How to Start a Domestic Violence Program
Ask volunteers working with abused women about commonalities and you'll rarely find a thread. Some victims are young while others are grandmothers. There's no race, religion or lifestyle impervious to emotional or physical violence, either, so your desire to launch a domestic abuse program will literally save lives. Start by obtaining nonprofit 501(c)(3) status from the government (IRS Form 1023) so monies generated to launch and operate your program are exempt from taxes. Once you attain 501(c)(3) status you'll be on your way to creating a safe haven for the women and children who need it most.
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Instructions
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You need a thorough understanding of domestic violence if you want to launch the most effective program possible. Training in social work, sociology and/or psychology will help you fully understand the cycle of abuse. Volunteer at an agency devoted to caring for abuse victims to learn how a social service agency accepts, treats and assists clients. If possible, work at both an agency and a battered women's shelter to assess both operations.
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Gain a complete understanding of the federal, state and community licensing requirements your program must meet. Your program and staff must have the proper credentials to start a domestic violence program, and each state has unique mandates. For example, many states require at least one licensed mental health practitioner on staff, so in addition to supplemental materials required for permits, you may be asked for proof of one professional's license.
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Prepare a business plan with goals, objectives, a mission statement, budget and other documentation that shows you're as prepared to run a business as you are to treat victims. Include details on the type of program you plan to run--outpatient or 24-hour shelter--so your projections and plans reflect the size and scope of your domestic violence program.
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Raise funds. Seek contributions from local philanthropists; hold fundraisers; solicit grant monies from agencies devoted to supporting domestic violence causes; and seek federal and state aid. Be very thorough in your research before you approach grantors and philanthropists so you don't waste time pitching resources that don't underwrite this type of agency.
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Select a site for your program. Rent an office; obtain donated space in a church or community center; or locate a building sized to accommodate services you'll offer. Apportion space as follows: administrative office(s), waiting room, private counseling rooms or cubicles and enough storage space to house the items you need to run your program.
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Seek in-kind donations to avoid buying furnishings, office equipment and supplies. Publicize your need for couches, desks, chairs, tables, filing cabinets and gently used computers, printers and office necessities. Build a list of people, organizations and agencies responsible for getting your program off the ground so you can honor them for their assistance in the future.
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Hire credentialed staff with previous experience working with abused and battered women. Prepare your new enterprise for clients by building a referral network, scheduling individual and group therapy sessions, partnering with food banks, clothing resale shops, hospitals, clinics and mental health agencies willing to assist your efforts. Don't forget the children. Set aside a play area with books and toys.
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Establish a secure, password-protected system of recording, tracking and maintaining sensitive files on your computer system so everything from billing data to highly confidential notes taken by therapists is safeguarded. Affiliate with a national advocacy group like the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and turn to them when you need assistance or advice.
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References
- Photo Credit The girl expresses the emotions image by Mykola Velychko from Fotolia.com
