Su Casa Domestic Abuse Network

For more than four decades, Su Casa has been a sanctuary of safety, healing, and empowerment for victims of domestic violence in Southern California. Founded in 1979 by survivor Petra Medelez, Su Casa began as a small refuge in Petra’s home, offering shelter and support to women and children escaping abuse. Guided by Petra’s vision of a community filled with peaceful homes, Su Casa has since grown into a comprehensive support organization offering crisis shelter, transitional housing, counseling, case management, and community education.

The agency’s programs are designed to help individuals rebuild their lives from the trauma of violence, develop emotional resilience, and cultivate healthy communication and anger management skills. Counseling services emphasize empowerment, emotional regulation, and the development of coping strategies that support lasting change. Recognizing that recovery extends beyond immediate safety, Su Casa established its transitional shelter in 1996 to give families more time and resources to become self-sufficient. This longer-term care reduces the risk of returning to unsafe environments and helps survivors regain stability and independence.

Su Casa’s compassionate, bilingual staff provide trauma-informed and culturally sensitive care that honors each person’s story. The organization also conducts outreach to those still living with their abusers, meeting survivors where they are and helping them move toward freedom and healing at their own pace. With a commitment to diversity, empowerment, and education, Su Casa continues to stand as a vital lifeline for individuals and families seeking to overcome domestic violence and reclaim their sense of peace, safety, and self-worth.