TMZ Article Misleading; Oksana Grigorieva Never Asked to be Domestic Violence Spokesperson
Entertainment Desk
November 23, 2010
Sacramento — On November 13, the website TMZ published a headline which implied that the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence had pursued Oksana Grigorieva, the ex-girlfriend of Mel Gibson who has made claims of domestic violence in their relationship, to act as an agency spokesperson. This is incorrect. Ms. Grigorieva does not work for the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (CPEDV) in any capacity.
As a domestic violence coalition we seek to validate victims/survivors by encouraging them to define their experiences and acknowledging that they are the experts in their own lives. Therefore, as an organization we seek to provide information and resources so victims/survivors can consider options and make empowered life choices. We advocate for all battered persons while respecting victims'/survivors´ rights to self-determination and control over their own lives. CPEDV feels that anyone who believes they have been victimized has a right to tell his or her story. However, Ms. Grigorieva was never asked to play an official role for CPEDV. Furthermore, CPEDV is not in a position to validate any of her claims. "That is not our role," stated Tara Shabazz, Executive Director of CPEDV.
CPEDV is the statewide domestic violence coalition, and provides leadership on public policy issues, community education and training and professional services to its member programs. We are committed to raising public awareness about domestic violence by educating policymakers, media, individuals, and communities on effective and comprehensive intervention and prevention strategies to end domestic violence.
Shabazz also said that the TMZ article mischaracterized the role that her organization plays with individuals seeking information and resources on domestic violence.
"All people who contact our agency and identify themselves as domestic violence victims are provided with support," she said. "Our agency offers information, education, or referrals to direct service providers in the person´s community. Ms. Grigorieva was never asked to be a spokesperson, or given any official role within our coalition. TMZ is a tabloid publication which writes its headlines to maximize traffic to its website. Those headlines do not necessarily reflect the stories they accompany, or the facts on the ground."
CPEDV recognizes that domestic violence is a serious threat to the well-being of all women, children and men, and hold steadfast to the belief that safe homes and safe families are the foundation of a safe society. We affirm the rights of all persons to live without fear of abuse, oppression or the threat of violence, and believe every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence is California´s statewide domestic violence coalition, with over 150 member organizations and individuals. Working at the local, state and national levels for nearly 30 years, the California Partnership has a long track record of successfully passing over 100 pieces of legislation on behalf of domestic violence victims and their children. As the unified voice for California´s domestic violence agencies, CPEDV provides statewide leadership on public policy issues, offers professional training and services to domestic violence service providers and promotes public awareness through community outreach efforts. With offices in Sacramento, CPEDV´s member programs span the entire state.
As a domestic violence coalition we seek to validate victims/survivors by encouraging them to define their experiences and acknowledging that they are the experts in their own lives. Therefore, as an organization we seek to provide information and resources so victims/survivors can consider options and make empowered life choices. We advocate for all battered persons while respecting victims'/survivors´ rights to self-determination and control over their own lives. CPEDV feels that anyone who believes they have been victimized has a right to tell his or her story. However, Ms. Grigorieva was never asked to play an official role for CPEDV. Furthermore, CPEDV is not in a position to validate any of her claims. "That is not our role," stated Tara Shabazz, Executive Director of CPEDV.
CPEDV is the statewide domestic violence coalition, and provides leadership on public policy issues, community education and training and professional services to its member programs. We are committed to raising public awareness about domestic violence by educating policymakers, media, individuals, and communities on effective and comprehensive intervention and prevention strategies to end domestic violence.
Shabazz also said that the TMZ article mischaracterized the role that her organization plays with individuals seeking information and resources on domestic violence.
"All people who contact our agency and identify themselves as domestic violence victims are provided with support," she said. "Our agency offers information, education, or referrals to direct service providers in the person´s community. Ms. Grigorieva was never asked to be a spokesperson, or given any official role within our coalition. TMZ is a tabloid publication which writes its headlines to maximize traffic to its website. Those headlines do not necessarily reflect the stories they accompany, or the facts on the ground."
CPEDV recognizes that domestic violence is a serious threat to the well-being of all women, children and men, and hold steadfast to the belief that safe homes and safe families are the foundation of a safe society. We affirm the rights of all persons to live without fear of abuse, oppression or the threat of violence, and believe every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence is California´s statewide domestic violence coalition, with over 150 member organizations and individuals. Working at the local, state and national levels for nearly 30 years, the California Partnership has a long track record of successfully passing over 100 pieces of legislation on behalf of domestic violence victims and their children. As the unified voice for California´s domestic violence agencies, CPEDV provides statewide leadership on public policy issues, offers professional training and services to domestic violence service providers and promotes public awareness through community outreach efforts. With offices in Sacramento, CPEDV´s member programs span the entire state.
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