In keeping with our vision of collaboratively ending the cycle of violence and abuse, we have responded to the growing needs of our communities by entering into strategic collaborations with a wide range of private, public and non-profit organizations who share our common goal. Our commitment to coalition building comes from our firmly held belief that we are stronger together, weaker apart.

Joyful Heart has participated in a number of events and advocacy campaigns to help bring attention to the issues facing survivors of violence and sexual abuse. Read more about recent efforts, including:

• Expanding New York's DNA Databank to Bring Healing and Justice to Survivors of Sexual Violence
• Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the landmark Violence Against Women Act
• Supporting survivors in DV shelters throughout LA County while bringing attention to funding cuts for
  domestic violence shelters.
• Helping to train medical professionals on the use of the new New York State rape kit.
• Working to end the rape kit backlog throughout the United States.
• Rape Kit Backlog Update: JHF Founder & President, Mariska Hargitay testifies before Congress
• "Telling Amy's Story" - JHF partners with Verizon and Penn State Public Broadcasting to shed light on domestic violence
• Continuing to support expanded training for medical first responders in best practices for conducting rape kit examinations through publishing "The SAFE Coordinator's Handbook: Lessons Learned in Queens" by Rebecca W. Carman, LCSW in partnership with the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault