According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute of Justice, "one in four women report experiencing domestic violence in their lifetimes." Domestic violence can impact anyone, regardless of their cultural, ethnic, or socioeconomic background.
In order to shine a light on this prevalent issue of social concern, Ms. Becky Lee founded the Becky Lee Women's Support Fund, a prevention-based nonprofit organization, in 2006. Becky’s Fund, as it’s also known, offers an array of programs dedicated to raising awareness of intimate partner violence and supporting the fight against it. The organization also provides emergency services and direct support to victims of domestic violence. Becky's Fund helps survivors find legal support, housing, employment opportunities, mental healthcare and childcare assistance.
Because domestic violence exists among people of all different races, ages, genders, and economic status, Becky's Fund works with a diverse group of individuals. Outside of the emergency services and support provided by Becky's Fund, there are five programs offered by the organization. Each program has its unique target audience, such as young girls, high school male athletes, or veterans suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
One program offered by Becky's Fund is the "Becoming Your Own Heroine" program. The mission of BYOH is "to train and educate young women on dating violence, self-defense, and artistic expression." The goal is to inspire these girls with confidence, giving them the strength to break the cycle of abuse and help themselves or their friends in need.
Another successful program within Becky's Fund is Men of CODE. In order to tackle the issue of intimate partner violence, effort must be directed beyond survivor support. Becky’s Fund addresses both sides of domestic violence by working not only with victims, but also with potential perpetrators. Men of CODE is “a prevention-based program” for high school male athletes that calls attention to dating violence. Areas of focus include: “leadership, healthy masculinity, dating/sexual violence, bystander intervention, and consent.” Men of CODE provides training to coaches and athletes, as well as mentoring sessions during the school year.