5 Vital Groups Working To End Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects people of all ages, and it often leaves victims unsure of how and where to find the support they need. Fortunately, there are many groups dedicated to advocating for the needs of survivors and holding offenders accountable for their actions. In no particular order, here are some organizations working to putting an end to these crimes.

First up, at #1, we have Jane Doe Inc., a coalition of local member programs working together to find lasting solutions that promote the safety, liberty, and dignity of those impacted by sexual and domestic violence. It advocates for change through state and federal legislation and funding, as well as in public and private systems to improve access to services, resources, and justice for survivors.

It offers myriad learning opportunities throughout each year, including conferences, webinars, summits, and more that address the most current issues facing survivors. Every December, the coalition's Reimagine Manhood symposium brings together advocates, educators, community service providers, and more to collectively identify ways to undo the negative notions of masculinity and bring an end to gender-based violence.

Next, at #2, is the NO MORE Foundation, dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault by inspiring action and fueling culture change. Through its partnerships, it creates large-scale campaigns, such as the national Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which aims to educate and engage the public in addressing this widespread issue.

NO MORE has also partnered with the Avon Foundation for Women to provide tools that help employers educate their employees about recognizing the signs of abuse and supporting victims. Its free online bystander training programs teach others how to make a difference in the workplace, at home, and in their communities by encouraging them to start talking and take actions to end the violence.

At #3 is the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Founded in 1976, it is a statewide collaborative membership organization committed to ending intimate partner abuse and all forms of violence against women. The nonprofit works both on the state and local levels to ensure that victims in underserved communities get the help they need; it also offers training and resources for rural domestic abuse programs.

Its Civil Legal Representation project consists of 18 sites throughout the commonwealth; these are full legal offices that assist domestic violence survivors within their county service areas. The organization also meets with advocates to hear about successes and struggles in the effort to secure safe and stable housing for victims.

Coming in at #4 is the National Network to End Domestic Violence, which works closely with its members to understand the ongoing and emerging needs of victims and advocacy programs. Among its initiatives is the Independence Project, which helps local domestic violence programs and advocates across the nation support survivors by improving their credit scores through micro-lending.

Its Housing Project supports transitional programs across the country and advocates for improved policies to enhance services and accessibility for survivors. As part of this initiative, the organization has also created the Transitional Housing Toolkit, an online collection of resources and templates that aim to help enhance the work of other organizations.

Finally, at #5, we have End Violence Against Women International, which is a nonprofit that works with professionals inside and outside the criminal justice system in order to improve outcomes for victims and pursue accountability for their assailants. In 2011, it launched Start by Believing, a global public awareness campaign that aims to teach others how to respond appropriately to sexual assault disclosures.

Its annual conference brings together law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, victim advocates, and more in order to tackle various topics, such as elder abuse and intimate partner violence, and highlight emerging practices to respond to these issues effectively. This event features three full days of training, offering general sessions and workshops that provide various opportunities to connect with and learn from other professionals.