What Is The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence? (2023)

Did you know? The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence has calculated that 1 in 4 individuals who identify as women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime — as well as 1 in 7 individuals who identify as men. 

Understanding what the Coalition is and the different range of services that they provide can help you to seek supportive care if you find yourself in a situation where you need assistance, as well as empower others to do the same.  

Below, we’re exploring what the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence is, and the range of support they offer those who are experiencing domestic violence.

What Is The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence?

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) is made up of survivors of domestic violence, as well as those who support changing the current laws and policy to make a more efficient path to justice and protection for present-day survivors. 

They consider themselves to be advocates of survivors and work actively toward making positive change — working to create effective policy and educational resources for survivors and their families. 

How Does The Coalition Support Survivors? 

Besides championing for change in the way that 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. 

Whether that victim identifiedas a man, woman, or child, they create posters each year of names and ages of those who have been 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 When I Was Here portion of the program, which seeks to tell the story of those who have lost their lives — going beyond their name.

The Coalition also supports a program called Hope & Power. This is a financial program that seeks to help those who are getting out of domestic violence to understand their finances and come up with ways to provide for themselves as well as their children, if any. The goal of this is to eliminate any financial barriers that could limit some individuals from escaping domestic violence. 

Through this program, individuals are assisted in safety planning, budgeting, banking, credit, money management and even taxes and getting a job.

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 from an abusive partner. 

This program is pioneered by facial plastic surgeons throughout the country that have volunteered to help these survivors to cover up scars or other signs of their abuse in the head, face and neck areas. Through this process, the victim may be able to feel more confident as they enter back into the life that they want for themselves.

How To Seek Help With Domestic Violence

The first thing that you should do if you're seeking help is to create your 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 what you're going to do if a negative situation comes up, as well as who you may be willing to talk about your situation for additional assistance. With your plan, you can then be able to decide what your next correct step looks like. 

If you're ready to leave a domestic violence situation, it can be important to do so with the help of others that you trust. Leaving this type of situation can be extremely dangerous depending on the nature of your situation and getting the help of family friends and the authorities is one important way to keep yourself and those you love safer. Consider making sure you know where you're going and information to support any necessary steps you’ll need to take ahead of time.

If you or a loved one are experiencing domestic violence or intimate partner violence, there is help available. Please consider calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline t 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) to speak to a specialist for further assistance. 

How Can Online Therapy Assist Those Experiencing Domestic Violence? 

In cases of intimate partner violence or domestic violence, it can be difficult to leave the home. Your partner may be controlling when and where you are permitted to go, or you may feel that it is safer to remain at home and avoid seeking third-party input from an in-person therapist. In either case, online therapy can present itself as a more accessible (and at times, more affordable) option that can deliver comparable results within a more flexible framework. BetterHelp can connect you to online therapists that can help meet your specific needs. 

Is Online Therapy An Effective Tool To Support Survivors Of Abuse? 

With the rise and prevalence of online therapy in the post pandemic era, many are wondering if it truly is a comparable tool to in-person therapeutic methods. Several studies have been conducted regarding efficacy across a range of conditions — and a recent meta-analysis of several different reviews has concluded that it is a scientifically recommended way to reduce symptoms of PTSD, related depression and a resource to lower instances of re-abuse. 

Takeaway 

Domestic violence and intimate partner violence can affect a large percentage of the population. Understanding what the NCADV is and their many different supportive programs can help those surviving abuse to have a higher overall quality of life. Additionally, therapy can be a strong supportive measure that can assist survivors in mitigating instances of re-abuse and further trauma, across all forms of violence and abuse. BetterHelp can connect you with a therapist in your area of need.