Alliance for HOPE International

09/08/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mary Houstma, a beloved leader and longtime advocate in the Family Justice Center movement.

Mary dedicated her life to supporting survivors of domestic violence. In 2010, she founded the Essex County Family Justice Center (FJC), New Jersey’s first Family Justice Center. Her passion, determination, and unwavering commitment created a legacy of safety, strength, and hope that has touched thousands of survivors and their families.

We are deeply grateful for Mary’s contributions to our movement. Her legacy will live on through the center she founded, the lives she touched, and the many professionals and advocates she inspired.

Please join us in keeping Mary’s family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Essex County Family Justice Center community in your thoughts.

In lieu of flowers, Mary’s family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Essex County Family Justice Center: https://www.essexcountyfjc.org/donate

https://leberlakeside.com/tribute/details/2678/Mary-Houstma/condolences.html

Gael Strack Casey Gwinn

09/08/2026

Last chance to apply for Hidden Homicides training, limited spots available! Join us in Estes Park, Colorado!

Email from Alliance for HOPE International Join Us!     Sign Up for the HOPEwork Newsletter Apply for Hidden Homicides LAST CHANCE TO APPLY, LIMITED SPOTS LEFT! Could Recognizing the Signs of Strangu

09/08/2026

Why do domestic violence homicides remain alarmingly high while overall homicides are declining in many communities? 🚨

A new The Guardian article highlights the growing need for housing, legal assistance and adequately funded victim services. 🏠⚖️ These resources are essential, but services alone will not reverse the rise in domestic violence homicides.

📊 A new FBI report found that the share of violent crimes involving domestic relationships increased from 25.6% in 2020 to 27.5% in 2024. During those five years, 1,466 people were murdered in incidents involving domestic relationships.

Alliance founders Casey Gwinn and Gael Strack sounded the same alarm in their recent Domestic Violence Report article, “DV Homicides of Women on the Rise for a Decade.” Their analysis shows that intimate partner homicides of women have been rising since 2014 and are approaching pre-VAWA levels.

💜 Alliance for HOPE International believes saving lives requires a coordinated response:

🔹 Family Justice Centers organized around survivor safety
🔹 Multidisciplinary High-Risk Teams that intervene in the most dangerous cases
🔹 Training on strangulation, stalking, coercive control, fi****ms and escalating lethality
🔹 Meaningful accountability for dangerous offenders
🔹 Housing, legal, medical and long-term support for survivors
🔹 Healing and prevention programs for children, including Camp HOPE America

This is not an either-or choice between supporting survivors and holding offenders accountable. Effective communities do both. 🤝

The rising numbers demand urgency and strategies proven to save lives. Collaboration, high-risk intervention, survivor support and offender accountability must all be part of the solution. 💜

🔗 Read The Guardian’s coverage: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/03/us-domestic-violence-killings-homicide

🔗 Read the FBI report:https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/resources/reports/Domestic%20Relationships%20and%20Violent%20Crimes%202020-2024.pdf

Non-profits say requests for legal help and housing on rise amid Trump funding cuts for prevention and response

09/03/2026

A new study shows how the Alliance’s supplemental strangulation and suffocation investigative worksheet boosts prosecution outcomes.




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Email from Alliance for HOPE International For Immediate Release   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   MEDIA CONTACTS: Alliance for HOPE International Catherine Johnson, President & CEO Catherine@allianceforhope

08/27/2026

The Judge Eugene Michael Hyman Scholarship is now open for applications! This scholarship honors the legacy of Judge Hyman, a pioneer in domestic violence law, by expanding access to vital training for professionals. Join us in enhancing the response to strangulation and hidden homicides. Apply by September 10, 2026!

https://conta.cc/4xgXpVQ

Email from Alliance for HOPE International Join Us!     Sign Up for the HOPEwork Newsletter Apply for Hidden Homicides Judge Eugene Michael Hyman Scholarship The Training Institute on Strangulation Pr

08/22/2026

An amazing week in Tucson for the hosting of our 49th Advanced Course on Strangulation Prevention. Contact us if you want to host our course in your community! Our next big course is Hidden Homicides in Colorado in September. Register today and plan to join us in Estes Park, Colorado September 21-25, 2026!

08/20/2026

We are thrilled to announce Uber as the Presenting Sponsor of the 26th Annual International Family Justice Center Conference. Through our partnership, Uber's Hope Rides initiative is critical in removing transportation barriers for survivors, enabling them to access vital services. Join us on November 3rd for an exclusive tour of CASA Pinellas, Florida's first Family Justice Center, where innovative survivor-centered models are transforming lives. Let's drive change together!

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Email from Alliance for HOPE International 26th Annual International Family Justice Center Conference   Sign Up for the HOPEwork Newsletter Register for the Conference Alliance for

08/19/2026

Families who believe local officials prematurely ruled their loved ones’ deaths suicides or accidents — rather than investigating whether domestic violence played a role — are pushing lawmakers in a growing number of states to require additional scrutiny.

08/19/2026

Join us for the 2026 Hidden Homicides Training in Estes Park, Colorado, where you will deepen your understanding of victimology, domestic violence dynamics, and the critical skills needed to recognize the signs of hidden homicides. This training will empower you to connect survivors with essential resources and enhance your role within a multidisciplinary team. Your knowledge can make a life-changing difference.

Limited spots available, apply today!

https://conta.cc/4hCwPl6

Email from Alliance for HOPE International Few Spots Remain—Register Now!     Sign Up for the HOPEwork Newsletter Apply for Hidden Homicides Could You Recognize the Signs of a Hidden Homicide? Learn t

08/18/2026

📬 The latest edition of HOPEworks is here! Read a note from our President & CEO, Catherine Johnson, and learn how vital partnerships are creating real impact where it matters most.


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Email from Alliance for HOPE International A note from our President and CEO Newsletter - 2026 August Gift Hope Today Sign Up for this Newsletter Visit allianceforhope.org Dear Fri