Highlights of Past Projects and Programs

Safety & Self Defense Classes

In response to a sexual assault of an off-duty female police officer in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Women Against Violence sponsored free Safety & Self-Defense classes. The 6-week program was lead by Cookie Melendez, self-defense expert who taught safety tips and techniques.

Movie in the Park

In June, Women Against Violence held their first annual "Movie in the Park" event in Shore Road Park featuring the film "Enough" starring Jennifer Lopez. "Enough" is about a domestic violence victim who pursues safety for herself and her child. The movie was shown as a part of WAV's outreach program to empower women and their families to stay free of violence.

V-Day Brooklyn 2004

Benefit Production of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues”, sponsored by Women Against Violence was performed at the Richard Perry Theatre of the Polytechnic Country Day School to a sold-out audience. The Vagina Warriors who performed included: Carol Higgins-Clark, Author and Actor; Linda Stasi, New York Post Entertainment Reporter and NY 1 New Host; Evelyn Iocolano, Actor; Mary Molluso, Actor and Janis Shodowski was the Director. Proceeds benefited Women Against Violence.

Ellison Youth Center Art Therapy Program

With a grant from Save the Children, Inc., creative arts therapists worked with children at the Ellison Youth Center, an after-school program in the Bedford Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn providing art therapy for children affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City.

Post-9/11 Counseling Program

Through a grant from Save the Children, Inc. Women Against Violence provided free counseling to adults and children who were impacted by the tragedy at the World Trade Center. Individual and group counseling was provided free of charge to members of the community.

Wyn Center of the Police Athletic League

A mural project was implemented for the youth at this after school program in the Bedford Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn. This project was in response to the tragic death of a former Wyn Center graduate Timothy Stansbury who was accidentally shot by a police officer on the rooftop of a neighborhood building this past January. The project helped the young people of this community understand and manage their anger over the loss of their friend.

Communikids Therapy Program

This program is designed for young children, ages 3-4 ½ and their parents. It meets once per week for 6 weeks, the parents join for a parenting group led by a professional, while their children participate in a play therapy group in another room with a therapist trained to work with young children. With support from Save the Children, Inc in 2002-2004 we were able to offer numerous cycles of this program.

Self-Defense Classes

Women Against Violence offers classes in self-defense for women that help build confidence, fitness and teach basic skills so that women can protect themselves. The classes are taught by certified instructors with a background in martial arts, kickboxing and defense training.