Our 2014 Courageous Voice Honoree, Mercy Cooper, broke free of an abusive relationship, and today, helps train police officers to recognize and respond to domestic violence. The former Tahirih client will be honored at our 17th Annual Greater DC Gala.

The two women met for the first time last week at a sleek Georgetown hotel, where they were speakers at a glittering charity dinner. They shook hands and hugged across a vast gulf of culture, geography and faith: one a devout Muslim from West Africa with her hair carefully hidden under a tight scarf, the other a gregarious South Asian in a stylish sari and costume earrings.

Tahirih’s 10th Anniversary Fundraising Benefit was a moving celebration of 10 years of service dedicated to courageous women and girls seeking justice from gender-based violence.

Nearly 400 distinguished guests and participants honored courageous women and girls seeking justice from gender-based violence.