Striving For an End to Domestic Violence

Women of the World’s “Violence Against Women- Shout it Out & Stop it Now” panel is July 21, just days away. We wanted to put the spotlight on another organization that stands up for the rights of women through advocacy, education and awareness in order to decrease domestic violence - Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network. With the vision of “working toward a future where domestic violence and oppression are eradicated and where women and children are safe in their homes,” the Network’s goals are closely aligned with Women of the World. We enthusiastically applaud their efforts as they raise awareness and create programs to eliminate violence against women.

Begun in 1980 by a modest group of women, the organization has grown rapidly. Their impact allows for CMBWN to touch a variety of issues in need of social change and support. They strongly “believe in a woman’s right to determination in all aspects of her life, and that living free from violence is a basic human right.” This conviction creates momentum - CMBWN continues to increase the number of volunteers, programs, members and sponsors. A variety of committees serve specific issues and groups such as the Children & Teen Issues Committee, Women of Color Committee and Legal & Legislative Issues Committee. As part of advocacy and education, the Network provides statistics and information on domestic violence locally and globally. CMBWN gives Chicagoans a chance to give back and assist in ending a frightening epidemic of marginalizing women through violence.

CMBWN offers a Centralized Training Institute where they “prepare participants to effectively respond and deliver quality services to victims of domestic violence and their children.” This training speaks to the long-term mission of the Network to eradicate violence, since the ability of people to respond and assist effectively helps to reduce and end domestic violence as it occurs. The Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network is a place where advocates, victims, organizations, and government affiliates can all unite under a common goal. We are proud to financially support the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network at Fashion Face Forward on Oct 14, 2010 at the Mid-America Club in Chicago.