National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence was formed in January 1978, by about a 100 domestic violence advocates, in Washington DC. They had arrived to take part in the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights hearing where the problems of battered women were discussed.

What began low key has now over 2000 domestic violence shelters and service programs with head quarters situated in Denver, Colorado, targeted towards providing a safe non-violent environment for battered women and children.

The NCADV is an organization working towards a violence free society, by means of empowering individuals as well as communities towards the fruition of this goal. It recognizes the fact that domestic violence stems from the infernal need of control over others in the family.

This violence as a result of wanting to control is not confined to the domestic sphere, but is also evident in the rest of society in various forms such as racism, sexism, homophobia, ageism and a host of others. The organization clearly believes that these conditions remain unchanging and in fact gets worse instead of better due to the unchanging nature of the system that refuses to see this issue with the seriousness necessary to put an end to it. Therefore the ultimate aim of the NCADV is to work towards creating changes that would help to create a society where violence of all forms—both domestic and public—will be curbed.

According to the information available on their website, their work involves community based non-violent options at all levels—local, state, regional, and national. This includes shelter programs for domestic violence victims, education and technical skills assistance, as well as policy development and legislation at higher levels. They even have representation for under recognized sections.

Their work aims at cutting the roots of the fundamental causes of domestic violence in both rural as well as urban areas, and involves domestic abuse victims of all social, economic, racial, and religious groups of all ages and sections of society. The organization seeks to empower women by making them independent, helping them regain control over their lives. This is achieved by forming communities where women are the main policy makers.

It works as the hub of information and referral center mainly for victims, but also for the media, the general public, and other related organizations and institutions. All their programs are tailored to suit the victim's special needs and capabilities. The whole purpose is to rebuild the tattered ego and self-esteem of the victims, in order to bring them back into the mainstream.
 
NCADV has also sponsored over eleven national conferences on domestic violence to broaden the scope of their work. This makes for the perfect platform for networking, leadership development, dialogue and debate.

NCADV also provides invaluable services to survivors of physical abuse in the form of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Support Program. This has the volunteer services of facial plastic surgeons, cosmetic dentists, and dermatological surgeons from all over the country.

Face To Face is another such program started in 1994, by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery that offers reconstructive surgery for domestic abuse victims. The toll free number for the Face to Face Program is 1-800-842-4546. Give Back a Smile is a similar program by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the AACD Charitable Foundation. This takes care of the 'smile zone' of victim's face, repairing damage to front teeth caused by an intimate partner. The toll free number is 1-800-773-4227.

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery helps victims with scars, burns and other similar injuries caused by domestic violence. The toll free number is 1-888-892-6702.

Another very useful service for abuse victims is the Financial Education Project, which aims at economic self-sufficiency. Issues such as budgeting, credit, banking etc. are addressed. Economic control is one major weapon employed by abusers to keep the victim in their control. Lack of finances is also a major reason why women remain in abusive relationships, or go back after leaving. NCADV takes this into serious consideration and has various programs intended to amend this situation.

With the support of The Body Shop through the sale of its Daisy Soap, the NCADV has plans for a Teacher Training Program aimed to accommodate the special needs of children with domestic violence background. This educates teachers on the effects of domestic violence on children, the various resources that help combat the abuse, and how best to help the child lead as normal a life as is possible under the circumstances.

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