For more than two decades, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has helped shape the national response to violence against women through its 21-year commitment as Presenting Sponsor of the Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW). As the Foundation marks its 30th anniversary, this strategic, sustained investment in saving lives, strengthening systems, and building safer communities nationwide is a cornerstone of the Foundation’s key initiatives toward ending domestic violence and better supporting survivors.
A National Platform for Real-World Change
The Conference on Crimes Against Women convenes one of the largest, most comprehensive gatherings of professionals dedicated to combating gender-based violence. Law enforcement officers, prosecutors, advocates, healthcare providers, and social service organizations come together to share best practices, educate on new technological advancements, and remove roadblocks to ensure they are addressing the most relevant and widespread issues facing survivors and frontline responders.
The scale and impact are significant. From the data reflected in the conference’s recent infographic:
- 2,483 attendees participated, representing all 50 U.S. states and 4 countries or territories.
- 280 workshops were delivered, offering practical, real-world strategies.
- 270 expert speakers shared insights from across disciplines.
- 80 scholarships helped expand access to critical training.
“This is one of the nation’s most important training and collaboration forums, equipping thousands of frontline professionals with the knowledge, tools, and partnerships needed to better identify, prevent, and respond to violence against women,” said Michael Lunceford, President of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board of Directors. “Year after year, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation is honored to serve as Presenting Sponsor. By investing in individuals and organizations supporting survivors and strengthening systems of accountability, we help expand access to safety, healing, and justice – creating a safer world for women everywhere.”
This aligns directly with the Foundation’s broader mission. Since its founding in 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has granted more than $100 million to initiatives focused on domestic violence prevention and response, as well as cancer research. Its work consistently targets areas where funding can drive meaningful, measurable outcomes.
“For more than 20 years, Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW) has been honored to stand alongside the Mary Kay Ash Foundation in a shared commitment to ending domestic violence and strengthening the professionals who respond to it every day,” said Becky Park, Executive Director, Conference on Crimes Against Women.
