Changing the course of domestic violence

1980 to 2004

Domestic violence—an issue that impacts millions worldwide—leaves a long and devastating legacy. In the immediate term, it generates pain and fear, and its lingering effects influence its victims through a lifetime, sometimes carrying on into the next generation.

Approach

Motivated by the beliefs that many of the most vulnerable children are those growing up in violent families, and that child safety is inextricably linked to parent wellbeing, in 1980, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation entered the then-nascent movement to quell domestic violence, bringing voice to key issues and funds to address them. At the time, grassroots advocates were opening shelters and calling for police to do more than walk an abuser around the block to "cool off."

The Hilton Foundation presented the field with large-scale opportunities to develop a vision, and helped usher in a new era in how this nation views domestic violence. We helped foster new alliances, bringing together diverse stakeholders to jointly develop informed, coordinated strategies for addressing the issue.

Key projects and results

Establishing domestic violence legal code

A Model State Code on Domestic and Family Violence (pdf) was created for adaptation and enactment. When unveiled in 1994, the Model Code not only represented consensus on the best legislation relative to this issue but also a state-of-the-art policy framework for best court practices and the ideal community response. It has been frequently cited as the nation’s seminal legislative policy document on the subject. Portions of the Model Code have been enacted in all 50 states. To develop and assist with implementation of the code, the Foundation awarded $2.9 million in grant dollars from 1992 to 2004 to the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.

Cultivating the healthcare system’s response to domestic violence

Framing domestic violence as a healthcare issue, the Foundation participated at the outset of the National Health Initiative on Domestic Violence, an extensive public-private partnership bringing together the domestic violence and healthcare communities. Based on the premise that many victims may never go to a shelter or police station but will see a healthcare provider routinely or for treatment of injuries, the initiative’s groundbreaking publications and training models, technical assistance, and policy reform have helped healthcare providers nationwide to recognize signs of abuse and intervene effectively. From 1992 to 2003 the Foundation distributed $4 million in grants to the Family Violence Prevention Fund.

Preparing religious institutions to address domestic violence

Because people in crisis often turn to clergy for compassion and guidance, religious leaders who are knowledgeable about the dynamics of abuse are well-positioned to assist victims and to promote accountability among offenders. We were an early and long-time supporter of the FaithTrust Institute, an international multi-faith organization working with clergy, denominational staff, seminary faculty, laity, and human service professionals to end sexual and domestic violence. Foundation funds of $1.5 million were put to use from 1985 until 2004 by this organization, formerly known as the Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence.

Fortifying domestic violence services in rural areas

Isolation, poverty, and dominant-male cultural traditions can compound the plight of battered women and their children who live in rural areas. Recognizing the importance of providing direct service in under-resourced areas, we funded the addition of outreach workers in 10 rural counties in West Virginia. This endeavor catapulted the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence toward achieving its goal of having a physical presence in all of the state’s 55 counties, thereby building capacity and raising its profile among state government leaders. From 1991 to 1995, our grants to that organization totaled $850,000.