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Decade for Change

Tenth Anniversary Gala Honors DV Leaders

dfcWhen the National Domestic Violence Hotline launched its Decade for Change Summit in October, people from across the country met in Washington D.C. to commemorate the last 10 years in the domestic violence movement and plan for the decade ahead.

According to Sherry Boyles, Decade for Change Summit coordinator, the Summit aims to unveil a blueprint for change that significantly reduces men’s violence against women in intimate relationships by 2016.

The Summit includes 100 national and community leaders, half of whom are experts in the field of domestic violence and half of whom are new partners who can help create broad change within their respective fields, serving on 10 panels, or working committees.

The panels represent the following sectors: Business, Domestic Violence Services and Community Partnerships, Education, Faith Communities, Families and Relationships, Government, Healthcare and Mental Health Services, Media, Men Working to End Violence Against Women and Youth Services. Each panel represents a diverse segment of society and is comprised of approximately 10 members each.

On October 4, the panels met for the first time at the Capital Hilton Hotel. Session I of the Summit was a daylong event that included remarks by NDVH CEO Sheryl Cates, domestic violence survivor Yvette Cade, Office on Violence Against Women Director Diane Stuart and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Children and Families Wade F. Horn. Panelists then gathered in breakout sessions for almost 5 hours.

Panelists explored approaches and strategies on how the represented sector can play a role in significantly reducing domestic violence. To guide the discussion, each panel was assigned a certified facilitator who provided pre-determined questions.

When the panels concluded, The Hotline continued the momentous day by hosting the Called to Make A Difference 10th Anniversary Gala at Union Station. After spending the day looking toward the future, domestic violence advocates and partners were able to reflect on the past and honor those who’ve made an impact on the domestic violence movement.

Members of congress, government officials, domestic violence advocates and supporters made up the audience of more than 300 people. Hosted by Court TV’s Catherine Crier, the event recognized actress Salma Hayek, The Wireless Foundation, Target and domestic violence survivor, Yvette Cade.

Salma Hayek gave a keynote address and despite having never experienced domestic violence personally, Hayek said she is part of the movement because she believes it truly affects everyone. “It is time for change,” she said. “It is time to stop and rethink things. What does it mean to be a woman?”

Steven Largent, president of the The Wireless Foundation, was present to receive The Hotline’s 2006 Vital Link Award. Last year’s winner, Target, was recognized as the exclusive diamond sponsor of NDVH’s 10th anniversary.

“Each of us has something unique to bring to this effort, as advocates, supporters, victims, survivors and  leaders,” Laysha Ward, Target’s vice president of community relations said. “United, we have the collective wisdom to make hope a reality for the millions of women who are abused each year.”

The evening closed with survivor Yvette Cade, who was featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show in May. Cade received the Listen to the Whisper Award and thanked The Hotline and its supporters, saying, “One of the most important things I have learned from my experience, is that I am not alone.”

Cade said that sharing her story has resulted in support and countless stories from women who spoke out or took action after hearing her story.

“Don’t stop telling the story and extending the message of help and hope,” she said.

As The Hotline continues to answer phone calls, it offers a future full of help and hope. Its ultimate goal, a future free from violence, can only be accomplished with hard work and involved community.

On November 29 and 30, NDVH will hold Session II of the Decade for Change Summit in Dallas. The final session and unveiling of the panels’ findings will be held in Santa Monica, Calif. on February 1 and 2, 2007.

According to Cates, “The possibilities for the Decade For Change are not just exciting. They’re inspiring. They give us momentum. They give us new hope for the future.”