Celebrate International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8th! As part of Women's History Month, this global event recognizes the remarkable achievements of women across social, economic, cultural, and political spheres.
In alignment with the United Nations' #InspireInclusion theme, NYSCADV pays tribute to the extraordinary women driving the movement to end domestic violence. These fearless individuals have dedicated themselves tirelessly to supporting survivors of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence.
Originating as a grassroots initiative, with women offering refuge to those fleeing abuse, this movement has grown into a worldwide endeavor to combat all forms of gender-based violence and the underlying social and health inequalities.
We honor the trailblazers, affectionately known as "The Grandmothers of the Movement," by carrying forward their legacy and expanding upon their groundwork. Special recognition is given to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) leaders such as Ida B. Wells, Audre Lorde, and Kimberly Crenshaw, whose advocacy against violence, particularly towards Black women, has been instrumental in shaping the movement.
Additionally, we acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Haudenosaunee women leaders, who supported New York's Suffragists with little recognition. Their teachings remain vital today.
Despite progress, significant challenges persist. Statistics from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey reveal alarming rates of intimate partner violence, particularly affecting BIPOC communities. For instance, Black survivors face disproportionately high levels of violence within intimate relationships.
Native American and Alaska Native women are disproportionately impacted by interpersonal violence, as highlighted in reports from the National Institute of Justice.
NYSCADV remains committed to amplifying the voices of BIPOC survivors and partnering with BIPOC women leaders to envision a future free from violence and oppression for all. We advocate for legislation and policies that empower women, survivors, and marginalized communities.
This International Women's Day and throughout Women's History Month, we invite you to explore and support the inspiring work happening in this field. Let's continue to strive for a world where everyone can live without fear of violence or discrimination.
Learn about the amazing Black women-led organizations creating change in communities across the country:
- In Our Own Voices: A New York State-based nonprofit, whose mission is to ensure the physical, mental, spiritual, political, cultural and economic survival and growth of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people of color communities. https://inourownvoices.org
- Black Women's Blueprint: A nonprofit engaging in progressive research, historical documentation, policy advocacy and organizing centered on Black women and girls' lives. https://www.blackwomensblueprint.org/
- Women of Color Network, Inc.: A national grassroots initiative dedicated to building the capacity of women of color advocates responding to violence against women of color. https://wocninc.org/
- Ujima: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community serves as a national, culturally specific services issue resource center to provide support to and be a voice for the Black Community in response to domestic, sexual, and community violence. https://ujimacommunity.org/
Learn about the incredible work that these Indigenous organizations are doing to increase awareness and promote change across the nation:
- Seven Dancers Coalition: A New York State based nonprofit whose mission is to uplift the families of Indigenous Communities by educating and restoring traditional values with the purpose of strengthening self-confidence and dignity.
- StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-762-8483): A 24/7 culturally-appropriate, anonymous, confidential service dedicated to serving Native American survivors of domestic violence and concerned family members and friends.
- Mending the Sacred Hoop (MSH): A Native owned and operated non-profit that exists to address violence against Native women and works to end it. MSH provides grassroots building, coalition building, and trainings on addressing, responding, and preventing violence against American Indian/Alaska Native women in their home community of Duluth, MN and throughout Minnesota.
- National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC): A Native nonprofit organization that was created specifically to serve as the National Indian Resource Center (NIRC) addressing domestic violence and safety for Indian Women. NIRWC conducts public awareness and resource development, training and technical assistance, policy development, and research activities.
NYSCADV will continue to move forward in this vital work today, and every day. We invite you to join us in these efforts!
Visit NYSCADV's Prevention Toolkit to learn more about resources, tools, and strategies on engaging communities to address inequities that stem from systemic oppression such as racism and heterosexism, from an intersectional, social justice framework. Click here to visit:
You can also visit our website to learn more about the work we do on the intersections of domestic violence and indigenous peoples.
