What I Learned at the Second Forum on Domestic Violence & the 1980 Hague Convention

Lesley Johannsen

As Senior Staff Attorney for Sanctuary’s NGI, I was honored to attend the Second Forum on Domestic Violence & the 1980 Hague Abduction Convention. It was an incredible opportunity to share expertise, best practices, and proposed solutions to challenges. However, it was evident that there is still a lot of work to be done to protect survivors.

As Senior Staff Attorney for Sanctuary’s Narkis Golan International Child Abduction Initiative (NGI), I was honored to attend the Second Forum on Domestic Violence and the 1980 Hague Abduction Convention (the Forum), held this year from October 27-30, in Fortaleza, Brazil.

What is the Hague Abduction Convention?

The Forum’s stated goal was to bring together “all perspectives” to create a dialogue on the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction (“Hague Abduction Convention”), and how it relates specifically to cases involving domestic violence.

The Hague Abduction Convention is a multilateral treaty, wherein partner countries are bound to undertake a legal process for a child whose “left behind” parent accuses the “taking” or “fleeing” parent of wrongfully removing or retaining their child in a new country.

The Hague Abduction Convention was brokered in the 1980s, ostensibly to protect primary caretaker mothers from fathers kidnapping and hiding their children abroad. However, in practice, fathers are more often the petitioning parent. Now, we see that the Hague Abduction Convention is being weaponized by abusers against domestic violence survivors who flee with their children across international borders to safety.

There are certain defenses that the “taking” or “fleeing” parent can allege to prevent their children from being returned in Hague Abduction Convention litigation, such as the “grave risk of harm” defense, which is Article 13(b) under the Hague Abduction Convention. This defense is used when the fleeing parent alleges that the left behind parent committed acts of domestic violence and it is unsafe for the children to return to their former country. The Forum focused on the application of Article 13(b) and the unique considerations that pertain to cases involving domestic violence allegations.

Important Steps Forward at the Forum

The Forum brought together almost 500 participants, including jurists, Central Authority personnel, practitioners, advocates, academics, and non-governmental organizations such as Sanctuary for Families.

Multiple opening speakers, including Brazilian activist and namesake of a groundbreaking domestic violence law, Maria da Penha, emphasized the importance of protecting mothers and survivors in order to protect children.

As participants, we discussed “grave risk of harm cases” and worked through various hypothetical scenarios in breakout groups. It was an incredible learning opportunity to have experts from all different backgrounds sharing their experiences, best practices, and proposed solutions to challenges.

It is undisputed that the grave risk of harm defense is a very difficult case to prove, requiring substantial evidence from foreign countries and experts in the field.

The Forum highlighted why it is critical that the international bench, attorneys, and advocates be provided with robust, trauma-informed education on the Hague Abduction Convention and domestic violence in all its forms.

Respondents alleging the grave risk defense deserve experienced and sensitive representation.

Ongoing Challenges for Survivors

However, it was evident from the Forum that there is still a lot of work to be done.

Throughout the Forum, there was a strong undercurrent suggesting that there is no such thing as a “protective abduction”. This framing denies the courage and strength of a survivor of domestic violence who flees across international borders to protect themselves and their children from abuse.

There was also signaling that the Hague Convention does its job in preventing abductions from taking place. Specifically, many presenters stated that the Hague Convention, when applied correctly, is effective at stopping abductions and thus does not need to be altered. While the existence of the Convention may stop some “abductions” from taking place, this fact alone does not address the underlying issue that survivors fleeing domestic violence often cannot obtain proper protection under the Convention, as it is interpreted in courts today.

At the Forum, protective measures were presented as successful in protecting children who were returned to their former country. A judge can order protective measures, such as orders of protection against the abusive parent, to be put in place upon return to the former country. In practice, we see that these measures are not enforceable in the foreign country.

While well-intentioned, these measures can create a false sense of security that enables judges to decide to return children to unsafe environments.

Until these issues are properly recognized and there is open discussion for change, survivors will continue to face serious problems when courts issue return orders, even orders with so-called “protective measures.”

How Sanctuary’s NGI Helps

In 2024, Sanctuary formed the groundbreaking NGI to increase access to justice for survivors of gender-based violence who find themselves embroiled in complex and traumatic legal battles in the U.S. under the Hague Convention.

Our NGI team works every day to provide legal consultations and representation for respondents who have fled domestic violence, as well as to provide education to jurists and attorneys about domestic violence and the Hague Convention.

Attorneys interested in assisting Hague Convention respondents can contact us directly at GolanInitiative@sffny.org to receive training and further information. If you take a case from the Narkis Golan Initiative as a pro bono attorney, we will guide you through the process so that you feel supported and leave as an expert in Hague litigation.

Are you a survivor of gender-based violence who needs legal assistance with a U.S.-based Hague Convention case? Sanctuary can help.

When Abuse Causes Brain Injury: Why Intro 29 Matters for Survivors

Sanctuary for Families

When people think of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), their first thought might be football collisions or car crashes. But TBIs are also prevalent among survivors of domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, although most never receive a proper diagnosis or treatment.

TW: This article contains descriptive information about physical violence. Please engage in self-care as you read this article.

When people think of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), their first thought might be football collisions or car crashes. But TBIs are also prevalent among survivors of domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, although most never receive a proper diagnosis or treatment.

In abusive relationships, TBIs can result from blows or jolts to the head or from strangulation that cuts off oxygen to the brain. These forms of violence are alarmingly common — research shows that up to 94% of injuries women sustain from intimate partner violence (IPV) involve the neck or head. Studies also estimate that 60% to 92% of women subjected to intimate partner violence have experienced at least one TBI caused directly by abuse.

A Hidden Epidemic

TBIs resulting from intimate partner violence can be difficult to recognize, as symptoms can have a delayed onset. Many survivors also avoid seeking emergency medical care due to stigma or out of fear of their abuser, and even when they do, they may not disclose head trauma for the same reasons.

At the same time, many healthcare providers are not aware of how common IPV-related TBIs are. Survivors are rarely screened for head injuries in emergency settings, which means providers must piece together what happened without clear information. The result is a dangerous gap in care.

The repercussions are serious. Because TBI symptoms overlap with PTSD and other conditions, IPV-related brain injuries are often misdiagnosed, leaving survivors without the support they need to recover.

Common symptoms of TBI include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, mood changes, and sensitivity to light or sound. These effects can last for months or even years, profoundly shaping every aspect of a survivor’s daily life. And without intervention, these symptoms can escalate.

The long-term consequences are also significant. TBIs can contribute to mood disorders, chronic pain, and sensory, motor, and cognitive impairments, which in turn make it harder to sustain employment or maintain healthy relationships. When these challenges go unaddressed, the risk of substance use can increase.

Without a proper diagnosis for TBI, survivors may lose access to the medical care, accommodations, and legal protections that could support their recovery. Their symptoms can also be misunderstood as noncompliance or unreliability rather than recognized as the result of a serious injury.

This is where policy change becomes essential.

What Intro 29 Does — and Why It Matters

Just a few weeks ago, New York City moved to confront the hidden crisis of domestic and intimate violence-related TBI with the passage of Intro 29 – legislation that requires all NYPD and FDNY first responders to receive training to identify and respond appropriately to TBI symptoms during domestic violence calls. This will help ensure that head trauma is not misinterpreted as resistance and that survivors are met with safety, understanding, and care.

Intro 29 also directs the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence to lead a citywide awareness campaign so that survivors, families, and communities recognize that IPV can cause brain injury and know where to get help. This marks real progress toward closing the gap between what survivors endure and what systems are prepared to address.

“Survivors of gender violence suffer so many harms that are not readily visible … We must bring TBI out of the shadows and into the light.”
— Sanctuary CEO Judy Kluger

Sanctuary’s Commitment

Sanctuary for Families strongly advocated for the passage of Intro 29 and believes in the promise it holds for survivors across New York City. As this new legislation rolls out, we stand firm in our commitment to:

  • Provide training and technical assistance to partners on practical TBI screening and referrals;
  • Offer trauma-informed counseling, legal advocacy, and connections to medical care;
  • Elevate survivor-centered practices so recognition leads to real, sustained support.

This work requires partnership from across our city.

We will keep pushing for strong implementation and a citywide response that truly centers survivor safety. Join us in raising awareness about IPV-related traumatic brain injury and consider making a gift to support our work with survivors.

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If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, know that there are resources available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support and information 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

If you live in New York City, please get in touch with Sanctuary for Families to get help.

No Survivor Should Have to Choose Between Food and Safety

Sanctuary for Families

The fear of not being able to provide for themselves or their children can trap survivors in abusive relationships or increase their likelihood of returning to their abusers. Today, the extreme unpredictability of government assistance leaves many survivors in dire need of emergency food assistance.

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The very real fear of not being able to provide for themselves or their children can trap survivors in abusive relationships or increase their likelihood of returning to their abusers.

For survivors, the journey to build safe, independent lives can be arduous. Poverty exacerbates these challenges, forcing survivors to choose between basic necessities like food, healthcare, and housing.

Food insecurity — defined as a lack of consistent access to enough nutritious food — is a major challenge for many of Sanctuary’s clients. Since the pandemic, demand for our services has risen while funding for emergency food assistance has sharply declined, creating a critical gap in support.

Today, the extreme unpredictability of government assistance, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), leaves many survivors in dire need of emergency food assistance. While the latest government shutdown has come to an end, there will be critical delays in accessing benefits.

How Food Insecurity Impacts Survivors

Food insecurity can reinforce a cycle of vulnerability and dependence.

At Sanctuary, we know that economic dependence is a powerful barrier to safety for survivors. Alongside physical, emotional, or sexual violence, many survivors are also subjected to financial abuse, with studies finding that the latter occurs in 99% of domestic violence cases. Less commonly understood, financial abuse is a pattern of behavior where the abuser controls their victim’s finances or their ability to provide for themselves. Survivors may be prevented from working or have their income and benefits taken away by their abuser.

When survivors take the incredibly brave step of escaping abuse, they often leave everything behind.

The majority of Sanctuary’s clients live well below the poverty line, with most reporting an annual income of $30,000 or less.

Last year, emergency food requests made up 69% of all emergency assistance requests Sanctuary received.

Relieving survivors of the fundamental stress of not knowing how they will afford their next meal allows them to focus on their journey towards long-term safety, stability, and healing. When our clients aren’t facing food insecurity, they are better able to take advantage of Sanctuary’s wrap-around services, including counseling sessions, career training workshops, and legal protections.

Addressing Food Insecurity

Sanctuary for Families provides direct financial and material assistance to low-income domestic violence survivors to support them amidst crises through the George Lazarus Fund for Vulnerable Families (FVF).

FVF powers our Emergency Food Program, providing immediate hunger relief through grocery cards and food pantry access to hundreds of clients each year.

Last year, Sanctuary spent over $175,000 on emergency food, with 249 families visiting our food pantries and 228 families receiving grocery cards.

Grocery cards allow families to purchase foods that may not be available in pantries that better fit their dietary requirements. This kind of self-determination has an outsized impact in maintaining the dignity, health, and well-being of the families we serve.

How You Can Help

FVF anticipates serving 650 families in the current fiscal year to address needs such as urgent medical, clothing, and transportation expenses, food and grocery cards, and educational and vocational training expenses to support survivors as they rebuild their lives after violence.

In this current moment of acute food insecurity, your support will help ensure survivors of domestic violence and their families don’t go hungry this winter.

Alongside monetary gifts, Sanctuary accepts shelf-stable, non-perishable food donations that help stock our food pantries for survivors. If you would like to make an in-kind food donation, please get in touch with inkind@sffny.org.

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Preventing Violence Before It Starts

Lillian McKenna

Our Sanctuary intern, Lily, reflects on what prevention means to her as a college junior studying in New York City and why Washington Square Park was the perfect place to meet her peers where they are and start a conversation.

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Each October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), Sanctuary for Families honors survivors, raises awareness, and recommits to ending abuse in all its forms.

When faced with the epidemic of intimate partner violence, it can be difficult to know where to start. This year, we chose to highlight the importance of prevention work.

Sanctuary intern, Lily, shares what prevention means to her as a college junior studying in New York City.

A Conversation in the Park

Thousands of college students pass through Washington Square Park each day—people like me, heading to class, meeting friends, studying in the sun. That made it the perfect place to meet my peers where they already are during DVAM. No stage or microphones, just a table, flyers, and genuine interactions.

Understanding Domestic Violence as a College Student

Before interning at Sanctuary, I thought domestic violence meant physical abuse in long-term relationships or families. I didn’t realize it could also involve emotional, sexual, or digital abuse—or that so many people my age are affected.

Many students enter their first serious relationships in college without the tools to recognize unhealthy dynamics.

Nearly one in three college women have experienced an abusive dating relationship, and more than half of students say it can be hard to recognize when abuse is happening or know how to help a friend.

Sexual violence and coercion are too often dismissed as blurred boundaries or misunderstandings, yet the reality is over 40% of students experience at least one sexually harassing behavior in college.

I’ve learned that prevention begins with awareness and conversation. Addressing sexual and domestic violence means recognizing that harm is not always visible–and silence allows it to persist. I want to remind my peers that domestic violence isn’t only about physical harm, but about how we practice care, consent, and accountability in all relationships.

Why Prevention Matters?

Preventing domestic violence means working together to stop abuse before it starts, reduce risk factors, and build communities grounded in safety, respect, and equality. Prevention strategies tackle the root causes of abuse through education, awareness, community engagement, and advocacy for systemic change.

In Washington Square Park, our goal was simple: to start a conversation with college students during DVAM. Throughout the day, people connected in unexpected ways—friends stopped to learn more, a former Sanctuary intern reconnected, and young men talked about how important this work is.

Outreach like this meets people where they are, often before they realize they need help or know where to find it. When even one young adult learns to recognize warning signs or feels equipped to support a friend, it can help prevent the escalation of abuse and build a culture of safety, dignity, and respect.

It can be the first step toward a future where everyone can live free from violence.

Sanctuary’s Prevention Work

At Sanctuary, we run outreach and clinical programs focused on supporting children and young adults. 

We deliver tailored training sessions for staff and students in schools, colleges, sports clubs, community organizations, workplaces, and healthcare settings. These trainings cover topics such as:

  • Teen dating violence
  • Consent
  • Healthy relationships and conflict resolution
  • Recognizing and preventing abusive patterns
  • Technology-facilitated abuse
  • Challenging gender inequality

Sanctuary also offers trauma-informed counseling and youth leadership programs to children, teens, and young adults up to age 21 who have experienced domestic violence in the home. 

Throughout my time at Sanctuary, I’ve learned that:

Children exposed to violence are 15x more likely to experience future physical and/or sexual abuse.

And that a boy who witnesses his mother being abused is 10x more likely to abuse his female partner as an adult.

That’s why it’s critical to engage, support, and educate young people—to break cycles of victimization and perpetration and stop abuse before it starts.

 

SUPPORT SURVIVORS

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call Sanctuary for Families at 212-349-6009.

If you or someone you know is a student survivor of sexual assault, Sanctuary can provide counseling and legal support. To set up a consultation, please fill out our Intake Form. Contact campusadvocates@sffny.org if you have any questions.