Domestic violence is very rampant in the USA and it has required a call to action by individuals as well as the government. Having this in mind, I chose an organization that deals with victims of domestic violence because it has become an emerging issue that needs to be gotten rid of fast. Domestic violence is the violence that occurs between partners or the violence a child may be exposed to while at home. Most times, women are the main recipients of this violence because 1 in 5 women faces this. It, however, does not eliminate the possibility of a man facing it because 1 man in every 7 suffers from domestic violence. I chose the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence despite not having prior knowledge about it. I found out about this organization from online sources while I was researching domestic violence. This organization was my first choice because of the lengths they are willing to go for victims of domestic violence.
The organization aims at doing away with the culture that tolerates domestic violence of any kind. It takes victims of violence by the hand and supports them every step of the way along their road to recovery. Education to the masses on domestic violence is also offered. I would recommend anyone who feels like they are being abused in their homes. The signs are hard to miss. So whoever detects any aggression or possessiveness in their spouse should feel free to contact the organization even before the actual battering begins. Children who live in households with an abusive parent should also get help.
The official name of the organization is the National Coalition Against Violence. It is a non-profit organization that was formed on September 22nd, 1978. The headquarters of the organization is located in Denver, Colorado, US and serves all areas in the USA. They are not limited geographically, anyone of any decent or race in the USA facing the problem can access their help and services without having to worry about language barriers. Services are also not only offered to women and children but men as well. People of any age can acquire help because domestic violence does not only affect a certain age group. Anonymous confidential help is offered to victims round the clock. All one has to do is call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). They also have a website www.ncadv.com that offers services for victims such as where to get the resources to help them get through the abuse as well as offer education to the masses. The website is not limited to victims of abuse because visitors on the site can help raise awareness during the Domestic Violence Awareness Month which is in October by volunteering or making donations.
The specific work carried out by National Coalition Against Violence is very wide as compared to what other organizations do. First and foremost, the organization works with members of congress intending to improve the laws that are there regarding victims of domestic violence and the actions taken on the abusers. In addition to this, they host and sponsor the National -Victim-Centered Biennial Conferences which provide a platform for those who have been abused before to talk about their experiences while forming connections with other victims. The survivor speaker's bureau is also part of their projects. This is a platform where individuals speak up regarding domestic violence without the fear of being judged or segregated. The advocates who deal with these cases are not left out because some of the cases they deal with are traumatizing enough even for them. They, therefore, require a forum where they could share their experiences as professionals while learning new skills that would assist in dealing with domestic violence. The advocate webinars are here for this. The organization has partnered with Ms Magazine for the project under the name Remember my Name where they publish material creating awareness in their magazine.
In conclusion, the first step in eradicating this menace is creating awareness which the National Coalition Against Violence is doing splendidly. All we have to do as a society is not condone any domestic violence by being your neighbor's keeper. Report any incidents that you may have witnessed just in case the victims are afraid of reporting their abusive spouses because most cases go unreported and they continue suffering in silence because of the fear instilled in them.