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NNEDV Thanks Fall 2016 Interns

December 5, 2016

Every semester, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) is enhanced by an inspiring, driven, and talented group of interns. This fall was no exception. Our work to end domestic violence is supported by interns and we are beyond thankful for their contributions. And now, let us introduce the fall 2016 dream team:

Sydney Axelrod, American University, class of 2016, interned with our Development and Communications team.

  • My favorite thing that I learned while interning at NNEDV is… that it takes a variety of projects and perspectives to end violence, since there are so many factors that contribute to domestic violence. I loved learning about NNEDV’s different departments and team members, as well as seeing how each of their projects helps end domestic violence.
  • One thing that everyone should know about DV is… there are many factors that contribute to domestic violence, which impacts all aspects of life. Before interning at NNEDV, I had never realized that domestic violence relates to so many widespread issues, like animal abuse or HIV/AIDS.
  • I’ll continue to be involved in the movement to end violence against women by… actively speaking up for vulnerable groups and individuals.
  • My favorite thing about interning with NNEDV was… working in an environment where everyone shared the common goal of ending violence. Even though NNEDV has several departments that work to accomplish individual projects, everyone’s work contributes to the overarching goal of creating a world without domestic violence.

Quinn Novak, University of Richmond School of Law, class of 2017, interned with our Public Policy and WomensLaw teams.

  • My favorite thing that I learned while interning at NNEDV is… how state divorce and custody laws differ across the country. During my WomensLaw externship, I was able to immerse myself in these state statutes and learn about family law outside of my Virginia experience. It is amazing to compare the reasons you can get a divorce in the different states and how restrictive certain states are so that someone may feel like they have no way out of their marriage.
  • One thing that everyone should know about DV is… where to go if they or someone they know ever needed help or assistance. I think it is important that everyone knows their rights and how to go through the legal process of escaping a violent abuser.
  • I’ll continue to be involved in the movement to end violence against women by… Working to help domestic violence victims and survivors, both through my judicial clerkship next year where I can assist my judge in enforcing injunctions and protective orders or working on pro bono domestic violence cases in the future once I have passed the bar.
  • My favorite thing about interning with NNEDV was… all the great people working for this organization! NNEDV is filled with a group of very passionate leaders who want to make a positive change in the world of domestic violence. Everyone was so welcoming and I really felt like a part of the team!

Alex Taylor, University of Georgia, class of 2014, interned with our Public Policy team.

  • My favorite thing that I learned while interning at NNEDV is… the incredible amount of work and love that goes into compiling the survey responses from Domestic Violence Counts: National Census of Domestic Violence Services. This is a 24-hour census of domestic violence shelters and services, where they submit how many people were served on that day, how many hotline calls were received, how many unmet requests there were, stories and experiences of survivors and advocates, and more. This information provides a snapshot into how crucial these life-saving services are to survivors and how much work we still have left.
  • One thing that everyone should know about DV is… that financial abuse occurs in 99 percent of domestic violence cases and that this can become one of the primary reasons a victim stays with the abuser. The abuser will oftentimes ensure that the victim cannot keep a job or will limit the victim’s access to his or her finances, creating a devastating impact for the survivor’s short-term and long-term safety. NNEDV works to strengthen victim advocates’ financial capabilities through the Economic Justice Project to better assist survivors of domestic violence move from short-term safety to long-term security and to an economically sustainable independent life. If I had to mention one other thing that everyone should show about domestic violence, I would say that instead of asking, “Why doesn’t the victim just leave?” we should start asking, “Why does the abuser abuse?” We have to start the work to reframe the conversation surrounding domestic violence, and we can’t be afraid to have those hard conversations with the people in our lives.
  • I’ll continue to be involved in the movement to end violence against women by… I am hoping to enroll in law school for the Fall 2017 semester, where I would love to continue focusing on women’s rights and being an advocate for women.
  • My favorite thing about interning with NNEDV was… The people! I enjoy coming to work every day to a positive environment, where everyone is passionate about the work that they do. Putting survivors’ needs first is at the forefront of all of NNEDV’s work.