CDC Funds Nine State Coalitions to Address Domestic Violence Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently awarded more than $2.6 million to nine state domestic violence coalitions to help develop and coordinate activities to prevent domestic violence in communities across the country.

Funding for the Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancement Leadership Through Alliances (DELTA) projects has been awarded to Delaware, Florida, Michigan, Montana, New York State, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginian, and Wisconsin.

"Violence against women is a major public health problem with devastating health implications. These grants are part of an ongoing effort by this Department to develop effective domestic violence prevention programs in communities across the country," Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said. "It will not be simple or easy to stop domestic violence and help its victims. But we can and must do it. In doing so, we can prevent pain, anguish and health problems in generations to come."

Twenty-five percent of women report physical or sexual assault by a current or former partner during their lifetime. Research shows a correlation between domestic violence and arthritis; chronic neck, back and pelvic pain; migraine headaches; stomach ulcers; spastic colon; and other digestive diseases. Victims of abuse have higher rates of unintended and rapid repeat pregnancy, significantly higher risk for sexually transmitted diseases -including HIV, invasive cervical cancer; multiple mental health problems including PTSD, depression, panic attacks and insomnia; and various gynecological problems.

The health impact does not stop there. Victims of domestic violence also have higher rates of injurious health behaviors such as tobacco and substance abuse and fewer preventative health behaviors including early access to pre-natal care, pap smears, and mammography.

CDC selected the coalitions based on their abilities to develop prevention initiatives, coordinate services and mobilize communities to respond to domestic violence. In addition to developing, implementing and evaluating a community-coordinated response, they will also provide technical assistance, training, and funding to local communities to help foster successful prevention programs.

"Communities are doing a great deal of work in this area, and the approaches to responding to and preventing domestic violence vary. Our goal for these state projects is to introduce a prevention focus to domestic violence. What we learn can be shared with others. We believe it is important to learn what works well and share that information broadly. A state-by-state approach is one very effective way of doing that," said CDC Director Dr. Julie Louise Gerberding.

Notes to the Editor

Delta funding:

Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence $199,920

Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence $406,372

Michigan Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence $300,000

Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence $200,000

New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence $374,000

North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence $288,064

Ohio Domestic Violence Network $323,223

Virginians Against Domestic Violence $293,978

Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence. $300,000

For additional information from CDC's Injury Center visit: http://www.cdc.gov/injury.

President's Proclamation issues for National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

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CDC protects people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations.