Two years of COVID have had a devastating effect on our mental health, especially for children and teens. Isolation, interruption of routines, losing loved ones, and uncertainty play a part in the rising rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and violence. Santa Cruz-based nonprofit Monarch Services offers crisis response to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, an emergency shelter, and support for trafficking victims, as well as community education and outreach to children and teens. Three of Monarch’s staff joined host Suki Wessling to talk about their work supporting victims, providing therapy to abusers, and educating youth and the general public about violence, trafficking, and sexual assault.
Guests: Leeann Luna is a Program Director who has been with Monarch for ten years and oversees the Crisis Intervention and Children’s and Youth Programs. Maria Barranco is a Program Director who has been with Monarch for ten years, oversees the On-Call, Sexual Assault and Prevention Program, and supports the agency’s hour training. Jaqueline Sandoval is an advocate and works with the prevention program in education.
For more information:
- Visit Monarch Services
- 5K Fundraiser: Saturday, April 9th 2022 at 10 a.m., Harbor High School Track & Field
- Violence Prevention Virtual Workshops
Related podcasts:
- STATE of MIND: Gender-based Violence Prevention for Teens an Young Adults
Ep. #33 – Gender-based violence is an umbrella term that includes the more familiar descriptors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual violence and dating violence. It’s an extensive problem across our country and around the world, impacting one in every three girls. Teens and college students are particularly vulnerable. The coronavirus pandemic has amplified the problem and led to a rising number of crisis line calls and requests for services. For survivors, the mental health impacts are substantial and can include an array of symptoms.
