Advocacy & Policy Organizations Domestic Violence National/Global Resources

Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services

ADWAS provides a variety of services for the deaf, most notably in its partnership with the National Domestic Violence Hotline in making U.S. nationwide helpline services to the non-hearing video phone calls, instant messaging and email. Contact 1-800-812-1001 or nationaldeafhotline@adwas.org.

Alliance for Hope International

Alliance for HOPE International is one of the leading systems and social change organizations in the country focused on creating innovative, collaborative, trauma-informed, hope-centered approaches to meeting the needs of survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking. The Alliance supports Family Justice/Multi-Agency Centers through our Family Justice Center Alliance, works with survivors and strangulation and suffocation assaults in our Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, and also runs the largest camping and mentoring program in the country for children impacted by domestic violence – Camp HOPE America.

American Bar Association Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence

A helpful guide and database to finding local legal resources and state-by-state statutory summary charts is available on this site. The Commission was founded in 1994 to increase access to justice for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking by mobilizing the legal profession and increasing the number of well-trained and supported attorneys.

Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence

The Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence is a national resource center on domestic violence, sexual violence, trafficking, and other forms of gender-based violence in Asian and Pacific Islander communities. It serves a national network of advocates, community-based organizations, national and state programs, legal, health, and mental health professionals, researchers, policy advocates and activists from social justice organizations working to eliminate violence against women. It analyzes and addresses critical issues; provides consultation, technical assistance, and training; conducts research; and engages in policy advocacy.

Asista

ASISTA is a national non-profit dedicated to helping attorneys and advocates assist immigrant survivors of crime with their immigration matters, ultimately enhancing their safety and security. Their website offers a robust resource library, trainings and pertinent news and events.

Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV)

BTSADV has grown to become a national nonprofit organization led by survivor-volunteers who serve victims, survivors, and families affected by domestic violence. They understand the unmet needs of survivors and have developed a unique organization that could bridge the gap in services between emergency shelters, direct service providers, government agencies, academic institutions, businesses and the community. Each program is designed to empower, educate, and fulfill the needs of survivors and their families through our unique connective resources.

Catholics for Family Peace

Catholics For Family Peace is an initiative of the National Catholic School of Social Service at the Catholic University of America.  Their mission is to inform the Catholic community on ways to promote family peace and to prevent and respond to domestic abuse and to provide resources and promote prayer for all families. Our initiative provides education, resources, and research that help pastoral leaders, clergy, and parishioners recognize domestic abuse and respond with compassion. Catholics for Family Peace also serves as a clearinghouse for effective pastoral practices of the universal Church that address violence in the home.

Child Welfare League of America

CWLA is a powerful coalition of hundreds of private and public agencies serving children and families that are vulnerable since 1920. Their expertise, leadership and innovation on policies, programs, and practices help improve the lives of millions of children across the country. CWLA offers trainings, conferences, and webinars. 

Childhood Domestic Violence Association

Coined the term "CDV" or childhood domestic violence and is one of the very few organizations that deal with the overlooked population of adults who faced violence during their childhood. Offers a number of groundbreaking tools and resources, books, documentary and articles to build awareness of CDV and those dealing with it reach their full potential.

Coalition Against Trafficking in Women

Since 1988, Coalition Against Trafficking in Women has been working to end the trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and girls by advocating for strong laws and policies, raising public awareness and supporting survivor leadership globally.

Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women

The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women is committed to stop violence against Native women and children by advocating for social change in our communities. The CSVANW takes ownership and responsibility for the future of Native women and children by providing support, education, and advocacy using our strengths, power and unity to create violence-free communities.

End Violence Against Women International

EVAWI works to inspire and educate those who respond to gender-based violence, equipping them with the knowledge and tools they need to support victims and hold perpetrators accountable.  They promote victim-centered, multidisciplinary collaboration, which strengthens the response of the criminal justice system, other professionals, allies, and the general public -- making communities safer. Their OnLine Training Institute (OLTI) provides professionals the opportunity to earn 213 contact hours while learning about cutting-edge developments in the criminal justice and community response to sexual assault.

Esperanza United

Esperanza United builds bridges and connections among research, practice and policy to advance effective responses to eliminate domestic violence and to promote healthy relationships within Latin@ families and communities. The organization provides training and consultations to practitioners and activists throughout the US, as well as in Latin America, organizes national and regional training and events, conducts research as well as shares helpful tools, information and publications with its network of over 1,600 members.

FreeFrom

FreeFrom works to support survivors of domestic violence have sustaining income, savings and credit with which to build wealth and the resources to support individual, intergenerational and community healing. They do this by integrating financial capacity building services into the domestic violence movement, providing financial capacity building services directly to survivors through technology and removing structural obstacles to survivors’ financial security.  Victims of abuse can use their Compensation Compass tool to uncover money their eligible for. Their Survivor Wealth Summit is a two-day convening, bringing together survivors, gender-based violence movement leaders and activists, asset building experts, funders, policy makers and key stakeholders to innovate, cross-pollinate, and build an ecosystem to support financial security and long-term safety for everyone.

FUTURES Without Violence

For more than 30 years FUTURES has been offering groundbreaking programs and campaigns empowering individuals and organizations to bring an end to domestic violence. Great examples include Coaching Boys Into Men, Lessons from Literature, an excellent ongoing webinar series, the National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence, and much more. A forward-thinking organization and site definitely worth connecting.

Joyful Heart Foundation

Founded in 2004 by actress Mariska Hargitay, Joyful Heart is a leading national organization with a mission to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, support survivors’ healing, and end this violence forever.

Justice for Children

Justice for Children supports abused and neglected children by advocating on behalf of those who have been failed by the System designed to protect them. Because their advocacy for a child is not dependent on court appointments, they can work for the child’s safety and protection long before the case arrives in a court. Justice for Children assists and refers several thousand callers annually through the complicated and unsympathetic maze of governmental agencies established to protect abused children. 

Love is Respect - National Teen Dating Helpline

As it suggests, this resource focuses on teen relationships and can be accessed by phone, text or live chat. Run by The National Domestic Violence Hotline, it offers real-time, one-on-one support from trained peer advocates that offer support, information and advocacy to those involved in dating abuse relationships as well as concerned parents, teachers, clergy, law enforcement, and service providers.

Male Survivor

MaleSurvivor is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, public benefit organization committed to preventing, healing, and eliminating all forms of sexual victimization of boys and men through support, treatment, research, education, advocacy, and activism. Formed in 1995, MaleSurvivor has an international membership of over 14,000 registered members from over 200 countries in the world.  

National Alliance to End Sexual Violence

The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence educates the policy community about federal laws, legislation and appropriations impacting the fight to end sexual violence. Its team of experts and advocates, donating time away from their state and local groups, publish written analysis, track legislation, provide media interviews, and advise members of Congress and the executive branch.

National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health

The National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health provides training, support, and consultation to advocates, mental health and substance abuse providers, legal professionals, and policymakers as they work to improve agency and systems-level responses to survivors and their children. Their work is survivor defined and rooted in principles of social justice.

National Center on Elder Abuse

The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) serves as a national resource center dedicated to the prevention of elder mistreatment. The NCEA disseminates elder abuse information to professionals and the public, and provides technical assistance and training to states and to community-based organizations. Their website includes state-specific resources and frequently asked questions.

National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life

NCALL is committed to creating a world that respects the dignity of older adults and enhances the safety and quality of life of older victims and survivors of abuse. They provide publications and resources on equitable and accessible programs, safety planning, outreach, and mandatory reporting. They also advocate for elder justice and engage in policy development.

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Long-standing organization that primarily focuses on public policy and training for programs and shelter professionals. Hosts periodic conferences, Remember My Name registry of domestic violence deaths, and Cosmetic & Reconstructive Support Program that helps survivors who need cosmetic surgery in applying for services through two medical providers. Their financial educational webinar series empower survivors with financial literacy knowledge. 

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges is the oldest judicial membership organization in the country and provides all judges, courts, and related agencies involved with juvenile, family, and domestic violence cases with the knowledge and skills to improve the lives of the families and children who seek justice. In 1994, the NCJFCJ promulgated the Model Code on Domestic and Family Violence (Model Code) to promote consistency across state lines in how domestic violence is handled in the criminal and civil legal systems.

National Defense Center for Criminalized Survivors

The National Defense Center for Criminalized Survivors, formerly known as the National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women, addresses the unique needs of victims of gender-based violence who have been criminalized as a result of their experiences of being abused. The National Defense Center for Criminalized Survivors provides specialized technical assistance, resources, and support for victims and their defense teams. Equally important, we train and build alliances among national, state-wide, and local organizations to improve justice for survivors everywhere.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Most recognized for its 24-hour national hotline available in English and Spanish every hour of every day of the year at 1-800-799-7233. Hotline advocates provide callers with an understanding ear on a topic that can cause victims to feel embarrassed or isolated, safety planning and guidance on accessing local services. It also operates live chat services with advocates every day.

National Human Trafficking Resource Center, a program of the Polaris Project

Founded in 2002, Polaris is spearheading a reimagined approach to confronting, and ultimately, to ending sex and labor trafficking in North America. Our work is driven by data, shaped by the expertise of survivors, and focused on dismantling the underlying systems that make it possible to rob 25 million people around the world of the freedom to choose how they live and work. For more than a decade, Polaris has operated the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline, connecting more than 50,000 victims and survivors to help and support.

National Indigenous Women's Resource Center

The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, Inc. (NIWRC) is a Native-led nonprofit organization dedicated to ending violence against Native women and children. The NIWRC provides national leadership in ending gender-based violence in tribal communities by lifting up the collective voices of grassroots advocates and offering culturally grounded resources, technical assistance and training, and policy development to strengthen tribal sovereignty.  

National Link Coalition

The National Link Coalition is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative initiative to increase awareness and address public policy, programs and research. Intentional abuse in any form should be taken seriously. This organization serves as the National Resource Center on The Link between Animal Abuse and Human Violence.

National Network to End Domestic Violence

This Washington, DC-based outfit that was formed in 1990 as social change organization, dedicated to creating a social, political and economic environment in which violence against women no longer exists. Though more focused on policy and supporting state coalitions and allied organizations, it does offer plenty of useful information and operates a separate website covering domestic violence laws. They also offer detailed information about technology safety. 

National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)

Founded in 1975, NOVA is the oldest national victim assistance organization of its type in the United States and is the recognized leader in victim advocacy, education and credentialing. 

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence

Through its special projects, NRCDV has been a source for 20 years for those wanting to educate themselves and help others on the many issues related to domestic violence. The special projects include Building Comprehensive Solutions, Domestic Violence Awareness Project, Domestic Violence Evidence Project, VAWnet, preventIPV, RHY Toolkit and ACE-DV, and each has its own dedicated website with additional resources that you can access here.

National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (NTF)

The National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence ("NTF") is focused on the development, passage and implementation of effective public policy to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.  The full membership of the NTF is comprised of a large and diverse group of national, tribal, state, territorial and local organizations, as well as individuals, committed to securing an end to violence against women.

Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC)

Network for Victim Recovery of DC empowers victims of all crimes to achieve survivor-defined justice through a collaborative continuum of advocacy, case management and legal services. Staff attorneys provide direct representation in civil protection orders (CPO) cases and Title IX administrative proceedings; in criminal court, they zealously defend victims’ rights throughout the entire criminal justice process. Special projects include the Victim Legal Network of DC (VLNDC), Elder Justice Initiatives (including the District’s Collaborative Training & Response for Older Victims (DC TROV) and Project and Support & Legal Advocacy for Youth (SLAY) Team. NVRDC also operates DV LEAP which makes the law work for survivors of domestic violence by challenging unjust trial outcomes; advancing legal protections through expert pro bono advocacy; training lawyers, advocates, and judges on best practices; and spearheading domestic violence litigation in the Supreme Court.

NO MORE

Most noted for its teal circular symbol and advertisements, NOMORE was conceived to amplify the power of the domestic violence and sexual assault movement and to drive awareness and break down the barriers of stigma, silence and shame that keep people from talking about these issues and taking action to prevent them. Search for international resources and helplines using their directory.

Office for Victims of Crime

OVC was formally established in 1988 through an amendment to the 1984 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). Its mission is to enhance the Nation's capacity to assist crime victims by providing leadership and funding on behalf of crime victims. Visit their website to find victim assistance programs in your area including compensation programs through the Crime Victim's Fund.

One in Six

Researchers estimate that 1 in 6 men have experienced unwanted or abusive sexual experiences before age 18. This organization offers support groups, information on healing, as well as helpful resources for family and friends, professionals and community outreach.

Pathways to Safety International

If you’re an American overseas, your situation is different than 99% of your fellow countrymen, and this site will be a wonderful resource for you. Among such services as case management, danger-to-safety relocation, legal consultations for mothers seeking divorce and custody, payment of initial legal retainers, housing assistance and funds to help with emergency needs such as issuing American passports, there is also a 24-hour response to emails, as well as international phone options and live chat.

Peaceful Families Project

The Peaceful Families Project (PFP) is an initiative devoted to ending domestic violence in Muslim families by facilitating awareness workshops for Muslim leaders and communities, providing cultural sensitivity trainings and technical assistance for professionals, conducting research, and developing resources. 

RAINN

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE, online.rainn.org and rainn.org/es) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

Resource Center on Domestic Violence: Child Protection and Custody

The Resource Center on Domestic Violence: Child Protection and Custody is a project of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.  For more than twenty years, the Resource Center has provided training and technical assistance to advocates, professionals, and communities seeking to improve outcomes in child protection and custody cases that involve domestic violence, while also leading policy reform in those areas. The Resource Center operates an 800-line for survivors and professionals seeking information, referrals, research, and support.

RESPOND Against Violence

RESPOND is a non-profit organization launched by a dedicated team of highly experienced professionals in the fields which impact victims of violence including criminal justice, advocacy, and healthcare. Their team consists of members with combined decades of professional and real-world experience from diverse disciplines who have made revolutionary, measurable advances in their respective fields.

Safe Housing Partnership

The Safe Housing Partnership is an innovative, collaborative approach to providing training, technical assistance, and resource development at the critical intersection of domestic and sexual violence, homelessness, and housing. Funded and supported by an unprecedented partnership between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Justice, and Department of Housing and Urban Development, this multi-year Consortium brings together national, state, and local organizations with deep expertise on housing and domestic violence in order to collaboratively build and strengthen technical assistance to both housing/homelessness providers and domestic violence service providers.

Shalom Task Force

The Shalom Task Force aims to help individuals and families in the Orthodox community struggling with troubled relationships at home. They offer professional guidance to community leaders who may be approached for advice by someone in a complex, and possibly dangerous, situation, and aim to provide preventative education to young adults and community members. Their program Sarah's Voice is a legal assistance program run by a team of dedicated lawyers and advocates who work hand-in-hand to ease the process for survivors.

Shared Hope International

Shared Hope International is dedicated to bringing an end to sex trafficking through a three-pronged approach – prevent, restore, and bring justice through a wide variety of programs and resources. The Shared Hope International Training Center provides extensive training tools for those in the fight against sex trafficking. Delivering collaboration, advocacy, resources, and learning on juvenile sex trafficking, our tools are designed for professionals, advocates and the general public. Their Women’s Investment Network (WIN) provides women the opportunity to engage in hands-on vocational training, leadership development and job skills courses so they can achieve financial independence.

Stop Abuse for Everyone

Stop Abuse For Everyone (SAFE) is a national non-profit that provides unique services for domestic violence victims and helps those who typically fall between the cracks of domestic violence services. The information provided is for (but not limited to) straight men, LGBT victims, teens, and the elderly. SAFE works to bring community awareness to injustices that the media and other organizations tend to overlook.

Stop It Now!

Stop It Now! prevents the sexual abuse of children by mobilizing adults, families and communities to take actions that protect children before they are harmed. They provide support, information and resources to keep children safe and create healthier communities. Since 1992, they have identified, refined and shared effective ways for individuals, families and communities to act to prevent child sexual abuse before children are harmed - and to get help for everyone involved.

Tahirih Justice Center

The Tahirih Justice Center is a national, nonprofit that has served over 30,000 immigrant survivors fleeing gender-based violence since 1997. Their interdisciplinary, trauma-informed model of service is now delivered from five locations, and they're committed to serving as many immigrant survivors as possible.

The Center for Survivor Agency and Justice

The Center for Survivor Agency and Justice fosters systemic change that better aligns what communities provide with what works to meet the comprehensive, self-defined needs of IPV survivors. They strive to meet this goal by developing transformative advocacy approaches that match institutional structures, organizational programs, and professional practices with IPV survivors’ lived realities.

The National Family Violence Law Center

The National Family Violence Law Center serves as the preeminent home for national research and expert support for the growing movement to better protect children in contested custody cases. It provides pioneering quantitative and qualitative research, training and education, state and federal policy development, and selective litigation.

The Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence

The Network is a collaborative membership organization dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by domestic violence through education, public policy and advocacy, and the connection of community members to direct service providers. Their Centralized Training Institute (CTI) to respond to the ongoing demand for professional domestic violence prevention and intervention training in Chicagoland. The trainings conducted by CTI are designed to improve the quality of domestic violence services provided to survivors by enhancing the understanding, expertise and skill sets of community members, advocates, organizers and professionals.

The Pixel Project

The Pixel Project offers people who are first-time supporters of the movement to end violence against entry-level opportunities to contribute their talents to the cause. The Pixel Project also provide online resources to get help and/or share their stories including tweeting helplines from over 30 countries daily, resource pages with links to anti-violence against women organizations worldwide, and their annual Survivor Stories campaign.

Tribal Law & Policy Institute

A Native American operated non-profit dedicated to providing free publication resources, comprehensive trainings, and technical assistance for Native nations and tribal justice systems in pursuit of their vision to empower Native communities to create and control their own institutions for the benefit of all community members, now, and for future generations.

Ujima: National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community

Launched in 2016, Ujima, Inc.: 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. Ujima was founded in response to a need for an active approach to ending domestic, sexual and community violence in the Black community. 

Women of Color Network, Inc. (WOCN)

In 1997, a group of women of color from across the country gathered to establish an entity to address the unique challenges facing women of color advocates and activists within the violence against women movement. WOCN, Inc. works in and beyond the fields of domestic violence and sexual assault to address a broad range of violence affecting communities of color such as human trafficking, police brutality and over-incarceration.

WomenatthecentrE

WomenatthecentrE is a survivor centered and led non-profit organization working to eradicate all forms of gender-based violence globally. They are dedicated to ensuring the voices and expertise of survivors are central in the inception, development, and implementation of all programs and policies aimed at preventing and responding to gender based violence. Survivors are the true experts, and the organization channels their shared experiences to create a better world for everyone.