History

NDCAWS was formed in 1978 as an informal group of five programs which had organized across the state of North Dakota to provide shelter and advocacy to battered women. In June of 1980, it was incorporated in the State of North Dakota. 1979 was a critical year, solidifying a statewide coalition through the passage of the state’s first domestic violence protection order statute. In 1981, a director was hired through a grant from the federal Law Enforcement Assistance Administration. In 1992, the Council on Abused Women’s Services merged with the Coalition Against Sexual Assault in North Dakota. NDCAWS continues to seek legislation, policy, and systems changes to promote victim safety and offender accountability. Its 21 member programs serve on a variety of committees and forums designed to take action on specific relevant issues.

Mission

The mission of NDCAWS/CASAND is to provide leadership and support in the identification, intervention, and prevention of domestic and sexual violence. 

Goals 

  • Prepare the organization NDCAWS/CASAND for changing needs in society.
  • Strengthen the NDCAWS/CASAND coalition, strengthen support for local programs and agencies that provide direct service, and energize program leaders through systematic professional development.
  • Raise state-wide and region-wide awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault by promoting the NDCAWS/CASAND statement of values to the community and region.
  • Advocate, sponsor and create appropriate legislation.
  • Identify and address gaps in service.
  • Improve the stability of member programs and for NDCAWS/CASAND through the development of financial opportunity.
  • NDCAWS/CASAND will be a source of information and training, across the state and region, on issues of domestic violence and sexual assault.
  • Improve the communication between NDCAWS/CASAND and member programs through the development of communication guidelines.
  • Raise statewide visibility of the Council on Abused Women’s Services/Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
  • Monitor and evaluate the status of goals in the five year strategic plan.