Please note: Entries within this blog may contain references to instances of domestic abuse, dating abuse, sexual assault, abuse or harassment. At all times, Break the Cycle encourages readers to take whatever precautions necessary to protect themselves emotionally and psychologically. If you would like to speak with an advocate, please contact a 24/7 peer advocate at 866-331-9474 or text “loveis” to 22522.
Winding Down of Programs
Winding Down Break the Cycle’s Programs
Founded in 1996, Break the Cycle was the first national organization to recognize and fill a gap by working with young people ages 12-24 on dating and sexual violence. From building legal practices in Los Angeles and Washington DC to developing curricula and youth-focused campaigns, staff and volunteers have reached millions of people with the message “everyone deserves a healthy relationship.” Sadly, we could just not sustain our work.
The past few years have been challenging for Break the Cycle in many ways, and after a thorough assessment of the short- and long-term financial sustainability, Break the Cycle’s Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to wind down the organization’s programs. In fact, the Los Angeles legal practice has closed, with national programs and DC legal to conclude by January 31, 2021. Fortunately, we are able to transfer the DC legal practice to a local organization, the Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), allowing this critical work to continue.
Our employees and clients are the Board’s top priority, and we are working to transition our programs as thoughtfully and as respectfully as possible. While painful for us all, this will be the most appropriate way to ensure that Break the Cycle exits it program work with dignity and integrity.
The Board is grateful for the dedication, expertise, and compassion demonstrated by our current staff, and want to thank all Break the Cycle’s supporters, volunteers, and employees, over the past 25 years for their work in pursuit of our collective mission.
Information for former legal clients
If you are a former client of our LA or DC legal practice, please reach out to the Network for Victim Recovery of DC in order to access your file. Make sure to mention that you are a former client of Break the Cycle and need access to your file.
Network for Victim Recovery of DC
6856 Eastern Avenue NW, Suite 376
Washington, DC 20012
(202) 742-1727
Where to get help in Washington DC
If you are based in Washington, DC and need legal assistance please reach out to the Victim Legal Network of DC (https://vlndc.org/ or 202-629-1788), managed by the staff of NVRDC.
Where to get help in Los Angeles CA
If you are based in Los Angeles and need legal assistance, please reach out to the Los Angeles Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-978-3600. Also, many courthouses in LA County can provide legal information and help with restraining orders and custody cases. For more information, visit the court’s website (http://www.lacourt.org/selfhelp/selfhelp.aspx).
Where to Find National Resources
If you are looking for general information or resources on healthy relationships, and/or support for victims and survivors of relationship violence visit www.loveisrespect.org you can also reach an advocate 24/7 by texting 22522 with the word “loveis” or by phone at 866.331.9474