Work to End Domestic Violence*

• Educate yourself and your community on the dynamics of power and control in intimate relationships.
• Listen without judging, when a victim/survivor reaches out to you.
• Speak out when you see or hear abusive language/behavior. Don't collude in put downs, jokes, threats and efforts to control women.
• Support programs that provide life saving services to survivors and/or work to end violence.

  *adapted from the work of Jackson Katz

How Can I Become a VOW Member?

Who can join?

Any survivor of domestic violence who wants to make changes in the system, lives within the five boroughs of New York City and who is no longer in crisis/danger and is ready to take on this challenge.

Are there membership fees/dues?

No. As a matter of fact, we provide small stipends to cover travel and other expenses. We recognize the valuable contribution survivors make to advocacy efforts. We also provide child care at VOW meetings, when needed.

I have never done advocacy work before, can I still join?

Yes. We will provide training and support to help prepare you to participate in VOW's advocacy efforts.

If you are interested in joining.

Give us a call at (212) 696-1481 or send us an email at info@vowbwrc.org

If after speaking with our staff you would like to join, you will be invited to our monthly orientation session (held during daytime or evening hours). During the orientation session you will:

• Get a chance to meet some VOW members and find out why they are involved
• Share your own experience
• Learn about regular monthly meetings
• Learn more about the training and support you receive as a member of VOW
• Learn more about the issues we are addressing
  
  

Why and how one woman got involved

Lorna was in an abusive relationship for 33 years. When she fled to the Emergency Assistance Unit (the City's gateway to emergency shelter), she was turned away because she didn't have her son's birth certificate with her. She persisted, and finally was given shelter. She joined VOW because she felt the child welfare and homeless system had failed her in her hour of greatest need. She spoke publicly for the first time as part of a VOW panel at a conference in 2001. She had only been out of her abusive relationship for one year. It was a very empowering moment for her. She has since gone on to testify at many hearings, meet with legislators, judges and commissioners and speak at conferences on violence against women. She included her VOW activities on her resume, which helped her obtain a job working as a hotline counselor for battered women.

Survivors cite several reasons for joining VOW

• "So that other women do not have to go through what I did."
• "To inspire others with my story."
• "To correct a wrong."
• "To join with women who had similar experiences."
• "To continue my healing."
• "To stop the revictimization of battered women."
• "To make a change."
  
  

Arrange for a VOW Speaker

If you would like to arrange for members of VOW to speak to your organization, please download the speaker request form, fill it out and fax it to our office at 212 696-1482.

Things You Can Do to Support Our Work

Make a contribution

VOW relies on contributions from individuals who care deeply about giving survivors of domestic violence a voice to effect change. Contributions of any size are greatly appreciated and represent an investment in ending violence against women. A commitment of just $5 - 10 dollars a month ($60-120/year) would make a huge difference in our ability to sustain our unique organization.

Volunteer

If you support our important work and would like to volunteer to help us make system change, send us an email. We especially need volunteers for our Just Desserts event.

Become a member

See above for information on becoming a member of VOW. If you are interested, please contact us.

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