Management & Sustainability Content Topic Results

Disaster and Emergency Preparedness and Response

ckeene — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 22:29:18 +0000

Disaster and Emergency Preparedness and Response ckeene Thu, 08/11/2016 - 18:29

Published

September 01, 2025

Author(s)

Domestic and sexual violence are critical issues facing communities affected by disasters. At the same time, disasters can also have a distinctly challenging impact on those individuals already traumatized by violence. Seventy percent of women experience domestic or sexual violence in humanitarian or crisis contexts, compared to the global average of 30 percent (IDLO & GWI, 2022). Large-scale emergency situations often increase economic hardship and exacerbate abuse survivors’ financial instability, leaving them feeling trapped in unsafe environments and without basic necessities (FreeFrom, 2022).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, policies like stay-at-home orders, designed to mitigate the pandemic, created unintended consequences that exacerbated risk factors for domestic violence. Research found that the odds of experiencing “any injury” (vs. no injury) in relation to domestic violence incidents were significantly higher during the initial 13-month period following the start of the global pandemic (March 2020-March 2021) compared to the pre-pandemic period (Shariati & Irvin-Erickson, 2025). In turn, frontline advocates were simultaneously coping with COVID-19 impacts on themselves and their agencies, while playing essential roles in adjusting services to meet survivor needs during the pandemic (Garcia et al., 2022).

About This Collection

This collection draws attention to the links between domestic and sexual violence and disaster and emergency situations. Note that the terms “disaster” and “emergency” are being used broadly to refer to major traumatic events and crisis situations that are either natural (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc.) or human-caused (e.g., massacres, terrorist attacks, etc.). Included in this collection are selected materials and resources that can be used by domestic and sexual violence organizations to increase their preparedness for and response to major disasters and emergencies. Also included is information developed for victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence who are concurrently coping with trauma and stress after a natural disaster or major crisis. A list of organizations working directly or indirectly with disaster and emergency preparedness and response is included for more information.

A Final Note

From disaster/emergency preparedness to response and all phases in between, advocates and service providers must recognize and honor the expertise of the communities they serve and how survivors are able to leverage the strengths and resources that are available to them.

“In order to truly support survivors in crisis—whether during a natural disaster, COVID-19, or everyday circumstances—we need robust, long-term solutions that are survivor-centered and take their lived experiences into account" (FreeFrom, 2022).

Being a Man: Preventing Domestic and Sexual Violence

ckeene — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 00:13:38 +0000

Being a Man: Preventing Domestic and Sexual Violence ckeene Tue, 08/09/2016 - 20:13

Published

January 19, 2024

Author(s)

Justin Carter

What does it really mean to “be a man”? No need to do any research or enroll in any philosophy courses because I’ll tell you what it means. It means to be like Batman. Of course, you’re thinking, what does this fictional character have to do with masculinity? Well, let’s think about it. Batman never shows emotion except anger towards criminals and cold shoulders towards Robin. Batman is highly intelligent and strong, even without superpowers. Then, when he’s not being the Caped Crusader, he’s Bruce Wayne. A billionaire genius who, to the public, seems to only care about money and how many women he can have on his arm while he buys the next hotel. Whether he’s being Batman or Bruce Wayne, he is powerful.

Let’s be honest, a lot of us men want to be Batman. A lot of us would even settle for being just Bruce Wayne. But have you ever thought about why? Well, it’s simple really – in today’s society we are conditioned to be like Batman, who society tells us is the epitome of what it means to be a man. Be strong, not just physically but mentally. Don’t show any emotion, because emotion symbolizes weakness (unless it’s pride or anger, of course). Take care of yourself and your family because that’s the only thing that matters. Make sure you have lots of women, because somehow that makes you more attractive? Also, make sure you have money because money is an automatic win over everything. You don’t necessarily have to have all these things at once, but just one thing that makes you seem more “manly.” Or should I say, less like a woman…

It makes sense, right? If being a man means not showing emotion, and to show emotions means to be weak, then who are we calling weak? We as men collectively cut off our emotions to distance ourselves from the experiences of women. As men, we collectively put ourselves into a box. In this box, we have certain rules for what it means to be a man. Do not cry or openly show emotion, don’t express weakness or fear, be athletic, tough, make decisions on your own, demonstrate power and control (especially over women), and view women as property or objects. So much for being Batman huh? But that’s just it. We aren’t Batman. We are David, Mark, Leo, Donte, and Justin. We are more than one-dimensional characters in a comic book. However, this “man box” is trapping us to be more one-dimensional and collectively, we as men are allowing this to happen. Instead of a box, I think this is more of a cage.

Being in a box means being trapped, with no way out. Not being able to see the light as men. However, that’s simply not true. We see what it could be like to be outside of the cages through the holes. We see what other men are doing to break free from the cage and live healthy, respectable lives. However, as soon as we try to reach our fingers out of this cage, society (our “master”) slams our hands and fingers back inside. Always reminding us that being outside of this cage means you aren’t a man, you’re more like a woman or gay. These notions of masculinity are extremely harmful to not just ourselves but the women and girls in our lives as well. We as men are collectively taught to see women as having less value and to view them as property and the objects of men. This is the equation that equals violence against women. Overwhelmingly it is men who hurt women. However, through work with men and boys, we can end violence against women. Men are also confined by this violence. Taking into account that 80% of victims know the person who raped them, it becomes virtually impossible for women to distinguish “safe guys” from men who are dangerous and therefore a “potential rapist” or abuser. The result is a society with its guard up. Relationships with men are approached with fear and mistrust. Intimacy is limited by the constant threat of violence.

Men are not born violent. Some become violent as a result of destructive beliefs and expectations about what it means to be a man. We must recognize the ways that dominant stories of masculinities have infiltrated our lives. In order to do so, we must discover and acknowledge that our understanding of masculinity is often manipulated directly and deliberately by corporations that value profit over people. We as men can choose to not perpetrate acts of violence and challenge those men who do. We can also challenge ideals and attitudes that support violence against women. How? Well, my friends, you have come to the right place! As you read through this collection, you will understand the why and the how of engaging men in efforts to end domestic and sexual violence.

Nonprofit Management

berdman — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 19:38:33 +0000

Nonprofit Management berdman Thu, 07/13/2017 - 15:38

Published

September 14, 2023

Author(s)

Breckan Erdman Winters

Nonprofit organizations play a key role in our efforts to end gender-based violence and other forms of injustice and to build safe and thriving communities. In order to ensure that nonprofits are able to be as effective and mission-driven as possible in their programmatic work, they need to have a solid infrastructure. This collection offers key information on nuts and bolts of managing a nonprofit, and resources to support organizations in their journey to dismantle structural racism and center racial equity. Particular attention is paid to the importance of building a strong and diverse board and staff, helpful fundraising strategies, managing the organization's finances, and ways to promote a healthy workplace through human resources management.

"Leaders, even the most visionary, cannot do this work alone. Strong, healthy organizations that understand their unique contributions are needed to power the ideas and change we want." - Move to End Violence

Developed by NRCDV staff in consultation with the National Network to End Domestic Violence.

Serving Trans and Non-Binary Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence

berdman — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 15:52:01 +0000

Serving Trans and Non-Binary Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence berdman Tue, 06/13/2017 - 11:52

Published

November 01, 2017

New Resources Added

January 01, 2018

Author(s)

Breckan Erdman Winters

Despite the fact that people who identify as transgender or non-binary experience violence and harassment in every aspect of life at astoundingly high rates (NCTE, 2016), there are still significant gaps in services (Seelman, 2015) for these survivors of domestic and sexual violence. This Special Collection supports advocates and agencies seeking to build their capacity to provide accessible and inclusive services to trans and non-binary survivors.

This collection offers guidance on how to provide accessible, culturally responsive, and affirming services to survivors of all genders. It includes resources that explain the importance of pronouns and outline some key concepts and terms relating to gender identity and expression. Additionally, this collection cites recent research illustrating the broad scope of violence against trans individuals and communities, particularly for people who live at the intersections of multiple forms of oppression, and addresses the failure of systems to properly support survivors in these communities. It directs service providers to some helpful tools and guidance for promoting inclusivity and advocating for trans survivors within domestic and sexual violence organizations. Lastly, this collection also provides resources for survivors.

This collection draws heavily from the work of FORGE, a national transgender anti-violence organization that provides direct services to trans survivors of domestic and sexual violence, as well as training and technical assistance to service providers around the country. Visit their website for more information and resources on serving trans survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Legislative Advocacy for Nonprofit Organizations

berdman — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 18:11:22 +0000

Legislative Advocacy for Nonprofit Organizations berdman Wed, 06/21/2017 - 14:11

Published

July 01, 2017

Author(s)

Breckan Erdman Winters

Rosie Hidalgo

Shaina Goodman

Legislative action has long played an important role in the movement to end gender-based violence, often as a critical component of the grassroots activism of survivors, advocates, and other people committed to mobilizing to end gender-based violence (ICADV 2009). In order to have widespread impact and improve the laws, policies and systems that affect victims of gender-based violence, engaging in advocacy with legislators and policymakers at the local, state, and national level is essential.

Legislators and policy makers rely on hearing from constituents and community members about ways that laws can be improved to better address domestic and sexual violence. Through legislative advocacy and “lobbying,” domestic and sexual violence organizations can work to “improve policies that are responsive to the needs and realities of survivors as well as their children and families” by connecting legislators to the needs and lived experiences of survivors in their communities (National Latin@ Network). Lobbying is recognized as “a key way that nonprofits can advance their mission, amplify the voices of their supporters, educate policymakers, and protect their values" (Bolder Advocacy). As Nayantara Mehta writes, “Getting involved in the legislative process and having a say in policy discussions is not just an appropriate role for nonprofits; it is vital. If nonprofits are not speaking on behalf of their often-vulnerable communities, chances are nobody else is either.” (Mehta 2009).

Nonetheless, domestic and sexual violence organizations may hesitate to participate in legislative advocacy due to concerns about or limited understanding of the restrictions on 501(c)(3) nonprofits’ lobbying activities. While some activities, such as endorsing or opposing particular candidates for public office, are strictly prohibited, Congress specifically created rules that permit nonprofit organizations to engage in lobbying, as long as it does not constitute a “substantial part” of the organization’s activities. Additionally, nonprofits can also participate in other advocacy focused on influencing public policy, described in more detail below.

This collection is designed to provide assistance to nonprofit organizations interested in participating in legislative advocacy. Resources include materials describing the specific federal regulations limiting lobbying activities of 501(c)(3) nonprofits; details on the ways in which these organizations can participate in lobbying activities; specific information on legislative advocacy for domestic and sexual violence organizations; and useful advocacy tools and tips.

Please note that this collection is intended to provide general information on these topics and does not constitute legal advice.

Open Doors: Thinking Beyond Shelter (Or Alternative Ways to Help Survivors)

ckeene — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 16:40:51 +0000

Open Doors: Thinking Beyond Shelter (Or Alternative Ways to Help Survivors) ckeene Thu, 08/11/2016 - 12:40

Published

March 01, 2014

Many concerned community members want to help families experiencing domestic violence. This is PART 2 of a 2-part collection, which includes Domestic Violence Shelter Development (PART 1). PART 2 provides suggestions and ideas for building needed resources in your community for survivors of domestic violence, in lieu of opening a shelter or safe house.

While many individuals and communities across the country have succeeded in establishing shelters that serve the needs of countless survivors of domestic violence, one of the most vital considerations regarding whether to start a new shelter is that of need. In just one day in 2013, more than 66,500 victims across the country were served by 1,649 local domestic violence programs participating in the 2013 National Census of Domestic Violence Services. The vast majority of these programs (77%) included emergency shelter as part of their services (NNEDV, 2014). While most survivors access supportive nonresidential services only, according to the 2013 National Census of Domestic Violence Services – in which approximately 87% of identified local domestic violence programs in the U.S. participated – 36,348 domestic violence victims found refuge in emergency shelters or transitional housing provided by local domestic violence programs (NNEDV, 2014).

Despite large numbers of domestic violence survivors finding safety in shelters across the country, shelters are not equipped to meet the long-term needs of survivors, as most are designed to provide emergency, short-term housing. Moreover, many survivors utilize the numerous non-residential services provided by domestic violence programs, and have an interrelated range of needs. For example, a survivor may need legal advocacy for a protective order case against an abusive partner. Attempting to leave an abuser without legal protection may exacerbate an already dangerous situation. Or a survivor may need financial help in order to execute a carefully constructed safety plan.

Alternative Ways to Help Survivors

Based upon your particular background or area of expertise, choose a section below to learn about the unique ways in which individuals can assist survivors of domestic violence. Please note the following list is not exhaustive, and individuals are encouraged to help survivors to the extent they are able and under the guidance of their domestic violence victim advocacy program. To find a program serving your community, contact your state/territory coalition. Each coalition identifies local domestic violence programs (also referred to as members) organized by county or region on their websites.

Open Doors: Domestic Violence Shelter Development

ckeene — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 13:05:55 +0000

Open Doors: Domestic Violence Shelter Development ckeene Thu, 08/11/2016 - 09:05

Published

March 01, 2014

The NRCDV receives a large number of technical assistance requests related to domestic violence program development. Part 1 provides resources for building, sustaining and enhancing shelter programs to meet the diverse needs of domestic violence survivors.

This is PART 1 of a 2-part collection, which also includes Thinking Beyond Shelter (Or Alternative Ways to Help Survivors) (PART 2 of 2). PART 1 provides resources for building, sustaining, and enhancing shelter programs to meet the diverse needs of domestic violence survivors.

Trauma-Informed Domestic Violence Services: Building Program Capacity (Part 2 of 3)

ckeene — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 00:07:19 +0000

Trauma-Informed Domestic Violence Services: Building Program Capacity (Part 2 of 3) ckeene Thu, 08/11/2016 - 20:07

Published

April 01, 2013

Building on over 20 years of work in this area, the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health (NCDVTMH) has put into practice a framework that integrates a trauma-informed approach with a DV victim advocacy lens. The term trauma-informed is used to describe organizations and practices that incorporate an understanding of the pervasiveness and impact of trauma and that are designed to reduce retraumatization, support healing and resilience and address the root causes of abuse and violence. The resources compiled in these collections reflect this integrated perspective (NCDVTMH 2013 adapted from Harris and Fallot 2001).

Resources on providing trauma-informed services and advocacy that have been developed by NCDVTMH specifically for DV settings are listed first. Also included throughout this Special Collection are resources that have been developed for mental health or substance abuse settings that can also be useful to DV victim advocates.

The goals of this Special Collection series are to provide:

Basic information about the different ways in which trauma can affect individuals and to highlight current research on effective ways to respond to trauma;
Practical guidance on developing trauma-informed DV programs and services; and
Resources that will help support collaboration between DV programs, and mental health, substance abuse, and other social services agencies and that will increase awareness about trauma treatment in the context of DV.

This is PART 2 of a 3-part collection that also includes Understanding the Framework and Approach (PART 1 of 3) and Developing Collaborations and Increasing Access (PART 3 of 3). PART 2 provides practical tools and resources on building capacity to implement trauma-informed programs.

A Note About Gender: Intimate partner violence perpetrated by men against their female partners is epidemic. At the same time, whatever a person’s gender or their partner’s gender, they may experience intimate partner violence, and gendered language can minimize the experiences of many survivors. We have attempted to use language in this Special Collection that reflects our analysis of gender oppression and other forms of oppression, as well as our commitment to serving all survivors of domestic violence.

This Special Collection was developed by the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health (NCDVTMH) in partnership with the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence. Contact NCDVTMH for specialized technical assistance and training on this and related topics.

Trauma-Informed Domestic Violence Services: Developing Collaborations and Increasing Access (Part 3 of 3)

ckeene — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 00:15:44 +0000

Trauma-Informed Domestic Violence Services: Developing Collaborations and Increasing Access (Part 3 of 3) ckeene Thu, 08/11/2016 - 20:15

Published

April 01, 2013

Building on over 20 years of work in this area, the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health (NCDVTMH) have put into practice a framework that integrates a trauma-informed approach with a DV victim advocacy lens. The term trauma-informed is used to describe organizations and practices that reflect an understanding of the pervasiveness and impact of trauma and that are designed to reduce retraumatization, support healing and well-being and address the root causes of abuse and violence. The resources compiled in these collections reflect this integrated perspective (NCDVTMH 2013, adapted from Harris and Fallot 2001).

Resources on providing collaborative and comprehensive trauma-informed services and advocacy that have been developed by NCDVTMH specifically for DV settings. Also included throughout this collection are resources that have been developed for mental health or substance abuse settings that can also be useful to DV victim advocates.

The goals of this Special Collection series are to provide:

Basic information about the different ways in which trauma can affect individuals and to highlight current research on effective ways to respond to trauma;
Practical guidance on developing trauma-informed DV programs and services; and
Information that will help support collaboration between DV programs, and mental health, substance abuse, and other social services agencies and that will increase awareness about trauma treatment in the context of DV.

This is PART 3 of a 3-part collection, which also includes Understanding the Framework and Approach (PART 1 of 3), and Building Program Capacity (PART 2 of 3). PART 3 provides resources for building collaboration to ensure that survivors and their children have access to culture-, DV- and trauma-informed mental health and substance abuse services.

This Special Collection was developed by the National Centeron Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health (NCDVTMH) in partnership with the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence. Contact NCDVTMH for specialized technical assistance and training on this and related topics.

Trauma-Informed Domestic Violence Services: Understanding the Framework and Approach (Part 1 of 3)

ckeene — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 23:42:27 +0000

Trauma-Informed Domestic Violence Services: Understanding the Framework and Approach (Part 1 of 3) ckeene Thu, 08/11/2016 - 19:42

Published

April 01, 2013

In the past 30 years, there has been a profound shift in understanding about the impact of trauma on individuals, families, and society. A growing number of studies have documented the impact of trauma on the brain and have demonstrated that violence and trauma can affect our physical health, mental health, and relationships with others (Felitti, Anda, Nordenberg, et al, 1998; De Bellis, Van Dillen, 2005;Classen, Pain, Field, Woods, 2006; Lanius, Bluhm, Lanius, Pain, 2006; Lyons-Ruth, Dutra, Schuder, Bianchi, 2006; McEwen, 2006;Nemeroff, 2004; van der Kolk, Roth, Pelcovitz, Sunday, Spinazzola, 2005; Yehuda, 2006). At the same time, research on trauma and resilience, combined with what we have learned from the experiences of survivors, advocates, and clinicians has begun to clarify helpful ways to respond, both within and across cultures and communities. This emerging body of knowledge offers information that can be helpful to the domestic violence (DV) field in its work with survivors and their children.

Building on over 20 years of work in this area, the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health (NCDVTMH) has put into practice a framework that integrates a trauma-informed approach with a DV victim advocacy lens. The term trauma-informed is used to describe organizations and practices that incorporate an understanding of the pervasiveness and impact of trauma and that are designed to reduce retraumatization, support healing and resiliency, and address the root causes of abuse and violence (NCDVTMH 2013 adapted from Harris and Fallot 2001). The resources compiled in these linked collections reflect this integrated perspective.

The goals of this Special Collection series are to provide:

Basic information about the different ways in which trauma can affect individuals and to highlight current research on effective ways to respond to trauma;
Practical guidance on developing trauma-informed DV programs and services; and
Resources that will help support collaboration between DV programs, and mental health, substance abuse, and other social services agencies and that will increase awareness about trauma treatment in the context of DV.

This is PART 1 of a 3-part collection that also includes Building Program Capacity (PART 2 of 3) and Developing Collaborations and Increasing Access (PART 3 of 3). PART 1 provides an overview of the framework and research supporting trauma-informed approaches to working with survivors and their children.