Soroptimist International

In 1997, the Midwestern Region of Soroptimist International created a workplace campaign to stop partner violence through education. Soroptimist International is an organization of professional and executive women who work together to improve the lives of women and children both locally and internationally.

The Midwestern Region, consisting of 43 clubs across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin, began working with the Corporate Alliance to Prevent Partner Violence.

Through their relationship with Corporate Alliance, they have established partnerships with major corporations such as Kraft Foods, American Express, Arch Daniels Midland and the NFL. In these partnerships they work together to implement a consistent message that encourages domestic violence prevention. Soroptimists in this program act as links between businesses and the communities in which they serve.

During October, which is Domestic Violence Prevention Month, more than 200 businesses and 1,400 volunteers participate in various activities throughout the region. Some of the current programs with the region include: the DOVE program in Zanesville, OH, which calls together law enforcement officials, judges, psychologists, healthcare providers and shelter directors to discuss the needs of the community. Each month more than 10,000 flyers are sent out individuals within the community announcing events such as town meetings, prevention classes and forums.

Since 1997, the program has distributed more than 20,000 hotline assistance cards to victims within the workplace, hosted domestic violence and prevention forums, donated thousands of volunteer hours and dollars to support battered women's shelters and provided assistance to victims.