Advocacy Plan for Social Change Area of Interest Domestic Abuse

Domestic Violence

Advocacy Plan for Social Change AREA OF INTEREST -- DOMESTIC ABUSE

Social activist group:

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) is an organization devoted to raising awareness about the seriousness of the problem of domestic violence. It "includes coalition building at the local, state, regional and national levels" and also provides "support for the provision of community-based, non-violent alternatives -- such as safe home and shelter programs - for battered women and their children" (Mission, 2011, NCADV). Its aims are both political and practical -- it lobbies politicians to encourage them to pass legislation to protect the interests of battered women and it also engages in fundraising efforts for specific initiatives that can protect battered women and their children while they are transitioning from an abusive home.

The NCADV takes a specific position on the causes for domestic violence. "NCADV believes violence against women and children results from the use of force or threat to achieve and maintain control over others in intimate relationships" (Mission, 2011, NCADV). Negative relationships between the genders as well as socioeconomic conditions can create a breeding-ground for abuse. The NCADV strives to empower women by helping them escape abusive relationships and providing them with the necessary education to establish an independent foothold in the world. It also educates the public in general about the causes of domestic violence.

One important step to advocate for the group would be to lobby legislators at the state level not to cut funds for battered women's shelters. Given the economic difficulties today, women may feel compelled, even more so than before, to remain in abusive relationships, because of perceived economic needs. Halfway houses are essential bridges for women between their untenable life situation and the outside world. Many women believe they lack the skills and emotional fortitude to make a living. Shelters give women a place to stay but also direct them in their job search efforts and can provide them with ways to seek an education.

Lobbying government organizations to clarify the current laws against domestic violence are also essential. There have been several recent protective acts passed by the states. Laws were passed in both Florida and Oregon, requiring "employers to give domestic violence victims, as well as their family and household members, up to three days of paid or unpaid leave to go to court, seek a protection order, obtain medical or mental health counseling, get services from a victims' rights organization, or seek housing or legal assistance" and laws in Maine, Alaska, Florida, and Connecticut also enhanced the penalties for the crime of domestic violence itself (State legislation, 2011, Futures Without Violence).

For many years, until the women's liberation movement raised awareness about the seriousness of the offense, domestic violence was not taken seriously as a crime. Occasional articles in the media that inspire public outrage are not sufficient to ensure sustained attention. Keeping the issue in the public's eye as a civil rights matter, and not portraying it as a mere personal difference between spouses is an important part of the work of advocacy organizations such as The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Stakeholders which might collaborate with the NCADV include women's rights and children's rights organizations, both of which share a common mission to protect women. Local school boards could also raise awareness of the need for teachers to spot abuse in the home, based upon children's appearance and action. Partnering with job training organizations, such as community colleges and vocational schools, can create programs in which women can seek out to add to their skill sets and improve their job prospects once they leave abusive situations.

Raising awareness about domestic violence requires a multifaceted approach, given the breadth of the consequences of the behavior. First and foremost, the laws of the land must contain measures that identify and punish perpetrators. Women must feel secure that if they lodge a complaint they have a reasonable chance of convicting their abuser. Secondly, protection of the accuser is important, to minimize the risk of retaliation. The court system alone is not enough, however. Women must have places to stay to rebuild their lives with their children, including educational resources.