VAWnet News Blog

This eNewsletter spotlights new and notable resources and initiatives from the NRCDV that encourage all of us to reflect on our journey, celebrate our successes, and move forward together towards social change.

For many people around the world, January first represents an opportunity for renewal or rebirth, a time to make a promise towards self-improvement. But there is a world of difference between a New Year’s resolution and a life goal. Through goal setting, however small or large, however near or far in the future, our brain accepts the desired outcome as an essential part of who we are. It sets our direction.

​​​​​​​This October, the Domestic Violence Awareness Project of the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence will help foster healthy communities by encouraging all of us to be part of the equation “Awareness + Action = Social Change.” This prevention framework offers an opportunity to engage in critical conversations about what Action looks like.

Engaging in prevention requires that domestic violence programs and their partners support a strategic visioning process with communities. Service providers themselves become more deeply rooted within the community they serve and develop a more robust understanding of the unique needs and resources that exist there.

​​​​​​​In the past 30 years, there has been a significant shift in understanding the impact of trauma on individuals and families. We have come to understand responses to trauma, including mental health challenges, as normal and adaptive reactions to adverse life experiences through a trauma-informed model.

​​​​​​​In recognition of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (#NWGHAAD) 2015, the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence joins efforts to empower young women with facts, awareness, resources and encouragement to combat this epidemic. Our goal is for young women to feel confident in making clear, well-informed decisions about their reproductive health, sexual behavior, and wellness.