2026 BWJP Rising Stars – Patrick Cunningham
“It’s important to treat people with kindness and empathy. Just because somebody has a charge doesn’t mean they’re a monster. That distinction is important.” -Patrick Cunningham, Defense Based Advocate,…
Reproductive Freedom is Survivor Freedom
As a gender-based violence organization, BWJP will always support the autonomy of survivors over their own lives and bodies.
The Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization to overturn the longstanding rights to privacy and abortion in Roe v. Wade takes away that decision-making for women. This is particularly harmful to survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual violence.
We are deeply concerned that with the Supreme Court’s overturn of Roe v. Wade, many states will now deprive survivors of their reproductive choice. The Supreme Court’s decision and state’s actions in implementing it will lead to victim-survivors staying in coercive and controlling relationships and force sexual assault survivors to bear perpetrators' children. This decision may also lead to the downfall of other hard-won personal freedoms and privacy rights.
BWJP believes all people deserve bodily autonomy, freedom, and the chance to raise families if, when, or how they choose.
Reproductive rights enhance the well-being of all communities and by removing that choice fundamental rights are put at risk. As we all stay committed to ending violence against women, we encourage you to stay in touch with BWJP as we continue to work with survivors, advocates, and coalitions towards increased autonomy for survivors of gender-based violence.
