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 City (and one of only a handful in the country) that empowers survivors in their journey from victim to survivor to advocate.
VOW members have been instrumental in making changes in City policies and practices. Some of our victories include:
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.
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