March is Women's History Month, a time to publicly recognize the achievements and contributions women have made throughout history, and continue to make today. Begun at the grassroots level in Sonoma, California, in 1978, Women’s History Month was made into a month-long, nationwide celebration when Congress officially passed the designation in 1987.
During Women’s History Month, we at SafeHouse Denver honor the incredible strength and resilience of those who have survived domestic violence, and whose courage is making positive change every day by shaping safer, more hopeful communities.
Survivors of domestic violence play a huge and critical role in women’s history.
Many turn their lived experience into powerful advocacy work, creating shelters, hotlines, and legal protections that did not exist for those who came before. Others become therapists, social workers, educators, or policymakers whose work not only heals domestic violence’s harms, but tries to stop it from occurring.
Background
It was survivors in the 1970s and 80s who brought the issue of domestic violence into public awareness. Their organizing and demands for change led to the Violence Against Women Act that passed in 1994 and funded shelters, prevention programs, and legal support for survivors.
Our Goal
At SafeHouse Denver, we recognize that race, gender identity, immigration status, disability, and economic inequality further affect survivors’ access to support, resources, and safety. Our job is to make sure no one is turned away from shelter, services, and healing based on these factors. We believe that being a true advocate for women means serving the oppressed and marginalized from every walk of life, and creating equitable systems at every level of care.
We invite you to celebrate Women’s History Month by opening your heart to survivors. Domestic violence remains a significant issue in the United States. Take the month of March to support your local shelters and advocacy organizations, get involved in domestic violence prevention activism, and amplify survivor voices. Together we can create a world free from violence.
