We recognize that our society is immersed in sexism, racism and classism. Through patriarchy and oppression many people have been mistreated and marginalized. As a coalition we challenge the use of derogatory, hateful and other characterizations in the same way we confront misused power and violence to maintain oppression. We constantly challenge ourselves to ensure that our work addresses the power structure that supports this injustice.

We believe in the access and affordability of services for all survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence and sexual assault. We expect member programs to serve survivors without discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, ethnicity, gender identity, ancestry, place of origin, color, citizenship, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation, marital status, economic status, employment, age, health status and ability.