Description
Domestic violence affects more than 10 million Americans each year. And in California, more than half of families have been touched by domestic violence. Yet it is often treated as a criminal or private matter rather than a public health epidemic. Journalism can play a role in bringing about change and greater awareness. The Center for Health Journalism’s annual Domestic Violence Symposium and Impact Fund provide reporters with a roadmap for covering this public health epidemic with nuance and sensitivity.
Virtual Symposium
September 25, 2025
8:30 am to 2:30 pm PT
This event is open to journalists and journalism students nationwide. Panel discussions include:
How the Trump Administration is Impacting the Domestic Violence Landscape
Speakers:
Mel Leonor Barclay, politics reporter at The 19th, who co-wrote "The Trump administration is making the country less safe for domestic violence victims"
Krista Colón, executive director of the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
Sarah DeGue, Ph.D., founder of Violence Prevention Solutions and a former senior scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Approaches for Domestic Violence Prevention
Speakers:
Brian O'Connor, vice president of public education campaigns and programs at Futures Without Violence
Casey Taft, Ph.D., a professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine and the primary program developer of Strength at Home
Challenges of Reporting on Domestic Violence
Speakers:
Sammy Caiola, special projects reporter at Kensington Voice
Angela Kim, violence prevention consultant and strategic engagement program manager at the Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development
Otis Taylor, managing editor of news and enterprise at KQED
Decriminalizing Domestic Violence? What the Current Moment Can Teach Us
Speakers:
Leigh Goodmark, associate dean for research and faculty development and professor of law at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, who was profiled in The New Yorker article "The feminist law professor who wants to stop arresting people for domestic violence"
Julianne McShane, news and engagement writer at Mothers Jones, who is a former fellow at the Center for Health Journalism and will be serving as a senior fellow in the 2025 Domestic Violence Impact Reporting Fund
Professional reporters with a California-focused idea who attend the symposium will be eligible to apply for a reporting grant from our Domestic Violence Impact Reporting Fund. The deadline for applications is October 23, 2025.
Grantees receive:
- Reporting grants of $2,000-$10,000.
- Five months of professional mentorship from a veteran journalist.
- Eligible to compete for a $1,000-$2,000 engagement grant. We are especially interested in projects that partner with community-based organizations and their clients for first-person storytelling.
USC Annenberg journalism students who are juniors, seniors or graduate students are eligible to apply for a reporting grant from our Domestic Violence Student Impact Reporting Fund. The deadline for student applications is October 3, 2025.
Student grantees receive:
- Reporting grants of $500-$3,000.
- Professional mentorship from a veteran journalist.
Professional journalists can apply here
Journalism students can apply here
Sign-up for our newsletter as well for updates and deadlines for future opportunities to apply.
Don’t see your question answered there? Reach out to us at chj@usc.edu.
Suggested reading
"Trump downplays domestic violence in speech about religious freedom," by Mel Leonor Barclay, The 19th
"The Trump administration is making the country less safe for domestic violence victims," by Jasmine Mithani and Mel Leonor Barclay, The 19th
"The feminist law professor who wants to stop arresting people for domestic violence," by Sarah Lustbader, The New Yorker
Journalist Playbook: Helping journalists cover domestic violence with depth and care