Emerging issues in domestic violence research: Worrying trends across the United States and what's being done to protect and advocate for survivors

It's 2024, and domestic violence is still:

• the leading cause of houselessness among women and children,
• the leading cause of injury to women in America aged 15 to 44 - more than car accidents, muggings and stranger rape combined,
• closely linked with reproductive coercion, even in states like California.

Professor Jane Stoever, the speaker at our May luncheon, is one of the premier experts in the field. Jane will bring us up to speed on the factors behind these infuriating statistics, emerging issues in research on the topic, and the initiatives she and others are leading to combat domestic violence and advocate for survivors locally and nationally.

Jane teaches family law and legal ethics, and directs the UCI Law Domestic Violence Clinic, which represents abuse survivors in civil, criminal, immigration, and policy interventions in abuse. She also directs the interdisciplinary UCI Initiative to End Family Violence, and co-chairs the Orange County Domestic Violence Death Review Team.

She has advised the Obama and Biden administrations on domestic violence policy, and has received numerous awards for her service and advocacy.

This is going to be a very informative luncheon for many of us who may not understand just how pervasive domestic violence is or how closely connected it is to other ills affecting women and children including poverty, job loss and being unhoused.

We are very fortunate that Jane is taking time out of her busy schedule to speak to WIL, and hope you will join us.

The Orange County Registrar has reported final results for the 2022 general election, and we are thrilled to announce that 27 WIL candidates have been elected or reelected.

WIL was able to donate to a record number of women this year thanks to the generosity of our members and supporters. We are so proud of all the women who stepped up to represent our values and protect our rights, including those who will win next time! 

Below is a list of the WIL Women who won in 2022 and a few races we want to highlight. We're also pleased to report that Proposition 1 passed with 67% of the vote, meaning that abortion rights will now be enshrined in the California Constitution.

These amazing WIL Women are all on the November ballot. Read about them here and please support their campaigns in any way you can!

Welcome to our WIL site!

It's easy to feel helpless in these times, but there are actions you can take right now to create a better future. One of them is becoming a first-time WIL member or renewing your membership.

WIL is launching a special 2020 membership drive. NEW memberships subscribed in June and July 2020 will extend for an 18 month period.  If you’re not a member, please consider joining now. And if you are a member, please tell your friends! Visit our site and choose your membership level:

WIL has been working for more than 25 years in OC to elect women who are committed to protecting our reproductive freedom and other rights. We've helped phenomenal women earn seats in Washington and Sacramento, on city councils and local boards.    

WOMEN MAKE BETTER LEADERS. WIL WOMEN WIN THEIR ELECTIONS.

Most of the toxic leaders who are trying to eliminate our freedoms at the national level started out at the local level. Our mission is to see those seats filled by women who will work tirelessly to improve the lives of women and all their constituents.       

Whether you're joining for the first time, rejoining, upping your membership level or just renewing early to maximize the impact of your contribution in this crucial election year, know that your dues will be put to good use.  

It takes incredible courage to run for office, and campaigning is grueling work. WIL offers the women who are stepping up in greater numbers than ever before the funding and visibility they need. We can't do it without you. Please join, rejoin or renew today!