The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) was formed in 1978 when over 100 battered women’s advocates from all parts of the nation attended the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights hearing on wife battering in Washington, D.C. They came hoping to address common problems usually faced in isolation.
From its beginnings, the organization was led by survivors of domestic violence, women of color, and lesbians who were actively working in local communities to address this new and emerging issue. There was no such thing as a shelter for battered women in 1970. In the 30-plus years since that time, over 2,000 local programs have been established to end violence in the family and to make communities safer.
The women who were NCADV’s first leaders came together to create an organization that would establish a national voice, create public awareness, provide technical assistance to developing programs, provide continuing education for advocates, and build a strong and active network to provide services in cities and towns across the United States. They were committed to developing an organization that acted on their belief that for women to be safe women had to be empowered and in leadership positions.
NCADV leadership also believed that major social change had to occur to end violence in the family. Domestic violence was not an individual issue, but a cultural one. NCADV leaders felt they had to address and end all forms of oppression, believing that oppressions are the root of violence. NCADV chose consensus, rather than Robert’s Rules of Order, as its formal decision-making process, believing that in order for the best decision to be made all voices and life experiences at the table must be included and supported.
Caucuses were established to give an organizational place of power and voice to groups traditionally silenced by the majority. The caucuses that have been established are Battered/Formerly Battered Women; Women of Color; Jewish Women; Rural; Child and Youth Advocacy; Rainbow Pride; and Queer People of Color.
Beginning in 1980, NCADV has sponsored a biennial conference attended by 900–1,200 advocates from all over the United States, including some international participants. The NCADV conference continues to be a unique and critical learning experience for advocates working in the domestic violence movement.
As NCADV listened to battered women and learned from their experiences, its efforts have expanded to include working with the police, prosecutors, judges, health professionals, and child protective services. Men who are not abusive will be an important addition to allies in NCADV’s goal to make every home a safe home.
NCADV programs based in the main office in Denver, Colorado, include Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Financial Education, Remember My Name, National Directory of Programs, and Information and Referral. Based in Washington, D.C., the NCADV Public Policy Office works to impact public policy and legislation.
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