From January to September 2023, Global Rights for Women conducted a needs assessment on North Dakota’s response to domestic violence on behalf of CAWS North Dakota. Under the guidance of CAWS ND and the project Planning Committee, Global Rights for Women interviewed survivors and advocates to identify survivors’ needs and assess systems’ responses.
In total, 27 survivors and 32 advocates shared their insights.
Domestic violence service providers (i.e. advocates) in the state were overwhelmingly identified as life lines for finding safety and rebuilding lives.
At the same time, significant gaps in resources, staffing, and competency of some involved in the response to domestic violence exacerbate the challenges survivors face.
Click to read the full report or two-page summary below. We hope the voices of survivors and advocates shared in this needs assessment can facilitate meaningful action toward increased accountability for domestic violence offenders and success in reaching and liberating more survivors.
