We are honored to earn recognition for our project—Preventing Domestic Violence Before It Begins, opens a new window.
The Urban Libraries Council (ULC), opens a new window, North America’s leading nonprofit for urban libraries, presented San Mateo County Libraries with an honorable mention award as part of the 2024 Innovation Initiative, on Thursday, October 3.
The Innovative Initiative is an annual showcase of exemplary projects from ULC's more than 180 member libraries across the U.S. and Canada. It seeks to highlight how the library’s role as an essential, public institution is evolving to meet the changing needs of our urban communities.
More than 230 library projects in six categories were submitted by ULC members from across the U.S. and Canada.
San Mateo County Libraries’ Preventing Domestic Violence Before It Begins was selected as an Honorable Mention winner in the category of Health & Wellness for its originality, measurable outcomes and the potential for other libraries to replicate and implement this successful initiative.
Why We Started the Program
In late 2022, the brutal murder of a local domestic violence victim rocked our County and urgently prioritized a deadly issue. Of the most recent five homicides in the County, all were murders by the victim’s intimate partner. This prevalence of domestic violence is not unique to our County, but is found everywhere in the nation.
This tragedy and subsequent calls to action inspired a partnership between us and the nonprofit CORA. The primary prevention technique against domestic violence is to ensure it never occurs in the first place.
Our libraries are a place of connection. We can reach young families and help destigmatize painful issues—effectively messaging that homes with low conflict, effective parenting and healthy couple relationships can break cycles of abuse and violence.
How the Program Works
Preventing Domestic Violence Before It Begins is an eight-week program for families with 0-5-year-olds that powers the formation of healthy relationships and boundaries before problems occur. A pioneering partnership with the nonprofit Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA), opens a new window, the project uses evidence-based efforts with strategies proven effective in preventing intimate partner violence.
“The real success of this partnership is flourishing families,” Anne-Marie Despain, Director of San Mateo County Libraries, said. “Those who have taken part have told us how much more connected they feel to their children and their communities.”
What the Program Has Done So Far
One year into the program, we have already connected with many families:
- 250 families received services over the 8-week program, resulting in 32 weeks of support across all cohorts
- Participants have been connected to food, diapers, parent classes, federal food programs, child development support and referrals for intimate partner abuse
"Thank you for the opportunity to engage in this wonderful program and giving me the opportunity to get to know my daughter more.” – Program Participant
In its second year, we look forward to expanding this partnership to reach 400 families.
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