DWA FANM is recognized as tax exempt under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Dwa Fanm's comprehensive programs have been developed in response to the urgent needs facing women and girls in the Haitian and broader black immigrant communities. We strive to improve the lives of women and girls by providing programs and services that have been designed to give them the tools they need to lead safe, healthy, and self-sufficient lives. To this end, Dwa Fanm maintains five core programs that address three broad issues: Violence Against Women; Poverty; and Human Rights.

ADDRESSING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Violence against women is one of the most widespread violations of human rights - At least 1 in 3 women in the world has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime. Usually, the abuser is a member of her own family or someone known to her.

To address this epidemic of violence against women and girls in our communities, Dwa Fanm implements the following two programs:

Tonel Lavi ("Life's Roof")

Tonel Lavi ("Life's Roof"), our Domestic Violence Program, works towards the physical safety of women ages eighteen and older and their children who are victims domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault. It organizes and builds leadership among women in central Brooklyn and educates women about the relationship between violence against women and HIV/AIDS. The program provides workshops to church leaders and congregations in our community, and uses interactive radio and television to reach and engage men in discussions around gender issues. The program administers one emergency dwelling, transitional housing assistance, and emergency funds.

Jistis Pou Fanm ("Justice for Women")

Jistis Pou Fanm ("Justice for Women") is a public policy and civil legal service program that provides culturally- and linguistically-competent, comprehensive legal assistance for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault who are immigrant women, and particularly those who are French and Creole speaking. The program creates public policy and community debates around criminal justice issues, while advocating and organizing on specific criminal justice problems faced by Haitian and other immigrant women. The program also increases legal literacy among immigrant women in New York City through peer education and street outreach.