Women's HQ

08/20/2026

Women's HQ is taking a deep dive into the ongoing challenges faced by survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, emphasizing the profound physical, emotional, and institutional pain they continue to endure. Years after the abuse, many survivors suffer from lingering trauma, nightmares, and the stress of public legal battles, compounded by a persistent lack of systemic accountability for the network surrounding Epstein.

Key areas of concern include:

- Incomplete Justice: Despite the conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell and the release of Department of Justice documents, prosecutors have not brought charges against other prominent individuals named by victims.
- Institutional Mishandling: The Department of Justice faced severe backlash for botched document redactions that inadvertently exposed private information belonging to survivors, leading to secondary victimization and gross negligence.
- Lack of Official Acknowledgment: Survivors continue to express deep frustration and feelings of being gaslit during high-profile congressional and government hearings, where officials often deflect responsibility.
- Constant Re-traumatization: Continuous media cycles, public debates, and political rhetoric force survivors to continually relive their abuse rather than find closure.

We at Women’s HQ support all of the Jeffrey Epstein survivors in hopes that justice prevails and all impacted will fully heal from the unimaginable harms they’ve experienced.





www.womenshq.org

08/19/2026

It was wonderful connecting with everyone at the National Sexual Assault Conference. In the world of advocacy work, it is always a highlight to gather and share moments with such incredible leaders.

I’m sharing the photos we took together, including those of Yolanda Edrington (Chief Executive Officer of Respect Together's national division, NSVRC), Elizabeth Stein (Human Trafficking Specialist, Stein Strategy Group), Tarana Burke (Founder and Chief Vision Officer, Me Too International), Rita Smith (Senior Adviser to the National Football League), and Kimberly Harris (CEO & Founder Women’s HQ).

Thank you all for your inspiring work and leadership.

08/17/2026

If you live in Washington, DC registration for the 11th Annual DC Sneaker Takeover is opening again soon. You must be a Ward 7 or Ward 8 resident with a valid government issued ID showing the address for residency. Must have a school-aged child. REGISTRATION OPENS MONDAY, 8/17/26 AT NOON. Please register by utilizing this link at:
https://form.jotform.com/healingsoles/sd

08/16/2026

Domestic Violence has disturbingly increased in murder-suicides committed by abusers, and the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities incidents that highlight the ongoing crisis of domestic violence and femicide.

Jarriel Williams, 25, was one of the earliest murder victims of 2026 in New Orleans. Media reports paid no tribute to her, and her family, led by her mother who suffered a severe head injury in the same incident, has not yet been able to hold a memorial service. National experts describe deaths like hers as part of a growing but silent public health crisis of Black femicide, noting that these stories are rarely told.

Additionally, on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Mark Allen Jones, 24, and Shaelynn Maria Moore, 30, were both found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene in Pittsburgh, PA, in an apparent domestic violence murder-suicide case.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health studies highlight severe disparities in lifetime prevalence rates of intimate partner violence:

- Multiracial Individuals: Experience the highest overall rates, with 50% to 63% experiencing physical violence, stalking, or psychological aggression.
- American Indian and Alaska Native Women: Experience lifetime victimization rates of roughly 46%.
- Black and African American Women: Experience abuse at rates 35% to 40% higher than White women, with over 40% experiencing intimate partner violence in their lifetimes.

Several systemic contributing factors drive these high rates and create barriers to safety:

- Economic Pressures: Concentrated poverty, housing instability, and systemic economic insecurity increase household stress and limit options for survivors.
- Systemic Barriers: A historical lack of access to quality healthcare, mental health care, and support services leaves fewer safety nets.
- Distrust of Authorities: Distrust of law enforcement and fear of institutional discrimination or community criminalization prevent many survivors from reporting abuse early. Furthermore, Black women who defend themselves face higher rates of arrest and prosecution.
- Cultural Stigma and Media Disparities: Abuse is often kept private due to cultural stigma, while mainstream media historically devotes less coverage and empathy to women of color.

While specialized advocacy groups work year-round to highlight these issues, national policy conversations frequently overlook these intersectional realities.

If you or someone you know needs support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available confidentially by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting "START" to 88788.

08/16/2026

People praise Women's HQ-a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit founded by Kimberly Harris—for filling critical support gaps for women of color who survive domestic violence and sexual assault. Partners and regional media highlight the organization for bringing dignity and essential resources to survivors.

Community and Partner Feedback Bridging Resource Gaps: Organizations like Feeding America, Good360 and Capital Area Food Bank, praise the group for combining corporate donations with grassroots action to deliver comfort kits and transitional support.

Amplifying Marginalized Voices: Media features, including spotlights from Fox 5 DC, commend the nonprofit for confronting systemic barriers that uniquely affect Black and brown survivors.

Focused Advocacy: Stakeholders note that events like the Purple Pearl Luncheon successfully honor survivors while driving community awareness around safety and food insecurity.💜

08/12/2026

What a wonderful experience at today’s training and scrimmage between the Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins.

On behalf of myself and the Women's HQ Advisory Board Members, Rita Smith and Harry Dunn, we were truly grateful for the hospitality. It was an honor to attend and a true highlight to meet so many legends, including Darrell Green, Doug Williams, Gary Clark, RGIII, Deangelo Hall, legendary sports broadcaster and NFL Legend Mr. Ricky “DOC" Walker, wives and friends.

We appreciate you’ll for your kindness, support and thoughtfulness.




💜

08/12/2026

A billionaire died at age 56 from pancreatic cancer. His last words give us pause for thought:

"In the end, money is just a part of life I'd grown accustomed to. But now, lying in bed with this illness and looking back, I realize that all the fame and wealth I accumulated means nothing in the face of death."

Take care of yourself. Treat others with respect.

The older we get, the more we realize that a $30 watch and a $300 watch tell the same time. A $30 wallet and a $300 wallet hold the same amount of money.

Whether we drive a $150,000 car or a $30,000 car, the road is the same and we arrive at the same place. Whether we live in a 300-square-meter house or a 3,000-square-meter house, we are equally alone.

True happiness comes from within, not from things.

Whether you fly first class or economy, and the plane crashes, you fall either way.

So… remember this: when you have friends or someone to talk to, that is true happiness.”

Five truths to remember:

Don't teach your children to chase money. Teach them to seek happiness. Then they will understand the value of things, not their price.

Eat your food as if it were medicine, or one day you will have to eat medicine as if it were food.

People who truly love you won't abandon you, even if they have every reason to. They'll always find a reason to stay.

There is a big difference between being human and being kind.

If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.

08/12/2026

I am sharing an update regarding a recent case involving a former North County Police officer, which highlights that sexual assault affects individuals of all genders.

On Monday, Marcellis Blackwell, 36, pleaded guilty in federal court to 18 counts of deprivation of rights under color of law just before his trial was scheduled to begin.

According to prosecutors, Blackwell engaged in a pattern of abuse by turning off his official body camera and using his personal cell phone to record himself molesting victims—most of whom were handcuffed—inside his police vehicle. The investigation began on June 4, 2023, after a victim contacted the NCPC.

The FBI later took over the case as additional victims came forward, eventually discovering incriminating videos stored on Blackwell's Google Drive. Prosecutors stated that he transported 15 of his victims to secluded locations, including a high school and the rear parking lot of the NCPC, to commit these crimes.

08/05/2026

𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐬𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐡, 𝐏𝐀 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔--A woman died after authorities said she was shot in the face in Pittsburgh's Strip District.

According to Pittsburgh Public Safety, officers from Zone 2 were called to the area of 27th Street and Liberty Avenue in the Strip District just before 11 p.m. for a reported shooting. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the 34-year-old woman unresponsive on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound to the face.

Pittsburgh Public Safety said that officers performed CPR until medics arrived, who took the woman to the hospital in critical condition. She later died at the hospital, officials said.

Pittsburgh Public Safety said that three people were detained at the scene of the deadly shooting and were taken to police headquarters for questioning. A spokesperson for public safety said that all three individuals were released, pending further investigation. No arrests have been made as of Monday night.

A family member said that she was shot after a fight broke out. Severe Jones said his cousin was a mother of two and sister to multiple siblings.

"I'm devastated," Jones said. "She loves her family and friends because she always knew she was protected, always knew she was safe. She always knew she had someone."

He said Morrison was with relatives and friends before police said someone shot her in the face.

"She was out, just having fun, just enjoying life," Jones said.

Jones said Morrison was one of the "sweetest people in the world." He is left reflecting on the good times he had with his cousin and wants to send this message.

"We're losing moms, we're losing dads, we're losing kids. The violence needs to stop," Jones said.

#𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐟𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐔𝐒𝐀 #𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝟓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 #𝐠𝐮𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 #𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 #𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 #𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬

La'Eva McClinton Morrison, 34

A woman died after she was shot in the face in Pittsburgh's Strip District on Sunday night, authorities said.

08/05/2026

Women's HQ proudly welcomes retired officer Harry Dunn to our Advisory Board.

Officer Dunn is an American author, former police officer, and former political candidate who served in the United States Capitol Police from 2008 to 2023. He was one of several officers present during the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, and he subsequently testified before the House Select Committee investigating the attack. In recognition of his service, he has been awarded both the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Citizens Medal.

Please join us in welcoming him to our team.
www.womenshq.org