Supporter Spotlight: Doreen Davis
Doreen Davis is a longtime supporter of Women Against Abuse who has used her expertise in traditional labor law to assist WAA for over two decades. Davis is a partner at Morgan Lewis where she also serves as co-chair of the national Traditional Labor Practice and Assistant Practice Group Manager for Labor and Employment Practice for Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Why do you volunteer your time with WAA?
My mother was a victim of domestic violence, so I grew up in that milieu. I have always been very dedicated to the cause. Working with Women Against Abuse is a good way of combining what I do and providing service for something I believe in.
Can you describe the work you do for WAA?
I give advice and counseling involving the unionized work force. I have negotiated all the collective bargaining agreements, tried arbitration cases, and handled unfair labor practices that have come up over the years...A lot of people are reluctant to do pro bono work because it might not be in their precise area of expertise, but I am giving advice that I give all the time. It’s very comfortable and it makes me feel good that I am helping a cause I truly believe in.
Up-Coming Events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October
Please join us for our events in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month!
iPledge Campaign Press Conference
October 8, 12:00-1:00pm
The Dragon at Drexel University
Official launch of the 2nd annual iPledge Campaign, a month-long initiative to raise awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence and call on individuals to take a stand against abuse. Learn more and make your pledge at iPledgeWAA.org
Documentary Screening
October 21, 6:30-7:30pm
Free Library of Philadelphia, Central Branch, Skyline Room
Screening of our recently-completed documentary that delineates the grave impact of domestic violence in Philadelphia, while highlighting the work and successes of WAA. A short Q&A panel discussion with experts in domestic violence will follow the viewing.
Second Annual Walk to End Domestic Violence
October 24, registration at 9 am / walk begins at 10:30am
West River Drive, Philadelphia
Sponsored by State Senator LeAnna Washington to benefit Women Against Abuse and all of the domestic violence organizations that collaborate on the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline.
Dish It Up!
October 29, 6:00-9:00pm
Moore College of Art and Design, Philadelphia
Join us for our annual fundraising event as ten of Philadelphia’s top women-owned or operated restaurants compete for the first ever Purple Dish Award. The evening will include a screening of the documentary, a sampling of the prepared dishes, dancing, and cocktails.
For more information on these and other events, check out our Events Page.
WAA Expands Educational Services
WAA is hiring two part-time educators to expand its outreach to more local public schools this fall. Thanks to a grant from the Department of Human Services, WAA will triple the size of its STAR program (Students Talking About Relationships), which facilitates semester-long or year-long discussions about healthy relationships and how to help a friend in an abusive relationship. The program will take place in three high schools throughout the city, including Overbrook High School in West Philadelphia. WAA's Community Education and Training Coordinator, Azucena Ugarte, is excited to educate more teens about healthy relationships, help students break the generational cycle of violence, and empower Philadelphia’s youth to lead lives free from abuse.
New Research on Strangulation
As both a leading service provider and major advocate for victims of domestic violence, WAA is pleased to step into the world of research. The agency has partnered with doctoral candidate Manisha Joshi from the University of Pennsylvania to facilitate research on the effects of strangulation on survivors of domestic violence. Past research on the subject has failed to examine an individual's life after attempted strangulation, how people cope with that experience, and how often strangulation victims utilize the resources available to them. WAA believes it is important to contribute its first hand knowledge to this field, and expects the research findings to enhance the agency's services.
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