7 Organizations Working To Stop Domestic & Sexual Violence

7 Groups Helping Survivors Of Domestic And Sexual Violence

Women Helping Women Of Southwest Ohio On Speaking Out Against Gender-Based Violence

Intimate Partner Violence Statistics

• 35.6% of women and 28.5% of men in the U.S. report having experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime
• Nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States
• Women with disabilities have a 40% greater risk of intimate partner violence than women without disabilities
• Approximately 63% of homeless women have experienced domestic violence
• A woman is assaulted in the U.S. every 9 seconds
• Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women
• Men who witnessed domestic violence as children were twice as likely to abuse their own wives than sons of nonviolent parents
• From 1994 to 2010, roughly 4 in 5 victims of intimate partner violence were female
• 1 in 5 teenage girls said they have been in a relationship where the boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if a breakup was to occur
• Since 2003, 18,000 women have been killed by men in domestic violence disputes

How Safe Horizon Touches 250,000 Lives Each Year

In Depth

Sexual and domestic violence are traumatic, and destructive to victims lives. Effects are multi-faceted and long-lasting, and institutions from colleges to the legal system often don't do enough to address it. Luckily, there are groups out there that advocate for change. In no particular order, here are seven organizations working to stop these horrific crimes.

First up, at #1, is Victim Rights Law Center, which uses the law to help people rebuild their lives after rape or sexual assault. As the first nonprofit law center to exclusively focus on serving these cases, VRLC addresses survivor-specific legal concerns related to safety, education, privacy, employment, immigration, and more. It offers free services to victims of sexual violence in the states of Massachusetts and Oregon.

The organization has resources for educators, advocates, and lawyers who work with survivors. All of the center's pro bono attorneys are trauma-informed, and training sessions cover topics such as working with minors, conducting a legal intake interview, and protecting personal client information. You can offer your support for this work by becoming a sponsor, attending a gala, or donating directly.

You can offer your support for this work by becoming a sponsor, attending a gala, or donating directly.

Coming in at #2, we have Safe Horizon. The largest non-profit victim services agency in the US, it has served New York City since 1978, with a vision of a world without abuse. The agency helps those affected by human trafficking, domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault. For a decade, CEO Ariel Zwang worked on legislation related to New York's Child Victims Act, which passed in 2019. This impactful legislation gives survivors more time to file charges against their abusers and a year-long lookback window to report crimes past the statute of limitations.

Safe Horizon has many specialized services to help people get safe and find healing. It offers shelters, counseling, lock replacement, and various kinds of legal assistance. Those at risk can visit the website to learn about creating a safety plan, relationship warning signs, and hotline numbers. The site features a fast exit button so that victims can quickly close it if their abuser walks into the room. Supporters can get involved by taking the pledge to end domestic violence.

At #3 on the list is The Ohio Domestic Violence Network, which asserts that everyone has the right to live without oppression, and works to create systematic change, influence public policy, and improve statewide response to the issue. The ODVN offers hotlines, shelter referrals, and legal resources and publishes materials that provide victims with empowering information about abuse. Topics include head injuries, assessing personal risks, and understanding toxic relationships and their impacts.

Topics include head injuries, assessing personal risks, and understanding toxic relationships and their impacts.

The network offers various types of training and resources, including culturally-specific services, specialized caucuses and task forces, and guidelines for family and friends. Its free course, See the Signs Speak Out, enables workplace bystanders to recognize individuals who are in trouble, and teaches them how to respond effectively. The organization's website features a section with links to initiatives, conferences, and information related to domestic violence prevention. You can get involved by becoming a member with either a one-time or recurring monetary gift.

Next up, at #4, is The Center for Respect. Moved to stop sexual violence by his sister's rape, founder Mike Domitrz created the organization, which was originally called The Date Safe Project. Respect is the center's core value, from which empathy, mutuality, and dignity flow. Its programs are based on the idea that teaching people a clear set of concepts, actions, and skills can prevent future assaults.

The center customizes learning for different audiences. It offers classroom curricula and parent programs to middle and high schools, and Mike Domitrz presents the "Can I Kiss You?" Program to college students and military installations. Keynotes and coaching inspire companies to recognize disrespectful behaviors and create a new work culture. To find out more, you can fill out a contact form, send an email, or call.

The center customizes learning for different audiences.

Coming in at #5 is Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse. In 2008, Tucson Centers for Women and Children, and Brewster Center Domestic Violence Services combined to form Emerge! Its mission is to give survivors the chance to build a life without abuse. The center understands that it takes bravery to begin walking away from an abuser and supports survivors in dealing with not only physical, but all abusive behavior. For those in danger and trying to escape, it offers a 24-hour bilingual hotline, crisis intervention, safety planning, emergency shelter facilities, basic necessities, and support groups.

The organization provides education, children's advocacy, and lay legal support. Its office cameras enable clients to get a protection order without appearing in court. The Answer the Call program asks the community to take a stand against domestic violence, with a special focus on men and boys. You can get involved by supporting the Adopt-a-Room campaign or buying items from the group's wish list.

At #6, we have The Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, which strives to enact change in response, intervention, and prevention of violence. The coalition includes a diverse membership of organizations, values inclusiveness, and believes that oppression of all kinds is harmful to society. It has twelve response and prevention initiatives that work in the interest of its focus areas.

The coalition includes a diverse membership of organizations, values inclusiveness, and believes that oppression of all kinds is harmful to society.

The group promotes social and emotional learning for kids and adults alike. These skills can improve people's personal lives, and also help them to form healthy relationships built on trust and respect. At the Linen Building, which was once a commercial steam laundry, community events transform a historically oppressive space into one that welcomes all kinds of people and supports activism and social justice. To help the coalition continue its work, you can make a donation or buy something from its online store.

Finally, at #7, is Women Helping Women. Founded in 1973, the group offers confidential support as well as public outreach, inspiring the community to speak out against gender-based violence and strive for equal and healthy relationships. Services like a 24-hour hotline and support groups help survivors to address their issues and live their best lives. Legal advocacy and community education programs, on the other hand, tackle the systematic issues that lead to violence in the first place.

WHW partners with the University of Cincinnati and Miami University to bring its message to college students, faculty, and staff. It also has a certification program called WorkStrong, which increases corporate social responsibility and empowers those in the workforce to address gender-based issues. To support these and other efforts, donate directly on the group's website or via text, or see if you can set up a matching gift through your workplace.