What Is The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence?

Medically reviewed by Melissa Guarnaccia, LCSW
Updated October 18, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that include suicide, substance use, or abuse which could be triggering to the reader.
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The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence is an organization that spreads awareness of domestic violence statistics and resources in efforts to reduce the impact of domestic violence on individuals, children, and families. 

Understanding the Coalition's purpose and the range of services it provides can help you seek supportive care if you find yourself in a situation where you need assistance and empower others to do the same.  

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Experiencing domestic violence?

What is the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence?

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) comprises survivors of domestic violence and those who support changing the current laws and policies in the US to pave a more efficient path to justice and protection for present-day survivors. 

NCADV consider themselves advocates of survivors and work actively toward making positive change. They offer suggestions for creating and inspiring effective policy and educational resources for survivors and their families. 

How does the NCADV support survivors? 

The Coalition supports survivors of domestic violence in several ways, including but not limited to the following. 

Remember My Name project

Besides championing change in how domestic violence cases are handled by law enforcement and community support experts, the NCADV sponsors the Remember My Name project, which honors those who have lost their lives to domestic violence over the years. They create posters each year of the names and ages of those harmed by this form of abuse and use it to call attention to the prevalence and risk that domestic violence can pose within a community. 

The NCADV is also working on advancements to the program, including the When I Was Here portion, which seeks to tell the story of those who have lost their lives beyond their name. 

Hope and Power

The Coalition also supports a program called Hope & Power. This program is a financial support option that supports those living in domestic violence. It offers financial education on how to support oneself and their family. 

The program aims to eliminate financial barriers that could limit some individuals from escaping domestic violence. This program assists individuals in safety planning, budgeting, banking, credit, money management, tax filing, and finding employment. 

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery Program

The Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery Program is another program offered by the organization, working with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to help domestic violence survivors with cosmetic surgery needs to repair injuries caused by abuse. 

This program is pioneered by facial plastic surgeons nationwide who have volunteered to help these survivors cover up scars or other signs of abuse in the head, face, and neck areas. Through this process, the survivor may feel more confident as they heal from the emotional wounds. 

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How to find support after domestic violence

When seeking support, it can be beneficial to develop a safety plan. This plan can help you understand what you can and should do in cases where you feel like your abuser is attempting to control or harm you. Your safety plan can contain information about people in your support network, resources in your area, hotline numbers, and coping skills you can use. 

If you're ready to leave a domestic violence situation, it can be essential to have support. Leaving this situation may be dangerous, depending on the nature of your relationship. Getting the help of family, friends, and the authorities can ensure you're safe when you're on your own. If you don't have a support system, some cities have domestic violence shelters where women and families can go. Calling the domestic violence hotline at the beginning of this article can connect you with these potential resources. 

Further support options 

In cases of intimate partner violence or domestic violence, it can be challenging to leave the home. Your partner may be controlling when and where you are allowed to go, or you may feel it is safer to remain at home and avoid seeking an in-person therapist. In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may present itself as a more flexible and affordable option. 

Online therapy

Through an online platform, you can talk to a therapist over the phone, via video call, or through a live chat messaging session. Your therapist can be matched to you based on your needs, and you can let them know if you want to specifically discuss domestic violence's impacts. 

Several studies have been conducted regarding the efficacy of online therapy for various mental health concerns. A recent meta-analysis of several different reviews concluded that this format could reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related depression in survivors and potentially prevent entering abusive relationships in the future. 

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Experiencing domestic violence?

Takeaway

Domestic and intimate partner violence can affect a large percentage of the population. Understanding the NCADV and its programs can help those surviving abuse find support. If you're looking for personalized guidance, you can also reach out to a therapist any time online or in your area for further support.  

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