Violence is a means of oppressing others and is destructive to individuals and to society. Racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, ableism, and ageism are also unacceptable and destructive. All women in general, and battered women in particular, have experienced some form of oppression. Everyone has the right to be fully empowered. Abuse is taking power and control over someone else's life.
Every individual has the right to make their own choices and decisions concerning their lives.
We may not always agree with or understand these decisions, but we must respect them. We do not have the right to judge anyone else's choices. Our support of battered women must be unconditional and non-judgemental. In this light, DVP is dedicated to helping women help themselves. Consistent with these beliefs, we work toward social change through community education and organization, involve community members in our organization, in our community, and across the nation.