ABOUT US
A beacon of hope, help, and healing since 1976
The Coalition for Family Harmony supports survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault across Ventura County with trauma-informed care, advocacy, and prevention.
OUR MISSION
Safety, healing, and dignity for every survivor
Our mission is to provide direct services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, to educate the community regarding violence against women, children, and men, and to prevent the cycle of violence.
Emergency services for survivors are always free and confidential. Everyone is welcome regardless of documentation or insurance status, and we serve women, men, children, and teens alike.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Our values
Survivor-centered
Survivors lead their own decisions. We provide options, never pressure.
Confidential
What you share stays with us. Privacy is part of safety.
Accessible
Bilingual support, free emergency services, and guidance through your care options—regardless of documentation or insurance status.
Inclusive
Women, men, children, teens, and LGBTQ+ community members are all welcome.
OUR HISTORY
Nearly 50 years of service
1976
Founded as a grassroots response to domestic violence in Ventura County.
1980s
Opened the Emergency Safe House for survivors and their children.
1990s
Became Ventura County’s designated Rape Crisis Center.
2000s
Added transitional housing, teen programs, and prevention education.
Today
Serving thousands of neighbors each year, from Ojai to Fillmore.
5,712
Services provided to survivors and families in the past year
2,406
Individuals served across our programs
87%
Of the clients we serve are low-income
50
Years serving Ventura County, since 1976
GOVERNANCE
Board of Directors
The Coalition is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors: community leaders, survivor advocates, and local professionals who oversee our finances, programs, and accountability.
From left to right: Brandi Murphy, Ellen Rosenberg, Christine Van Nuys (Board Chair), Dr. Schannae L. Lucas, Maureen Turley-Gutierrez, Anne Meade, Sheila Meyer, Michael Irwin, Bill Martinet. Not pictured: Vanessa Serrato.
Christine Van Nuys
Board Chair
Michael Irwin
Vice Chair
Maureen Turley-Gutierrez
Secretary
Vanessa Serrato
Treasurer
Brandi Murphy
Board Member
Ellen Rosenberg
Board Member
Dr. Schannae L. Lucas
Board Member
Anne Meade
Board Member
Sheila Meyer
Board Member
Bill Martinet
Board Member
OUR TEAM
Leadership team
The staff leaders who guide our programs, housing, prevention, and development work every day across Ventura County.
Dr. Caroline Prijatel-Sutton
Executive Director
Gerry Sta. Ana
Controller
Noel Stalcup
Director of Operations
Julia Salazar
Director of Development
Dr. Sandy Gomez
Rape Crisis and LGBTQ+ Programs
Laura Morales, M.S.
Housing Services Manager
Miguel Torres
Repeat Offender Prevention Program
Lorena Siqueiros
Transitional Housing Supervisor
50 YEARS
Looking ahead
As we mark our 50th anniversary, one of our most significant projects is the development of the Family Justice Center shelter, expanding access to safe housing and integrated services for survivors in our community.
TRANSPARENCY
Accountability you can verify
We hold the Candid Platinum Transparency 2026 seal and publish an annual report detailing our programs, outcomes, and finances.
STAY CONNECTED
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