 Her involvement in Women for Change, the Domestic Violence Interaction Alliance of Dallas (DVIA), and EXPLORE- a women's identity group - expanded her interest in local politics.McNiel actively lobbied in Dallas City Hall for the rights and protections of battered women, which led to the creation of the Women's Center of Dallas- a resource for local women, most notably financial assistance, legal assistance, housing, and job training to victims of domestic violence.The Women's Center in Dallas was modeled after established organizations nationwide which acted as a means to remove battered women from troubled homes, and into a safe haven of their own.