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By on July 2, 2025

Strengthening Prevention Through Collaboration: NRCDV’s Latest Graphic Illustration

Prevention is not a solo act. It’s collective, relational, and deeply rooted in how people interact with communities and each other. A new graphic illustration story from the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) beautifully illustrates this truth. Developed in partnership with six state domestic violence coalitions including Delaware, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylv

Illustrated infographic titled "Your Investment in Collaboration Makes a Difference." At the top, a message reads: "Partners are out there, ready and willing to engage in collaboration to prevent domestic violence. What is most needed is the infrastructure – dedicated time and funds – to support meaningful connections that improve the health and well-being of our communities."Below, an illustration shows people working together to build a tree-like structure made of buildings. At the top of the tree, a family stands on leafy branches under the sun. Along the right side, purple text boxes list potential outcomes of collaboration: Establish new collaborations with various fields including those that support violence prevention both directly and indirectly (e.g. mental health, addiction, community planning, environmental justice) Grow regional partnerships to share strategies and resources Energize and diversify State Leadership Teams Explore models of collaborative organizational leadership Advance community-based civic engagement Deepen and broaden partnerships with funders At the bottom, orange text reads: "In the face of challenges, our collaborations will sustain us. Our strength is in our connectedness. Together we can build a better world." Black text at the bottom concludes: "We hope you will join us."
An excerpt from the graphic illustration.

ania, and Rhode Island, this visual and narrative resource explores collaboration as a powerful strategy for addressing the root causes of violence and investing in community well-being.

This new resource shares tangible outcomes, lived experiences, and practical insights from practitioners across the country. It’s an invitation to reimagine how we build partnerships and to model the kind of care and connection that are essential to preventing sexual and intimate partner violence. 

Lessons for prevention practice: 

Invest in the process.
Collaboration is not a one-time meeting or a box to check. It is an ongoing, values-driven process that requires intention, time, and relationship-building. The story illustrates how meaningful partnerships develop when space is created for trust, transparency, and shared learning. Prioritizing the process, not just the outcomes, lays the groundwork for more authentic and sustainable prevention efforts. This includes allowing time for dialogue, disagreement, healing, and growth, with the understanding that the way work is done directly influences its long-term impact.

Model prevention values in partnerships.
How collaboration occurs is just as important as the content or goals of the collaboration itself. Effective prevention work requires ongoing examination and disruption of the power dynamics that exist within systems and relationships. The story highlights partnerships that are intentionally grounded in mutual respect and shared leadership. When collaborative efforts reflect the core values of prevention, they help create the very conditions that support safety, dignity, and inclusion for all.

Fund connection as strategy.
Too often, collaboration is expected without the resources to support it. This story challenges that mindset by making a strong case for investing in connection as a core prevention strategy. Meaningful collaboration takes time, labor, and care and that requires funding. Policymakers and funders have a critical role to play in recognizing that relationship-building, coalition work, and cross-sector partnerships are not extras or afterthoughts but essential to preventing violence before it happens. Connection is not optional; it is one of the most effective tools for preventing violence before it begins.

As PreventConnect celebrates 20 years of advancing primary prevention, this story serves as a timely reminder: lasting change is built together. It is more than a reflection on past work. It is a compelling call to action and a tool for making the case that collaboration is not only effective, but essential.