Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County opened its first Office of Violence Prevention at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Public Health in Willowbrook.
County leaders say the office provides a safe place for a crime victim to seek help with the trauma they’ve experienced.
The office features a healing center, designed to provide a relaxing atmosphere, as well as other programs.
“Not everybody does well with the traditional speak therapy, talking therapy,” said Beatriz Navarro, an L.A. County public health nurse. “So we have other options like drumming circles, we have art.”
The city of L.A. is a partner in the Office of Violence Prevention. The grand opening took place during an especially violent week in the city. There have been nearly a dozen murders, including the shooting death of rapper Nipsey Hussle.