World Leaders Meet in Duluth to Discuss Domestic Violence

Duluth Model Named the World's Best Policy

The Duluth model for domestic violence has been named the world’s best policy to address violence against women and girls.

Today, leaders from Maldova came to Duluth to learn more about the policy.

The Duluth model won the gold award from the World Future Council for prioritizing the safety of survivors while holding perpetrators accountable.

This policy creates a unique partnership between non–profit and government agencies.

The approach is tackling violence against women and has inspired violence protection laws in the United States and around the world.

Maldovians were in Duluth to learn first hand how to prevent domestic violence.

The United States State Department’s 2010 human rights report on Maldova found 40 percent of women there have experienced at least one violent act in their lifetime.

Most victims of domestic violence receive little response from government and few women report domestic violence.

It is important to know that there are steps women and girls can take.

Melissa Scaia, the Executive Director of Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs, said “Call it in when you see it. Do a respective challenge to those who are abusive and be a resource and not be judgemental to victims.”

From January to November of 2010, 1,997 cases of domestic violence were reported.