Violence against women is a violation of human rights.*
Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior used to
establish and maintain power and control over an intimate
partner, ex-partner or family member. This abuse is rooted in
an unjust sexist society that permits violence against women
to flourish. Therefore, all efforts to end domestic violence
must confront sexism and focus on holding batterers accountable
for their actions.
All
women are at risk of emotional, verbal, sexual and physical
violence by an intimate partner or ex-partner regardless of
their socio-economic class, race, social, sexual orientation,
religious or cultural group. It is inappropriate to attribute
the abuse men commit against women to the personal pathology
of either perpetrator or victim. Tragically, the diminishment
of women's status, and efforts to exert power and control over
women, is normative in our society. Therefore, all efforts to
serve abused women must include them as equal partners in all
decisions regarding their safety and support and promote women's
empowerment and self-determination.
As with all women, women who are abused are able to make
decisions and regain control of their lives.
Abused women
and their children should have access to free services that
are designed to meet their needs and are culturally
sensitive and linguistically appropriate.
Women are
not responsible for the abuse inflicted on them.
Domestic
violence programs need to be vigilant in their self-reflection
to ensure their services place the safety and concerns of the
abused woman first.
Domestic
violence programs should provide support and encouragement for
the participation of abused women in the struggle
to eradicate personal and institutional violence against women.
Domestic
violence programs should provide a non-competitive atmosphere
that fosters open communications respect
and cooperation among all advocates and survivors.
Domestic
violence programs can most effectively work toward an end to
domestic violence through community collaboration
with law enforcement
agencies, the criminal justice system, and medical and social
service institutions.
* Because women represent a vast majority of
victims, we refer to abusers as males and victims of female.
Information within this website can apply to all
victims of domestic violence and abusers regardless of their gender
or the gender of their partner. This includes
both gay men and lesbian women and men who are abused by their
partners.
Learn more about the Coalition's Mission and
Services or if you wish to inquire about
NYSCADV Membership,
making a
Donation
, or for general assistance please
contact our office:
NYSCADV
350 New Scotland Avenue
Albany New York, 12208
Phone: 518-482-5465
Fax: 518-482-3807
Email:
nyscadv@nyscadv.org
