Dorothy Stratten was just 20 years old when we lost her to domestic violence on August 14, 1980.

Dorothy was a gifted actress, poet, and model whose beauty, talent, and ambition were taking her somewhere extraordinary. When she tried to leave the man who couldn't accept her growing independence, he took her life.

She didn't die because of her choices. She died because she was fully, powerfully herself — and someone couldn't bear it.

The Dorothy Stratten Foundation exists so that story ends differently.

We believe in prevention — teaching it, learning from it, building toward a world where women aren't punished for their power. We're here for women reclaiming their bodies, their stories, and their lives.

We're growing. Right now we're building community online. In-person spaces are coming.

Women deserve to be powerful. We're here to make sure they're never punished for it

A young woman with red hair standing confidently with hands on hips in front of a green vintage car in a parking lot, wearing athletic gear including a green shirt, matching green shorts, and striped knee-high socks, with a cityscape and trees in the background.

The Dorothy Stratten Foundation is dedicated to supporting and empowering survivors of domestic violence. Through immediate intervention and long-term recovery programs, we aim to provide safety, stability, and hope for survivors and their families.

Our Mission

  • Educational Advancement – Provide scholarships and resources for higher education and vocational training.

  • Dot’s House – Establish a transitional residential facility where survivors can safely rebuild their lives.

  • Community Leadership – Invite prominent community members to serve on the Board of Directors.

  • Arts & Advocacy – Launch an arts division to amplify stories of survival and celebrate resilience through creative expression.

Long Term Vision

Black and white photo of two smiling women, one with curly hair and the other with straight hair tied back, standing close together outdoors.

Dorothy & Louise Stratten

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help build your community.

Dorothy's legacy isn't victimhood -it's a universal story of strength.

And, most importantly, we can all learn from that story.

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