Locals help the abused

Chico’s Catalyst Domestic Violence Services has announced that it took in more than 4,000 pounds of food on Oct. 30 with the help of UnitedHealthcare, the Chico Chamber of Commerce, and a number of local businesses as part of a food drive, according to a UnitedHealthcare press release. Catalyst provides services to citizens who are escaping abusive domestic conditions.

The press release said a number of volunteers, along with Chico City Councilmembers Tami Ritter and Ann Schwab (pictured) helped load the food into a delivery truck that hauled it to Catalyst’s emergency shelter.

There are an estimated 1.3 million women who are victims of physical abuse by a partner each year in the United States, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.