Idway into his freshman year at Vallejo High School in 2019, Victor Paredes’s mom pulled him out, fearing for his safety after learning he had joined a gang. “My mom wanted me to go to school there so I could be with my sisters,” Victor explains.

Understanding Domestic Abuse
Holidays can bring increased emotional stress and triggers that may lead to substance abuse. Family conflict, trauma, financial concerns, and feelings of loneliness can intensify during the holidays, so it’s crucial to be prepared and equipped with healthy coping strategies.