Issue 21 - June 2020 Newsletter
Our House
proudly introduces their
national partner:
A.A.D.P.P.
A frican A merican Domestic P eace P roject
The Mission of AADPP is to share ways to reduce violence and increase peace within the African American community.

AADPP  was created from a project of the Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community (IDVAAC). This project gathered members from different cities, in African American communities across the United States that worked to reduce violence and increase peace within their community. These individuals and many of their programs learn from each other, share their perspectives with others and encourage anyone inclined to address domestic violence.
AADPP CORE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Dr. John L. Casteele  Executive Director of Casteele Williams & Assoc since 1986. Major in Public Health Ed. in 1973. Pastor of Lamb of GOD C.C.C. since 1997. Achieved his Masters in Psychology Counseling in 1986. He earned his Doc. Min. of Theology in 1994. His PhD. in Psychology with a focus on Christian American Family in 1996. He is the President of United Theological Seminary of Tacoma branch since 2005. John L. Casteele Jr. is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and Chemical Dependency Professional. He is also a designated Domestic Violence Counselor Supervisor.
La Donna Marie Combs i s a highly trained educator, counselor, and advocate for victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Teen Dating Violence, Stalking, and Human Trafficking in Detroit, MI. She is the President and CEO of the Sisters Against Abuse Society, (SAAS) a nonprofit organization bringing hope, help, and healing to victims and survivors of domestic & sexual violence in the black and African American Community. Her expertise spans more than 16 years in managing such programs as the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program, (SANE), Residential and Transitional Shelter & Treatment programs for victims, and Kids Club Youth Advocacy. She’s an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI and a curriculum writer for the Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community, (IDVAAC) and a collaborator with the African American Domestic Peace Project, (AADPP) both at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.

La Donna is also co-author and participant in the documentary, “Speaking of Faith,” Domestic Violence Programs and the African American Church. Last year in 2016, La Donna created programming for Human Trafficking victims in Michigan and authored a grant garnering over $600,000 for direct services, victims’ safety, and recovery. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree of Psychology in Pastoral Community Counseling at Argosy University.MN. She sits on several boards and partners with organizations in the State of Michigan including the; Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence, Transformation Detroit for Mental Health Research & Violence Prevention, Dominion Family Services Batterer’s Intervention Program , and Grace House Recovery Center & Shelter in Detroit, MI. She is the recipient of the Phenomenal Woman’s Award given by the AWARE Shelter in Jackson, MI and the Phoenix Award from HAVEN the mainstream domestic violence service provider of Oakland County, MI. La Donna has a Master’s Degree in Organization Management. She is a Powerful Women of Purpose licensed minister at the Greater Grace Temple Church, (GGT) in Detroit, Michigan. Her published research, “Does Until Death Do Us Part Include Domestic Violence?” is used by students and professors throughout the nation.

  She is the current Co-Chair for AADPP.  
Dr. Patricia A. Davenport has been working with African American survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault for more than 35 years. Dr. Davenport received her doctoral Degree from Triune Biblical University, Longview, WA, June 3, 1997, Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree for outstanding work with victims of crime and in community services. She graduated from Northwestern University, School of Education, Evanston, Illinois, 1983, Concentration-Human Development and Social Policy; B.S. Degree in Education: Graduated President's Honor Roll. She received the National Crime Victims Rights Week, Award for Outstanding Service On Behalf Victims Of Crime presented by: Janet Reno-Attorney General of the United States and signed by Bill Clinton, President of the United States, April 29, 1993. She is a licensed social worker by the Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists. She is an active member of New Life Church, Inc. in Renova/Cleveland, MS under the pastoral of Bishop Roderick Mitchell.   She is the current Financial Officer for AADPP.
Dr. Sharon Ellis Davis  is a United Church of Christ (UCC) pastor and is the Pastor Emeritus of God Can Ministries, United Church of Christ, located in the south suburbs of Chicago. Rev. Ellis Davis, was ordained in 1988 and brings over 30 years of pastoral ministry experience. Since her retirement as Senior Pastor, (2014), Dr. Sharon now resides in North Carolina.

Dr. Sharon Ellis Davis served as a Chicago Police Officer for 31 years until her retirement. Her service within the Department included working as a Patrol Officer, a Criminalist Forensic Examiner in the Crime Laboratory, and upon her retirement, serving as one of the Department’s full time Police Chaplains, providing pastoral care and crisis ministry to police officers and their families. Crisis ministry is an immediate around-the-clock chaplain response to any critical incident involving police personnel. this included officers killed or injured on or off duty, death notifications, response to suicides, and family emergencies, (death of a child, family disturbance, house fire, etc.).  
Dr. Sharon Ellis Davis continues to serve as the Executive Director of the Education and Family Life Institute which is the 501 c 3 outreach of the church dedicated to providing educational opportunities in this “At-Risk- “Underserved” community. Dr. Sharon Ellis Davis serves as an Affiliate Professor at McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL, teaching courses such as Sexual and Domestic Violence; Pastoral Care in Times of Crisis; and Pastoral Care in African American Communities. Dr. Ellis also serves as Adjunct Professor with the Center for African American Theological Studies where she taught Christian Ethics and in January of 2015, she taught a course titled, “Mass Incarceration.”

Dr. Sharon Ellis Davis serves as a Faculty Mentor at United Theological Seminary, Dayton, OH where she mentors Doctor of Ministry students toward earning their Doctor of Ministry Degree in her focus group titled, “Biblical and Ethical Engagement for Social and Moral Imperatives. This focus group of Doctor of Ministry students seek ways to provide ministry programming to address the plethora of social ills within our society while engaging the Bible through and Ethical lens as it relates to the empowerment and/or disempowerment of God’s people, to bring about healing, justice and liberation within our communities and society.

Dr. Sharon Ellis Davis also served for 31 years and 5 months as a Chicago Police Officer working in the Patrol Division and the Chicago Police Department Crime Laboratory where she served as a Serologist and testified in court as an expert witness. Upon Dr. Davis’ retirement she was serving as the Department’s Police Chaplain ministering with officers and members of their family, especially in times of crisis or when officers have been seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. As a Police Officer and Survivor of Domestic Violence with an Officer, the Superintendent of Police appointed Dr. Sharon to participate in a commission to address violence within police homes. This commission was responsible for the hiring of the Departments First Advocate to address domestic violence in police homes.

Dr. Sharon Ellis Davis is a nationally recognized speaker on issues of Domestic Violence, especially as it relates to religion, race, class, gender, culture, and the Criminal Justice System (CJS). Sharon is a trainer with the Faith Trust Institute, Seattle, WA, in “Clergy Healthy Boundaries,” and Domestic Violence. Prior to this, Sharon spent 15 years working as a Pastoral Care Giver at the Evergreen Park Ministries Care and Counseling Center. 

Dr. Davis is married to her partner in life and in ministry, The Rev. Dr. Edward Smith Davis who serves as the Conference Minister of the Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ. Together they parent a blended family of 6 children and 15 grandchildren.

As a survivor of sexual and domestic violence, Dr. Davis is committed to the healing and empowerment of God’s people and to speaking truth to setting the captives free. Dr. Davis refers to herself as, “more than a conqueror.” Her favorite scripture is Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run, and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint.” 
 “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education. (MLK Jr.)
R. Tracey Hickmon  holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Florida and a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling at Webster University in Ocala, Florida. She is a member of the Black on Black Crime Task Force, the Citizens Academy Alumni Association, The Coordinated Community Response to Domestic Violence in Alachua County, American Counseling Association, International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors, and Miracle Temple Church, Inc. Mrs. Hickmon has been married to Rev. Byers L. Hickmon, Sr., LCDR, Ret, for almost 30 years, they have three children, one grandson and two grand puppies. Mrs. Hickmon loves to read and travel.
Reverend Traci Jackson Antoine  is the Director of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Project for Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts. This is a culturally specific project designed to improve outcomes for African American victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Under the direction of Dr. Oliver Williams, Traci leads the African American Domestic Peace Project (AADPP) Boston team. AADPP is an affiliation of organizations in several U. S. cities dedicated to ending domestic violence in the Black Community. Reverend Antoine is a regular guest lecturer at Northeastern University School of Law and a trainer for the Boston Police Academy. Reverend Traci is an Advisory Board Member for Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence and The Massachusetts Department of Public Health. 

Reverend Traci Antoine Jackson is a native of Boston, Massachusetts. She was educated in Boston, at both Another Course to College/the University of Massachusetts and Northeastern University. She worked at Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence from 2007-2014 as the Rural Technical Assistance Program Coordinator, a project funded by the Office on Violence Against Women. Traci has provided training on domestic and sexual violence and faith locally and nationally, and specializes in faith community outreach, particularly in African American communities. Traci is certified with IDVAAC, EMERGE and Jane Doe Inc. Traci also provides leadership to Boston’s African American Domestic Peace Project. 
Sherina James  has over 20 years of experience in the victim services field, working at both the local and state level. Sherina currently works at Washington State’s Office of Crime Victim Advocacy managing grants and contracts for victim service providers. Her employment history includes the Department of Corrections’ Victim Services Program, the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, as well as the King County Sexual Assault Program. She is the past Chair of the Pierce County Commission Against Domestic Violence in Tacoma, WA and currently serves as a volunteer with the Commission’s Community Engagement and Communications workgroup. As a Community Victim Liaison at the Department of Corrections, Sherina has engaged with the Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community (IDVAAC) for 9 years, most recently as a work-group coordinator for the African American Domestic Peace Project initiative in Tacoma. Sherina is a graduate of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where she earned degrees in Human Services and Social Work with a focus in Gerontology. Sherina brings passion, expertise, a smile and a sense of humor to the African American Domestic Peace Project. 

Sherina James is the Chair for the Pierce County Commission Against Domestic Violence. As a volunteer in this capacity, she convenes meetings for this group of community and government agencies who provide services to victim-survivors in the County. As a Community Victim Liaison at the Washington State Department of Corrections, she works with crime victims in Tacoma, WA and surrounding areas. Before joining DOC in 2005, Sherina was the Legal Services Coordinator at Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (WCSAP) in Olympia, Washington. As the Legal Services Coordinator, Sherina coordinated and facilitated training to Prosecutors, attorneys and advocates across the state on legal issues faced by sexual assault victims. She has over twenty years of advocacy and direct client service experience, including advocacy for senior citizens, elderly, low-income families, TANF/Public Assistance recipients and domestic violence and sexual assault victims. Sherina is a former Board Member of CARA (Communities Against Rape and Abuse) and member of INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence. Sherina is a graduate of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where she earned degrees in Human Services and Social Work with a focus in Gerontology.
She is the current Administrative Assistant for AADPP.
Jennifer King  has over 32 years of criminal justice experience with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Community Justice Assistance Division (TDCJ-CJAD). Currently, she is a Regional Director with the TDCJ-CJAD and is assigned to the state oversight of 42 of the 123 probation departments in the State of Texas.  Additionally, Ms. King oversees the Funding and Accreditation of all Batterers Intervention and Prevention Programs (BIPPs) in Texas. Ms. King has held several positions while at TDCJ-CJAD which include Director of Family Violence Intervention Programs, Assistant Regional Director, Planner, Field Services Specialist and Interstate Compact Analyst. While serving as Director of Family Violence Intervention Programs Ms. King worked on and was responsible for leading stakeholders in the State of Texas in the development of an Accreditation process for Batterers Intervention and Prevention Programs (BIPP). Additionally, Ms. King has worked on several Federal initiatives with the Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community (IDVAAC) which include the Safe Return Initiative as well the African American Domestic Peace Project (AADPP). Ms. King has a Masters in Criminal Justice Management and a B.A. in Criminal Justice. 

Jennifer is the author of. 33 Years A Slave: Removing the Chains from Life, Love & Business
https://www.amazon.com/33-Years-Slave-Removing-Business/dp/1097362515
May 10, 2019 · In this book, Jennifer King takes an honest look at what held her bound into a life created more so by others than herself for so long. And she asked that YOU take a look at YOUR life to see what chains are keeping YOU from living YOUR best life.
Dr. Roderick Mitchell surrendered his heart to the Lord Jesus Christ in 1977. He has been proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ since July of 1978. He is the Founder and Pastor of the New Life Church, Inc. of Cleveland, Mississippi since March of 1994. He was consecrated to the office of Bishop in October 2003 under the leadership of Bishop Nate Holcomb, Presiding Prelate of Covenant Connection International and Pastor / Founder of the Christian House of Prayer Ministries of Killeen Texas / Copperas Cove Texas.  As a Pastor-Teacher to the Body of Christ, the Spirit of God through him enlightens, empowers, and encourages the lives of men to embrace the will of God. Consequently, he travels extensively, ministering to clergy, victim service advocates, students and church congregations alike. His life is summed up in this verse of scripture. “But by the grace of God I am what I am and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain, yet I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I but the grace of God that is with me”(Corinthians 15:10). He is married to the former Mary Butler. They have been blessed with one child: Isaac.

His testimony:
I remember the Christmas Eve, when my dad a (police officer) chased my mom, brother, sister, and me out of the house. We ran to hide in a ditch on the side of the road wearing only our pajamas. I vividly remember snow on the ground in what felt like 15-degree weather.  We huddled together in fear as we watched our dad drive by hunting us down like animals, looking to beat us again.  I remember at age 10, my dad holding a gun on my mom and I stepped in between them and my dad saying to me, “Son, I will kill you just as I will your mom.” I did not move! He picked me up and threw me against the wall. It was only by the Grace of God, that I did not die nor did my mom that day.

I remember one day I was praying, the Lord made it so clear to me that the pain of my past was punishing me in my present and it would paralyze my future if I didn’t get involve in breaking the cycle of violence. I had to be liberated and emancipated from the emotional jailhouse that my father’s violence had incarnated into my life. I began to go on a journey to seek and search on how I can be free from what I had grown up in…. because I realize with the manifestation of the Glory of God in my life I did not have to follow in the footsteps of my dad, grandfather, and uncle, all who were batterers. I realized I was the cornerstone of my future and the future of my children. It was my role to break the generational cycle of violence and set an example for others. For it is the darkness at home that frightens many victims more so than the fear of strangers.  Many victims feel a deep terror of being powerless at home… not realizing that they have the power to be free. It is my role to help them realize the power they must sur vive the violence at home and to be liberated from their own fear.

Violence is everywhere, in my community. In 1995, I was humbled to be asked to be a co-founder of Our House, Inc.: domestic violence and sexual assault community project within nine Mississippi Delta Counties. Because I’m propelled to reach out to other faith based leaders and fathers through prevention activities, I co-sponsored “A Father’s Conversation” Media Blitz to engage men in the movement to stop domestic violence in our community. This consisted of several television shows and photo showings of fathers who have been exposed to domestic violence. I have spoken to over 12,000 youth on building and maintaining healthy relationships. I have given my testimony to over 100 churches on who are we in the ministry and how it is our job to enlighten people on the strength within us that God has given to us to help others. I strive to live my life as a representative of Christ, teaching others His legend of love. 
The lyrics of our national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner says, “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?  Yet, victims of domestic violence are never free in their home, they are always at war.  We need to stand up and fight for victims of domestic violence.  I have found that silence is deadly when a community does not reach out to others who need support.  It is has become one of my missions to break the generational cycle of domestic violence.   I am honored to be a considered a Champion of Change honoree; but, I cannot take the credit for what God has empowered me to do. I thank God for the support and understanding of my wife (Mary) and son (Isaac). I am so thankful for the God that is within me.
International Partner: Elizabeth Petersen

My mission is intrinsically linked to advocating for and promoting the rights and human dignity of the impoverished, marginalized and families devastated by gender based violence (GBV). I'm compelled to constantly seek for inclusive diversified ways of healing, transforming and transcending the lingering affects of apartheid and all forms of oppression / discrimination in South Africa and our world. I'm committed to help create institutions that honour the unique value, worth and critical contribution that each human being brings to create a society free from violence, abuse, poverty, discrimination and oppression where we can truly live and celebrate our unity in diversity in South Africa and the world.

Ms Elizabeth Petersen is the Executive Director of South African Faith and Family Institute (SAFFI) – a multi-faith nonprofit that mobilizes and equips religious leaders and faith communities to address faith issues relating to gender-based violence. We advocate for collaboration between the faith sector, government and other GBV stakeholders to expand safety options for abused women and their families. We also advocate for appropriate legislative and restorative justice interventions for GBV perpetrators. SAFFI plays a leading role on various GBV fora and platforms in SA.
 
She is also the Director for the Western Cape Religious Leaders Forum – continue the deep and difficult work of restructuring, transformation and aligning organizational practice with good governance imperatives; as well as helping to cultivate notions of inclusivity and Ubuntu into the life and workings of the forum.
Carolyn Russell  is the Executive Director of A Safe Place, the leading domestic violence assistance non-profit. As a community leader, an administrator and educator, she has served the public for over 30 years, specializing in non-profit management, fund development and strategic planning.

 As Executive Director of A Safe Place since 1984, Ms. Russell has led the growth of the organization from its first beginnings as a phone help line to its present position as the leading agency for domestic violence support in Oakland. Her work has included designing their core Emergency Shelter Program, the innovative Teen Dating Violence Program and the integration of a wide range of community education and outreach initiatives, including Cal Works for victims receiving public assistance. Ms. Russell has led efforts in cultural responsiveness for communities of color with a specific focus on faith in the African American community. 
Dr. J.R. Thicklin  is the President and CEO of Destiny By Choice, Inc. where he is empowering lives and shaping destinies of lives impacted by domestic violence and related abuse. He is a strong advocate and activist in the plight to end domestic violence and fatherlessness. Dr. Thicklin has been on the front lines as a trailblazer addressing and raising awareness of domestic violence for over 2 decades. His work includes working for domestic violence centers, teaching, making presentations, and educating in middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities. He has spent over 32 years in ministry empowering lives across the country. 
He is the current Co-Chair for AADPP.

Born and raised in the historical city of Selma, Alabama; he possesses a unique combination of fervency and humility. His work has included working for Domestic Violence Centers and teaching and making presentations and educating in middle and high schools, colleges, and universities. His work has allowed him to work in contractual relations with Social Service Organizations including but not limited to the Dept. of Children & Families and other Child Protective Services. Thicklin is considered a subject matter expert; His vast knowledge and passionate, charismatic delivery has made him a much sought-after conference speaker, lecturer, presenter, corporate trainer, and consultant both state and nationally in the Faith and Secular Communities. His Corporate Trainings includes areas such as Cultural Competency, Diversity, Violence in the Workplace, Domestic Violence in Healthcare, The Economic Impact of Domestic Violence, The Intergenerational Impact of Domestic Violence on Children, Black Infant Mortality, The Impact of Fatherlessness just to name a few. Thicklin believes that being a father is the highest honor and most prestigious title that a man can ever have.

He has received many accommodations including the Governor’s Peace at Home Award: Educating Children; He is a member of the State of Florida Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team, the Domestic Violence Council of Palm Beach County, the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) of Palm Beach County and the Lead Director of the African American Domestic Peace Project- West Palm Beach. He sits on the Board of Directors of the Florida Network of Victim Witnesses . He has been a trainer and presenter for the State of Florida Attorney General including a much-requested speaker at the Annual National Preventing Crime in the Black Community Conference as well as the National Faith Symposium. He has been much requested by cities and municipalities in addressing domestic violence and violence as it impact their communities. He has worked and consulted in collaboration with the Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community (IDVAAC) out of the University of Minnesota addressing issues of Faith and Domestic Violence in the African American Community including as a contributing author to a National Curriculum “Speaking of Faith: Domestic Violence Programs and the African American Church . He conducts trainings, symposiums, forums and seminars for Faith Leaders and the Church at large in addressing Domestic Violence. Thicklin has appeared in many newspaper articles and on many Television and Radio Shows including TBN-Praise the Lord, as well as he hosts a National Radio Show “Hope & Healing: A Journey to Wholeness” every Monday Night

He is a Certified Cultural Competency Trainer, Anger Management Specialist, and Domestic Violence Specialist. Certified 24/7 Dad Trainer and Dr. Dad and 7 Secrets of Effective Fathering with the National Fatherhood Initiative and National Center on Fathering as well as Triple P Facilitator.

Pastor Thicklin is married to the lovely Dr. Erica R. Thicklin and they share a great burden for families and communities being transformed by the Power of God’s Love. They share a blended family and are the proud parents of five sons and two daughters and reside in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Bridget Vinson-O’Neal, MS, LBSW –IPR is a Licensed Social Worker, group facilitator, presenter and is currently the Executive Director of First Choice Social Service Non-profit agency in Garland, Texas. Mrs. Vinson-O’Neal has over 20 years of experience working with diverse populations with victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. Mrs. Vinson-O’Neal implemented the first grass root domestic violence outreach program for women of color at The Family Place in Dallas Texas.

As a known expert in the field of domestic violence, in September 2008, Mrs. Vinson-O’Neal was asked to serve in the first Texas Foundations of Change Summit on the Men’s Nonviolence Panel for the Texas Council on Family Violence.

In 2006, Mrs. Vinson-O’Neal served on the Violence Prevention Committee for the Men’s Non-violence Project Texas Council on Family Violence. Mrs. Vinson-O’Neal has been a presenter at the 2005 and 2011 Texas State BIPP Annual Conference. Most recently, Mrs. Vinson-O'Neal was appointed as part of an expert witness team for Texas to serve Texas courts in Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking cases.

Mrs. Vinson-O’Neal has earned recognition for her work in BIPP, winning the CW33 Free to Be Hero’s Award which featured a televised segment. Mrs. Vinson-O’Neal also serves her community as a member of the Dallas Fire Department Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM).

Mrs. Vinson-O'Neal is married to Kevin 18 years and has a set of 11-year-old twin girls Savannah and Nevaeh and a seven- year old son Kevin Jr.
Ms. Lashandra Vinson  is currently the Director of Programs for First Choice Social Services, Dallas TX and has over 15 years of experience working with diverse populations with the social services community. Ms. Vinson also worked as an investigator for Child Protective Services in Collin County for over 5 years ensuring child safety. 

Ms. Vinson has a bachelor in Science and a double minor in Human Services and Drug Addictions from the University of North Texas. Ms. Vinson completed her Maters program in Human Services from Capella University and is currently a certified Drug Offender Instructor with the state of Texas
Oliver J. Williams, Ph.D.,  Professor of School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota, in St. Paul. From June 1994 to September, 2016 he was the Executive Director of the Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community (IDVAAC). He has also served as the Director of the Safe Return Initiative that addresses the issues of prisoner reentry and domestic violence from 2003-2016 and Director of the African American Domestic Peace Project (AADPP) that works with community leaders in 10 cities across the United States to address domestic violence from 2010 to present. He has worked in the field of domestic violence for more than thirty-five years. Dr. Williams is a clinical practitioner; working in mental health, family therapy, substance abuse, child welfare, delinquency and sexual assault programs. He has worked in battered women's shelters, developed curricula for batterers' intervention programs and facilitated counseling groups in these programs. He has provided training across the United States and abroad on research and service-delivery surrounding partner abuse.
He has been appointed to several national advisory committees and task forces from the Center for Disease Control, U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Office on Women’s Health, and the U.S. Department of Education. He has been a board member of various domestic violence and human service organization including the early days of the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1999-2000 and the National Family Justice Center Alliance Advisory Board, 2006 to 2016. In 2000, he was appointed to the National Advisory Council on Domestic Violence by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and U.S. Attorney General. In 2010 he hosted a roundtable on youth and violence for the U.S. Attorney General and participated in a roundtable with the U.S. Attorney General on issues related to fatherhood. He also participated in a Whitehouse Roundtable on Fatherhood and Domestic Violence. He has conducted training for the U.S. Military Family Advocacy programs in the U.S. and abroad. He has presented to numerous Family Violence, Research and Practice organizations in the United States, Kenya, Canada, United Kingdom and Germany. In 2015 Dr. Williams was invited to speak at the United Nations about domestic violence among Africans in the United States and in Africa. His research and publications in scholarly journals, books, reports and DVD’s have centered on creating service delivery strategies to reduce violent behavior and support victims of abuse. He has consulted with the NFL, MLB and NBA on issues related to domestic violence. Dr. Williams has received many awards among them include an award from the American Psychological Association, a International “Telly Award” for his documentary work; the National “Shelia Wellstone Institute Award” related to his National work on Domestic Violence and a Distinguish Alumni Award from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Social Work. Dr. Williams received a bachelor's degree in social work from Michigan State University; a Masters in Social Work from Western Michigan University; a Masters in Public Health and a PH.D in Social Work both from the University of Pittsburgh.
Videos and Articles by
AADPP and Partnerships
Speaking of Faith

A Curriculum on Domestic Violence Programs and The African American Church

Read more
nebula.wsimg.com
Reflections of our training | ourhousevoices

The AADPP Team hosted a 4 day training in August 2019 in Mississippi. Pictures, articles and videos are listed on this page.

Read more
www.ourhousevoices.com

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE &
SEXUAL ASSAULT
Resource Links

Domestic Violence


MSCASA

MCADV

RAINN-Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network

Resource Sharing Project for Rural Communities

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Sexual Assault Resources

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence

Our House, Inc.

The National Center Violence Against Women in the Black Community

Woman of Color Network
June is Elderly Abuse Awareness Month

Dear Advocates, Service Providers, and Friends,

We hope that this letter finds you well. Are things beginning to return to “normal” where you are, as the COVID-19 curve starts to flatten? Or are you in “lockdown”? Or maybe physical isolation never really happened where you are? We’d love to hear from you about what’s going on!

COVID-19 has highlighted how important community and connections are to resilience, recovery, and healing. As a Technical Assistance Provider for the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), Safe Havens can help to increase these community connections by helping you strengthen relationships with your local faith communities. As you know, building trusting relationships with faith leaders can lead to increased referrals and wider access to your services. Since 2009, we have developed toolkits, provided trainings, and presented webinars to support this work...

Safe Havens is hoping that this newsletter series will help raise awareness AND remind your community that your agency continues to provide high-quality services to any adult facing abuse.

Thank you for all the many ways you support people experiencing abuse,
 
Anne Marie Hunter, Director and Alyson Morse Katzman, Associate Director 

(Click here for) Resources

SPECIAL NOTE : We do not endorse the purchasing of any items. We are ONLY sharing information that may be useful to survivors and advocates.
Message from our Executive Director
I can not ignore the violence against the Black/African American Communities.... many of us have been brought to our kneels to ask "why."

The VIOLENCE MUST STOP!

RACISM is HURTING US ALL!

I do understand the underlining meaning of "I can't Breathe." As a black woman today, I grieve for the younger generation that may not survive this tragedy and all other hidden, sudden and bias signs of racism in our government, cities, churches and the heart of christians. I grieve for those that continue to fight violence with more violence, increasing the deaths of our black children. We must stop! We must BREATHE, together, for peace in our land!

Sincerely,
Dr. Patricia Ann Davenport
Executive Director
Our House, Inc.
WORDS FROM OTHERS
Dear Colleagues,

We join others across the country to express our outrage over continued violence against the Black community in our country. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, David McAtee, Ahmaud Arbery and Tony McDade are the most recent victims of murder but generations of Black people, Indigenous people, and communities of color have been devastated and traumatized by racism and white supremacy. 

We bear witness to and lament the pain and despair this trauma has caused and recognize that, to achieve our mission of ending violence, we must work to dismantle racism along with all other forms of oppression.

We stand with the Black community to demand fundamental change, at all levels, including the individual level. Because, true allyship requires all of us to acknowledge how we have been complicit in allowing racism to continue and, then, to stop being complicit. It requires a commitment to disrupting racism and white supremacy in our personal and professional lives and also advocating for systemic reforms around rac ism. It requires us to listen to the voices of Black people, Indigenous people, and communities of color, follow their lead and take action. 

Black lives matter.

In solidarity,
Center on Victimization and Safety
Vera Institute of Justice 
34 35th Street, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Nationwide Voices from
Victim Advocates/Agencies
about the current upraise of racial violence
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black man
The violence must stop against the
Black/African American Race!
All Lives Matters
Discussion videos from 2016 to today!
These videos may contain graphic content.
Viewer discretion is advised.
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."- MLK
Peace and Unity is needed!
Our House, Inc.

Mailing Address: Post Office Box 3956,
Greenville, MS 38704

Email Address: ourhouse@ourhousenewbirth.com

Website: ourhousevoices.com

Office Phone: 662-334-6873
Crisis Helpline: 662-332-5683
Toll Free Helpline: 1-833-279-5683
Our Vision Statement
A world without interpersonal violence.

Our Mission Statement
To lead, empower and inspire change by eliminating domestic violence and sexual violence through intervention, prevention, prosecution, victim protection and sustainable restoration in rural communities; and, to enhance the lives of survivors of interpersonal violence by providing services that meet the psychological, spiritual and cultural needs of those we serve.