National Conference on Health and Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women – more than car accidents, muggings, and rape combined. And studies suggest that up to ten (10) million children witness some form of domestic abuse annually. Everyone has a right to be safe.
Research data indicates that when different members of the community coordinated their efforts to protect battered women and hold batterers accountable, these efforts were more successful. Coordination helps to ensure that the system works faster and better for victims, that victims are protected and receive the services they need, and that batterers are held accountable and cease their abusive behavior. A critical first step toward coordinating responses is developing a common understanding of domestic violence.
Law enforcement agencies, advocates, health care providers, child protection services, local businesses, the media, employers and clergy can—and ideally should—be involved in a coordinated community response. Health care providers, in particular, can be important participants. Doctors, nurses and emergency room workers may see and treat women who do not or cannot seek other kinds of assistance. Coordinated community response programs often work to create a network of support for victims and their families that is both available and accessible. Coordinated community response programs often use the full extent of the community’s legal system to protect victims, hold batterers accountable, and enforce the community’s intolerance of domestic violence. Coordinated community response programs also often engage the entire community in efforts to change the social norms and attitudes that contribute to domestic violence. (From American Medical Association, Family Violence: Building a Coordinated Community Response 12 (1996).)
The conference aims to advance the health care system’s response to domestic violence. The Conference attracts the nation’s leading medical, public health and family violence experts from across the U.S. with increased international participation. In addition to the institutes, workshops, and plenary session, award winning actress and playwright Anna Deavere Smith will perform part of her one-woman show on healthcare, Let Me Down Easy, during the biennial National Conference on Health & Domestic Violence.
Conference Logistics:
Event Date: March 29-31, 2012
Location: San Francisco, California
Sponsor: Futures Without Violence
The 6th Biennial National Conference on Health and Domestic Violence will feature cutting-edge research and practice on the intersection of healthcare and violence prevention. Workshops, scientific posters, and plenary sessions highlight the latest research and most innovative clinical responses to domestic violence, with a focus on the work being done by physicians, physician assistants, dentists, nurses, nurse midwives, mental and behavioral health providers, social workers, domestic violence experts, researchers and others. The Conference includes an Exhibit Hall to feature local and national resources. The Conference is primarily funded by the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
With thirteen (13) in-depth Pre-Conference Institutes, one hundred and seventy (170) workshop presentations, in addition to plenary and keynote sessions, the Conference is one of the largest forums of its kind for advocates, clinicians, and researchers.
Prevention Pre-Conference Topics:
The prevention pre-conference institutes, workshops, and plenary sessions are as follows:
Prevention: Here are some of the prevention related titles of sessions:
Pre-Conference Institute: Promoting healthy relationships & preventing teen dating violence in the middle school years
Pre-Conference Institute: Intersectionality and gender based violence
Pre-Conference Institute: What’s your role in ending violence against women on campus?
Teen dating violence trajectories: Expect respect and gender matters intervention projects
Evaluation of the green dot bystanding intervention program in high school and college campuses
Weathering tough economic times through relationships: Innovations in teen dating violence prevention with youth at the center
Preventing IPV among Hispanics: Family, partner and community violence exposure, innovative training programs and impact on reproductive health of gang-affiliated Latina women
Interactive multimedia and online tools to understand teen perspectives on relationships, teach about IPV, and to transform negative social norms to positive ones
The fourth R: Classroom and small-group strategies to reduce dating violence and abuse
Promoting healthy relationships among adolescents in health care and school settings
Engaging men and boys as allies: Prevention programs and therapeutic tools for young men exposed to violence
Closing plenary session on Transformers: Risk, Resilience and the Promise of our Teens
Conference Sponsor: Futures Without Violence’s
Mission
“Everyone has the right to live free of violence. Futures Without Violence, formerly Family Violence Prevention Fund, works to prevent and end violence against women and children around the world.”
Service(s)
From domestic and dating violence, to child abuse and sexual assault, Futures Without Violence works to end some of the most pressing global issues of our time. We advance the health, stability, education, and security of women and girls, men and boys worldwide. In 1994, Futures Without Violence was instrumental in developing the landmark Violence Against Women Act passed by the US Congress. Striving to reach new audiences and transform social norms, we train professionals such as doctors, nurses, athletic coaches, and judges on improving responses to violence and abuse. As well, we work with advocates, policy makers and others to build sustainable community leadership and educate people everywhere about the importance of respect and healthy relationships – the relationships that all individuals, families, and communities need and deserve.
For further information on the conference or to register, please visit www.nchdv.org.
Source(s): DAIP. Prevent-Connect. Futures Without Violence website. American Medical Association, Family Violence: Building a Coordinated Community Response 12 (1996).)
Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art.
Help Put Americans Back to Work
As discussed in this blog in 2011, the unemployment numbers throughout the country mandate: increased public-private partnerships and decisive legislative action. These tangible actions are required to address the American jobs crisis. In response to the dismal unemployment figures, an open letter with almost two thousand (2,000) signatures was sent by the National Urban League to the President and Congress urging their support in the “War on Unemployment” in 2011.
Throughout the 2011 calendar year, this blog focused primarily on recently introduced pieces of legislation and other activities undertaken to address the current economic crisis with a focus on addressing the high unemployment rate and the resulting record bankruptcies, foreclosures, growth in homelessness and food insecurity. I will continue to write on this topic until the necessary action is taken to address the crisis.
By the end of 2012, it has been projected that we may have as many as five million people across this nation who have completely exhausted their unemployment insurance benefits and remain unemployed. Many of these “99ers” are close to eroding their savings and assets and wonder how much longer they can hold on. With that said, we have seen entire families impacted by long term unemployment as young children lose growth opportunities, parents can no longer afford college for their children and college graduates have moved back home with their parents. Let’s take a look at a public private partnership and several pieces of legislation.
Public-Partnership Example: Platform to Employment
“Platform to Employment is a public-private partnership giving businesses a risk-free opportunity to evaluate and consider hiring 99ers during an 8 week work experience program. During the 8 weeks, wages are subsidized with private investment funds and workers are placed on the payroll of The WorkPlace. The work experience program becomes an eight-week try out where 99ers can demonstrate they have skills, ability and drive to compete in the global marketplace.”
“P2E begins with a preparatory program designed to address the social, emotional and skill deficiencies caused by long term employment. A core element of this solution is a support system focusing on lasting performance improvements for participants. P2E incorporates a proven curriculum of self-assessment, managing change, effective communication and successful job search strategies. Multi-media tools reinforce instructor led programs and cohort learning.”
“During the preparatory program 99ers take action and fully realize their personal and professional potential. They develop new strategies for solving problems and create a positive change in themselves.”
“Three tiers of critical assistance
Tier One – Job Readiness
Coaching, workshops and hands-on training to hone necessary job skills.
Tier Two – Emotional Readiness
Counseling and behavioral health services to manage stress and build confidence.
Tier Three – 8 Week Work Experience”
The WorkPlace subsidizes a worker’s first eight weeks on the job. Employers offer a critical opportunity, hope, and a chance to evaluate a new population of job-ready applicants.
By eliminating employer risk during the hiring process, we break down a significant structural barrier that 99ers face when seeking employment.
Below are several pieces of recent legislation which were introduced to address the unemployment crisis:
Promoting Partnerships to Transform Opportunities Act (H.R. 2611)
The Promoting Partnerships to Transform Opportunities Act (H.R. 2611) is one such piece of legislation. In response to record employment, the Promoting Partnerships to Transform Opportunities Act (H.R. 2611) was introduced on July 21, 2011, by US Representative Raul Grijalva (S-AZ7). This piece of legislation would “…amend the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to prepare people with multiple barriers to employment to enter the workforce by providing such people with support services, job training, and education, and for other purposes. This new piece of legislation, H.R. 2611, has four (4) cosponsors. It is in the first step of the legislative process.
H.R. 2935
Earlier this year, another piece of legislation was introduced to amend the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to permit the establishment of Job Corps centers in the territories of the United States. On June 24, 2011, H.R. 2935 was introduced by Delegate Gregorio Sablan (D-MP) to amend the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. H.R. 2935 has 26 cosponsors. It is also in the first step of the legislative process.
Discrimination Against the Long-Term Unemployed ?
Is discrimination against the unemployed partly responsible for the nation’s high unemployment? Some assert that there is convincing evidence that employers are discriminating against the unemployed. In other words, when reviewing applicants some employers are only electing to interview candidates for vacant positions that are currently employed.
Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011 (2501)
In response to this observed phenomena, Democratic members of congress introduced legislation to prevent discrimination against unemployed workers. Representatives Rosa DeLauro’s of Connecticut and Congressman Hank Johnson of Georgia introduced the Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011 (2501), which would prohibit employers and employment agencies from discriminating against unemployed job-seekers by refusing to consider them for employment. According to Representatives Rosa DeLauro’s press release—“In today’s tough economy, more than 6 million Americans have been out of work for more than six months. But companies across the country have begun to require current employment to be considered for available positions, and these discriminatory practices are eliminating employment opportunities.
The Fair Employment Opportunity Act will prevent employers and employment agencies from refusing to consider or offer employment to someone who is unemployed, or including language in any job advertisements or postings that states unemployed individuals are not qualified. A recent survey, conducted by the National Employment Law Project (NELP), of four of the top job search websites, CareerBuilder.com, Indeed.com, Monster.com, and CraigsList.com, found over one hundred and fifty (150) job advertisements that specified applicants must be currently employed. And the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey shows that there are 4.7 unemployed workers for every one (1) job opening.” The legislation introduced by US Representatives Rosa DeLauro’s of Connecticut and Hank Johnson of Georgia , if passed by the House and Senate, would apply to employers with over fifteen (15) employees and would provide protection to job applicants who are discriminated against because they are unemployed.
Key provisions of the Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011 include but are not limited to: (a) Employers – It shall be an unlawful practice for an employer to–
1. Refuse to consider for employment or refuse to offer employment to an individual because of the individual’s status as unemployed;
2. Publish in print, on the Internet, or in any other medium, an advertisement or announcement for any job that includes—
- any provision stating or indicating that an person’s status as unemployed disqualifies the individual for a job; and
- any provision stating or indicating that an employer will not consider an applicant for employment based on that individual’s status as unemployed; and
3. Direct or request that an employment agency take an individual’s status as unemployed into account in screening or referring applicants for employment.
Representatives Rosa DeLauro’s press release aptly states that, “In a tough job market, where workers are competing against tens and sometimes hundreds of others for every available job opening, it is unjust for employers to discriminate against those who are unemployed. We have seen ample evidence that unemployed individuals are increasingly falling prey to discriminatory practices reducing their opportunities to be considered for a job. The Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011 would prohibit employers and employment agencies from discriminating against unemployed job-seekers, and ensure that all Americans have the same opportunities for employment.
Discrimination against the unemployed – especially the long-term unemployed – in job advertisements and hiring practices flies in the face of what we stand for as a nation: Equal opportunity for all,” said Rep. Johnson. The Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011 will help us level the playing field and get people back to work.”
Like most Americans, some members of congress assert that, “It is time for action on the most important issue of our time—economic opportunity through jobs! Every American deserves the right to be gainfully employed or own a successful business”—said U.S. Representative Cleaver. I agree. It’s time to move on from manufactured crises and focus on jobs.” If you agree with me,
Lamont Cranston reminds us that,” History will judge us either for our activism or apathy. The choice is ours, but the impact of our decision is ultimately on our children.” If the pressing social issues covered in these posts are important to you, please contact your elected officials in Washington, DC. For further information on these pieces of legislation, please visit http://www.govtrack.us. www.opencongress.org.
Source(s): The Work Place website. Representatives Rosa DeLauro website, HR 2501, Representative Johnson website, and opencongress.org. National Urban League. US Rep. Cleaver’s Facebook page. http://www.govtrack.us. http://www.opencongress.org Lamont Cranston. http://www.grio.com. http://www.thecincinnatiherald.com. http://www.theblackamerica.com. AFL-CIO.
Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art
National Day of Action: Occupy Day in Support of Prisoners
February 20th is recognized as a National Day to support persons inside cages who express their solidarity with the 99% and to support individuals seeking social, economic, and other forms of justice. With the help of supporters, allies, and larger communities, Occupy4Prisoners and other prisoner advocacy organizations aim to create a safe space to allow the voices of persons in captivity to be heard. This day of action was initiated by California death row prisoner Kevin Cooper and has garnered the support of many, many organizations and individuals nationally.
Occupy4Prisoners and other advocacy organizations urge us to join in on this historical day of action and be a part of amplifying the voices of prisoners and their concerns. They are asking that we stand in solidarity with those behind prison walls, their loved ones, and formerly incarcerated people. Prisoners are part of the 99% and Occupy4Prisoners and other advocacy organizations ask that we stand together in demanding an end to mass incarceration.
Occupy4Prisoners asserts that prisoners as well as formerly imprisoned PEOPLE, are one of the most marginalized and vulnerable populations in our society.” They “have been labeled as “offenders”, “criminals”, “convicts”, “ex-offenders”, “ex-cons”, and many other dehumanizing terms, and are scapegoated for causing society’s fundamental problems.” Prisoners “…are PEOPLE, and not the labels…”. Occupy4Prisoners argues that “…the real “criminals” are those who run Wall Street, who are responsible for genocide, racism, xenophobia, and all forms of discrimination. They lead the attacks against communities throughout America.”
Occupy4Prisoners argues that many of incarcerated persons and formerly incarcerated persons live by a code of conduct and support self-determination. They strive to build and follow leadership in our collective and public actions. These persons do not advance individual agendas over our collective needs. Further, participants in this movement accept responsibility for any acts that may have caused harm to their families, their communities or themselves, and seek to play an active role in making their communities safe for everyone.
Occupy4Prisoners and other advocacy organizations remind us that seldom if ever, are people inside asked or given a safe space to tell their stories. With that said, the general public needs to know what is going on inside these cages, how the bottom of the 99% are treated by the 1%, and the need to meaningfully include people inside as we build our collective efforts.
Occupy4Prisoners asks that everyone reading these words to support their efforts to create a safe, secure and genuinely inclusive space for people inside, and to build a genuine role for their voices in the February 20th National Day of Occupy in Support of Prisoners. Please take a moment to read through these statements from people in prison: http://occupy4prisoners.org/statements-from-people-in-prisons/. They are such a good reminder of why this day of action is so important for those 2.3 million people who the 1% aims to make invisible. The words of prisoners also remind us that this day of action is just the beginning. As Mumia points out,
“….the Occupy Movement must do more. As it shifted the discussion and paradigm on economic issues, it must turn the wheel of the so-called ‘Criminal Justice System’ in America, that is in fact, a destructive, counter-productive, annual $69 billion boondoggle of repression, better-known by activists as the Prison-Industrial-Complex. That means more than a one-day event, no matter how massive or impressive. It means building a mass movement that demands and fights for real change, and eventually abolition of structures that do far more social damage than good. It means the abolition of solitary confinement, for it is no more than modern-day torture chambers for the poor. It means the repeal of repressive laws that support such structures. It means social change—or it means nothing. So let us begin—Down With the Prison Industrial Complex!”
Actions are happening all across the country. If there’s not an action already planned in your city, you can still be a part of the National Day of Action. These are things you may want to consider doing:
1. Setting up a table to bring awareness to the issue of mass incarceration. This could include printing up literature to hand-out, petitions for specific cases for people to sign, or even a laptop with videos playing about the day of action. This could be a good way to help inform people about what’s going on and also meet people who you could work with for future events.
2. Using social media sites to spread the word about February 20 and the issue of mass incarceration. Occupy4prisoners.org has a section with powerful statements from prisoners about the national day of action. Those should be spread far and wide! We have to let the 1% know that we have not forgotten about the 2.3 million people they aim to make invisible. We want to amplify their voices on the outside.
3. Organize a reading group of Michelle Alexander’s book The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. This book is an important tool for our movement. The New Jim Crow goes through mass incarceration and its historical ties to Jim Crow, the war on drugs, how the court system “works”, and the impact a felony record has on one’s life. It is full of staggering statistics that expose the racist prison system and point out that the only way forward is a mass social movement that demands change.
4. Bring issues that prisoners face into your local Occupy movement. This could be done through a teach-in, film screening, or by starting a prisoner solidarity working group.
Source(s): www.Occupy4Prisoners.org. Action Alert CEDP.
Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art
‘Occupy Koch Town’
This President’s Day Weekend, Eyewitness News reported on “Occupy Wichita Kansas” the home of the Koch Brothers, Koch Industries, and their Kansas Policy Institute “Think Tank”. About five hundred (500) activists are expected to descend upon the home of David and Charles Koch’s Koch Industries. The ‘Occupy Koch Town’ event is a joint effort of the Kansas and Missouri chapters of the Sierra Club and of several nearby Occupy groups, who see the company as a prime example of corporate dominance of politics and science. “Protesters …are speaking out against what they say is a vested interest by Koch in the Keystone pipeline project. Event organizers chose Wichita because they claim the pipeline project is supported by Wichita based Koch Industries. However, Koch has repeatedly said they have nothing to do with the project and call today’s protest a politically charged attack.”
“The crowd was hard to miss as they made their way through downtown Wichita. They’re protesting the Keystone pipeline project which they claim could be harmful to the environment.” “I’m concerned about the Aquifers and what could happen if we let somebody else put a dangerous straw across our country and it pops a leak,” protester Esau Freeman said.”
“There were a few tense moments during the downtown demonstration when the group marched in front of Century II. Police officers cleared the crowd off the private property and some heated words were exchanged. Eventually the protestors moved on, trying to spread their message to people passing by.”
“We’ve had some questions. We’ve had some of the people on the streets just join right in with us. It’s been really positive with a lot of people driving by honking, no negativity that I saw,” Mike Shatz with Occupy Wichita said.
“There was a small counter protest to the “Occupy Koch Town” movement. A one-man march followed the larger crowd. Craig Newland isn’t shy about his opposing opinion.“I’m outnumbered but I’m getting in the last word,” counter-protester Craig Newland said. “These people are parasites. The Kochs are producers,” Newland said.
“Despite their differing views, Newland said he actually got along nicely with the occupiers. After several hours of marching, the group called it quits and headed back to home base. They plan to continue their protest on Sunday.”
“The director of Koch’s corporate communications responded to Saturday’s demonstration by emailing the following written statement: “We would encourage the protesters to turn their attention to matters that are real and pressing such as excessive government spending, more than $15 trillion in federal debt, and onerous regulations that are crippling our nation.” “This protest is a politically motivated attack and an attempt to harass and demonize an American company.”
Source(s): www.Kakeland.com, “Occupy Kochtown Movement Marches Through Downtown Wichita”, Parrish Alleman. “The Nation of Change. OpEdNews.com.
[1] CSPAN: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-wFXLMvzHw
[2] Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/ …
http://www.fhr.com/about/default.aspx
[3][4][5] Greg Palast, The Best Democracy Money Can Buy
[6] Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ …
Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art.
Help Keep Communities Safe While Supporting Victims
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women – more than car accidents, muggings, and rape combined. And studies suggest that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic abuse annually. Everyone has a right to be safe. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) gives law enforcement, prosecutors and judges the resources they need to hold offenders accountable, keeps communities safe while supporting victims, and provides critical funding for prevention and education.
“The Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA) is a United States federal law. It was passed as Title IV, sec. 40001-40703 of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, H.R. 3355, and signed as Pub.L. 103-322 by President Bill Clinton on September 13, 1994. It provided $1.6 billion to enhance investigation and prosecution of violent crimes perpetrated against women, imposed automatic and mandatory restitution on those convicted, and allowed civil redress in cases prosecutors chose to leave unprosecuted.”
“VAWA was drafted by then U.S. Senator Joseph R. Biden‘s office with support from a number of advocacy organizations including the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the Texas Council on Family Violence, Futures Without Violence, National Coalition Against Sexual Assault, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Legal Momentum and The National Organization for Women, which described the bill as “the greatest breakthrough in civil rights for women in nearly two decades.”[1]”
The New York Times editorial on Friday, February 10, 2012 on the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) indicated that the Act is now a political football for Republican Senators who are dragging their feet on its reauthorization.
As indicated in the action alert by Futures Without Violence, it is important to note that the Violence Against Women Act gives law enforcement, prosecutors and judges the resources they need to hold offenders accountable, keeps communities safe while supporting victims, and provides critical funding for prevention and education. It is absolutely essential to the work we do.
You can help hold batters accountable and keep victims of domestic violence. With that said, call the Senators listed below and send the message that VAWA is not a political football. There are several prior sponsors who are not on board yet.
Futures Without Violence prepared a quick and easy way to write to your Senators about S. 1925 (VAWA):http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm. And here’s suggested text by Futures Without Violence for your note:
“Dear Senator _____________,
VAWA reauthorization legislation, S. 1925 by Senators Leahy and Crapo, was developed with the input of advocates from around the country and addresses the real and most important needs of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. It also invests in small prevention programs to stop the lifetime cycle of abuse and engages more stakeholders in the work to prevent and respond to violence. It is responsive, streamlined, and constitutionally and fiscally sound, while providing strong accountability measures and appropriate federal government oversight. This legislation represents our voices—the voices of victims and advocates. I ask you to wholeheartedly support the swift passage of S. 1925.”
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s most recent action alert,
“There are 10 Senators who have been VAWA sponsors in the past. Maybe they just need to be reminded and for sure they need to be persuaded. VAWA programs and services are under-funded and under attack. It’s time to step up for victims of sexual assault and dating, domestic and stalking violence. Please reach out to these Senators and their staff today: Carper, Thomas (D – DE), Cochran, Thad (R – MS), Cornyn, John (R – TX), Grassley, Chuck (R – IA), Hatch, Orrin (R – UT), Hutchison, Kay Bailey (R – TX), Inouye, Daniel (D – HI) , Nelson, Bill (D – FL), Pryor, Mark (D – AR), Snowe, Olympia (R – ME).”
“There are 4 new Senators who OUGHT to be sponsors of VAWA. Talk to them and their staff and tell them about how VAWA has helped promote awareness and support services and needs them to be champions – and sponsors! Please contact them today: Brown, Sherrod (D – OH), Merkley, Jeff (D – OR), Udall, Mark (D – CO), Warner, Mark (D – VA)”
“There are 9 Senators who have expressed interest in VAWA and have been supportive of program funding and services in the past. Ask them to step up to this crisis. Alexander, Lamar (R – TN),Coburn, Tom (R – OK), Enzi, Michael (R – WY), Graham, Lindsey (R – SC), Heller, Dean (R – NV), Kyl, Jon - (R – AZ), Lee, Mike (R – UT), Lugar, Richard (R – IN), Manchin, Joe (D – WV)”
NCADV also reminded us to thank all the Senators who have signed on to support the Reauthorization of VAWA they are as follows: Leahy, Patrick J. (D – VT), Akaka, Daniel K. (D – HI), Baucus, Max (D – MT), Begich, Mark (D – AK), Bennet, Michael F. (D – CO), Bingaman, Jeff (D – NM), Blumenthal, Richard (D – CT), Boxer, Barbara (D – CA), Brown, Scott P. (R – MA), Cantwell, Maria (D – WA), Cardin, Benjamin L. (D – MD), Casey, Robert P., Jr. (D – PA), Collins, Susan M. (R – ME), Conrad, Kent (D – ND), Coons, Christopher A. (D – DE), Crapo, Mike (R – ID),Durbin, Richard J. (D – IL), Feinstein, Dianne (D – CA), Franken, Al (D – MN), Gillibrand, Kirsten E. (D – NY), Hagan, Kay R. (D – NC), Harkin, Tom (D – IA), Johnson, Tim (D – SD), Kerry, John F. (D – MA), Kirk, Mark (R – IL), Klobuchar, Amy (D – MN), Kohl, Herb (D – WI), Landrieu, Mary L. (D – LA), Lautenberg, Frank R. (D – NJ), Levin, Carl (D – MI), Lieberman, Joseph I. (ID – CT), Menendez, Robert (D – NJ), Mikulski, Barbara A. (D – MD), Murkowski, Lisa (R – AK), Murray, Patty (D – WA), Reed, Jack (D – RI), Rockefeller, John - (D – WV), Sanders, Bernard (I – VT), Schumer, Charles E. (D – NY), Shaheen, Jeanne (D – NH), Stabenow, Debbie (D – MI), Tester, Jon (D – MT), Whitehouse, Sheldon (D – RI), Wyden, Ron (D – OR)
As the NCADV so aptly stated in its action alert, we can still help even if you don’t live in any of the target states. Share the 4vawa.org site with your friends and family who live in these target states, and ask them to contact their Senators.
Together we can Reauthorize VAWA!
Reference(s):
- “VIOLENCE FORUM: Things to do Now to Stop Violence against Women”. National Council for Research on Women. December 16, 2008. http://www.ncrw.org/public-forum/real-deal-blog/violence-forum-things-do-now-stop-violence-against-women.
“Bystander Intervention: From Its Roots To The Road Ahead”
“Bystander Intervention: From Its Roots To The Road Ahead”
Presenter: Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP)
Location: Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts
Date: May 31-1, 2012
This will be a global conference devoted to exploring the roots of the bystander approach to gender violence prevention, and helping to set an agenda for next steps in the field. MVP is organizing this dynamic, international conference as an opportunity for educators, activists, funders and others to explore the history, development and current state of efforts to engage bystanders in the prevention of sexual and domestic violence.
Leading experts in the bystander intervention movement will discuss a range of issues, such as men and women working together; designing effective bystander initiatives in diverse socioeconomic and racial/ethnic environments; working with organized athletics and Greeks on college campuses; bystander pedagogy; and efforts to design comprehensive bystander initiatives that address gender violence but also bullying, gay-bashing and other significant social problems.
MVP Mission
MVP provides the leadership necessary, within sport and beyond, to address the global issues of sexism – especially men’s violence against women. In our advocacy efforts and training programs, we educate, inspire and empower men & women to prevent, interrupt and respond to sexist abuse.
MVP introduced bystander intervention to the gender violence prevention education field and has been on the cutting edge of its development since the early nineties. The chief curricular innovation of MVP is a training tool called the Playbook, which consists of a series of realistic scenarios depicting abusive male (and sometimes female) behavior. The Playbook – with separate versions for men and women — transports participants into scenarios as witnesses to actual or potential abuse then challenges them to consider a number of concrete options for intervention before, during, or after an incident. Many people mistakenly believe that they have only two options in instances of actual or potential violence: intervene physically and possibly expose themselves to personal harm, or do nothing. As a result, they often choose to do nothing.
But intervening physically or doing nothing are not the only possible choices. The MVP Model seeks to provide bystanders with numerous options, most of which carry no risk of personal injury. With more options to choose from, people are more likely to respond and not be passive and silent – and hence complicit – in violence or abuse by others. Many young men and women, and people in U.S. society in general, have been socialized to be passive bystanders in the face of sexist abuse and violence. This conditioning is reflected in the oft-heard statement that a situation “between a man and a woman” is “none of my business.”
MVP Training Goals
- Raise participant awareness of underlying issues and unique dynamics of all forms of men’s violence against women
- Challenge participants to think critically and personally (empathize) about these issues
- Open dialogue amongst participants about the dynamics and context of all forms of men’s violence against women
- Inspire participants to be proactive leaders around these issues by challenging them to develop concrete options for intervention in potentially dangerous situations involving peers
For more information about the conference, registration, lodging and participation opportunities, please go to http://www.mvpnational.org/.
Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art.
Source(s): http://www.mvpnational.org/. Prevent-Connect.
He loves me… He loves me not…
Valentine’s Day marks a day for couples and sweethearts to celebrate their love and treasure their time together. Unfortunately, far too many romantic relationships are filled with violence and turmoil. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women – more than car accidents, muggings, and rape combined. And studies suggest that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic abuse annually.
February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Teen Dating Violence (DV) Prevention and Awareness Month is a national effort to raise awareness about abuse in teen and 20-something relationships and promote programs that prevent it during the month of February.
Like domestic violence, teen dating violence is a pattern of controlling, and abusive behaviors of one person over another within a romantic relationship. It can include verbal, emotional, physical, sexual, and financial abuse. It can occur in both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. It knows no boundaries and crosses race, socio-economic status, culture, and religion. Violence can happen to anyone.
Annually, 1 out of 11 adolescents reports being a victim of physical dating abuse (CDC 2006). Many of these cases of teen dating violence could have been prevented by helping adolescents to develop skills for healthy relationships with others (Foshee et al. 2005). Like adults, teenagers can choose better relationships when they learn to identify the early warning signs of an abusive relationship, understand that they have choices, and believe they are valuable people who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
Access to information is integral to breaking the cycle of violence. Toward that goal, I would like to direct your attention to very help informational resources related to domestic violence intervention, prevention, and community outreach. For further information on teen dating violence, here are several websites you can visit: www.thesafespace.org; and www.breakthecycle.org.
Sources: Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). www.thesafespace.org; and www.breakthecycle.org. Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art
Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day marks a day for couples and sweethearts to celebrate their love and treasure their time together. As Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, I thought it important to discuss the characteristics of healthy relationships.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), intimate partner violence results in an estimated 1,200 deaths and 2 million injuries among women and nearly 600,000 injuries among men annually. Twenty-three percent of women and eleven percent of men aged 18 years or more have a lifetime history of intimate partner violence victimization. Prevention is key in domestic violence. With that understanding, this post discusses the characteristics of healthy relationship.
Characteristics of Healthy Romantic Relationships:
- Partnership: There is shared responsibility.
- Economic Equality: Freedom exists related to issues of work, school, and money.
- Emotional Honesty: Both parties feel safe to share fears and insecurities.
- Sexual Respect: Accepts that “no” means “no”.
- Physical Safety: Respects partner’s space and discusses issues without violence.
- Supportive/Trusting: Listens and understands, values partner’s opinion, and sensitive to other’s needs.
Characteristics of Abusive Relationships:
- Domination: Abuser decides. Servant-Master relationship.
- Economic Control: Withholds money.
- Emotional Manipulation: Uses jealousy, passion, and stress to justify actions.
- Sexual Abuse: Treats partners as sex object.
- Physical Abuse: Hit, choke, kick, punch, pull hair, twist arms, trip, bite.
- Controlling: Isolates partner from friends.
- Intimidating: Charming in public but menacing in private.
The abusive behaviors listed above are not comprehensive. The information should simply serve as a brief overview and to encourage the reader to seek more information. For further information on the topic of domestic violence, there are many websites that can provide comprehensive information on this topic including but not limited to: http://www.thehotline.org; and http://www.ncadv.org.
Source(s): Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Sanctuary for Families. National Domestic Violence Hotline. Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art
Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Meeting
January 2012 was declared ’Poverty in America Awareness Month’. As you may recall, in my post on “Poverty Awareness Month”, I shared facts about the prevalence of poverty in America. The month of January and ‘Poverty in America Awareness Month’ is over. Unfortunately, poverty in America is not—that is why I will continue to write about it and actions which can and should be taken to address it.
If poverty was not brought to an end in “Poverty Awareness Month” this gives rise to the question, why was the afore-referenced awareness month held? The reason is that an awareness month is designed to prompt action and gain attention to a particular plight. Awareness months serve to educate the public on the prevalence of societal ills which must be addressed and to highlight the need to take immediate action. And through awareness raising efforts, we hope to prompt in someone a twinge, a feeling, an emotion, or a question that will create a ‘call to action’. That call to action might be to advocate, volunteer your time, or to learn more. And now that “Poverty Awareness Month” is over, we, as a society and/or as individuals, have an obligation to help those people who heard the message to take decisive action. Each of us must be the voice of the poor to those who choose to hear about their plight and to encourage them to take the requisite actions to address the problems of the poor.
Here’s an opportunity to be a voice for change: Today, Union and progressive activists are staging some unique events at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) meeting in Washington, D.C., the annual gathering of the Who’s Who of the 1 percent, including Mitt Romney, Scott Walker, Newt Gingrich, Paul Ryan, Ann Coulter and Grover Norquist. Actions are set for noon and 5 p.m. (EST). If you are in the D.C. area and want to join in, go to the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel (2600 Woodley Rd. at Connecticut Ave. N.W.).
Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art
Sources: AFL-CIO. St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Nichelle Mitchem Discusses Child Abuse Prevention & Neglect
Recognizing the alarming rate at which children are abused and neglected, the need for innovative programs to prevent child abuse, and the importance of assisting families affected by maltreatment, the month of April was designated at National Child Abuse Prevention Month in 1983 by Presidential Proclamation. Since then, child abuse and neglect awareness activities have been promoted across the country.
With the goal of strengthening families, child abuse and neglect awareness activities are promoted across the country during April. In April, communities should seize the opportunity to help keep children safe, provide the requisite support families need to stay together, and raise children and youth to be happy, secure, and stable adults. The Child Welfare League (CWLA) gives guidance on activities that each of us can take to help prevent child abuse and neglect. Here is CWLA’s list of ten actions that we can take to help prevent child abuse.
Ten Things You Can Do
Volunteer your time. After-school activities, parent education classes, mentoring programs, and respite care are some of the many ways to keep children safe from harm. Be a voice in support of these efforts in your community.
Discipline your children thoughtfully. Remember that discipline is a way to teach your child. Use privileges to encourage good behavior and time-outs to help your child regain control. Both words and actions can inflict deep, lasting wounds.
Support prevention programs.
Know what child abuse is, and what the signs are. Physical and sexual abuse clearly constitute maltreatment, but so does neglect, or the failure of parents or other caregivers to provide a child with needed food, clothing, and care. Children can also be emotionally abused when they are rejected, berated, or continuously isolated.
Report abuse. If you witness a child being harmed or see evidence of abuse, or if a child tells you about abuse, make a report to your state’s child protective services department or local police.
Invest in kids. Encourage leaders in the community to be supportive of children and families. Ask employers to provide family-friendly work environments. Ask your local and national lawmakers to support legislation to better protect our children and to improve their lives.
Write, visit, fax, phone, or e-mail your elected officials.
Participate in ceremonies to memorialize children. Read the names of children lost to violence in your state, hold a candlelight vigil, or host an event at your state capital to remember those children who were lost to violence.
Raise public awareness.
Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art
