A recording released earlier this week of Ray Rice knocking out his then-fiancee highlights the serious but rarely discussed issue of domestic violence. While our screens separate us from a survivor’s pain, we must remember that domestic violence happens everywhere. Even though abuse often occurs behind closed doors, you can still support survivors by giving time, money or your voice to any one of these life-changing organizations.
Safe Horizon: A big swinger that attacks abuse on all fronts by providing physical, emotional, and legal support to survivors. They do everything from changing locks to advocating policy changes. You can donate here or fundraise with Team Horizon.
Center Against Domestic Violence: This group takes to heart the idea that knowledge is power by running educational programs for elementary, middle and high school students. They also run three domestic violence shelters. Get involved by donating money or goods or by signing up for their community awareness volunteer program.
Violence Intervention Program, Inc: With no support to call their own, female immigrants are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence. This group works with Latina abuse survivors to gain physical and financial independence from their abusers. You can give once or set reoccurring donations here.
Safe Homes Project: Domestic violence affects all different types of relationships. SHP, run by Good Shepherds, has targeted programs for LGBT, Spanish-speaking, and youth survivors among other generalized services. Here is a list of volunteer and donation opportunities.
New York Asian Women’s Center: Language should never be a barrier for getting help. NYAWC provides a community for Asian immigrant survivors with housing and mental health services run by a multi-lingual staff. If you want to help, please donate or learn about the volunteer application process here.