Center Against Domestic Violence

The Center Against Domestic Violence is an American not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to preventing violence in the family and to promoting the well-being and economic independence of women and children. It provides safe shelters, a network of supportive services, advocacy, education and resource information services and building coalitions. The center is based in Brooklyn, New York and provides services in the New York City Metro area. The Center Against Domestic Violence used to be known as the Center for Elimination of Violence in the Family, Inc.

The Center Against Domestic Violence, the first publicly funded domestic violence shelter in New York State, was founded in 1977 by a group of pioneering women who understood that domestic abuse was not merely a family matter but a crime, and a violation of human rights. Through innovative programs offered with dedication and respect, the Center works to fulfill its vision of a world free of relationship abuse and violence.

Shelter

The center operates three shelters, Women’s Survival Space, Women’s Safe Start, and Women’s Second Start. The shelters provide a safe place for survivors and their children, and offer services to assist them as they work through the trauma of domestic violence. The center provides housing, support and a chance to build a life free of abuse for more than 1,000 women and children each year. Some of services include:

• Counseling
• Case Management
• Workshops and Support Groups
• Housing Search Assistance
• Daycare
• Recreation, Educational and After School Activities

School-based date violence prevention

In 1998, the center became the first and largest provider of date violence prevention services in New York City. They reach more than 25,000 students and 5,000 school staff each year through extensive teen dating violence prevention workshops, training and support for school personnel and students.

The Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP) places Center Against Domestic Violence social workers in New York City public high schools and intermediate schools.

The centerhas partnered with the Bank Street College of Education’s Center for Emotionally Responsive Practice to develop a preventive healthy relationship curriculum for students in fourth and fifth grade

Events

The center's annual Drawing the Line Against Domestic Violence art auction is its primary fundraising event. The center is also recipient of the Elly Grant, awarded by the New York Women's Agenda at their annual breakfast.

References

• Center Against Domestic Violence
• NY Daily News
• Brooklyn Daily Eagle
• Providing Services to Combat Domestic Violence in New York City’s Minority Communities