Next Millennium Conference: Ending Domestic Violence; Closing: Maxine Waters

• NCJ Number: 184578
• Author(s): Maxine Waters; Nita Carter
• Date Published: September 1999
• Length: 34 pages
• Grant Number(s): 1999-WT-VX-0002
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Conference Material

Annotation

Presenters, including Congresswoman Maxine Waters, focus on domestic violence resources for "women of color."

Abstract

Nita Carter, a project manager for the National Women of Color Network, discusses the work of this organization. The Network was formed to support the work of women-of-color activists who are addressing issues of domestic violence and sexual assault. The Network promotes and supports networking and leadership development for women of color. It enhances their capacity to develop and define culturally specific approaches for these victims of domestic violence. The Network has produced a resource guide that profiles the work of activists and programs that are doing culturally specific work to address domestic violence with communities of color. Congresswoman Maxine Waters reviews the progress that has been made in increasing public awareness of domestic violence and providing services to its victims. She advises, however, that there is still much to do to educate youth about how to recognize the characteristics of an abuser and avoid abusive relationships. There is still much in American culture that promotes violence against and the abuse of women. What is needed is a continuing and expanded movement of activists and advocates who will lobby legislators and influence the media to focus on what is happening to many women who are being regularly abused by intimate partners.