The Montana DELTA Project
In September 2002, the Centers for Disease Control and Injury Prevention (CDC) selected MCADSV as one of the original 9 state coalitions to participate in the new Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancement and Leadership Through Alliances (DELTA) program. In February 2003, it was expanded to include 5 more states. Montana’s selection represents a promise of over $600,000 over a three-year period to support this work. The majority of the funding will be passed to Montana’s five local community partners.
Like the Greek delta symbol, the DELTA project is all about CHANGE. How that change will occur will be as individual as the communities who undertake it.
The Project itself has three primary elements that make it a unique and exciting approach to the prevention of intimate partner violence (IPV.) Those elements are:
- Focus on Prevention
- Collaborative Process
- Multi-level approach -Attempting change at various community levels
Primary Prevention vs. Intervention
In the past, much of the effort of the battered women’s movement addressed the violence AFTER it occurred. Organizers sought to prevent reoccurrence of or to lessen the severity of repeated violence. They were engaging in intervention activities that would provide for victim safety and would hold batterers accountable.
In contrast, DELTA focuses on preventing the violence BEFORE it happens. DELTA seeks to prevent the development of patterns of coercion and control against intimate partners, also known as battering, domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence or stalking. Since most violence is learned by observation and experience growing up in a society that condones violent, coercive behavior toward others, and especially against women, it follows that prevention will require individuals and communities as a whole to address the attitudes, beliefs that allow and promote the violence. Through a combination of programs, activities and campaigns that promote healthy relationships, communities can begin to change their lives and the lives of their children and families.
Montana DELTA Partners
- Local Coordinators’ Contact Information
- Carbon County CCR Team
- Hill County Domestic Violence Task Force
- Ravalli County Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
