Today, the need for justice is still great. We live in an age where despite our modern sensibilities and the rule of law there are those who believe that might makes right. It’s a world where my entitlement beats your sense of self and safety, a world where people engage in violence against their intimate partners, sexual assault, strangulation, stalking, even human trafficking when the opportunity presents itself. It is most certainly still a world that requires people to seek and bring justice, hold abusers accountable and reset the balance so victims and survivors can march boldly into the future. 

The difference today is that we realize the myth of the lone hero, is just that, it’s a myth. Justice requires a team of people including law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, advocates, probation officers, medical professionals, and victim service providers just to name a few. It requires communities that are not only aware of the dangers that lurk behind closed doors but are willing to act and hold perpetrators to account. Seeking justice is hard work. It takes time, expertise, creativity, and perseverance. 

It also requires support, support from others that are doing the work, peers who can share their experiences, people who walk in our shoes but can challenge us to think differently, friends who will push us to be the best we can be for those in need. The Conference on Crimes Against Women, https://conferencecaw.org/ May 20-23, in Dallas, Texas, is packed with those people. I encourage you to join the team. Spend a few days rubbing shoulders with others who are fighting the same fight but doing it in new and innovative ways. Learn in an environment that meets justice professionals where we are and connects us to the people and resources we need. Remember that while you shoulder an awesome responsibility, you are not alone. Refresh, refuel, and gather yourself before you and your team tackle the next challenge. Let your road lead to Dallas. I’ll see you there.