Our History and Accomplishments

Victims of domestic violence have consistently expressed their frustration with the failings of the court system, the child welfare system, the homeless system and other institutions designed as safety nets from violence and poverty. The Battered Women's Resource Center's mission is to support and give a voice to survivors of domestic violence so that they can organize to influence, change and improve the many systems battered women and their children rely on for safety, assistance and justice. The Center's first and only initiative, the Voices of Women Organizing Project (VOW), is made up entirely of members who are domestic violence survivors. Through VOW, survivors organize to create long-term, sustainable improvements in public policy (practices and attitudes) concerning domestic violence. VOW's guiding principal is to empower women who have survived abuse to identify their needs and to actively participate in solving problems that affect them and other battered women. To achieve their goals, VOW members document system failures, testify at hearings, create position papers, meet with local and state officials and develop recommendations for change.

To prepare members for the rigorous demands of advocacy, VOW offers monthly meetings, special trainings and workshops and individual coaching to help survivors develop their leadership and organizing skills. Stipends and child care are provided to allow women with limited income to participate.

A fundamental aspect of our advocacy efforts are members' descriptions about both partner abuse and re-victimization by the system. Their experiences help us identify the problems that exist and provide the basic empathy for changes in the system. The process of describing battering experiences presents a moving and honest portrayal of the life of abused women; however, it can also bring up feelings of anger, hurt, fear or disappointment for the survivor. A distinctive aspect of VOW is the Healing Expressions Committee, which provides workshops and special activities that assist women in processing the feelings that come up during advocacy.

VOW is the only organization in New York and among the first in the nation to provide survivors with a pathway for personal growth, mutual support and collective action.

VOW members have been instrumental in making changes in City policies and practices. Some of our victories include:

• VOW members persuaded Safe Horizon, - one of New York City's largest domestic violence service providers, which runs the city's hotline for domestic violence victims, - to keep track of disabled callers. This new information is used to advocate for improved services for disabled battered women and their children.
• Two VOW members sit on the advisory board for the City's Domestic Violence Hotline. This is the first time "consumers" have been represented on this board. Their valuable insight is helping to make the hotline even more responsive to the many victims seeking help.
• VOW members' testimony over three years at New York City Housing Authority hearings contributed to a change in housing policy. Women can now stay in the borough where the abuse occurred when applying for housing subsidies. This increases their housing options and allows them to remain near support systems, if it is safe to do so.
• Meeting with the new Commissioner of the City's child welfare agency (ACS) - the first time an ACS Commissioner heard directly from survivors on ways to improve the agency's handling of domestic violence cases. The Commissioner agreed to appoint VOW members to sit on two advisory committees - the first time survivors will be represented on either.
• Four VOW members testified at a hearing of the Matrimonial Commission about problems with Family Court's response to domestic violence. VOW members were the only identified survivors to testify.
• Creating position papers with recommendations to improve Family Court, the child welfare, homeless, and other systems' response to domestic violence.

VOW members are often the only voice describing the reality of battered women's experiences at public forums - sometimes they are the only women of color present as well.

"It is my pleasure to be part of a group of strong women who are making a difference and laying new bricks that will pave the way for victims of domestic violence to walk upon." - Tanya, VOW member.

Awards

VOW Awards

• Union Square Award
  In 2003 VOW was awarded the prestigious Union Square Award, which recognizes "innovative projects and organizations that address the City's most pressing social issues".


• Mary Byron Award
  In 2004, VOW was a finalist for a Mary Byron Award, which recognizes innovative domestic violence projects that can serve as models.


• Sunshine Peace Award
  VOW founder & director Susan Lob received the Sunshine Peace Award in 2008 for her outstanding efforts in support of survivors of domestic violence; and the Advocate's award at the annual Urban Resources Institute's Domestic Violence conference.

Awards to VOW Members

• Governor's Courage Award
  One of VOW's members, Maria, was awarded the Governor's Courage Award for her efforts to improve services for battered women. The award recognized Maria's journey from victim to survivor to advocate and her work at CONNECT. Another award winner, Kim, has joined VOW. She was recognized for her work empowering women through Sanctuary for Families and on her own.


• Family Unity Award
  VOW members Katherine G., Sabra J. & Theresa S. were recognized for their efforts to be reunited with their children and for their work to improve the child welfare system.
  
  

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