The inception of Voices Against Violence for Women and Children was inspired by my life.

Gwendolyn Odom

Gwendolyn Odom
President / Founder

The inception of Voices Against Violence for Women and Children was inspired by a true story of my life. I am very passionate about this organization and hold it dear to heart because, I too, was a victim of domestic violence, and, fortunately, I was self-sufficient. However, there are many who are not and are forced to remain with their abuser due to lack of resources. Here in America, statistics show that a woman is killed every 15 seconds and abused every 9 seconds. I believe that one person cannot help everybody, but, one person can help somebody. This is why it is imperative that we band together to STOP domestic violence.

It’s all too often we hear about a new tragedy happening in one of our communities, and no matter how near or far, we question our sense of safety. For those families who have survived terrible acts of violence, the idea of “sanctuary” lies in tatters. And thanks to the 24-hour news cycle and social networking, the rest of us experience trauma vicariously.
Sadly, our communities are also rocked by quieter, less public tragedies happening in the home. Many children grow up learning that violence is strength. They learn that hurting others is an appropriate response to anger, disappointment, or fear. They learn that “power” means power over other people. They learn it when they see one of their parents controls the other parent through manipulation or physical force and when adults strike children as punishment for misbehavior. They see it normalized on television and in movies. They learn that no place is safe. Voices Against Violence for Women and Children was birthed to empower women and children who are victims of domestic abuse.

We are a society in desperate need of healing. Only by working together to create a culture of respect can we find peace and strength. Voices Against Violence for Women and Children was birthed to empower women and children who are victims of domestic abuse.
We currently offer comprehensive and cohesive counseling to women and children through our Victim’s Advocate, Assistance with Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (at no cost), Empowerment Workshops (Pain to Power), Moving Beyond Shame), temporary shelter assistance, job-readiness skills and much more.