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Confronting Violence: Improving Women’s Lives

The exhibition, from the National Library of Medicine, tells the story of nurses who changed the medical profession and dramatically improved services to victims of domestic violence in the late 20th century.

Education Resources from the National Library of Medicine

Banner image for Confronting Violence exhibit, crowd scene

Confronting Violence, Improving Women’s Lives provides resources for educators and students to further classroom studies of domestic violence, or as independent studies. These resources are designed to be starting points for exploring historical perspectives and existing tools and services for ending domestic violence in the United States. Educators are welcome to adapt these resources in whole or in part as appropriate for their students’ interests and learning goals.
- The National Library of Medicine

Lesson Plans

Icon for NLM's Lesson Plans for Confronting Violence Exhibit

Important Dates

Dates Related to the Confronting Violence: Improving Women’s Lives Exhibition

January

30-31, 1978:

The United States Commission on Civil Rights sponsors a “Consultation on Battered Women: Issues of Public Policy.” The hearings highlight the issue of battered women as a national concern.

February

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

March

4-8, 1976:

First meeting of the International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women in Brussels. A resolution on domestic violence is sent to the governments of all countries.

8, 1977:

The first International Women’s Day is celebrated, which is now an annual celebration on March 8.

Women’s History Month

April

1st full week: Public Health Week

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

May

6-12: National Nurses Week

Wednesday of National Nurses Week: National School Nurses Day

8: National Student Nurses Day

June

15: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

July

19-20, 1848:

The first Women’s rights convention is held in Seneca Falls, New York.

August

18, 1920:

The U.S. Congress ratifies the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote.

September

3, 1981:

The United Nations Adopts the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of discrimination Against Women.

13, 1994:

President Bill Clinton signs the Violence Against Women Act.

October

27, 1985:

U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop issues a report identifying domestic violence as a major health problem for women.

6, 1989:

The U.S. Congress passes Public Law 101-112, designating October of that year as the National Domestic Violence  Awareness Month.

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

November

Second week: Forensic Nursing Week

1, 1985:

The Nursing Network on Violence Against Women International is formed.

December

20, 1993:

The United Nations adopts “The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women.”