Celebrating Women's History: Their Courage in the Domestic Violence Movement

Throughout history, women have been at the forefront of various social movements, advocating for change, justice, and equality. One of many movements where women have played a pivotal role is the fight against domestic violence. From grassroots activists to influential leaders, women have spearheaded efforts to raise awareness, provide support, and enact legislative changes to combat this prevalent and pervasive issue. This article explores the history of domestic violence and highlights several courageous women who’ve challenged the status quo and carved pathways to end domestic violence.

Historical Domestic Violence Timeline

Women experiencing violence at the hands of men stems way back to ancient times. The Code of Hammurabi (2250 BC) is one of the first legalized examples of patriarchy, instilling violent and deranged ideals of women: women are the property of men, women don’t deserve as much as men, and women should never have as much as men. In early Roman law, the marital power of the husband was absolute with the ability to chastise the wife to the point of killing her.

For thousands of years, domestic violence has been beyond the reach of law or intervention, leaving women in the shadows of silence, shame, and death. But over the years, determined women refused to accept this status quo. They bravely stepped forward, speaking out against the brutality inflicted upon them within the confines of their homes, and in doing so, they ignited a movement that would change the course of history

Abigail Adams

In 1776, Abigail Adams penned a famous letter to her husband, John Adams, urging him to "remember the ladies" when drafting the Declaration of Independence. She advocated for women's rights and equality and expressed her desire for women to have a voice in the newly formed nation's laws and governance.

Despite her impassioned plea, her husband's response reflected the prevailing attitudes of the time. John Adams’ response to his wife was, “I cannot but laugh. We know better than to repeal our Masculine systems,” dismissing her concerns and reinforcing gender roles.

Domestic Violence Cases in the U.S.

In the 1824 Mississippi case, Bradley vs. State, the Supreme Court allowed a husband to administer “moderate chastisement in case of emergencies,” where spousal abuse was used to “punish” his wife for subjective wrongdoing or to “protect” the husband from his wife’s subjective wrongdoing.

In the 1871 Alabama case, Fulgham v. State, Alabama became the first U.S. state to rescind the legal right for men to beat their wives. However, Reva Siegel, author of “The Rule of Love": Wife Beating as Prerogative and Privacy (2136-39), suggests the eradication of the right of chastisement has often been racialized. Siegel notes that Fulgham v. State is an early case denying the right of chastisement, which involved a Black couple in the South, and suggests the ruling was motivated more by disrespect for the husband than respect for the wife.

Mari Sandoz

In the 1930s, Mari Sandoz wrote the book Old Jules, recounting the violence inflicted upon her family by her father. Through vivid storytelling, Sandoz exposed the cycle of abuse and its profound impact on individuals and communities.

Her work sparked conversations about the prevalence of domestic violence in historical contexts and highlighted the need for societal awareness and intervention.

Pioneers in the Modern Domestic Violence Movement

The modern domestic violence movement in the U.S. traces its roots back to the 1960s–70s and the Women's Liberation Movement; a time of immense social upheaval and feminist awakening. Women began challenging the entrenched power structures that perpetuated gender-based violence, demanding recognition of their rights and dignity within their own homes.

Del Martin

In 1976, Del Martin, a feminist and gay-rights activist, published Battered Wives, a major source of information and validation for the domestic violence movement. Martin’s publication is an analysis of domestic violence, describes its seriousness and how legal systems fail women, and legitimates the view that violence against women is caused by sexism.

Ellen Pence

In the 1980s, Ellen Pence, a social worker co-founded the Duluth Model, developed at the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project in Duluth, Minnesota. The Duluth Model is a groundbreaking approach to understanding and combating domestic violence. This model emphasized the importance of holding perpetrators accountable while providing support and resources to abuse survivors. Pence's work laid the foundation for many of the intervention strategies used in domestic violence prevention programs today.

Tracey Thurman

Tracey Motuzick’s (formerly Tracey Thurman) courageous legal battle following severe abuse by her husband resulted in a groundbreaking court ruling that held law enforcement agencies accountable for failing to protect domestic violence victims. Her case brought national attention to the inadequacies in responding to domestic violence and spurred reforms in police training and procedures.

Thurman’s case, advocacy, and resilience led to Connecticut’s 1986 Family Violence Prevention and Response Act, as well as a 1989 movie called A Cry For Help based on Thurman’s story, improved support and legal protections for countless survivors of domestic abuse.

Diane Stuart

Women like Ellen Pence and Diane Stuart, with extensive public service and commitment to the area of domestic abuse, worked tirelessly to raise awareness about domestic violence and develop strategies for intervention and support. Their efforts culminated in the passage of landmark legislation like the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 1994, which provides crucial resources for victims and survivors.

Beverly Gooden

The domestic violence movement owes much of its success to the courage and resilience of survivors-turned-activists. Women like Beverly Gooden, who sparked the viral #WhyIStayed hashtag on social media, have used their own experiences to shed light on the complex dynamics of abuse and challenge victim-blaming attitudes. Their voices have resonated far and wide, breaking the silence and stigma surrounding domestic violence and inspiring others to speak out.

Tarana Burke

Moreover, women from marginalized communities have been at the forefront of intersectional advocacy within the domestic violence movement. Activists like Tarana Burke, founder of the #MeToo movement, have exposed the ugly truths of sexism and highlighted the disproportionate impact of domestic violence on women of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, calling for a more inclusive and intersectional approach to addressing gender-based violence.

Celebrating Women’s Profound Contributions to the Domestic Violence Movement

As we celebrate Women's History Month, it is essential to recognize the profound contributions of women to the domestic violence movement. Their courage, resilience, and determination have transformed the way society perceives and responds to intimate partner violence. But the work is far from over. Despite significant progress, domestic violence continues to plague individuals, families, and communities worldwide, reminding us of the urgent need for continued advocacy, support, and solidarity.

In honoring the women who have paved the way in the fight against domestic violence, we also reaffirm our commitment to safety for those who are or may be experiencing intimate partner violence–regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation. As we look to the future, let us draw inspiration from the trailblazers of the past and rededicate ourselves to building a more just and equitable society for generations to come.

myPlanMarch 26, 2024