Summit Overview
On the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the Hotline hosted a DECADE FOR CHANGE SUMMIT, convening leaders in the domestic violence field and new partners for a series of three meetings that were held in Washington, DC; Dallas, Texas; and Los Angeles, California between October, 2006 and February, 2007. The goal was to create and explore new approaches and capture the hearts of our new partners to measurably reduce domestic violence in America by 2017.
Washington D.C
Los Angeles
The domestic violence movement both nationally and in Texas has made enormous strides in calling attention to and shaping the dialogue about domestic violence, as well as providing critical, life-saving services to millions. Despite our combined significant efforts over the past decades, 33 million American women continue to experience abuse every year. “While we are proud that we have provided critical intervention services, we know our success cannot be measured only by expanded capacity to respond to violence, but, more importantly, by reducing the need of women and their families for our services by stopping violence before it happens,” said Sheryl Cates, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
The vision of the SUMMIT was to bring new partners from a variety of sectors in society to not only share their perspective, but also to become leaders on the issue in their own sectors, advocating for other leaders to become involved in stopping domestic violence.
On October 3, 2007, the Hotline will host a reception at the White House to roll out the final report of the Decade for Change SUMMIT, reflecting the recommendations and stated priorities for prevention articulated by the participants. This group of experts developed key themes with strategic recommendations to shift public perception about domestic violence; expand education efforts, especially those targeted to young children; specifically seek to influence men through public awareness and community-based outreach; and broaden outreach to youth and include them as a significant target audience for national communications strategies.
Invited guests include the leaders in the violence against women field, both domestically and internationally, as well as those integral to the SUMMIT's success, our colleagues at the State Department's Office of International Women's Issues and the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator, the Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools, the Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women and the Office of Justice Programs, the Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control.
The SUMMIT’s Call to Action is an opportunity to unify our collective wisdom to create a society of safety and hope for the next generation.