Events and Actions

Rally to unmask Family Court injustice

On May 6, 2005, more than 100 dedicated, passionate allies gathered outside Manhattan's Family Court calling for court reform on behalf of battered women and their children. Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields presented the comprehensive demands outlined by the survivors, including court safety concerns, treatment of litigants, costs, and child custody decisions. Other speakers included City Council members Margarita Lopez and Charles Barron, VOW members and other parents who have experienced court injustice.

Over 100 advocates for battered women and court reform joined survivors in calling for justice outside Manhattan Family Court.

VOW supporters listening to moving accounts of mothers who have lost custody of their children and VOW's platform for reform.

The rally took place on the Friday before Mothers' Day to highlight the plight of mothers and children who are not able to be together on that day.

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Just Desserts

Our annual fundraising event was held on February 10th, 2005 at Baruch College's lovely Conference Center in Manhattan. The event featured an incredible array of delicious food and desserts donated by local restaurants and bakeries. A highlight of the event featured VOW members presenting original poetry depicting their experience with abuse, the systems, and what it means to be a member of VOW. "Take a Walk in Our Shoes" was very powerful and garnered a standing ovation.

VOW members worked with Risa Jaraslow & Dancers to depict their experiences of abuse, survival and activism. The movement piece, "Getting Whole", was performed at the 2004 event.
Photo: Lani Russell Lewter © 2004.

The audience at the 2004 Just Desserts event give their rapt attention to Maria, one of several women to speak eloquently about why they are proud to be members of VOW.
Photo: Lani Russell Lewter © 2004.

The event could not have happened without the efforts of the Benefit Committee, chaired by Johanna Markson and staffed by Jennifer DeRosa and Elinor D. Pironti, which included: Le Enken, Catherine Hodes, Julie Kim, Nora Lisman, Suzanne Marcus, Sharlene Marriott-Channer, Susan Orchant, Anne Paulle, Allegra Perhaes, Terri Roman, Sharon Stapel, Jill Stein, and Ovita Williams. To volunteer to work on a future event, click here.

The 2006 Just Desserts benefit committee
Marah Anderson, Valerie Campbell-Spady, Le Enken, Geovanni Este, Geron Gadd, Margen Gadd, Catherine Hodes, Sapphi'Ra Ibraheem, Julie Kim Richards, Michelle Anne Lewis, Suzanne Marcus, Jaye Miller, Kim Nimoy, Anne Paulle, Allegra Perhaes, Terri Roman, Maria Santiago, Sharon Stapel, Jill Stein, Kathryn Williams and Ovita Williams. The committee was ably chaired once again by Johanna Markson and staffed by Carol Briggs.

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Walk-a-thon

The Smith Barney Private Client Group Women's Council supported the Battered Women's Resource Center (and VOW) with a fund raiser and "Walk-a-thon" on October 27, 2005. Their goal was to raise $25,000 to support our work. They were so successful that they raised over $40,000.

Melanie Scholl-Begun, Director, Smith Barney Philanthropic Services, and members of the Smith Barney/Citigroup Committee, presented VOW with a very large check, which we placed in our very large bag.

VOW members and staff lead the way for the Citigroup Women's Council Walk-a-thon to end domestic violence. With purple pom poms we cheered employees on the 3 mile walk up the West Side highway.

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