ABOUT ALABAMA COALITION
AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Advocacy & Systems Change
We advocate for policies and practices that improve survivor safety, expand resources, strengthen accountability for people who cause harm, and advance equitable access to services. ACADV collaborates with statewide partners to address barriers, improve coordinated community responses, and promote long-term systems change.Training & Capacity Building
ACADV provides comprehensive training, technical assistance, and professional development to advocates, service providers, and community partners. Our trainings enhance skills, support trauma-informed approaches, and build strong, effective programs across Alabama.Prevention & Community Engagement
We work to prevent domestic and dating violence by promoting healthy relationships, educating communities, supporting youth-focused initiatives, and engaging partners in long-term prevention strategies. ACADV raises public awareness and collaborates with diverse communities to build a safer Alabama for everyone.ACADV envisions a future where survivors are supported, systems are accountable, and every individual—regardless of background—can live free from violence and fear.
ACADV’s mission is to support survivors, empower communities, and equip service providers by delivering training, technical assistance, advocacy, and prevention strategies that create safe, healthy, and violence-free communities across Alabama.
ACADV is guided by a commitment to survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices that honor the dignity, safety, and choices of all survivors. We value equity, collaboration, and accountability, working alongside communities, partners, and statewide systems to create lasting change. Through education, prevention, innovation, and a dedication to continuous learning, we strive to empower communities and build a safe, healthy, and violence-free Alabama for everyone.
1978
Alabama joined the national movement against domestic violence.
1979
The first two shelters opened in Alabama – Penelope House in Mobile and Turning Point in Tuscaloosa.
1981
The Protection from Abuse Act was passed.
1983
The state legislature passed a bill creating a state marriage license fee to fund shelter programs.
1985
ACADV member shelters first received funding from the state budget.
1986
Funds from the U.S. Victims of Crime Administration were available for victims in Alabama for the first time.
1989
The Warrantless Arrest Act was passed by the state legislature.
1990
ACADV Board of Directors appointed the first Executive Director.
1997
ACADV provided the first statewide training for prosecutors on domestic violence and sexual assault issues.
1998
ACADV received an ADECA grant to expand local shelter programs and the Family Violence Prevention Fund was created.
2000
The Alabama legislature passed and the Governor signed a bill into law making domestic violence a separate crime in the criminal code.
2000
The Special Assessment Liaison Program was initiated (SAIL).
2003
Bill to remove the filing fee for PFA petitions passed.
Domestic violence is a deliberate pattern of controlling and coercive conduct that serves to deprive victims of safety and autonomy. Perpetrators use abusive tactics to reinforce their “rules” and maintain absolute power and control over their intimate partners.
Women are at a significantly greater risk of intimate partner violence than men. In 2013, Alabama data showed 79 percent of the victims of domestic violence cases reported by state law enforcement agencies were females.
Common Abuse Tactics:
- Seeks control of the thoughts, beliefs and conduct of their partner.
- Restricts all of the victim’s rights and freedoms.
- Punishes their partner for breaking their “rules” or challenging their authority.
- Minimizes and denies the seriousness of their violence.
- Believes they are entitled to control their partner.
- Uses anger, alcohol/drug use and stress as excuses for their abusive behaviors.
- Blames the behavior of the victim and/or problems in the relationship for the violence.
A Message to Victims:
- You are not to blame for being beaten and abused.
- You are not the cause of another person’s violent behavior.
- You deserve to have your feelings and experiences acknowledged as real and valid.
- You deserve to be treated with respect and to be asked rather than “ordered”.
- You deserve a safe and happy life free from emotional abuse or physical threat.
- You are not alone.
- You can ask others for help.
- You have options.
The Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence advances the principle of creating opportunities for freedom from domestic violence through advocacy, education, and promoting social intolerance of abuse.
There are no active request for proposals.
Who We Are
Tabitha Bynum
Financial Director
Judy Horn
Executive Assistant
Shantavis Core
Program Manager
Ana Garcia
Accessibility & Services Specialist
Jawandalyn Brooks
Executive Director
Leah Heathcoat
Training & Communications Manager
Cliff Andrew
President
Pamela Rodgers
Vice President
Kathy-Ann Alexis
Community Member
Stephany McTarsney
Program Member
Jasmyne Crimiel
Community Member
Jessica West Jackson
Community Member
Heather Seibert
Community Member
Marianalyn D Coleman
Treasurer
Sarah Watson Laurio
Community Member
Shaquila Jackson
Secretary Community
Tonie Ann Torrans
Program Member
Rosalyn Collins
Community Member
ACADV Board of Directors
Cliff Andrews–President
Pamela Rogers–Vice President
Marianalyn Coleman–Treasurer
Jasmyne L. Crimiel–Secretary
Jessica West Jackson
Heather Seibert
Stephany McTarsney
Stephanie Cook
Shaquilla Jackson
Tonie Ann Torrans
Algene Thomas Strickland
Rosalyn Collins
Honorable Kathy Ann Alexis