History of the Domestic Violence Movement

1971 - Movement gains momentum in UK with first shelter.

1972 - Women’s Advocates, St.Paul, MN, starts first hotline. WA and Haven House, Pasadena, CA, est. first Shelter.

1974 - First Book about DV from a battered woman’s perspective: Scream Quietly or the Neighbors will Hear, Erin Pizzey

1976 - NOW form task force to examine problem of battering (research and funds).
• First US feminist publication showing wide beating deeply rooted in sexism; Battered Wives, Del Martin.
• First national directory of individuals and groups helping battered women: Working on Wife Abuse, Betsy Warrior.
• Nebraska becomes the first state to abolish marital rate exemption.
• PA established first state coalition against DV also the first state to create a statute providing orders of protection for victims of DV.
• First conference on battered women held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by Milwaukee Task Force on Battered Women.

1977 - National Communication Network for the Elimination of Violence against Women, first newsletter on Battered Women published.
• Oregon becomes first state to enact legislation mandating arrest in DV.

1978 - US Commission on Civil Rights holds “Consultation on battered Women” in Washington, D.C. Brings together Hundreds of activists and results in Battered Women: Issues of Public policy, offering 700 pages of written and oral testimony.
• National Coalition against Domestic Violence, the grassroots organization which becomes the voice of battered women’s movement on the national level organized. NCADV establishes vision and philosophy that guides 100s of local programs and state coalitions. It initiated the introduction of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act in the Congress.
• Law enforcement Assistance Administration grants 11 grants to family violence projects to provide range of services.
• MN first state to allow probable cause (without a arrant) arrest in cases of domestic assault, regardless of whether a protection order has been issued against the offender.

1979 - Office of Domestic Violence established in US Dept. of Health and Human Services, but closed in 1981.
• First Congressional hearings on issues of DV are held.

1980 - First National Day of Unity in October established by NCADV to mourn victims and celebrate survivors. In 1987, it is expanded to month of awareness activities.
• First national conference with 600 representatives from 49 states.. The conference gains federal recognition and births several state coalitions.

1983 - Based on a Police Foundation study conducted in Minneapolis, which finds that arrest reduces likelihood of repeat violence, many police departments establish pro-arrest policies in cases of DV.

1984 - US Attorney General established Task Force on Family Violence to examine scope and nature of problem. Final report offers recommendations for action in many areas, including criminal justice response, prevention and awareness, education and training, and data collection and reporting.

• Passage of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act through grassroots lobbying efforts; earmarks federal funding for program serving victims of DV.
• Florida becomes first state to enact legislation mandating consideration of spouse abuse in child custody determinations.

1985 - Thurman vs. Torrington. Tracy Thurman wins a case against Connecticut police for failing to protect her from husband’s violence. Won a $2 million judgment against the city. Suit leads to CT’s passage of mandatory arrest law.
• US Surgeon General identifies DV as a major health problem.

NCADV established first toll free DV hot line.

1988 - Sate Vs. Ciskie: first case to allow expert testimony to explain behavior and mental state of an adult rape victim and why someone assaulted by intimate partner might not call police or take action. Jury convicts defendant on 4 counts of rape.

1995 - US Congress passes a crime bill which included the Violence Against Women Act. DV becomes known as a gender-based crime against women. Initial money to directly support victim and justice system program to end DV cut drastically by new congressional leadership.