Name of Host Organization: Women Empowered Against Violence

City, State: Washington, District of Columbia

Issue area: Domestic Violence, Workers' Rights

Sponsor: Arnold & Porter Foundation

THE INSPIRATION

In my work with domestic violence survivors I met many individuals who were unable to leave abusive relationships because of economic dependence on their abusers. My hope is that this project will bridge the gap of economic insecurity for individuals struggling to transition out of dependency and abuse.

The goal of my project is to empower survivors of domestic violence to transition out of dependency and victimization through better access to civil restitution, employment opportunities, and public benefits. My project will include litigation and advocacy components focused on expanding the use of monetary remedies in civil protection orders, enforcing the rights of survivors in the workplace, and ensuring access to appropriate public benefits.