abused women when they have nowhere to turn," Jennifer Mathis, president of LAAW's board of directors explains. "These victims, the vast majority of whom are also mothers, are at their most vulnerable, often afraid for their own lives and the safety of their children. Our staff and volunteers guide them through the legal protection and processes to which they are entitled to help them escape a life of violence."

In 2009 LAAW's revenues dropped significantly. And while funding is down, the demand for services is increasing. Incidents of domestic violence are up over 30 percent as the recession strains families as well as businesses. In the last fiscal year alone, LAAW responded to 8,956 requests for help from victims of abuse.

"To continue to provide our region with these special services, LAAW needs the community's support," Mathis explains. "If we don't secure additional funding, the 8,956 calls for help we receive would go unanswered, meaning victims of abuse in our community will lose one of their most valuable advocates and means of defense."

Without your help, LAAW will cease to exist and victims will lose valuable support. Talk to people, donate money, suggest LAAW to your company. Please help save LAAW!