Next Millennium Conference: Ending Domestic Violence; Plenary: Women of Color in the Movement

• NCJ Number: 184572
• Author(s): Beth Richie; Karen Meyer; Karen Artichoker
• Date Published: August 1999
• Length: 41 pages
• Grant Number(s): 1999-WT-VX-0002
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Conference Material

Annotation

Three conference speakers discuss the importance of making the response to victims of domestic violence inclusive, so as to pay attention to victims with characteristics that typically elicit discrimination and exclusion.

Abstract

One panel member points out that people with disabilities experience domestic abuse, but are reluctant to seek help because of the limitations and sense of powerlessness associated with their disability. It is important, therefore, for victim services to take into account the particular needs of victims with various disabilities and to make known to the community that victim services are designed to meet the needs of disabled persons. A second panel member discusses the importance of serving domestic violence victims who are members of marginalized groups in American society, notably ethnic minorities, lesbians, those infected with HIV, drug addicts, and those with criminal records. Organizations and individuals who serve domestic violence victims must not be discriminatory nor exclusive in the provision of services, and efforts should be made to include members of marginalized groups in leadership and policymaking roles in domestic violence projects. The third panel member focuses on domestic violence services to Native American women and the importance of involving Native American women in policymaking positions that can impact services to domestic violence victims.