Crisis Line 530 544-4444, Available 24/7. If you are in immediate danger, call 911
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Crisis Line 530 544-4444, Available 24/7
If you are in immediate danger, call 911
Nosotros hablamos español. Nakakapagsalita kami ng Tagalog

About Us

live violence free

HOW WE WORK

About Us

Please allow us to share a little about who we are with you.

Our Mission

Live Violence Free is committed to promoting a violence-free community through education and advocacy to address domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and basic needs.

Our Commitment

At Live Violence Free, we commit to honoring:

  • Our clients by empowering them through compassionate and respectful support
  • Ourselves with mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation
  • Our community by promoting peace and non-violence for a better life
Lonely young latina woman sitting on bed. Depressed hispanic girl at home, looking away with sad expression.
multiethnic-friends-helping-hand-outdoor-copy-spac-ETVAZ5Y
Children
Adoption and family housing concept. Cutout paper house in hands of african american family over white bed sheet background. Closeup, panorama

Who We Help

Live Violence Free is the sole provider offering services to those individuals and families suffering from abuse within the communities of South Lake Tahoe and Alpine County.

What We Do

Live Violence Free offers shelter, counseling, housing assistance, legal support, and advocacy for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.

All programs and staff are committed to providing culturally and linguistically responsive services, where victims are respected and empowered to make the best choices for themselves.

survivor story

IN THEIR WORDS

Steve's Story

“Live Violence Free stayed in touch with the local rape crisis center and were happy to hear that Steve was on his way to recovery from the trauma and is now publicly speaking out about his experience at assault prevention and awareness meetings.”

Read Full Story

Our Story

1977
South Lake Tahoe Women’s Center Opens
South Lake Tahoe Women’s Center is opened by a handful of volunteers to provide a rape crisis hotline. It was a little two-room cabin by the library. That phone number is possibly the oldest and most vital service we provide.
1977
1980
Expanded Rape Crisis Hotline
Rape Crisis hotline develops into comprehensive services for sexual assault victims.
1980
1981
Domestic Violence Services
Domestic violence services are added, including a 52-week batterer’s program.
1981
1986
Child Abuse Prevention Services
Child abuse prevention services are added, including prevention education at local schools.
1986
1991
Emergency Shelter
The emergency domestic violence shelter is purchased.
1991
1995
Transitional Housing Program
The Transitional Housing program is started.
1995
1999
Headquarters Purchased and Expansion In Alpine County
Current business office building is purchased and services expanded in Alpine County.
1999
2001
Purchase Transitional Housing Property
The transitional housing property is purchased and the children’s play areas are built at the business office and the emergency shelter.
2001
2003
Purchase Transitional Housing Property
Domestic violence services are expanded to Alpine County and the Domestic Violence Response Team is established in collaboration with the South Lake Tahoe Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office.
2003
2005
Provision of Legal Services
Legal program was added as another support service.
2005
2006
Remodel For the Transitional Housing Property
The transitional housing property is remodeled.
2006
2007
30th Anniversary
Celebrated 30 Years of dedicated service to the community.
2007
2007
Enhanced Services in Alpine County
Parenting program becomes available in Alpine County.
2007
2007
Parent to Parent Program
Parent to Parent Supervised Visitation & Exchanges program becomes available at the South Lake Tahoe Women's Center.
2007
2012
Name Change to Live Violence Free
The South Lake Tahoe Women’s Center changes its name to Live Violence Free in conjunction with the 35th anniversary.
2012
2017
40th Anniversary and Property Improvements
Celebrated 40 Years of dedicated service to the community and Remodeled emergency shelter, transitional housing, and main business office for ADA compliance.
2017
2019
Housing First Program Launched
Domestic violence Housing First program was added to our services.
2019
One Conversation Campaign Launched
Learn How To Look For The Signs Of Abuse And Support Those Experiencing Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Or Sexual Abuse.
45th Anniversary of Live Violence Free
We've been helping the community of South Lake Tahoe and Alpine County for 45 years.

It’s humbling to witness members of our community empowering themselves to lead a life of fulfillment and purpose while supporting them through all of the tough decisions along the way.

virtual

1st Annual

One Conversation Conference

Live Violence Free Presents the 1st Annual Virtual One Conversation Conference on May 20, 2022. 

The conference is focused on trauma & victim services. We encourage clinicians, therapists, social service professionals, victim advocates, educators, and students to attend.

Earn Continuing Education Credits & Register Today!

REGISTER NOW

Get Connected

Join our network to receive email alerts and be the first to take action toward creating a community free from violence.

Steve's Story

Sexual Assault

“Come on Steve, come to the lake with us!” As much as I wanted to hide the shame of what happened to me, I had to disclose my disturbing realization to my friends. “I was drugged and sexually assaulted yesterday.” 

I asked my friends if they noticed anything strange about the guy who sat next to us at the bar the night before. To my dismay, they didn’t even notice him. I further explained that after two drinks I felt extremely tired and had an abrupt urge to go to my hotel room to rest my eyes. I think I may have been followed back to my room. 

When I later awoke that evening, I noticed my body felt odd. I just assumed I was feeling mild symptoms of altitude sickness and went back to bed. The next morning as I was about to get into the shower, I noticed signs of sexual assault. I immediately contacted the police and sought out assistance from Live Violence Free. Live Violence Free brought me in for a sexual assault forensic exam, and provided guidance and peer counseling. 

With the assistance of the police and Live Violence Free I was able to safely return home the next day. What I didn’t foresee was the severe trauma that would surface 48 hours after the assault. Anxiety, anger, and shame began to wash over me. I would continually lie awake at night wondering about what my perpetrator did to my body. I was ashamed to speak out to my close family, friends, and coworkers. I had heard of incidents like this happening, but I never thought it would happen to me. An innocent vacation with some friends quickly turned into a haunting nightmare. 

I spent months struggling with the trauma and finally admitted that I couldn’t deal with it alone. I sought help from my local rape crisis center where I received additional counseling and PTSD therapy. Through counseling, I was able to work through my suffering and regain my life back. 

Live Violence Free stayed in touch with the local rape crisis center and were happy to hear that Steve was on his way to recovery from the trauma and is now publicly speaking out about his experience at assault prevention and awareness meetings.

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Thank You!

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We’re thrilled you’ve decided to join the Live Violence Free family. At LVF, we know lasting change can happen: Everyone can live with dignity, free from abuse. 
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SAFETY ALERT

Computer use can be monitored. If you are afraid your internet usage might be monitored,
use a safer computer or call Live Violence Free at

530-544-4444.

To learn more about internet safety and how the quick exit works, click here. 

CLICK THE QUICK EXIT BUTTON AT ANY POINT TO LEAVE THE SITE IMMEDIATELY.

QUICK EXIT

ALERTA DE SEGURIDAD

Se puede monitorear el uso de la computadora. Si teme que se pueda controlar su uso de Internet,
utilice una computadora más segura o llame a Live Violence Free al 

530-544-4444.

Para obtener más información sobre la seguridad en Internet y cómo funciona este botón, haga clic aquí.

HAGA CLIC EN EL BOTÓN DE SALIDA RÁPIDA EN CUALQUIER PUNTO PARA SALIR DEL SITIO INMEDIATAMENTE.

QUICK EXIT

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