Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility

The Cocoon is committed to recognizing and celebrating diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the survivors we support, the team we cultivate, and the community we share by integrating DEIA into all that we do.

To champion safety, healing, and justice for all survivors, it is our responsibility to acknowledge the intersection of systems of oppression and abuse.

To create thriving communities, we must actively work to dismantle the individual barriers that are restricting survivors by implementing a culture of anti-violence.

Therefore, The Cocoon is dedicated to fostering safe, inclusive spaces and empowering platforms for survivors, our communities, and staff. The Cocoon remains steadfast in our pursuit of educational advancement in DEIA to strive for excellence in advocacy practices and policies.

A Letter From Our Executive Director

Since its inception, The Cocoon has remained steadfast in its commitment to fostering safety, healing, and justice for survivors. Our mission extends beyond immediate support; it includes a proactive effort to create social change that aims to eliminate every form of violence and injustice in our communities.

To truly strengthen safety nets for survivors and foster cultures rooted in non-violence, we must recognize that domestic and sexual violence do not discriminate. These issues permeate every socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural boundary. Additionally, we must recognize that behind acts of violence lies a deeper issue—oppression and power-based control. Understanding this, it is clear that our work to support survivors must go hand-in-hand with a committed effort to dismantle all forms of oppression.

People of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those with disabilities are disproportionately affected by violence. These communities often face additional barriers to accessing support services, making our mission all the more crucial. The Cocoon is proud to continue its unwavering dedication to ensuring ALL survivors have access to the care and support they need, exactly when and how they need it.

Our DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) commitment goes beyond mere words; it is a solemn promise to take action. We pledge to actively work towards an inclusive approach that acknowledges and addresses the unique challenges faced by vulnerable communities. This is not just about reacting to violence—it’s about creating a world where such violence is unthinkable. We invite you to join us in our mission. Together, we can build a safer, more just world for everyone—where every individual, regardless of their identity, feels secure, valued, and heard.

Kathy Mull, MSW, LSW
Executive Director, The Cocoon

Definitions

The lens of DEIA plays a critical role within our advocacy work, and we believe that ending violence begins by creating a more educated and empathetic community.

To properly advocate for social change and act as a catalyst for prevention and education regarding domestic and sexual violence, The Cocoon embraces the following definitions of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility.

Diversity

The blending of multiple identities and social categories, especially related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, and socio-economic status.

Equity

The practice of fairness that aims to reduce personal or social barriers in efforts to allow an individual access, resources, treatment and opportunity for self-growth, based on the individual’s unique needs.

Inclusion

The mindful practice within a community to include all beings, especially those from historically marginalized or minoritized groups, in efforts to affirm and sustain individuality of members.

Accessibility

Ensuring that all individuals are able to fully engage in and have equal access to programs, resources, materials, support, education, and training, regardless of ability/disability, gender, race, identity, education, marital status, or number of children.

Additional Definitions & Terminology

To learn more about DEIA terms and definitions please click the words below to learn more.

Bias

Bias is the tendency to let personal opinions or preferences influence judgment, leading to unfair support or opposition to a person, group, or idea.

Microagression

Microagression is a small act or remark that makes someone feel insulted or treated badly because of their race, sex, etc., even though the insult, etc. may not have been intended, and that can combine with other similar acts or remarks over time to cause emotional harm.

Social Justice

Social Justice is the idea that all people should have the same rights and opportunities and that a country’s wealth and resources should benefit everyone in that country.

Belonging

Belonging is the continual process of finding and creating connections. It factors the extent of a person’s feelings of value, respect, inclusion, and empowerment. When someone feels belonging, they often have affirmation, inclusion, and a sense of organization within their community.

Oppression

Oppression is unfair or cruel use of power that may subject others to mental and/or physical harm, hardships, cruelty, persecution, lack of freedom, and/or other adverse conditions.

Empowerment

Empowerment is the process of providing or gaining control, self-authority and power for oneself in efforts to build strength, confidence, and self-determination

Our Why

These disparities observed from injustices rooted in oppressive systems negatively impact survivors seeking and securing safety, healing, and justice. This has been statistically proven time and time again.