Admission

The Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence, which is a coalition made up of domestic violence programs in Iowa, admits that it is a primarily white coalition dominated by white women. We recognized that the combination of racial prejudice and the power that enforces that prejudice exits in all facets of ICADV on an individual, as well as an institutional level. We know that European Americans benefit from privileges that are not available to people of color. We acknowledge that the voices of women of color have not been heard. The institutionalization of white feminist thinking and values creates and maintains an environment within the Coalition that prevents full participation of women of color as leaders, advocates, and women seeking services.

We acknowledge that white women in the anti-domestic violence movement individually and collectively share the responsibility for creating this environment.  We acknowledge that it is the responsibility of white women in the movement to change this environment.