Latest news from DCADV!

Hello,

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Men’s Health Month, and National PTSD Awareness Month. I want to take a moment to acknowledge all these important campaigns.

LGBTQ+ Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate the lesbian, gay, transgender, and queer community. It is also important to note that the LGBTQ+ community experiences intimate partner violence. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) 2010 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), lesbian and bisexual women are more likely to experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime than straight women. According to the 2015 United States Transgender Survey, transgender people experience IPV at higher rates than cisgender people. This data tells one story; the personal experiences of IPV victims tell us more and highlight the need for responsive, trauma-informed services throughout our state. Many thanks to the agencies that serve the LGBTQ+ community! Be sure to check out DCADV's LGBTQIA+ resource page.

Men’s Health Month highlights the importance of raising awareness about physical and emotional health for young boys and men. Although women are more likely to experience domestic violence, men can also be victims. Men’s stories are often not shared because of fear or even shame. Men can suffer physical and tremendous emotional harm from intimate partner violence. Engaging men in the work of addressing domestic violence can help broaden support and understanding. Engaging men can also help young men understand healthy relationships. Many thanks to the agencies that provide safety and health services to men!

National PTSD Awareness Month helps us raise awareness and understanding of post-traumatic stress disorders. PTSD can happen to anyone who experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, including domestic violence. PTSD can have a long-term impact on physical and emotional health. This awareness month highlights the importance of trauma-informed approaches. Many thanks to agencies that engage in trauma-informed responses!

Many, many thanks to those who provide services and support to the LGBTQ+ community, those who engage in efforts to foster men’s health, and the many advocates who offer trauma-informed services!

Peace,

Sue Ryan, Executive Director

On May 4-5, 2026, over 140 advocates, service providers, preventionists, and survivors gathered in Rehoboth Beach, DE for DCADV’s 25th Advocates’ Training & Networking Event. This year’s theme, “Still Standing, Still Strong: 25 Years of Power and Progress,” allowed us to explore how our advocacy community is the essence of this work and how we’ve made progress possible to improve conditions for survivors, families, and communities. Over the two days, attendees participated in 15 workshop sessions and 2 keynote sessions. The first day’s keynote panel, “Still Standing. Still Strong. Still Showing Up,” featured an honest and energizing conversation with five seasoned advocates (with 167 years of experience between them) who shared why victim advocacy matters now more than ever, how they’ve navigated secondary trauma, and the real-world strategies that have helped them build sustainable, impactful careers. For the second day’s keynote, we were joined by Tara Gush, a transformational coach, speaker, and founder of The Kollective Shift. Tara discussed her SHIFT framework, which explores how nervous system regulation restores choice, strengthens critical thinking, and rebuilds resilience not only for survivors, but for the advocates who support them. Some of the workshop topics included culturally-informed practices for serving survivors; fair housing policies; advocacy for criminalized survivors; addressing childhood trauma; and fostering wellness and healing practices. This two-day conference was jam-packed with education, networking, sun, and sand! For more information about the event and the sessions offered, visit www.dcadv.org/retreat.

This webinar explores how to create supportive, welcoming environments at home, work, school, and in the community. Participants will learn practical strategies for fostering emotional safety, having difficult conversations, and supporting mental well-being, while also learning about Sean’s House as a community safe space for young adults.

Presenter: Angela Pugliese, Director, Sean's House

This presentation explores the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) confidentiality protections, outlining statutory requirements, best practices, and survivor‑centered approaches for sharing client information. Participants will gain practical guidance on consent, disclosure, and safeguarding personally identifying information.

Trainers: Elaine Ansah & Sue Ryan

Over the past few months, our Prevention Team has been partnering with our awesome community partners to bring resources and support to residents of Delaware! In March, DCADV presented on the intersections of Intimate Partner Violence Prevention and the LGBTQIA+ Community with the Delaware Anti-Violence Project. Our Prevention Director, Joe, also sat on a panel discussing Engaging Men with Delaware’s Legislative Women’s Caucus and participated in the Empowered Futures Resource Fair hosted by The Partnership for Healthy Communities, an event that offered resources and support for members of the LGBTQIA+ Community downstate.

Day for Housing: DCADV sponsored a resource table at the Housing Alliance of Delaware’s Day for Housing, where advocates connected at Legislative Hall and shared resources to support safe, affordable housing. Staff also met with legislators to discuss housing priorities, including zoning reform, rent stabilization, and eviction protections.

DCADV advocacy day: DCADV staff, members of the Women of Color Task Force, and Women Empowered Against Violence in Every Relationship shared resources at Legislative Hall and met with legislators to highlight key initiatives, legislative priorities, and the need for $1 million in state funding to help domestic violence providers address anticipated VOCA funding shortfalls and maintain critical services.

Who inspires you? Nominate an individual for the Vision of Peace or Spirit of Advocacy Award; or a business or corporation in Delaware for the Corporate Citizenship Award! Nominations will be accepted until Midnight on June 30, 2026.

2026 CHW Advocacy Day! Community Health Workers (CHWs) act as a vital bridge between healthcare systems and communities by improving access to care and enhancing the quality and cultural responsiveness of health services.

Advocate’s Privilege passed the House! The bill protects confidential communications between victims and trained victim advocates, strengthening privacy and support for survivors seeking services and assistance.

DCADV was proud to be a part of a powerful event featuring Mackenzie Phillips in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention & Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The great library tour of 2026 was a huge success! Many thanks to Delaware’s awesome library system! Every library in the state has domestic violence resources now. If you need resources just let us know!

WOCTF participated in outreach events, including United Way’s Student Empowerment Summit and DEBCC’s Minority Health Fair, and members Carolyn Morgan and Diane Postell presented in DCADV’s UD Course. The task force also hosted its annual Fun at Five gathering at the Advocate’s Conference.

Save the Date: On October 24, WOCTF will host a conference on domestic violence in faith-based communities of color for pastors and church leaders across Delaware. More details coming soon.

WEAVER members stayed active this spring, attending community events including the Pathways to Thriving Summit, DSU Health Fair, and CHILD, Inc. Family Resource Fair. Members also shared domestic violence resources and spoke with students in DCADV’s UD course about their experiences as survivors.

What if everyone in Delaware knew where to find help and more people were ready to provide it? This is possible because of members like YOU!

Your membership supports outreach, training, advocacy, and survivor services year-round, helping more people get the support they need and strengthening our communities’ response to domestic violence.

August 3, 2026 - Combined Campaign for Justice Golf Outing to Support Delaware's Legal Aid Agencies

Registration is now open for the 11th annual Combined Campaign for Justice Cup on Monday, August 3, 2026, at the DuPont Country Club in Wilmington! This golf outing raises funds for the Combined Campaign for Justice (CCJ), which helps support Delaware’s three civil legal aid organizations (CLASI, DVLS, and LSCD) and their work on behalf of vulnerable and underserved communities, including free legal help for survivors of domestic violence. Learn more and register here: https://delawareccj.org/our-events/

Check out the latest blog from Nick Beard, CLASI staff attorney, and Margaretta Kroeger, Director of Communications, CLASI, about the intersection of DV and eviction, the role of the legal aid agencies, and the Right to Representation in Evictions law.