VAWnet News Blog

The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence has released the fifth of its 7-part series of stories for the Innovation section of the PreventIPV website. This exciting project features lessons learned from the DELTA FOCUS program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Already, the pandemic and its effects on health, jobs and wages has exacerbated the likelihood that these marginalized communities are most likely to experience housing insecurity or homelessness. Gender-based violence, including domestic violence against women, also contributes to homelessness. Now, climate change has further complicated their lives.

IPV programs must understand oppression AND have processes in place that assess for power imbalances in individual relationships in order to competently serve male-identified individuals, survivors of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and people of all genders. This month's TAQ outlines what programs need to know about coercive control to ensure inclusive supports for survivors of all genders.

Workers in the service industry are often pressured by their employers to give friendly “service with a smile.” When those employees also rely on tips to earn a living, it creates a power dynamic between the employee and customer that may increase the likelihood of sexual harassment on the job.

"Violence against the Native LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit community is prevalent. It stems from heteropatriarchal violence and racism coming together to put the community at an elevated risk. And yet it remains largely overlooked."

Hearts of Hope, a local nonprofit that helps assists sexual assault victims, says that this new law will relieve both a mental and financial burden off of those who feel “stuck” or "unsafe."