Domestic Violence Prevention: A history of milestones and achievements

<p>Throughout the decade, the grassroots battered women’s justice movement uses a feminist, social change approach to raise awareness of violence against women through rallies and speak-outs.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://wiki.preventconnect.org/Violence+Against+Women+Prevention+Timeline)</p>

<p>The [Wisconsin Conference on Battered Women](https://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/Abstract.aspx?id=57942) is held. Women from around the country establish the national newsletter, [The National Communication Network for the Elimination of Violence Against Women](http://books.google.com/books?id=1V8kAQAAMAAJ&source=gbs_navlinks_s).</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.icadvinc.org/history-of-battered-womens-movement/)</p><p></p><p>[See also](http://www.jamakaya.com/wcbk1.htm)</p>

<p>Women around the country march annually to “[Take Back the Night](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Take_Back_the_Night).” They walk with confidence because of the collective presence of women.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.icadvinc.org/history-of-battered-womens-movement/)</p><p></p><p>[See also](http://www.takebackthenight.org/about)</p>

<p>Marin Abused Women’s Services (MAWS) (now the [Center for Domestic Peace](http://www.maws.org/)) is founded by a group of visionary women and becomes known as a leader in the field of domestic violence prevention.</p>

<p>[Emerge](http://www.emergedv.com/) in Cambridge, MA is the first abuser education program in the nation with a mission to eliminate violence in intimate relationships. In working toward this goal, Emerge seeks to educate individual abusers, prevent young people from learning to accept violence in their relationships, improve institutional responses to domestic violence, and increase public awareness about the causes and solutions to partner violence. With the development of parenting education groups for fathers, Emerge has recently expanded its mission to include a goal of helping men to become more responsible parents.</p>

<p>The [International Women’s Year Conference](http://doddcenter.uconn.edu/asc/findaids/IWY/MSS19860003.html) is held in Houston, TX. Meetings such as this on the local, state and national level allow women to form coalitions with one another and create a national battered women’s movement.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.icadvinc.org/history-of-battered-womens-movement/)</p><p></p><p>[See also](http://www.jofreeman.com/photos/IWY1977.html)</p>

<p>The [United States Commission on Civil Rights](http://www.usccr.gov/) (USCCR) sponsors a [Consultation on Battered Women: Issues of Public Policy](http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/search/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=ED177450&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=ED177450) attended by activists, academics and representatives from legal, medical and social service agencies. [Del Martin](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Del_Martin_and_Phyllis_Lyon) chairs the meeting and sets the focus on the roots of domestic violence in marriage, male domination, and women’s subordinate status. The hearings legitimize the needs of battered women as a matter of national concern.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.icadvinc.org/history-of-battered-womens-movement/) | [Source](http://wiki.preventconnect.org/Violence+Against+Women+Prevention+Timeline)</p>

<p>Feminists organize to create the [National Coalition Against Domestic Violence](http://www.ncadv.org/) (NCADV). Born from the USCCR consultation, the initial goals of the NCADV emphasize gaining financial aid for shelters and grassroots services, sharing information and supporting research beneficial to the movement.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://wiki.preventconnect.org/Violence+Against+Women+Prevention+Timeline)</p>

<p>The Feminist Alliance Against Rape, National Coalition Network for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (NCN), and Alliance Against Sexual Coercion (AASC) combine energies to publish the first issue of [Aegis, the Magazine on Ending Violence Against Women](http://www.faar-aegis.org/), the only journal dedicated to preserving and building a feminist analyst and grassroots movement to end violence against women.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.icadvinc.org/history-of-battered-womens-movement/)</p>

<p>[Healthy People: The Surgeon General’s Report on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention](http://profiles.nlm.nih.gov/ps/access/NNBBGK.pdf) identifies stress and violent behavior among the 15 key priority areas for public health. The report states that violence can be prevented and should not be ignored in the effort to improve the nation’s health. [Healthy People Initiatives](http://www.healthypeople.gov/) begin following these recommendations, with a goal for the nation to reach a number of targeted health goals by the end of the decade.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.ncdsv.org/images/MilestonesinthePreventionMovement.pdf) | [Source](http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/overview/timeline.html)</p>

<p>The United Nations adopts the [Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women](http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/) (CEDAW).</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://wiki.preventconnect.org/Violence+Against+Women+Prevention+Timeline)</p>

<p>The first measurable objectives for violence are established for the nation by the [United States Department of Health and Human Services](http://www.hhs.gov/) in the publication, [Promoting Health/Preventing Disease: Objectives for the Nation](http://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/5293/).</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/history_violence-a.pdf)</p>

<p>[Barrie Levy](http://sealpress.com/books.php?author=118) spends time in California classrooms defining rape, sexual assault, and battering as crimes against women and learns that many girls are already encountering those crimes with their teenage boyfriends; this leads to her groundbreaking curriculum on teen dating violence.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://wiki.preventconnect.org/Violence+Against+Women+Prevention+Timeline)</p>

<p>The Family Violence Prevention Fund (now [Futures Without Violence](http://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/)) is established. This national leader in domestic violence prevention works to prevent and end violence against women and children around the world.</p>

<p>Marin Abused Women’s Services (now [Center for Domestic Peace](http://www.maws.org/)) begins one of the nation’s first Men’s Programs to re-educate men to stop their violent behavior and activates a men’s hotline to deter men from engaging in violence.</p>

<p>The New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP) is born in the streets of Chelsea, created by community activists in response to a series of brutal attacks against gay men.</p><p></p><p>Today AVP is the largest anti-violence program in the country dedicated to eliminating hate violence, sexual violence and intimate partner violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and HIV-affected (LGBTQH) communities through counseling, advocacy, organizing, and public education.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.avp.org/about-avp/history)</p>

<p>The first annual Domestic Violence Awareness Week is celebrated.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.icadvinc.org/history-of-battered-womens-movement/)</p>

<p>The [National Coalition Against Domestic Violence](http://www.ncadv.org/) (NCADV) declares a national day of unity on behalf of battered women across the country.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.icadvinc.org/history-of-battered-womens-movement/)</p><p></p><p>[See also](http://www.ncadv.org/takeaction/DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth.php)</p>

<p>The [National Coalition Against Domestic Violence](http://www.ncadv.org/) features the first National Women of Color conference. Race, class and homophobia are central themes of this conference.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.icadvinc.org/history-of-battered-womens-movement/)</p>

<p>[Men Stopping Violence](http://www.menstoppingviolence.org/) is founded in Decatur, GA based on the premise that men can work together with women to end men's violence against women. Now a national leader in the field of ending men's violence against women, Men Stopping Violence knows that lasting change involves challenging and changing the social norms and institutions that actively or implicitly condone and promote violence against women.</p>

<p>Susan Schechter's book, [Women and Male Violence: The Visions and Struggles of the Battered Women's Movement](http://www.amazon.com/Women-Male-Violence-Struggles-Battered/dp/0896081591), takes an in-depth look at the ways in which advocates rallied and organized to impact social change in the United States.</p>

<p>Writer and activist [Audre Lorde](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audre_Lorde) introduces the concept of [intersectionality](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intersectionality), identifying issues of class, race, age, gender and even health as being fundamental to the female experience. She argued that, although the gender difference has received all the focus, these other differences are also essential and must be recognized and addressed.</p><p></p><p>The concept of intersectionality has been critical in our understanding of the complex experiences of survivors of trauma and how violence and oppression (sexism, racism, classism, heterosexism, ableism) are intrinsically linked.</p>

<p>CDC establishes a Violence Epidemiology Branch to focus its public health efforts in violence prevention, addressing the problems of child abuse, homicide, and suicide.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/history_violence-a.pdf) | [Source](http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/overview/timeline.html)</p>

<p>Staff at the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project (DAIP) created the original [Power & Control Wheel](http://www.theduluthmodel.org/training/wheels.html) to use as part of their curricula for group programs with men who batter and victims of domestic violence. The Wheel was based on the experiences of battered women in Duluth who had been abused by their male partners. Since then, it has been translated into over 40 languages and has resonated with the experience of battered women worldwide.</p>

<p>Farrah Fawcett stars in the major feature film, [The Burning Bed](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087010/), which provides visibility to the issue of domestic violence and ignites a discussion about the experiences of battered women across the country.</p>

<p>The U.S. Attorney General establishes task force on family violence to examine scope and nature of problem. Nearly 300 witnesses provide public testimony in 6 cities. The [final report](http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/search/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=ED251762&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=ED251762) offers recommendations for action in many areas, including the criminal justice response, prevention and awareness, education and training, and data collection and reporting.</p>

<p>Grassroots lobbying efforts lead to the authorization of the [Family Violence Prevention and Services Act](http://www.nnedv.org/policy/issues/fvpsa.html) (FVPSA), earmarking federal funding for programs serving victims of domestic violence. The [Family and Youth Services Bureau](http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/programs/family-violence-prevention-services) (FYSB) of the [Administration for Children & Families](http://www.acf.hhs.gov/), [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services](http://www.hhs.gov/), is established to administer FVPSA funding to promote safety, stability and well-being for people who have experienced or been exposed to violence, neglect or trauma.</p>

<p>The [Report of the Secretary's Task Force on Black and Minority Health](http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00000688.htm) was released and underscored the importance of addressing interpersonal violence as a public health problem and identified homicide as a major contributor to health disparities among African-Americans.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/overview/timeline.html)</p>

<p>Marin Abused Women’s Services (now [Center for Domestic Peace](http://www.maws.org/)) [receives funding](http://www.maws.org/sites/default/files/Milestones.pdf) from the California Office of Criminal Justice Planning to develop a curriculum called “Relationship Abuse Prevention Program” and to create a video, “When Love Hurts.’’</p>

<p>Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the novel by [Alice Walker](http://alicewalkersgarden.com/), [The Color Purple](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Color_Purple) is released as a major motion picture starring Whoopi Goldberg who portrays the character of Celie Johnson, a victim of child sexual abuse, incest, forced marriage, and domestic violence.</p><p></p><p>The film culminates in Celie leaving her abuser, "Mister" with the threat that everything he touches will fall apart until he does right by her.</p><p></p><p>Celie's character becomes a triumphant symbol of freedom and resilience for survivors.</p>

<p>The [Surgeon General's Workshop on Violence and Public Health](http://profiles.nlm.nih.gov/ps/retrieve/ResourceMetadata/NNBCFX) focuses the attention of the public health world on violence and encouraged all health professionals to become involved in recognizing and ending violence against women.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/overview/timeline.html) | [Source](http://wiki.preventconnect.org/Violence+Against+Women+Prevention+Timeline)</p>

<p>CDC establishes the Division of Injury Epidemiology and Control.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/overview/timeline.html)</p>

<p>Del Martin publishes [Battered Wives](http://www.amazon.com/Battered-Wives-Del-Martin/dp/0912078707), a major source of information and validation for the movement. It legitimates the view that violence against women is caused by sexism.</p>

<p>Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (ADWAS) is founded the year after Marilyn J. Smith organizes a group of Deaf women, hearing women, and parents of Deaf children to discuss how to address the needs of Deaf and Deaf-Blind victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in a fully accessible environment. It is the first agency of its kind in the United States.</p><p></p><p>Today, ADWAS provides comprehensive services to individuals and families, community education, and advocacy on systems and policy issues.</p>

<p>Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women (LACAAW) (now [Peace Over Violence](http://www.peaceoverviolence.org/)), Marin Abused Women’s Services (MAWS) (now [Center for Domestic Peace](http://www.maws.org/)), and Battered Women’s Alternatives (BWA) (now [STAND! Against Domestic Violence](http://standagainstdv.org/)) create some of the first-in-the-country dating violence prevention programs and materials.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://wiki.preventconnect.org/Violence+Against+Women+Prevention+Timeline)</p>

<p>The first Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed.</p><p></p><p>[See also](http://www.nrcdv.org/dvam/DVAM-history)</p>

<p>[The Northwest Network](http://nwnetwork.org/) is founded by lesbian survivors of battering to end abuse in diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities.</p><p></p><p>The NW Network increases LGBT communities’ ability to support the self-determination and safety of bisexual, transgendered, lesbian and gay survivors of abuse through education, organizing and advocacy.</p>

<p>The U.S. Congress passes [Public Law 101-112](http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d101:SJ00133:%7CTOM:/bss/d101query.html%7C) designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.</p>

<p>[The Network/La Red](http://tnlr.org/) is formed when a group of formerly battered lesbians come together to address domestic violence in lesbian and bisexual women’s communities in Boston. </p><p></p><p>Initially the group worked to educate the community and existing programs/resources for battered women about the existence of woman-to-woman battering and the need for programs to address it. In 1991, the group incorporated under the name New England Women’s Support, Inc. - The Network for Battered Lesbians. The Network changed its name to the Network for Battered Lesbians and Bisexual Women in 1996, and in 2000 to The Network/La Red, with a mission at that time of working with survivors of partner abuse in the lesbian, bisexual women’s and transgender communities.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://tnlr.org/about/mission-anti-oppression-principles/)</p>

<p>"Violent and Abusive Behavior" was included as 1 of 22 public health priority areas in [Healthy People 2000](http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/healthy_people/hp2000.htm), the national disease-prevention and health-promotion strategy. It called for "cooperation and integration across public health, health care, mental health, criminal justice, social service, education, and other relevant sectors."</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/overview/timeline.html)</p>

<p>In her article, [Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color](http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/1229039?uid=3739864&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101879683057), Kimberle Crenshaw explores “various ways in which gender and race intersect in shaping the structural, political and representational aspects of violence against women of color.”</p><p>The article reviews structural intersectionality, political intersectionality and representational intersectionality with a focus on battering and rape to discuss how race and gender intersect in the lives of women of color.</p>

<p>[American Indians Against Abuse](http://www.wiaiaa.org/) is incorporated as the first tribal coalition representing all 11 tribes of Wisconsin. Since 1984, a task force of tribal representatives (which later became AIAA) had met regularly to work toward obtaining domestic abuse services for all Wisconsin Tribes.</p><p></p><p>American Indians Against Abuse coordinates community education and training with domestic abuse, sexual assault, alcohol and other drug abuse, mental health and crime victims service providers.</p>

<p>Discussions about bringing together the multi-disciplinary prevention research community among staff of the [National Institute on Drug Abuse](http://www.drugabuse.gov/) led to a national meeting and the incorporation of the [Society for Prevention Research](http://www.preventionresearch.org/).</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.ncdsv.org/images/MilestonesinthePreventionMovement.pdf)</p>

<p>Centers for Disease Control, National Center for Environmental Health and Injury Control Division of Injury Control, Office of the Assistant Director for Minority Health publishes [The Prevention of Youth Violence: A Framework for Community Action](http://wonder.cdc.gov/wonder/prevguid/p0000026/p0000026.asp) to mobilize communities to effectively address the national epidemic of youth violence.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/history_violence-a.pdf)</p>

<p>A landmark issue of the [Journal of the American Medical Association](http://jama.jamanetwork.com/Issue.aspx?journalid=67&issueID=9598&direction=P) addresses violence as a public health issue.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/overview/timeline.html)</p>

<p>The U.S. Surgeon General ranks abuse by husbands to be the leading cause of injuries to women aged 15 to 44.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.icadvinc.org/history-of-battered-womens-movement/)</p>

<p>Marin Abused Women’s Services (MAWS) (now [Center for Domestic Peace](http://www.maws.org/)), creates [Transforming Communities: Creating Safety and Justice for Women and Girls](http://www.transformcommunities.org/). This model program works with the community to end domestic violence through innovative prevention programs.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.maws.org/about-us) | [Source](http://wiki.preventconnect.org/Violence+Against+Women+Prevention+Timeline)</p>

<p>After numerous name changes, “and Prevention” is added to CDC’s current title: [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](http://www.cdc.gov/). This same year, CDC receives its first congressional appropriations for youth violence prevention.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.ncdsv.org/images/MilestonesinthePreventionMovement.pdf) | [Source](http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/history_violence-a.pdf)</p>

<p>Allan Creighton and Paul Kivel, founders of the [Oakland Men's Project](http://www.paulkivel.com/index.php?option=com_flexicontent&view=items&cid=18:gender-justice&id=70:the-oaklands-men-project&Itemid=10) in 1979, developed [Helping Teens Stop Violence](http://helpingteensstopviolence.com/) for use as a basis for their violence prevention work with teens nationwide.</p><p></p><p>The book offers a proactive, multicultural approach for getting at the roots of violent behavior. The activities and workshops described in the book explore how violence manifests in families and dating; how issues of race, gender, and age are involved; and how teens can work to stop the violence in their lives. It includes curricula for classrooms and support groups, and strategies to support peer counselors and help abused teens.</p>

<p>CDC establishes the [Division of Violence Prevention](http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/index.html) within the newly created [National Center for Injury Prevention and Control](http://www.cdc.gov/injury/) to lead CDC's efforts to prevent injuries and deaths caused by violence. The Center begins to fund community-based prevention efforts, studies on causality and consequences of domestic violence, evaluation programs, public education, and training.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.dvmillennium.org/) | [Source](http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/overview/timeline.html)</p>

<p>Funding from the [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services](http://www.hhs.gov/) leads to the creation of the [Domestic Violence Resource Network](http://www.nrcdv.org/dvrn/), which includes the [National Resource Center on Domestic Violence](http://www.nrcdv.org/), the [Battered Women’s Justice Project](http://www.bwjp.org/), the [Resource Center on Domestic Violence: Child Protection and Custody](http://www.ncjfcj.org/), and the [Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence](http://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/section/our_work/health).</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.dvmillennium.org/)</p>

<p>A group of scholars and practitioners who met to discuss the plight of the African-American community in the area of domestic violence form the [Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community](http://www.idvaac.org/) (IDVAAC). The group ultimately agreed that the "one-size-fits-all" approach to domestic violence services being provided in mainstream communities would not suffice for African Americans, who disproportionately experience stressors that can create conditions that lead to violence in the home. It became clear to this group that the crisis of violence in the African American community would change only if individuals or groups focused attention on the problem and took action.</p>

<p>The [Mentors in Violence Prevention](http://www.mvpnational.org/) (MVP) Program, a leadership program focused on preventing all forms of men’s violence against women, is co-created by [Jackson Katz](http://www.jacksonkatz.com/) at [Northeastern University in 1993](http://www.mvpnational.org/?page_id=268). It is the first large-scale attempt to enlist high school, collegiate and professional athletes in the fight against all forms of sexist abuse and violence. This program introduces a bystander approach to the domestic and sexual violence prevention education field.</p>

<p>During the [Second World Congress on Injury Prevention and Control](http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00020072.htm), sponsored by the CDC in Atlanta, GA, representatives of U.S. state and territory injury prevention programs voted to formally organize the [Safe States Alliance](http://www.safestates.org/) (formerly STIPDA) to represent the interests of injury prevention programs at state, territorial, local, and tribal levels.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.safestates.org/associations/5805/files/Timeline 2012.pdf)</p>

<p>[The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence](http://www.nrcdv.org/) (NRCDV) was established as a comprehensive source of information for those wanting to educate themselves and help others on the many issues related to domestic violence.</p><p></p><p>Today, through its many key initiatives such as VAWnet, Women of Color Network, the Domestic Violence Awareness Project, and Building Comprehensive Solutions to Domestic Violence, NRCDV works tirelessly to improve community response to domestic violence and, ultimately, prevent its occurrence. Our comprehensive technical assistance, training and resource development are just a few examples of the many ways in which NRCDV broadly serves those dedicated to ending domestic violence in relationships and communities.</p>

<p>A special issue of [Health Affairs](http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/12/4.toc) addresses violence as a public health issue – the first special issue to examine violence as a public health problem.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/history_violence-a.pdf)</p>

<p>The [United Nations](http://www.un.org/en/) recognizes domestic violence as an international human rights issue and issues a [Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women](http://www.un.org/documents/ga/res/48/a48r104.htm). A similar resolution is issued by the [Organization of American States](http://www.oas.org/en/default.asp).</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.icadvinc.org/history-of-battered-womens-movement/)</p>

<p>Congress passes the [Violence Against Women Act](http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-103hr3355enr/pdf/BILLS-103hr3355enr.pdf) (Title IV of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act), which includes support for coordinated community responses to prevention of intimate partner violence and state grants for rape prevention and education.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/history_violence-a.pdf)</p>

<p>The [OJ Simpson murder trial](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O._J._Simpson_murder_case) brings huge media attention and visibility to the issue of domestic violence. Advocates seize the opportunity to frame the issue differently, prompting authorization of the Battered Women’s Protection Act in California.</p><p></p><p>Officially called the People of the State of California v. Orenthal James Simpson, the criminal trial was held in Los Angeles County, California Superior Court. Former American football star and actor O. J. Simpson was tried on two counts of murder following the June 1994 deaths of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. The case has been described as the most publicized criminal trial in American history. Ultimately, Simpson was acquitted after a lengthy trial spanning from November 2, 1994 to October 3, 1995 which was presided over by Judge Lance Ito.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.icadvinc.org/history-of-battered-womens-movement/)</p>

<p>Congress passes the Violence Against Women Act which includes landmark legislation establishing the [Rape Prevention and Education](http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/RPE/index.html) (RPE) program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The goal of the RPE program is to strengthen sexual violence prevention efforts. It operates in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and six U.S. territories.</p>

<p>The [World Health Organization](http://www.who.int/en/) (WHO) declares that "violence is a leading worldwide public health problem."</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/overview/timeline.html)</p>

<p>The Domestic Violence Coalition on Public Policy incorporates as the [National Network to End Domestic Violence](http://www.nnedv.org/), a social change organization representing state domestic violence coalitions, that is dedicated to creating a social, political and economic environment in which violence against women no longer exists. [Donna Edwards](http://donnaedwards.house.gov/) is selected as the Network’s Director, becoming the first woman of color to head a national domestic violence organization.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.dvmillennium.org/)</p>

<p>The [Centre for Research on Violence Against Women and Children](http://www.learningtoendabuse.ca/) publishes a preliminary report on findings from evaluating a new comprehensive school-based prevention program called [The Fourth R](http://www.youthrelationships.org/). The evaluation measures changes in adolescents' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior related to violence, sex, and substance abuse.</p><p></p><p>The Fourth R consists of a comprehensive school-based program designed to include students, teachers, parents, and the community in reducing violence and risk behaviours. This evidence-based program has since been listed on National Registries for effective and promising practices, including SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices and Public Health Agency of Canada's Best Practices Portal. See related [evaluations and research findings](http://www.youthrelationships.org/publications/fourthr_evaluation.html).</p>

<p>The [Fourth World Conference on Women](http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/beijing/fwcwn.html) is held in Beijing, China, focused on the theme: Action for Equality, Development and Peace. Many Californians and other U.S.-based advocates attend, forging links with the international women’s movement. Trafficking is noted as critical issue.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://wiki.preventconnect.org/Violence+Against+Women+Prevention+Timeline)</p>

<p>The [National Coalition of Anti Violence Programs](http://www.avp.org/about-avp/coalitions-a-collaborations/82-national-coalition-of-anti-violence-programs) (NCAVP) is founded as the only national coalition dedicated to reducing violence and its impacts on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected (LGBTQH) communities in the United States. </p><p></p><p>NCAVP currently brings together LGBTQH anti-violence programs in cities and regions across the United States and in Montreal, Quebec and Toronto, Ontario. </p>

<p>[Casa de Esperanza](https://www.casadeesperanza.org/) produces [My Girlfriend Did It](https://www.casadeesperanza.org/purchase-products/), a documentary film exploring intimate partner violence in lesbian relationships by highlighting the struggles and resilience of women who share the impact of violence in their lives. </p><p></p><p>The first-of-its-kind film was re-released in 2008 in dvd format and is accompanied with a bilingual facilitator’s guide providing definitions, discussion questions, group activities, role plays and case scenarios.</p>

<p>[VAWnet](http://www.vawnet.org/) is created by the [National Resource Center on Domestic Violence](http://www.nrcdv.org/) with an initial focus on intimate partner violence and supporting the intervention and prevention efforts of a key group of constituents – state domestic violence coalitions. Since that time, VAWnet’s scope has broadened to encompass sexual assault and other forms of violence particularly impacting women.</p>

<p>Data collection begins for the National Violence Against Women (NVAW) Survey, co-sponsored by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The survey consists of telephone interviews with a nationally representative sample of 8,000 U.S. women and 8,000 U.S. men about their experiences as victims of various forms of violence, including intimate partner violence. Respondents were asked detailed questions about the characteristics and consequences of their victimization, including the extent and nature of any injuries they sustained, their use of medical services, and their involvement with the justice system.</p><p></p><p>The survey provides the first national data on the incidence and prevalence of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and stalking.</p><p></p><p>Findings are published in July 2000: [Extent, Nature, and Consequences of Intimate Partner Violence: Findings From the National Violence Against Women Survey](https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/181867.pdf)</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/history_violence-a.pdf)</p>

<p>The [World Health Assembly](http://www.who.int/mediacentre/events/governance/wha/en/index.html) passes a resolution, which declares that “violence is a leading worldwide public health problem.”</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/history_violence-a.pdf)</p>

<p>The [National Domestic Violence Hotline](http://www.thehotline.org/15th-anniversary/) is established as a component of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The Hotline provides crisis intervention, information and referral to victims of domestic violence, perpetrators, friends and families.</p>

<p>The [Prevention Institute](http://www.preventioninstitute.org/) is founded to serve as a focal point for primary prevention practice —promoting policies, organizational practices, and collaborative efforts that improve health and quality of life.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/history_violence-a.pdf)</p>

<p>The [California Department of Health Services](http://www.dhs.ca.gov/) selected MAWS (now the [Center for Domestic Peace](http://www.maws.org/)) to establish [Transforming Communities Technical Assistance Training](http://www.transformcommunities.org/) (TC-TAT), a statewide technical assistance and training network to foster community prevention.</p>

<p>The [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services](http://www.hhs.gov/) awards funds to Cangleska, Inc. to operate Sacred Circle, a special-issue resource center to aid tribes and tribal organizations to stop violence against Native women.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.dvmillennium.org/)</p>

<p>The Family Violence Prevention Fund, (now [Futures Without Violence](http://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/)) launches their groundbreaking national public education campaign, “There’s No Excuse for Domestic Violence.”</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://wiki.preventconnect.org/Violence+Against+Women+Prevention+Timeline)</p>

<p>The [National Latino Alliance for the Elimination of Domestic Violence](http://www.dvalianza.org/) (Alianza) convenes the first national forum to help develop a comprehensive and concerted effort to prevent and end domestic violence in Latino communities: National Symposium on La Violencia Doméstica: An Emerging Dialogue Among Latinos. The meeting was followed by the publication of a [Conference Report](http://www.dvalianza.org/images/stories/ResourcePubs/conf_rpts/r_symposium.pdf).</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.dvalianza.org/training-a-technical-assist/national-conferences-a-forums.html)</p>

<p>The [American Journal of Public Health](http://ajph.aphapublications.org/) publishes the first [evaluation](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9584032) of [Safe Dates](http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/safedates), an adolescent dating abuse prevention program that later becomes one of the most widely used evidence-based programs in the U.S. Designated as a Model Program by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Safe Dates was selected for the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) in 2006.</p><p></p><p>In 1996, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine introduced the program in the article, [The Safe Dates Project: theoretical basis, evaluation design, and selected baseline findings](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8909623).</p>

<p>The National Training Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence (now the [National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence](http://www.ncdsv.org/)) is founded by Deborah D. Tucker and Sarah M. Buel to foster collaboration among professionals working to end violence against women.</p>

<p>[Transforming Communities Technical Assistance Training](http://www.transformcommunities.org/) (TC-TAT) conducts a baseline statewide survey in California to assess domestic violence organizations’ knowledge, attitudes, and capacity regarding prevention theory and practice and launches the first of 14 [Immersion Institutes](http://www.transformcommunities.org/content/immersion-institutes) to help advocates understand and apply prevention concepts and strategies. Over the years, TC-TAT develops dozens of prevention products and helps to facilitate a statewide prevention learning community.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://wiki.preventconnect.org/Violence+Against+Women+Prevention+Timeline)</p>

<p>The [National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges](http://www.ncjfcj.org/) (NCJFCJ) publishes [Effective Interventions in Domestic Violence and Child Maltreatment Cases: Guidelines for Policy and Practice](http://www.thegreenbook.info/documents/Greenbook.pdf). This publication, commonly referred to as “[the Greenbook](http://www.thegreenbook.info/)” due to its green cover, helps child welfare, domestic violence service providers and family courts work together more effectively to serve families experiencing violence. Since the Greenbook’s release, dozens of communities around the country have used it to improve their policies and practices and developed enhanced coordination among courts and social service agencies to better serve families in need.</p>

<p>[Larry Cohen](http://www.preventioninstitute.org/about-us/our-staff.html#larry) of the [Contra Costa Health Services Prevention Program](http://www.cchealth.org/groups/prevention/) develops [The Spectrum of Prevention](http://www.preventioninstitute.org/component/jlibrary/article/id-105/127.html), based on the work of Dr. Marshall Swift in treating developmental disabilities. The model helps expand prevention efforts beyond education models by promoting a multifaceted range of activities for effective prevention.</p>

<p>The [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services](http://www.hhs.gov/), Office of Community Services, Administration on Families and Children sponsors the [Next Millennium Conference: Ending Domestic Violence](http://www.dvmillennium.org/conf_materialFP.htm) in Illinois to celebrate the accomplishments of the battered women’s movement and to advance work to end violence against women.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.dvmillennium.org/)</p>

<p>The [Shifting the Paradigm](http://www.calstate.edu/Newsline/Archive/99-00/991006-Hum.shtml) video, developed by Humboldt State University, emphasizes prevention and root causes of domestic violence.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://wiki.preventconnect.org/Violence+Against+Women+Prevention+Timeline)</p>

<p>[Project P.R.I.D.E.](http://www.childinc.com/youth-promoting-respect.html) (Promoting Respect In Dating Experiences) is established with Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Funds administered by the Criminal Justice Council in Delaware, operating as the first and only dating violence intervention program in Delaware.</p><p></p><p>At the same time, a committee of representatives from local organizations and City Theater Company developed the Delaware Safe Dating Theater Project (DSDTP). This project raised awareness about dating violence using an interactive, live theater production titled "Maddie & Paul" to depict an evolving abusive dating relationship. The production, which was enacted during large assemblies at middle and high schools (and followed up by hour long classroom discussions), focused not only on the dating couple but on the role of their friends.</p><p></p><p>In 2003, through DELTA funds, these initiatives evolved into the DELTA Safe Dating Project which was expanded to include a semester-long high school "Healthy Relationships" curricula and weekly after school "Teens Talking About Relationships" club. A later focus on CCR engagement included the formation of [The Prevention Subcommittee](http://www.safeandrespectful.org/about.html) and development of the [Safe and Respectful](http://www.safeandrespectful.org/) website.</p><p></p>

<p>The [National Latino Alliance for the Elimination of Domestic Violence](http://www.dvalianza.org/) (Alianza) is established as one of three domestic violence Cultural Institutes to address the particular needs and concerns of communities of color experiencing family violence. </p><p></p><p>Alianza’s work has been in four main areas: community education, policy advocacy, research, and training and technical assistance. It has grown into a national network of Latina and Latino advocates, practitioners, researchers, activists, and survivors of domestic violence.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.dvalianza.org/about-us.html)</p>

<p>[WHO](http://www.who.int/en/) creates the [Department for Injuries and Violence Prevention](http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/en/).</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/overview/timeline.html)</p>

<p>[INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence](http://www.incite-national.org/) founders organize the first [Color of Violence: Violence Against Women of Color](http://www.incite-national.org/index.php?s=102) conference at the University of California-Santa Cruz in April. From this conference, INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence forms to continue efforts to develop strategies to end violence that address community and state violence simultaneously.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://wiki.preventconnect.org/Violence+Against+Women+Prevention+Timeline)</p>

<p>The National Institute of Justice and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publish [Extent, Nature, and Consequences of Intimate Partner Violence: Findings From the National Violence Against Women Survey](https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/181867.pdf) presenting a snapshot of the prevalence and incidence of intimate partner violence in the United States and emphasizing the need for effective prevention strategies.</p><p></p>

<p>The [Asian & Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence](http://www.apiidv.org/) (API Institute) is formally established - initially as a part of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum.</p><p></p><p>The group rose out of a partnership formed in 1997 between the [Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum](http://www.apiahf.org/) (APIAHF), [Futures Without Violence](http://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/) (formerly Family Violence Prevention Fund), and the [Asian Women's Shelter](http://www.sfaws.org/) (AWS) to address the need for a national vehicle to bring together the many local efforts by Asian anti-domestic violence activists to address the problem of domestic violence in their ethnic communities.</p>

<p>The [Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence](http://www.ncdsv.org/ncd_militaryresponse.html) is established by the [Fiscal 2000 National Defense Authorization Act](http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-106publ65/pdf/PLAW-106publ65.pdf). Members from the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Health and Human Services; as well as subject matter experts from the private sector, are charged with formulating a long-term, strategic plan that will assist the DoD in eliminating domestic violence within the Department.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=2367)</p>

<p>Funded by the CDC, the [National Sexual Violence Resource Center](http://www.nsvrc.org/) opens, providing a vital source for information, resources and research related to all aspects of sexual violence. It serves and supports state and territory coalitions, local rape crisis centers, government and tribal entities, universities, researchers, and the general public.</p>

<p>[CDC's Division of Violence Prevention](http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/) is reorganized to include the Etiology and Surveillance Branch, the Prevention Development and Evaluation Branch, and the Program Implementation and Dissemination Branch. CDC shifts focus to [primary prevention](http://wiki.preventconnect.org/Primary+Prevention) as it relates to violence against women.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/overview/timeline.html)</p>

<p>The Family Violence Prevention Fund (now [Futures Without Violence](http://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/)) launches the [Coaching Boys into Men](http://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/content/features/detail/811/) (CBIM) program in partnership with the Advertising Council, inviting men to utilize their influence to unique position to prevent domestic and sexual violence. Since its launch, CBIM has been transformed from an awareness campaign into a comprehensive violence prevention curriculum for coaches and their athletes.</p>

<p>The [National Alliance to End Sexual Violence](http://endsexualviolence.org/) (NAESV) is established in Washington, DC to represent state sexual assault coalitions – including those addressing both sexual assault and domestic violence – and individuals interested in ending sexual violence. Utilizing a comprehensive grassroots communication network, NAESV coordinates national public policy alerts, advocates for funding for rape crisis programs across the country, and provides input to governments and nonprofit organizations addressing sexual assault.</p>

<p>The [Prevention Institute](http://www.preventioninstitute.org/) releases the report, [First Steps: Taking Action Early to Prevent Violence](http://www.preventioninstitute.org/component/jlibrary/article/id-48/127.html) in collaboration with Action Alliance for Children and Fight Crime: Invest in Kids California. The report synthesizes a decade of research on violence prevention, presents best practices, and offers a comprehensive strategy to start effective violence prevention efforts at an early age.</p>

<p>The [National Violent Death Reporting System](http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/nvdrs/index.html) launches in 6 states. This was the first state-based surveillance system to link data from multiple sources with the goal of enhancing violence prevention efforts. In 2004, it expanded to include 17 states.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/overview/timeline.html)</p>

<p>[WHO](http://www.who.int/en/) releases the [World Report on Violence and Health](http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/violence/world_report/en/), the first comprehensive review of the problem of violence on a global scale – what it is, whom it affects and what can be done about it. Two years later, WHO releases their associated publication, [Preventing Violence: A guide to implementing the recommendations of the World Report on Violence and Health](http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/media/news/08_09_2004/en/index.html).</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/overview/timeline.html)</p>

<p>CDC begins funding the [DELTA](http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/delta/index.html) (Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancement and Leadership Through Alliances) program to facilitate primary prevention of intimate partner violence at the community level.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.ncdsv.org/images/MilestonesinthePreventionMovement.pdf)</p>

<p>[WHO](http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/violence/global_campaign/en/) launches the [WHO Global Campaign for Violence Prevention](http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/violence/global_campaign/en/) (GCVP) to implement the recommendations of the [World Report on Violence and Health](http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/violence/world_report/en/) by raising awareness about the problem of violence, highlighting the crucial role that public health can play in addressing its causes and consequences, and fostering prevention.</p>

<p>The CDC releases [Costs of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in the United States](http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/IPVBook-a.pdf), which analyzes data from the National Violence Against Women Survey (NVAWS) to help build the case for intimate partner violence prevention.</p>

<p>The United States Post Office issues a [Stop Family Violence Stamp](http://archive.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/content/familyviolence/stamp.htm) as directed by the Stamp Out Family Violence Act of 2001, to provide the public with a direct and tangible way to contribute funding for domestic violence programs. </p><p></p><p>The proceeds from the stamp sales over a two-year period were transferred to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to carry out the purposes of the Act with a focus on [enhancing services to children and youth impacted by domestic violence](http://www.vawnet.org/special-collections/ChildrenExposed.php). Details of this initiative were captured in a [Report to Congress](http://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/fysb/fv_stamp_08.pdf) in 2012.</p>

<p>[CDC funds five additional state coalitions](http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/r030220b.htm) to address domestic violence prevention through the [DELTA](http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/delta/index.html) (Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancement and Leadership Through Alliances) program. This raises the total to more than $3.8 million provided to 14 state domestic violence coalitions.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/pdf/DELTA_AAG-a.pdf)</p>

<p>[End Violence Against Women International](http://www.evawintl.org/) was established to provide effective, victim centered, multi-disciplinary training and expert consultation regarding crimes of sexual assault and domestic violence. EVAW International also seeks to identify and disseminate effective primary prevention programs for men and risk reduction programs for women. </p>

<p>Three national organizations - Sacred Circle National Resource Center to End Violence Against Native Women, the [National Congress of American Indians](http://www.ncai.org/), and the [National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence](http://4vawa.org/) - come together to produce [Restoration of Sovereignty & Safety](http://www.niwrc.org/resources/restoration-magazine) magazine to take a stand for the safety of Native women. It was recognized that to fully participate in the national movement to create the changes needed to increase safety for Native women broad communication was essential.</p>

<p>The [Violence Prevention Alliance](http://www.who.int/violenceprevention/en/) (VPA), a network of WHO Member States, international agencies and civil society organizations working to prevent violence, was officially formed in January at the [WHO](http://www.who.int/en/)-hosted [Milestones of a global campaign for violence prevention meeting](http://www.who.int/violenceprevention/events/12_01_2004/en/index.html). VPA participants share an evidence-based public health approach that targets the risk factors leading to violence and promotes multi-sectoral cooperation.</p>

<p>CDC staff Corinne M. Graffunder, Rita K. Noonan, Pamela Cox, and Jocelyn Wheaton author [Through a Public Health Lens. Preventing Violence against Women: An Update from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](http://www.vawnet.org/Assoc_Files_VAWnet/CDC-PublicHealth.pdf), published in the [Journal of Women’s Health](http://www.liebertpub.com/JWH). The article explains how 4 core public health principles - emphasizing primary prevention, advancing the science of prevention, translating science into effective programs, & building on the efforts of others - drive current programmatic activities in prevention. </p>

<p>[Love Is Not Abuse](http://www.loveisnotabuse.com/) and its partners launch the first [National It’s Time To Talk Day](http://www.loveisnotabuse.com/web/guest/annualevent) as a way to encourage greater public dialogue about domestic violence.</p>

<p>The [Violence Against Women Act](http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-109hr3402enr/pdf/BILLS-109hr3402enr.pdf), titled the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005, is reauthorized and specifically includes prevention language. </p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.nnedv.org/docs/Policy/VAWA2005FactSheet.pdf)</p>

<p>The [Prevention Institute](http://www.preventioninstitute.org/about-unity.html) establishes [Urban Networks to Increase Thriving Youth](http://www.preventioninstitute.org/about-unity.html) (UNITY) to build support for effective, scalable and sustainable efforts to prevent violence before it occurs.</p>

<p>The [Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance](http://www.vsdvalliance.org/) hosts the first [Building Healthy Futures](http://www.vsdvalliance.org/secProjects/BHF3 Registration Brochure.pdf) conference addressing the primary prevention of sexual and intimate partner violence. This conference showcases innovative primary prevention projects in Virginia and across North America. </p><p></p><p>[See More](http://www.vadv.org/secAction/bhff.html)</p>

<p>The CDC funds the [California Coalition Against Sexual Assault](http://calcasa.org/) to operate [PreventConnect](http://preventconnect.org/), a national online project dedicated to the primary prevention of sexual assault and domestic violence. The project focuses on building the capacity of local, state, national and tribal agencies and organizations to develop, implement and evaluate effective violence against women prevention initiatives.</p>

<p>Congress follows the lead of dozens of national, state and local organizations in sounding the call to end dating abuse by declaring the first full week in February "[National Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Week](http://www.teendvmonth.org/about-teen-dating-violence-awareness-and-prevention-month)."</p><p></p><p>This same year, Delaware is the first state to dedicate the month of February as [Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month](http://legis.delaware.gov/LIS/lis143.nsf/vwLegislation/SCR+27/$file/legis.html?open).</p>

<p>STIPDA (now [Safe States Alliance](http://safestates.org/)) releases the [2005 State of the States Survey: Highlights Report](http://www.safestates.org/storelistitem.cfm?itemnumber=2) presenting major findings from STIPDA’s inaugural assessment of capacity among state injury and violence prevention programs in the U.S. </p>

<p>The [Virginia Department of Health](http://www.vdh.state.va.us/) and [Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance](http://www.vsdvalliance.org/) publish the first issue of [Moving Upstream: Newsletter for the Primary Prevention of Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence](http://www.communitysolutionsva.org/index.php/resources/item/moving-upstream-virginias-newsletter-for-the-primary-prevention-of-sexual-v), an indispensible resource for building capacity for the primary prevention of sexual and intimate partner violence. The inaugural issue is titled [Dedicating Ourselves to Prevention](http://www.communitysolutionsva.org/files/Moving_Upstream_1-1.pdf).</p>

<p>The [Green Dot Violence Prevention Strategy](http://www.livethegreendot.com/) introduces a comprehensive approach to violence prevention that capitalizes on the power of peer and cultural influence across all levels of the socio-ecological model. Authored by [Dorothy Edwards](http://www.livethegreendot.com/staff_dorothy.html), the model targets all community members as potential bystanders, and seeks to engage them, through awareness, education, and skills-practice, in proactive behaviors that establish intolerance of violence as the norm, as well as reactive interventions in high-risk situations – resulting in the ultimate reduction of violence.</p>

<p>CDC launches [Choose Respect](http://www.cdc.gov/news/2007/08/choose_respect.html), the first national communication initiative designed to prevent unhealthy relationship behaviors and dating abuse. </p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/overview/timeline.html)</p>

<p>After developing and piloting the survey tool in May 2006, the [National Network to End Domestic Violence](http://www.nnedv.org) (NNEDV) conducts its first [National Census of Domestic Violence Services](http://www.nnedv.org/projects/census.html) on November 2, 2006, with participation from 62% of identified local domestic violence programs in the U.S. This created a noninvasive, unduplicated count of adults and children who seek services from U.S. domestic violence shelter programs during a single 24-hour survey period. Findings from the first Census are highlighted in a report published March 13, 2007: [Domestic Violence Counts](http://www.nnedv.org/docs/Census/DVCounts2006/DVCounts06_Report.pdf). Since then, the Census has been conducted every year. </p>

<p>The Prevention Institute publishes their landmark text, [Prevention is Primary: Strategies for Community Wellbeing](http://www.preventioninstitute.org/component/jlibrary/article/id-102/127.html), describing the overarching foundation and principles guiding primary prevention efforts and highlights prevention practice through a range of social and health issues. They also publish [Poised for Prevention: Advancing Promising Approaches to Primary Prevention of Intimate Partner Violence](http://www.preventioninstitute.org/documents/VP_RWJ_IntimatePartnerViolence_RWJFformatting.pdf), which includes a discussion of primary prevention of IPV, promising approaches to environmental/norms change, an examination of IPV primary prevention within immigrant communities, recommended actions to building momentum, and immediate next steps for the field.</p>

<p>CDC publishes the [Handbook of Injury and Violence Prevention](http://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/b136518/page/1) by Lynda S. Doll, Sandra E. Bonzo, David A. Sleet and James A. Mercy, detailing injury and violence prevention approaches that have proven to work effectively with various populations across all life stages. </p>

<p>The Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCADV) launches [Safe & Respectful Relationships for All](http://www.safeandrespectful.org/), an online resource developed by the Domestic Violence Task Force and Victims’ Rights Task Force Prevention Subcommittee.</p>

<p>The [Red Flag Campaign](http://www.theredflagcampaign.org/) launches on 18 campuses in Virginia to address dating violence and promote the prevention of dating violence on college campuses. The Campaign is a project of the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, funded by grants from the Verizon Foundation, Verizon Wireless, Macy’s Foundation, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.</p>

<p>The [DELTA PREP](http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/delta/) (Preparing and Raising Expectations for Prevention) program, a 4-year collaborative effort between Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the [CDC Foundation](http://www.cdcfoundation.org/) and the project’s funder, the [Robert Wood Johnson Foundation](http://www.rwjf.org/), begins. It is funded through 2011 to supported 19 state-level domestic violence coalitions to build organizational capacities to address intimate partner violence primary prevention. Lessons learned from this important project are key to understanding promising practices in capacity building for domestic violence prevention programming.</p>

<p>The first [World Conference of Women's Shelters](http://www.womenshelter.ca/) in Alberta, Canada created a new opportunity for family violence prevention workers around the world to network, share proven innovations, and learn from international experts and each other.</p>

<p>In partnership with the University of Connecticut, School of Social Work, the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence launches data collection for first phase of the [Meeting Survivors Needs Study](http://www.vawnet.org/research/MeetingSurvivorsNeeds/), a groundbreaking research project providing important insights into the role that shelters play in survivors' efforts to escape violence and abuse. Results capture the voices and experiences of over 3,400 shelter residents in 215 programs across eight states.</p><p></p><p>This second substantial data collection effort in 2010 involved 90 urban, rural and suburban community-based domestic violence programs and nearly 1,500 domestic violence survivors who were surveyed about their experiences seeking and receiving non-residential domestic violence services.</p>

<p>The first White House Advisor on Violence Against Women, [Lynn Rosenthal](http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/author/Lynn%20Rosenthal), is appointed to office. This newly created position at the White House is dedicated specifically to advising the President and Vice President on domestic violence and sexual assault issues.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/vice-president-biden-announces-appointment-white-house-advisor-violence-against-wom)</p>

<p>The CDC publishes [The History of Violence as a Public Health Issue](http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pub/history0fviolence.html) by Linda L. Dahlberg and James A. Mercy. It explores the history of violence and the reasons why it has become a greater focus for public health in recent decades.</p>

<p>The [Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault](http://www.andvsa.org/) launches [Stand Up Speak Up Alaska](http://www.standupspeakupalaska.org/), a statewide youth-led campaign and movement to end violence and create communities of respect.</p><p></p><p>This same year marks the launch of [Alaska Men Choose Respect](http://www.alaskamenchooserespect.org/), a space offering information, networking, tools, and opportunities for men to come together as allies to end violence, promote respect, and strengthen communities in Alaska.</p><p></p><p>In 2010, the Stand Up Speak Up [When I am an Elder](http://www.standupspeakupalaska.org/when-i-am-an-elder/) initiative is launched, including public service announcements, posters, and materials developed with youth committed to creating a better world.</p>

<p>The Family Violence Prevention Fund (now [Futures Without Violence](http://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/)), in partnership with the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women and the Advertising Council, launches [That’s Not Cool](http://www.thatsnotcool.com/), a national public education campaign to prevent teen dating abuse. That’s Not Cool uses digital examples of controlling behavior online and by cell phone to encourage teens to draw their own line about what is, or is not, acceptable relationship behavior.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/content/features/detail/1205/)</p>

<p>The Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance publishes [Guidelines for the Primary Prevention of Sexual Violence and Intimate Partner Violence](http://www.communitysolutionsva.org/index.php/resources/item/guidelines-for-the-primary-prevention-of-sexual-violence-and-intimate-), a synthesis of prevention research, practical implementation experience, and the public health perspective. It offers an “organizing philosophy” to shape primary prevention strategies.</p>

<p>The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation launches its [Start Strong: Building Healthy Teen Relationships](http://www.startstrongteens.org/) program, the largest initiative ever funded to target 11-to- 14-year-olds to promote healthy relationships as the way to prevent teen dating violence and abuse. The program provides $18 million in 11 communities across the country to identify and evaluate the most promising pathways to stop dating violence and abuse before it starts.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.startstrongteens.org/news/press-releases/launch-largest-national-public-health-initiative-ever-funded-stop-spread-teen-da)</p>

<p>A leaked photograph from the Los Angeles Police Department obtained by TMZ.com of pop icon Rihanna with her face bloodied and bruised sparked a national dialogue in social media about dating violence at an unprecedented level. </p><p></p><p>The Rihanna/Chris Brown case seemed to polarize youth across the country and raised key issues such as victim blaming, batterer accountability, the influence of pop culture/celebrity on teen relationships and choices, and the dynamics of abuse.</p><p></p><p>On February 8th, hip hop artist Chris Brown brutally attacked his then girlfriend, Rihanna, leaving her with visible facial injuries which required hospitalization. On March 5th, Brown was charged with felony assault and making criminal threats.</p>

<p>CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control launches the [National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey](http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/nisvs/) (NISVS), an ongoing, nationally representative telephone survey collecting information about experiences of sexual violence, stalking, and intimate partner violence among non-institutionalized English and/or Spanish-speaking women and men aged 18 or older in the United States. NISVS provides detailed information on the magnitude and characteristics of these forms of violence for the nation and for individual states.</p><p></p><p>Findings for 2010, the first year of data collection, are presented in the report [The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey: 2010 Summary](http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/pdf/NISVS_Report2010-a.pdf) published November 2011, which highlights implications for prevention.</p><p></p><p>In January 2013, the special report [2010 Findings on Victimization by Sexual Orientation](http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/pdf/NISVS_SOfindings.pdf) was released. </p>

<p>In partnership with [Liz Claiborne Inc.](http://www.lizclaiborneinc.com/web/guest/home), the CDC releases [Dating Matters: Understanding Teen Dating Violence Prevention](http://www.vetoviolence.org/datingmatters/), a 60-minute, interactive training designed to help educators, youth-serving organizations, and others working with teens understand the risk factors and warning signs associated with teen dating violence.</p>

<p>The [Safe States Alliance](http://www.safestates.org/) releases the [Injury Framing Collaborative Space](http://www.safestates.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=222), an online community designed to build capacity to implement the CDC Injury Framing Initiative, [Adding Power to Our Voices](http://www.cdc.gov/injury/CDCFramingGuide-a.pdf). Through this space, members can connect with one another to share ideas, knowledge, experiences, and resources related to framing.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.safestates.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=222)</p>

<p>The CDC launches [Veto Violence](http://www.vetoviolence.org/) to provide its grantees and partners with access to training and tools that focus on the primary prevention of violence. The online portal includes free training, program planning resources, and an online application for the creation of success stories.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.vetoviolence.org/about_us.html)</p>

<p>The [U.S. Family Violence Prevention Services Act](http://www.nnedv.org/policy/issues/fvpsa.html) is reauthorized as part of the U.S. Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) and enacted as Public Law 111‐320 on December 20.</p>

<p>The [U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women](http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/) (OVW) announces $6.9 million in awards to 23 projects in the [Engaging Men in Preventing Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking Grant Program](http://engagingmen.futureswithoutviolence.org/about-engaging-men-youth-program/about-the-program/) (Engaging Men Grant Program). This is the first time in the history of OVW that a grant program directly encourages men to be part of successful crime prevention efforts addressing sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking, and to become partners in creating respectful and positive relationships.</p><p></p><p>[Source](http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2011/April/11-ovw-521.html)</p>

<p>The CDC hosts the first National DELTA PREP Prevention Symposium in Atlanta GA where representatives from 38 state domestic violence coalitions, national resource centers and the CDC gathered to strengthen domestic violence prevention efforts and highlight the work of the [DELTA and DELTA PREP](http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/delta/index.html) programs.</p>

<p>[Casa de Esperanza](https://www.casadeesperanza.org/) is awarded the Family Violence Prevention and Services Discretionary Grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, which designates the organization a national Latin@ institute on domestic violence.</p><p></p><p>Casa de Esperanza was started by a small group of Latina activists in St. Paul, MN and was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1982. In 2001, they changed their mission statement to identify the community as the agent of change in ending domestic violence.</p>

<p>[The National Indigenous Women's Resource Center](http://www.niwrc.org/about-us) is awarded the Family Violence Prevention and Services Discretionary Grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, which designates the organization as the National Indian Resource Center (NIRC) addressing domestic violence and safety for Indian women.</p><p></p><p>NIWRC seeks to enhance the capacity of American Indian and Alaska Native (Native) tribes, Native Hawaiians, and Tribal and Native Hawaiian organizations to respond to domestic violence.</p>

<p>The [2nd World Conference of Women's Shelters](http://www.worldshelterconference.org/) in Washington, DC brought together nearly 1,500 activists and advocates from 80 countries and 4 U.S. Territories to learn, recharge, and recommit to their work to end violence against women. The conference represented a global movement toward a common goal.</p>

<p>The [Oregon End Violence Against Women Political Action Committee](http://orvawpac.org/) (VAW PAC) is the first political action committee in the nation to focus on domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Established by a group of individuals who are advocates and activists in the movement to end domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, the mission of VAW PAC is to engage in electoral & legislative activity in Oregon to end domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Goals include: Electing key political candidates who will champion efforts to respond to and prevent domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; Promoting legislation that supports and enhances efforts to respond to and prevent domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; and Educating politicians and the public about issues related to domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.</p>

<p>[WHO](http://www.who.int/) releases a [Plan of Action for the Global Campaign for Violence Prevention](http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/violence/global_campaign/actionplan/en/index.html) for the period 2012-2020 to unify the efforts of the main actors in international violence prevention and identify a small set of priorities for the field, by presenting six national level goals towards which efforts can be directed.</p>

<p>National leaders in the movement to end violence against women unite to promote the [NO MORE](http://www.nomore.org/) initiative, a groundbreaking symbol designed to galvanize change and radically increase the awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault in our communities.</p>

<p>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the CDC Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation release the [DELTA PREP Online Toolkit](http://vawnet.org/DELTAPREPToolkit/), a resource for state and community organizations that are engaging in primary prevention efforts and are interested in strengthening their organization’s ability to sustain and build upon their prevention work. </p>

<p>Casa de Esperanza establishes the [National Latin@ Network for Healthy Families and Communities](http://www.nationallatinonetwork.org/) to provide training and consultation to practitioners and activists throughout the US, as well as in Latin America. The National Latin@ Network organizes national and regional events, engages in federal and state public policy advocacy, and conducts research on issues that affect Latin@s in the US and abroad.</p>

<p>The [Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013](http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d113:s.47:) is renewed for another five years, including new and vital protections for college students, immigration women, tribal women and members of the LGBT community. The bill also seeks to reduce the backlog of untested rape kits throughout the country, provides needed assistance to law enforcement in prosecuting sexual assault crimes and additionally assists law enforcement in investigating human trafficking crimes by also reauthorizing for four years the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, a law that expired in September 2011. </p>