The Institute and co-sponsor, Seattle's African American Task Force Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, convened a national audience for illuminating the effects of domestic violence on the physical and mental health of African Americans. At the December 2000 Forum, nascent research and practice converged as pundits, policymakers, health care professionals, and advocates highlighted groundbreaking work that addressed such topics as adolescent post-traumatic stress syndrome, domestic violence as a public health issue, and the often overlooked middle class women in research studies. Presentations and workshops focused on innovative strategies for tackling family and community violence from within a health status paradigm.

The June 2000 forum served as an opportunity for scholars and practitioners to mobilize around two issues that have a significant association with one another-substance abuse and domestic violence. The forum examined the nexus between these two issues as it impacts African Americans. Presenters emphasized the importance of advancing collaborations that foster prevention programs and research to enhance awareness of substance abuse and domestic violence, while also recognizing that there are divergent opinions concerning the nature of these problems and how they can be remedied. Forum segments included presentations from researchers and practitioners, as well as a variety of workshop sessions.