In this essential episode of And Now Love, Cynthia Marks sits down with Patti Giggans, longtime Executive Director of Peace Over Violence, a Los Angeles–based nonprofit founded in 1971 to support survivors through intervention, prevention, education, and advocacy. Patti shares the story behind Denim Day, the longest-running sexual violence prevention education campaign, inspired by a court ruling that treated “tight jeans” as consent—sparking a movement to challenge rape myths and stand with survivors. She explains why one of the most important skills society can learn is simply how to be a support person—to listen without judgment, without rushing, and without trying to “fix” the survivor’s timeline. The conversation highlights POV’s deep, practical work: 24/7 hotlines, counseling, legal services, courtroom accompaniment, and trauma-informed healing modalities that meet people on their worst days. Patti reflects on the ebb and flow of public attention—Me Too moments, headlines, backlash—and how organizations keep going even as prevention programs are often the first to lose funding. We also hear Patti’s personal origin story—how women’s self-defense and martial arts led her into violence prevention work, and why “practice” (not perfection) is the path toward nonviolence. The episode closes with a clear invitation: believe survivors, show up with love, and support the organizations keeping safety and healing alive.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related