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Introducing the National Restraining Order Center (NROC) Expanding Safety and Access for Survivors  

Introducing the National Restraining Order Center (NROC) Expanding Safety and Access for Survivors    At BWJP, we are committed to strengthening legal protections for survivors of gender-based violence. That’s why we’re launching the National Restraining Order Center (NROC)—a new, comprehensive Center that expands our work on restraining orders to better serve survivors, advocates, and legal professionals. […]

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 Money Changes Everything! Why Child Support Matters

By: Esther Aparicio, Esq., SAVES Attorney Advisor “Why don’t you just leave?” It’s a question many survivors of domestic violence hear all too often—one that is not only hurtful and judgmental but dangerously overlooks the increased risks that survivors face when trying to escape an abusive situation. For many, escaping is only the first step […]

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The Fire We Ignored: What Cody Balmer’s Case Reveals About Domestic Violence

By Diana Griffin, Esq. Attorney Advisor, National Legal Center on Children and Domestic Violence This April, as we honor Child Abuse Awareness Month, we are reminded that every child is not guaranteed safety in their home. The recent incident, where Cody Balmer set fire to Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro’s residence, highlights the critical conversation we must […]

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Loving Out Loud: Navigating Queer Teen Dating Violence Amidst Political Turbulence 

By Alyssa Toledo, Communications Associate I’ve spent most of my life searching for freedom.  As a queer, Mexican American kid growing up in a turbulent home, I learned early how to survive by making myself small—by hiding, by quieting my voice, by pretending everything was fine. But survival isn’t the same as living, and I […]

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BWJP Welcomes Esther Aparicio, as the new Attorney Advisor for SAVES

Esther is passionate about advocacy for survivors of domestic violence. Prior to joining BWJP, Esther worked for Northeast New Jersey Legal services providing legal representation in all areas of family law. More recently, Esther served as a Senior Staff Attorney at Partners, representing survivors of domestic violence in final restraining order trials, custody and parenting […]

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BWJP 2025 Goals: Supporting Survivors and Changing Systems  

By BWJP Staff As we start 2025, many people set goals to improve their lives. These goals might include saving money, getting healthier, or fixing things they struggled with before. While personal goals help us grow and may change throughout the years, BWJP stays focused on our mission to promote change within the civil and […]

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BWJP Welcomes Ahlam Moussa, as the new Deputy Director for the National Center for Systems Change & Advocacy

I’ve been working with non-profits for over a decade in various roles. For the past 11+ years, I’ve been with a national non-profit advocating for immigrant survivors, focusing on operations, financial management, communications, and broader organizational needs. My work has centered on building strong infrastructure to better support and strengthen programs that assist immigrant survivors […]

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BWJP Welcomes Annie Struby, as the new Project Director for the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and Firearms 

Annie began working in the gender-based violence field over 20 years ago. For the last 14 years, she led coordinated community response efforts for Rose Brooks Center in Kansas City, Missouri. She worked with police, prosecutors, probation and parole officers and other professionals to enhance victim safety and offender accountability. Annie has extensive experience in […]

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Finding Peace During the Holidays When You Are a Survivor of Sexual Violence 

By Christina M. Jones, Esq.   The holidays can be a challenging time, especially for survivors of sexual assault who may feel anxious about encountering their abuser.   Sexual violence often comes from someone familiar, not a stranger. Research indicates that 90% of survivors know the person who harmed them. For many, the holiday season presents the […]

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BWJP Welcomes Alyssa Toledo as the new Communications Associate at BWJP 

BWJP Welcomes Alyssa Toledo, as the new Comms Associate at BWJP.  BWJP is excited to welcome Alyssa to our team. With a rich background in film and storytelling, Alyssa brings a unique perspective to our mission of improving the family court system and supporting those impacted by gender-based violence. Her dedication to crafting authentic narratives […]

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Beyond Awareness: Advocating For Children’s Safety In Family Court  

By Diana Griffin, Attorney Advisor, National Legal Center on Children and Domestic Violence In November, following Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we continue the conversation by focusing on children’s safety in custody cases involving family violence. Access to representation helps survivors advocate for their own and their children’s safety. Yet, in 80–90% of family cases, at […]

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What Can Non-Native Aspiring Allies Do to Honor National Native American Heritage Month? 

Seek to understand Tribal Sovereignty By Cindene Pezzell, Esq., Director of the National Defense Center for Criminalized Survivors At first glance, two devastating consequences of the colonization of the Americas appear contradictory:  But how can this be true? How can Indigenous women dramatically overrepresent both crime victims and so-called “criminals?”  Because criminalization and gender-based violence […]

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Celebrating 40 Years of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) 

A Message from Amy Sánchez, CEO of the Battered Women’s Justice Project  This October, we proudly celebrate 40 years of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), the first federal legislation dedicated to supporting emergency shelters and services for victims of domestic violence and their families. Over the past four decades, FVPSA has been […]

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Why We Stayed Series

By Patrice Tillery and Veronica Thomas This 3-part Survivor Story Series by Patrice Tillery and Veronica Thomas explores the complex reasons why survivors may stay in abusive relationships and what eventually gives them the strength to leave. The series aims to unveil the invisible barriers—emotional, financial, and psychological—that trap survivors, offering personal insights that challenge […]

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Part 3: Why We Left: The Breaking Point & Finding the Strength to Finally Leave

Why We Stayed Series  (Some identifying information such as names, dates, and locations have been redacted to protect the identities of survivors telling their stories.)  By Patrice Tillery and Veronica Thomas  Deciding to leave an abusive relationship is a painful journey marked by deep internal conflict. For many survivors, the choice is not just about […]

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Part 2: Why We Stayed: The Struggle with Hope, Identity and Courage

Why We Stayed Series  (Some identifying information such as names, dates, and locations have been redacted to protect the identities of survivors telling their stories.)  By Patrice Tillery and Veronica Thomas  Patrice and Veronica share their experiences to shed light on the complexities of gender-based violence (GBV). Telling their stories is a healing process that […]

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Part 1: Why We Stayed: Unveiling the Invisible Barriers to Escaping Abuse 

Why We Stayed Series  (Some identifying information such as names, dates, and locations have been redacted to protect the identities of survivors telling their stories.)  By Patrice Tillery and Veronica Thomas  “If he was so abusive, then why did she stay?”  Often, when people hear about someone in an abusive situation or relationship, they ask, […]

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Things Survivors Wish You Knew Series 

“Things Survivors Wish You Knew” is a heartfelt and empowering series, rooted in the voices of survivors of gender-based violence. This collection shares stories and insights to help build understanding and offer meaningful support for those navigating abusive situations. From practical advice to emotional support, this series explores key messages survivors wish their loved ones […]

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Part 7: Things I Wish I Knew: Some Notes from a Survivor’s Perspective 

Things Survivors Wish You Knew Series  By Patrice Tillery As we close out this series, we wanted to end with a note directly from a survivor. There are many things we have shared this month about common themes that survivors of gender-based violence express that they wish their loved ones knew. As an intentionally survivor-centered […]

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Part 6: Remember, It Is Not My Fault  

Things Survivors Wish You Knew Series  By Patrice Tillery In addressing the pervasive issue of gender-based violence, it is crucial to recognize and combat the all-too-common phenomenon of victim blaming. Unfortunately, victims are often wrongly held responsible for the abuse they endure, perpetuating harmful myths and misconceptions within society.   It is essential to debunk these […]

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Part 5: Be Patient  

Things Survivors Wish You Knew Series  By Patrice Tillery Today’s Things Survivors Wish You Knew topic is patience. Patience is the ability to remain calm and tolerant in facing difficulties, adversity, or delays without becoming frustrated or upset. It entails the capacity to endure or wait calmly for something, demonstrating understanding and tolerance toward situations […]

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Part 4: Understanding the Impact of Trauma  

Things Survivors Wish You Knew Series  By Patrice Tillery Understanding trauma in abuse victims is crucial for providing adequate support and care. Trauma can alter how individuals perceive and respond to the world around them and often leaves enduring emotional and psychological scars. Survivors of abuse may exhibit a range of responses to their trauma, […]

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Part 3: Respect Survivors’ Choices

Things Survivors Wish You Knew Series  By Patrice Tillery The topic for this portion of the series is arguably one of the most challenging parts of supporting survivors. After actively listening and learning about the trauma and abuse occurring in a survivor’s life, it’s hard not to step in, share our beliefs, or tell the […]

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Part 2: Believe Survivors, Listen to them, Don’t Pressure Them  

Things Survivors Wish You Knew Series  By Patrice Tillery During challenging times, we rely on hope to bring light when we perceive darkness surrounding us. BWJP invites you to join us in generating the hope that lights the way to safety and healing for gender-based violence survivors.     Throughout this series, we will share survivor stories […]

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Part 1: Empower H.E.R. Stories of Hope, Equality, and Resilience 

Things Survivors Wish You Knew Series  By Patrice Tillery As a survivor-centered organization, BWJP approaches its work from the survivors’ perspective. From this focus, we created our Gift Justice 2023 holiday campaign, focusing on Things Survivors Wish You Knew. We had such a positive reaction to this campaign that we decided to use it to […]

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VAWA at 30: BWJP’s Role in Evolving Responses to Gender-Based Violence

By Amalfi Parker Elder, Esq., Director, National Center on Reimagining CCR BWJP is excited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the historic enactment of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 1994. VAWA’s passage represented Congress’ recognition of the pandemic of gender-based violence, and the decades-long efforts of survivors and advocates to advance safety and […]

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Latin@ Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together 

By Lumarie Orozco, MA, Project Director, Firearms Technical Assistance Project (FTAP)  Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration in the United States that recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latino individuals and communities to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. It is observed from September 15 to October 15. The […]

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BWJP Welcomes Rachel Barkley, as the new Staff Attorney for the Center for Legal Approaches to Prevent Family Violence

Rachel Barkley (they/she) recently graduated from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and took the New York Bar Exam. Prior to law school, Rachel received their Master of Business Administration in Music Business from Southern New Hampshire University and Berklee College of Music and their Bachelor of Arts in Screenwriting from Albright College. At Cardozo, […]

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BWJP Welcomes Megan Belden, Esq. as the Senior Attorney Advisor for the National Center on Protection Orders and Full Faith and Credit

Megan Belden is a Senior Attorney Advisor at the National Center for Protection Orders and Full Faith and Credit with Battered Women’s Justice Project, where she provides training and guidance to community allies on local, state, tribal, and nationwide protective order issues.  Megan has been committed to combating gender-based violence since 2004 when she served […]

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BWJP Welcomes Jillian Young, as the new SAVES Project Director

Jillian has spent over a decade supporting victim-survivors of domestic violence and leading system change within the legal and child welfare system. Her previous roles include leading the legal advocacy program at a local DV agency in Madison, WI and managing various programs and initiatives to support children placed in out-of-home care. She has extensive […]

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Navigating Situationships: Recognizing Emotional Abuse and Setting Boundaries

By Megan Dunlap In today’s world, dating has become more casual. Many younger people describe their relationships more informally and flexibly, often referring to them as “situationships,” a popular term among high school and college-age students.    A situationship is a romantic or sexual relationship between two individuals. Usually, there are no “typical” labels between the […]

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Community Supervision Officers and Domestic Violence Response

By Jennifer L. Waindle Effective responses to domestic violence require collaborative, coordinated efforts in partnership with a variety of professionals and organizations. Too often, community supervision officers and other justice system agencies have worked in unintended isolation. Understanding the roles of probation and parole community supervision officers is crucial in addressing the effective response to […]

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Neurodiversity and the Legal System’s Response to Domestic Violence

By Kristine Lizdas, Esq. “Neurodiversity” and “neurodivergent” as terms or concepts emerged several decades ago to express variations in human experiences and as a rejection of otherwise deficit-based language. Individuals with a wide variety of developmental and psychological diagnoses embrace the term as an affirmation, as well as a framework to promote inclusivity, accommodations and […]

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We’re Hiring! Training and Technical Assistance Specialist or Attorney Advisor

NRCDVF seeks to fill a grant-funded, fully remote Attorney Advisor or Training and Technical Assistance Specialist position. The Battered Women’s Justice Project (BWJP) is a collective of national policy and practice centers at the intersection of gender-based violence (GBV) and legal systems, including the National Center on Gun Violence in Relationships. Our mission is to […]

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A Victory for Survivors: Supreme Court Upholds Federal Domestic Violence Protection Order Firearms Prohibitor 

In good news for survivors of domestic violence, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision today in U.S. v. Rahimi that upholds 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(8), a federal law in place since 1994 that says people subject to certain domestic violence protection orders (DVPO) may not have access to a gun while that protection order is active. To […]

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SCOTUS Ruling in Rahimi Case Upholds Protections for Domestic Violence Survivors, BWJP Experts Celebrate 

BWJP Advocates Applaud Supreme Court Decision to Maintain Gun Control Law Safeguarding Domestic Violence Survivors WASHINGTON DC. (June 21, 2024) In a landmark 8-1 decision, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has upheld a significant gun control law, prompting widespread relief and celebration among domestic violence experts and advocates. The ruling has been […]

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From Fear to Pride: A Journey of Resilience 

By Kenneth E. Noyes, Esq.  June is an explosion of color. Rainbow flags flutter from lampposts, shop windows sport dazzling displays, and the air thrums with vibrant energy. This is Pride Month, a time that holds a special significance for me as a gay man. It’s a celebration, a protest, and a reminder all rolled […]

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The Unseen Harms of Guns in Domestic Violence 

By Jennifer M. Becker, Esq. Director, National Center on Gun Violence in Relationships  When we talk about the intersection of domestic violence and gun violence we often focus on intimate partner gun homicides. Rightfully so, as we lose approximately 70 women each month in America at the hand of their intimate partners with a gun. […]

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BWJP Welcomes Diana Griffin as the new Attorney Advisor for the National Legal Center on Children and Domestic Violence

BWJP Welcomes Diana Griffin, as the new Attorney Advisor, the National Legal Center on Children and Domestic Violence. Diana earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland. She spent her career, prior to joining BWJP, representing victim-survivors in family court and immigration matters. Diana is passionate about helping create systematic change to better help […]

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BWJP Welcomes Lacey Garner as the new Director of The Learning Community!

Lacey has more than a decade of experience building client relationships and delivering complex research and technology solutions. Prior to joining BWJP, Lacey was a Vice President at 13D Research & Strategy, where she was responsible for relationships with foundations, family offices, and other corporate and investor clients. Lacey was also a financial advisor to individuals […]

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3 Ways to Improve Access to Civil Protection Orders for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Survivors

By the National Center on Protection Orders and Full Faith & Credit My friends told me I needed to get a restraining order, but I didn’t want to go through all the processes within the system . . . However, if I could go back and do it again, I would have gotten the restraining […]

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Safe at Home: Exploring the Intersection of Intimate Partner Violence and Child Abuse Prevention

By The National Legal Center on Children and Domestic Violence April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness that child abuse and neglect are preventable through reshaping system responses by centralizing the voices of the children they are charged to protect. There is consistent research that illustrates the high level of […]

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Supporting Survivors On the Path to Healing from Sexual Assault 

By Meghan Dunlap Recovering from sexual assault can feel like you’re within a silo. You hear the statistics of 81% of women report sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime, and it pulls at your heartstrings, but it’s hard to grasp in real life. The reality is that every 68 seconds, an American is sexually […]

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2024 BWJP Rising Stars – Amalfi

As we recognize Women’s History Month, we are highlighting some of the Rising Stars of BWJP: members of our staff who are rising through the ranks and actively impacting the movement. These young women are continually striving for excellence and building on the legacy that our foremothers have built. Today, we are highlighting Rising Star, Amalfi […]

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2024 BWJP Rising Stars – Victoria

As we recognize Women’s History Month, we are highlighting some of the Rising Stars of BWJP: members of our staff who are rising through the ranks and actively impacting the movement. These young women are continually striving for excellence and building on the legacy that our foremothers have built.  BWJP staff members are sharing about their fellow […]

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2024 BWJP Rising Stars – Sophie

As we recognize Women’s History Month, we are highlighting some of the Rising Stars of BWJP: members of our staff who are rising through the ranks and actively impacting the movement. These young women are continually striving for excellence and building on the legacy that our foremothers have built.  BWJP staff members are sharing about their fellow […]

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BWJP Newsletters

BWJP sends out a once-monthly email newsletter (we’re not here to spam you) with the latest in domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking news, our upcoming webinars and training, most recent reports, amicus briefs, research, info on events happening soon, and our popular staff-written articles and op-eds. Sign up to stay […]

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BWJP Welcomes Zoë Barr as the new Operations Manager

Zoë is a graduate of St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN, an all-women college, with one of the most diverse student campuses in Minnesota.  Zoë has a background in team leadership and project management. She is looking forward to using her unique skills and experiences to support the operations and project management of the […]

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In Celebration of  Women’s Struggles, Friendships, and Resistance

Sujata Warrier, PhD, Chief Strategy Officer, BWJP “We could think of feminist history as a history of snappy women. Perhaps we would be thinking of how what comes out of our own mouths is speaking this  history[1]”. – Sara Ahmed As we enter March and Women’s History month, I am reminded of all the ways […]

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Recognizing Common Ground on National Public Defender Day 

Gender-based violence thrives in power imbalance. Public defenders, champions of equal access to justice, play a crucial role in dismantling structures that perpetuate such violence. Sometimes, however, anti-IPV advocates and defense attorneys perceive themselves rooted on different sides of the justice divide. If this view sounds familiar to you, we’d like to invite you to […]

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BWJP Reflects on the Burnsville, MN Tragedy 

We are saddened by the tragic events in Burnsville, Minnesota that occurred on February 18, 2024.   BWJP is a national organization, and our headquarters are a short distance away in St. Paul. The surrounding circumstances are still developing, but it’s clear this is another example of the risk of gun violence in the context […]

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Black Women, a History of Creating Our Own Spaces

By Amalfi Parker Elder, Esq. and Patrice Tillery “The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.” – Malcolm As we celebrate Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March) this year, we’d like to […]

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Financial Abuse:  What Financial Advisors Need to Know

By Amalfi Parker Elder, Esq. Director, National Center on Reimagining CCR, Victoria Taylor, Senior Communications Manager | Patrice Tillery, Fund Development Manager Financial Abuse in Domestic Violence Relationships   Financial advisors, bankers, and others working in the finance industry are more likely to work with survivors of domestic violence than they realize. 1 in 3 women […]

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Addressing the Lethal Intersection of Teen Dating Violence and Firearms  

By Jennifer M. Becker, Esq. Director, National Center on Gun Violence in Relationships  and Project Director, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and Firearms  As we mark Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month 2024, it’s sobering to think of all the teens and families impacted since we last commemorated this just one year ago. Too commonly, […]

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Embracing Authenticity: A Letter to Black Women Breaking Free from GBV 

By Christina M. Jones, Esq. Chief Executive of External Relations Dear Black Woman, I’m sure you have heard that you are a “Strong Black Woman.” And while that is generally true, I want to talk about why that archetype can be harmful when it comes to healing from trauma caused by gender-based violence. One researcher […]

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BWJP Welcomes Irene Avina, as the new Project Assistant of the Firearms Technical Assistance Project (FTAP)

Irene Avina joins BWJP with a passion and dedication to the field of gender-based violence prevention. As a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Irene has spent the past several years working directly with survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence in crisis intervention, safety planning, education, and trauma processing. Her work in this capacity allowed […]

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BWJP Welcomes Jenna Wiggins, as the new Deputy Director of the Firearms Technical Assistance Project (FTAP)

Jenna Wiggins joins BWJP with a background in social work, law, human services, child welfare, and domestic violence. She has spent the bulk of her career in various roles initiating and developing integrated model programs in Indian Country. Most recently, she served as the Human Services Director for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians where […]

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Stalking and the Predetermined Risk for Gun Violence 

By BWJP Staff Member and Jennifer Becker, Esq. Project Director, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and Firearms  It wasn’t until 1990 that any anti-stalking law existed within the United States. The real lived experiences of those subjected to stalking are still often misunderstood. Even today, many people associate stalking with the sensational examples that […]

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Unveiling the Shadows: Human Trafficking Amidst Immigration Struggles in 2024 

By Maria Jose Fletcher, Esq. Director BWJP’s National Center for Systems Change and Advocacy   As we welcome 2024, we are unfortunately confronted by global events that continue to cause massive movement of people escaping conflict, violence, and economic instability. It is only appropriate that during January, Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we call attention to the impact […]

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Preparing for the Holidays as a Survivor of Gender-Based Violence 

By A BWJP Advocate  Holidays can be a time of excitement and anticipation while also creating feelings of anxiety for survivors of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking.   Meant for reflection and focusing on family, friends, and relationships, this time of year can also bring up feelings of self-doubt and […]

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Amplifying Indigenous Voices: Celebrating National Native American Heritage Month Through Advocacy, Healing, and Justice 

  By BWJP Staff  As we recognize National Native American Heritage Month, we invite you to join us as we celebrate and raise the voices and experiences of Indigenous Survivors with two of our staff members – A and V – two committed professionals at BWJP, who reflect on their motivations, rooted in their dedication […]

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Supreme Court Set to Hear United States v. Rahimi Case: Domestic Violence Protection Orders Under Scrutiny 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov 2, 2023, ST. PAUL, M.N. – On November 7, 2023, the United States Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments in the landmark case of United States v. Rahimi.   The case revolves around a critical issue for domestic violence survivors: the constitutionality of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8), a federal law that […]

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