This episode of Nonprofit Report features leaders from WEAVE. Domestic violence affects people of every background and community. Weave, based in Sacramento, California, provides prevention, advocacy, and direct support services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Guests:
Beth Hassett, CEO & Executive Director
Allison Kephart, Chief Operating Officer
Interview by: Mark Oppenheim
Key Points:
- Through education, collaboration, and inclusion, Weave works to build a safer and more informed community while empowering survivors to reclaim their lives
- Domestic violence extends beyond physical harm to include emotional, financial, technological, spiritual, and sexual abuse.
- Power and control are central to all forms of abuse, regardless of gender or relationship type.
- Financial abuse can leave lasting damage, such as coerced debt, destroyed credit, or limited job experience.
- Technology enables new forms of abuse—like stalking via social media, GPS tracking, and AI-generated images.
- Education and prevention programs in schools address healthy relationships and consent starting as early as age five.
- Collaboration with law enforcement focuses on trauma-informed approaches to improve survivor outcomes.
- Services include safe shelter, legal aid, counseling, and prevention education for youth and adults.
Other Points on WEAVE:
Weave defines abuse as the imposition of power and control over another person. The organization works to help communities recognize that domestic violence takes many forms beyond physical violence.
Inclusivity is central to Weave’s mission. The organization supports survivors of all genders and identities, removing barriers to accessing services and ensuring that men, women, and nonbinary individuals all have pathways to safety.
Community partnerships strengthen their impact. Weave embeds advocates in police departments, churches, and community centers to ensure immediate, coordinated support. This network helps reach survivors who may otherwise be hesitant to seek help due to cultural, legal, or immigration fears.
Weave’s prevention efforts begin early, educating youth about healthy relationships and boundaries to stop violence before it starts. During Domestic Violence Action Month, the organization encourages everyone to take action—by learning, supporting survivors, and speaking up when abuse is suspected.