Advocating Ethics

For Inspiration: 10 Creative Domestic Violence/ Sexual Assault Program Logos

2010-06-09T14:26:00.001-04:00

Most logos for victim service agencies follow a recognizable theme. Many have a shattered house, a cause ribbon, women reaching upward or handprints or hearts. Most consist of two colors or a black & white image. The colors most used in agencies that address violence against women are teal and purple. Simplicity is conducive to universal recognition and easy copying, but it is alway enjoyable to see a well thought out image that goes beyond the norm. For inspiration, here are ten creative program logos :

Shining Mountain Community Services

Army- Fort Carson

Choctow Project Safe

New Personal Protection Order iPhone App

2010-06-05T11:29:00.001-04:00

ExpertClick News Release: New Personal Protection Order iPhone App Stops em in Their Tracks

IcePics iPhone app works by pointing an iPhone at a suspicious person and pushing the IcePics button on the iPhone. IcePics will immediately email a picture of the perpetrator along with the GPS location pinpointed on a Google Map to contacts pre-selected by the owner.

I can see how this could be valuable as an evidentiary tool, but the promoter of this app is making some pretty extreme claims ( see link above for full story):

"What IcePics Can Do

IcePics is a valuable anti-crime tool for anyone who finds themselves anywhere in a potentially threatening situation including:

• Children walking home from school

• Women jogging alone

• Anyone walking to a car in an unlighted parking lot

• Babysitters

• Children playing in a park

• Girl Scouts selling cookies

• Children going trick-or-treating Halloween night

• Elderly persons living alone

• Anyone opening a door to a stranger

• Anyone in a dispute or involved in a tense lawsuit

• College students living in a dorm

• Ex-boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse issues, especially those involving a restraining order

• A spouse worried about domestic violence, divorce or custody issues

• Anyone in line at a bank, fast food restaurant or convenience store who sees a crime being committed.

Imagine How The IcePics App Could Change Outcomes

...IF the young woman working in the college lab who was recently attacked had used IcePics her assailant would not have been able to attack her without knowing he'd more than likely be caught.

...IF the child that recently went missing in Florida, only to be found murdered in Georgia would have had IcePics, her attacker could have been stopped.

...IF the young woman that was recently separated from her friends at a Metallica concert had IcePics, she could have sent her attacker's photo to a remote email.

...IF Nicole Brown Simpson saw her assailant walking up her driveway, she would have caused her attacker to think twice as life in prison almost certainly would have been assured with evidence of his or her presence.

...IF the young girl walking home from school, only to be kidnapped and held for 18 years had IcePics, the outcome would have been much different and perhaps have stopped the person from even considering such an act.

Call Their Bluff

By just passing this information on to friends and telling them to hold their phone up and explain the IcePics technology to a threatening person it may make them think twice. Of course, having IcePics would be best, but the mere fact that it is available could save the life of someone you love, so share the concept with everyone, and it may be you that saves a life today — with or without even knowing it. www.icepics.com "

I am curious to know what others think of this. The most glaring problem is that the majority stalking victims I know find iPhone purchase and plan charges cost prohibitive. It would be great if this could be utilized with any camera enabled cell phone

CDC Manual to Download: Empowerment Evaluations For Violence Prevention Programs

2010-06-01T14:04:00.001-04:00

Evaluation for Improvement: A Seven-Step Empowerment Evaluation Approach

This manual is designed to help violence prevention organizations hire an empowerment evaluator who will assist them in building their evaluation capacity through a learn-by-doing process of evaluating their own strategies. It is for state and local leaders and staff members of organizations, coalitions, government agencies, and/or partnerships working to prevent violence. Some parts of the manual may also be useful to empowerment evaluators who work with these organizations.

From the Introduction:

"Any organization working to prevent violence—whether sexual violence,1 intimate partner violence, youth violence, suicide, or child maltreatment—wants to know if what it is doing is making a difference. Are protective factors against violence increasing? Are risk factors for violence decreasing? Are rates of violence decreasing over time? Are there fewer perpetrators and fewer victims than there were in the past? Are communities, families, and individuals healthier and safer now than they were before?

Evaluation can help violence prevention organizations answer these and other questions and provide opportunities for these organizations to improve their strategies2 so they are more likely to prevent violence. For this reason, evaluation is becoming a more common practice within organizations, and more funders are requiring grant recipients to evaluate their strategies."

View, download or print Evaluation for Improvement: A Seven-Step Empowerment Evaluation Approach [PDF 2.8Mb]

5 Recently Published Books Domestic Violence Programs Should Have on Their Shelves

2010-05-23T09:28:00.001-04:00

If you have been a reader of this blog for any length of time you know well how I feel about sharing information with all staff and volunteers and ensuring materials and learning opportunities are readily available. Hopefully every DV program has a reference library for staff members. Hopefully every DV program keeps materials updated and is receptive to suggestions in growing and enhancing your knowledge hub.

Along with the classics such as Getting Free: You Can End Abuse and Take Back Your Life (New Leaf)
by Ginny NiCarthy, some newer books that should be included and available to staff and volunteers are:

Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others
by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky – If you can only afford to purchase one item for the library this year, this is the book it should be. Written with humor and grace by a long time advocate, social worker and educator who understands the effects of doing advocacy work, both obvious and unseen. I cannot say enough about this helpful book ( a full review will be in a future post) and, if possible, more than one copy should be ordered.

Time's Up: How to Escape Abusive and Stalking Relationships Guide
by Susan Murphy Milano – Full of step –by – step tools to assist victims escaping violence. See review HERE.

Judging Victims: Why We Stigmatize Survivors, and How They Reclaim Respect
by Jennifer L. Dunn – from Amazon.com: 'Why didn't she resist?' 'Why is he telling us only now?' 'Why can't she move on?' Unpacking the questions that cast victims as deviants, Jennifer Dunn critically examines why we stigmatize survivors of rape, battering, incest, and clergy abuse - and how they reclaim their identities. Dunn explores the shifting perceptions over time of victims as blameworthy, blameless, pathetic, or heroic figures. She also links those images to their real-world consequences, demonstrating that they dominate the ways in which people think about intimate violence and individual responsibility.

Dangerous Exits: Escaping Abusive Relationships in Rural America (Critical Issues in Crime and Society)
by Walter S. DeKeseredy and Martin D. Schwartz - highlights the often under-researched, over neglected area of how battered women living in rural areas leave abusive relationships

Dream Big: A Simple, Complicated Idea to Stop Family Violence
by Casey Gwinn with contributions by Gael Strack - "Casey Gwinn's work with women and families that are survivors of domestic abuse is nothing short of extraordinary. I have been inspired by his vision and dedication to ending the cycle of violence against women in this country and I hope Dream Big will inspire others as well."
-- Reese Witherspoon, Actress, Avon Global Ambassador

Webinar: Lynn Rosenthal and Judge Susan B. Carbon on Federal VAW Initiatives

2010-05-18T13:02:00.000-04:00

Lynn Rosenthal, White House Advisor on Violence Against Women and Judge Susan B. Carbon, Director of the Office on Violence Against Women in the DOJ Webinar

Thursday, June 3rd 2010

12pm - 1pm

Register HERE

Join us as Lynn Rosenthal, White House Advisor on Violence Against Women, and Judge Susan B. Carbon, Director of the Office on Violence Against Women in the Department of Justice, brief us on the federal government’s initiatives on domestic violence and sexual assault.

There will be 25 minutes for Q & A’s. Questions may be emailed in advance to gelias@jwi.org or asked during the webinar on the screen provided.

Agenda:

1. Innovative federal domestic violence and sexual assault projects

2. Grant programs & funding streams available

3. Q & A’s

Lynn Rosenthal is the White House Advisor on Violence Against Women. Ms. Rosenthal was Executive Director of the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NMCADV) and the former Executive Director and President of the National Network To End Domestic Violence from 2000 to 2006.

Judge Susan B. Carbon is the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women in the Department of Justice. Judge Carbon chaired New Hampshire’s Fatality Review Committee. She also served as faculty for the National Judicial Institute on Domestic Violence - a partnership of the US DOJ Office of Violence Against Women, the Family Violence Prevention Fund, and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.

Women's Independence Scholorship Program (WISP) - Scholorships for Survivors and Advocates

2010-05-10T11:00:00.001-04:00

Women's Independence
Scholarship Program, Inc. (WISP, Inc.)
The Women’s Independence Scholarship Program, Inc. began as a program of The Sunshine Lady Foundation (SLF) in 1999 and for 8 years provided scholarships to women survivors of intimate partner abuse who were changing their lives through education. In December 2007, SLF Founder and President, Doris Buffett announced her intention to endow WISP as its own entity. On July 1, 2008 WISP, Inc. emerged as a “sister” organization with a mission to enhance efforts to end domestic violence by offering access to higher education.

The primary programs of WISP, Inc. are the Women’s Independence Scholarship Program and the Counselor, Advocate and Support Staff scholarship.

WISP is available nationally to women who have left an abusive domestic situation and who are pursuing an education designed to provide economic independence for themselves and their children.

CASS is for individuals who are employed by a domestic violence service agency. Such agencies - shelters, resource centers, transitional housing programs, etc. – play a critical role in the effort to end domestic violence. This scholarship was created to help agencies with limited funds assist their staff in developing professionally to better serve their clients.

Judge DeAnn Salcido Blames Other Judge for Decisions Leading to Murders by Released Predator

2010-05-08T07:23:00.002-04:00

Judge Slams Other Judge Over Chelsea King, Amber DuBois Deaths
Judge DeAnn Salcido Says She 'Can No Longer Remain Silent'

By: LAUREN PEARLE
May 7, 2010—

A San Diego judge accused her fellow judges today of mishandling criminal cases and said the murders of Chelsea King and Amber DuBois might have been prevented if their killer had been kept in prison for a prior sex offense.

Superior Court Judge DeAnn M. Salcido, during a news conference today, put particular blame on supervising judge Peter Deddeh who approved the sentence of convicted sex offender John Gardner, who has since pleaded guilty to raping and killing the two young women. She provided ABC News with a copy of her prepared comments.

Deddeh "put two young girls on a deadly collision course with a convicted child molester," Salcido said of the tragedies she believes might have been prevented by a tougher sentence.

In 2001, Deddeh signed off on a plea deal that gave Gardner a six year prison sentence for molesting and beating a 13-year-old neighbor he lured to his house. He was released after five years despite a probation report that called Gardner a predator and risk to society.

While on parole, he committed several crimes, including marijuana possession, and violated his parole by opening a MySpace account and living too close to a school. Those offenses could have sent him back to prison.

Shortly after his release, Gardner raped and killed King, 17, and DuBois, 14. He has confessed to both murders and is scheduled to be sentenced next month.

Salcido announced today that she is taking the unprecedented step of asking a California appellate court to force San Diego judges to "follow the law" and stop harassing her for trying to do so.

She accused Deddeh and other colleagues of rubber-stamping too lenient plea deals and failing to impose mandatory probation conditions such as protective orders, firearm prohibitions, and anger management counseling that are designed to protect public safety.

"This pattern of behavior by Judge Deddeh and others shows a reckless disregard for human life," Salcido said.

"I can no longer remain silent," the judge said in a press conference.

Salcido said that from her first days on the bench, she was told by seasoned judges to "go along to get along" and quickly dispose of sex abuse and domestic violence cases by accepting hurried plea deals and ignoring mandatory probation conditions for violent offenders.

"Chevy Justice" Versus "Cadillac Justice"

When she complained to Deddeh, he told her to just "dispense of 'Chevy justice' and let the other courtrooms dispense of 'Cadillac justice,'" she alleged in court filings. Deddeh explained that they need to get through numerous trials with limited resources and save money and time for "more important" cases, Salcido said.

But Salcido said that even with misdemeanor domestic violence cases, "everyone is entitled to the same justice or it is not justice. The administration cannot tolerate such distinctions."

In an email Salcido included in her legal papers, Deddeh allegedly wrote: "As we discussed the other day, our goal in D-3 is to expeditiously move defendants through the calendar and resolve their cases with the fewest # of court hearings possible&.we need to do what we can to limit the # of times our staff has to touch a file." Salcido told ABC News that although her actions today might cost her her job, "public safety is the issue, not my career."

"I hope to increase judicial awareness and prevent judges from recklessly disregarding the laws as they have been," Salcido told ABC News.

Deddeh was not immediately available for comment.

Copyright © 2010 ABC News Internet Ventures

Senate Panel Seeks New Solutions in Considering VAWA Funding

2010-05-07T11:06:00.001-04:00

From the MinnPost
Economic downturn complicates and intensifies safety issues in domestic violence cases, Senate panel told

By Derek Wallbank
Published Thu, May 6 2010 9:43 am

WASHINGTON — She told the Domestic Abuse Service Center in Minneapolis that the father of her children had pushed, grabbed and kicked her. Fearing he’d hurt her again, she asked for an order of protection and began making plans to head to a domestic abuse shelter.

A day later, she called the center and asked to drop the order of protection. She didn’t have another home to go to, and the shelter was full. She needed to work so she could keep going to school and didn’t have money for child care. Financially, she said she needed the abuser to watch her kids.

“One of the main reasons women do not leave abusive situations is because they are financially dependent on their abuser,” explained Lolita Ulloa, managing attorney of the Victim Services Division in the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, who told the story of that unnamed Minneapolis woman. “This reality is only exacerbated during an economic downturn.”

Lolita Ulloa“Financial independence, simply put, can make the difference in whether a woman stays or leaves.”

Ulloa and others who work with domestic violence victims told a Senate panel Wednesday that they’ve seen a sharp spike in the number of cases they handle since the economic crisis began in earnest in late 2008. While research doesn’t exist to authoritatively link an economic downturn with starting domestic violence, experts said that anecdotally it appears that the added stress intensifies already abusive relationships.

Senate leaders said they plan to take up a reauthorization of the landmark Violence Against Women Act later this year, with a view toward amending it to provide more help to victims in financial need.

“The economic pressures of a lost job, home or car can add stress to an already abusive relationship,” Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont said. “The loss of those resources can make it harder for victims to escape a violent situation.”

“Now’s the time to look at where the needs might be,” Leahy said.

Suggested solutions

Part of the problem, officials said, is that there simply aren’t enough resources to help everyone in need. Susan Carbon, director of the Department of Justice’s Office of Violence Against Women, said calls to the national domestic violence hot line rose nearly 20 percent from 2008 to 2009.

A national one-day census of domestic violence services in September, 2009, showed more than 9,200 requests went unmet on that day alone. Extend that one day by 364 others, and one finds a simply staggering gap between the needs and the resources available to meet those needs.

This being the start of the reauthorization process, the suggestions were numerous:

Ulloa asked for money to help victims on an “emergency basis,” so that finances won’t be an impediment to their or their children’s safety.

Carbon suggested the scope of the Act be broadened so her office can pursue strategies to prevent domestic violence, rather than just respond to it.

In tough budget times, how much money can be found? “My concern is that we don’t cut back on services,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar said.

Sen. Al Franken, adding to Klobuchar’s point, suggested more money be specifically set aside to combat domestic violence on Indian reservations where federal statistics show rates of sexual assault are far higher than the national average.

Alabama Republican Jeff Sessions suggested more research on what works and what doesn’t, so that “people throughout the states that carry out these works know what things are effective and what things don’t work.”

The Violence Against Women Act, as its name suggests, tends to target women, said Richard Gelles (Behind Closed Doors: Violence in the American Family), dean of the school of social policy and practice at the University of Pennsylvania. More needs to be done, he said, to support male victims of domestic abuse.

A contentious debate looms over exactly how much proof should be required before accused abusers are separated from their children.

Another equally contentious question: Should the government step in and help fund lawyers for those who claim domestic violence in divorce proceedings?

“In the past 15 years, we have changed the way that our communities respond to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking,” Carbon said in her concluding remarks. “But there is still work to do if we are to reach our collective goal of breaking the cycle of violence that plagues families and communities across our country.”

The Concept of Informed Advocacy in Victim Services Organizations

2010-04-25T11:38:00.002-04:00

Informed Advocacy

A central mandate in any policy I have created for staff or volunteers (not to mention, myself) is that they practice informed advocacy. Informed advocacy is a fluid practice of seeking relevant, up-to-date knowledge that will enhance their effectiveness as an advocate. Informed advocacy is self- propelled. There is no stagnant mindset resulting in “No one told me how” or “ I didn’t know” responses to unresolved problems.

This management mindset not only ensures better outcomes for the crime victims we are advocating for but it is also empowering for the advocate doing the work. Advocates are inspired to be pro-active, to research and to think outside the box. The boundaries, of course, are the ethics established in any victim services agency. Those are rigid - with no exceptions - to ensure confidentiality, safety and professionalism. Thorough staff training in the beginning of any advocacy career provides a reference point. Once staff are trained on ethics and best practices, trust must follow. The onus of laying this foundation is on the administration. Beyond that, agencies must provide the tools, share information, allow free discussion and encourage new ideas.

Some victim services agencies/ domestic violence shelters have become notorious for their own power and control issues leading to disenfranchised staff members and unappreciated volunteers. Only an empowered staff can selflessly and effectively empower crime victims. To achieve this paradigm shift administration must open the door to staff and volunteers. Involve those effected in grant writing and reporting. Allow staff to do internet research, involve them in writing a social media policy and participating in outreach, encourage staff to go to trainings and meetings and network in the community. Support self improvement, further education and even career advancement within or outside your workplace.

Without this freedom, many advocates, after a time, experience disengagement, apathy and perceive themselves as increasingly ineffective. In the practice of informed advocacy an advocate owns their actions, contributes to the formation of their professional legacy and enhances their resume, along the way they learn to provide the best service for victims and their families.

Policies that expect staff to take initiative without worrying about upsetting a stagnant administrative mindset is an investment of trust that is returned many times over. Encourage activism. Employee involvement is creating an environment in which advocates have an impact on decisions and actions that affect their daily work environment and policies. Keeping the workplace environment inclusive and alive translates to providing the best and most innovative services to those who seek our help.

Annual Crime Victim Service Awards Recipients

2010-04-21T10:34:00.003-04:00

ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER RECOGNIZES
NINE INDIVIDUALS, ONE ORGANIZATION, FOR
OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO CRIME VICTIMS

WASHINGTON - Attorney General Eric Holder recognized nine individuals and one organization for outstanding work on behalf of crime victims in an awards ceremony hosted by the Department of Justice today.

The Attorney General’s annual victims’ service awards are presented as a prelude to the nation’s observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 18-April 24, 2010. This year’s theme —“Crime Victims’ Rights: Fairness. Dignity. Respect.” — highlights the importance of affording crime victims these rights and recognizes individuals and organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to this effort.

The award presentation, along with the Candlelight Observance held yesterday in Washington, D.C., was organized by the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and its Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). In addition to the Attorney General, others participating in the awards ceremony were Laurie O. Robinson, Assistant Attorney General, OJP, and Joye E. Frost, Acting Director, OVC.

The recipients of today’s awards were nominated by their colleagues in the victim service and criminal justice fields. Their awards recognize their courageous responses in the aftermath of a crime, as well as their professional efforts to better serve the needs of victims with disabilities; to assist U.S. citizens victimized outside the United States; and to ensure that victims receive the compensation and other services available to them at the state and local level. The following awards were presented by the Attorney General:

National Crime Victim Service Award: Honors extraordinary efforts in direct service to crime victims.

•Recipient: Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center (AODVC), Portland, Ore., assists Americans who are survivors of domestic violence overseas. The center provides a continuum of services, including long-term case management, safety planning and relocation, legal assistance, professional counseling, and assistance with basic needs.
Award for Professional Innovation in Victim Services: Recognizes a program, organization, or individual that has helped to expand the reach of victims’ rights and services.

•Recipient: Gael Strack, San Diego, Calif., for advocating for victims of domestic violence and their children. She co-founded the first Family Justice Center in San Diego, Calif., which integrates multiple critical services for domestic violence victims, including legal, medical, and police services, along with counseling, daycare and a comforting environment. In addition, she has taught women, students, and community leaders about the signs of domestic violence through her many co-authored books, articles, classes and trainings.
•Recipient: Barri Rosenbluth, Austin, Texas, for her leadership in the innovative design, policy development, and community engagement related to youth victims of dating and sexual violence. She created and expanded the Austin, Texas-based Expect Respect program, which provides counseling and support groups in the Austin-area for K-12 youth hurt by dating and sexual violence. This program serves thousands of youth and adults each year, and has become a model that is nationally recognized for addressing and preventing dating and sexual violence.
Allied Professional Award: Recognizes an individual or organization outside the victim assistance field for services or contributions to the victims’ field.

•Recipient: Joanne Archambault, Addy, Wash., for her dedication to ensure that crime survivors receive competent, compassionate care, and that dangerous predators are brought to justice. She served for 23 years as a law enforcement officer with the San Diego Police Department. Since retiring, she founded the nonprofit organization, End Violence Against Women (EVAW) International, and Sexual Assault Training & Investigations (SATI) Inc., which helps thousands of multidisciplinary professionals stay current through electronic newsletters, training materials, and other resources available on www.mysati.com.
•Recipient: Carolyn Morgan, Philadelphia, Pa., for being an outspoken advocate for people with disabilities, particularly those who have been victims of crime. Ms. Morgan, who is herself a person with a disability, has worked with individuals and groups on both the local and state level to build awareness, educate, and foster collaborations with first responders. She co-founded Self-Advocates United As 1, an advocacy group comprised of people with intellectual disabilities.
Volunteer for Victims Award: Honors individuals for their uncompensated efforts to reach out to victims.

•Recipient: Kelly Jolkowski, Omaha, Neb., for assisting families of the missing, following her own experience of her 19-year old son who has been missing since 2001. She and her husband, Jim Jokowski founded Project Jason, a nonprofit organization that seeks to provide families of the missing with knowledge, raise public awareness about missing loved ones, and try to affect state laws with regard to the manner in which missing persons cases are handled by law enforcement. In a short time, Project Jason has assisted thousands of families, by raising public awareness through the media, disseminating posters, and providing hundreds of referrals.
Ronald Wilson Reagan Public Policy Award: Honors an individual whose leadership, vision, and innovation results in significant changes to public policy and practice benefiting crime victims.

•Recipient: Larry Tackman, Albuquerque, N.M., retired as a director of the New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission, and has been a diligent and progressive manager of crime victim compensation, victim assistance programs, and victims’ rights in New Mexico. Mr. Tackman was instrumental in the formation of the annual Advocacy in Action Conference and the Basic Victim Advocacy Training in New Mexico, which allows for victim service providers and allied professionals to receive the education and training needed to support the state’s crime victims. In addition, as the first president of the National Association of Victims of Crime Act Assistance Administrators, he helped establish its mission to focus on the identification and replication of promising practices to improve administrative oversight of funding programs to aid crime victims.
Federal Service Award: Honors exceptional contributions and extraordinary impact on behalf of victims in Indian Country, on military installations, in national parks, or in other areas governed by federal jurisdiction.

•Recipient: Marcia L. Rinker, United States Attorney’s Office, Washington, DC, for serving on the District’s Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board and the D.C. Homicide Coalition to develop ways to strengthen the resources available for crime victims in the District of Columbia. Ms. Rinker is the only homicide advocate and provides support to more than 30 homicide prosecutors, in addition to constantly ensuring that victims are aware of their rights, and receive necessary services.
Federal Service Award: Honors exceptional contributions and extraordinary impact on behalf of victims in Indian Country, on military installations, in national parks, or in other areas governed by federal jurisdiction.

•Recipient: U.S. Army Master Sgt. Verlean K. Brown, Deployed Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Sherwood, Ark., for implementing the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program in a combat environment, and for establishing supportive relationship with the U. S. Air Force Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARC). She has assisted 100 service members and supervised and trained 200 victims’ advocates. In addition, MSG Brown has conducted more than 40 education and training classes for 2,000 soldiers, airmen, and civilians.
Special Courage Award: Recognizes extraordinary bravery in the aftermath of a crime or courageous act on behalf of a victim or potential victim.

•Recipient: Michelle Corrao, Noblesville, Ind., was abducted 13 years ago at her own front door by three men. Kidnapped, raped, and beaten unconscious, she was bound and thrown into a car trunk. She knew she would die, so she, with much difficulty removed her rings and bracelet and tucked them under the trunk carpet in hope that her body could eventually be identified. But from the terror and despair of the dark trunk came salvation in the face of off-duty Fort Wayne Detective, Art Billingsley, who happened to make a stop when he saw some suspicious activity around the car. Ever since, Ms. Corrao was able to overcome her own victimization and has dedicated her career to share the extraordinary message of the profound impact that first responders have on victims to a broad audience including law enforcement, medical personnel, clergy, criminal justice students, prosecutors, and government officials.
More information about National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the Crime Victims Fund, and victim assistance and compensation programs is available at: www.ojp.gov.

Gavin de Becker's MOSAIC Threat Assessment Tool Now Available Online

2010-04-14T08:24:00.002-04:00

The Oprah Winfrey Show episode featuring Teri Jendusa Nicolai will air Thursday 04/15.

Jendusa Nicolai survived an attack on her life several years ago. In January 2004 her ex-husband beat her, stuffed her in a trash can, and drove her to Illinois, where he left her to die in a freezing storage unit. She was rescued shortly before she would have died, after Racine County Sheriff's Department investigators put together information that led local police to the storage unit where she had been left.

.Also featured will be Gavin de Becker, author of Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence
who has just onveiled the online version of his MOSAIC Threat Assessments, a valuable tool for advocates and victims alike.

From the website https://www.mosaicmethod.com/
"What is MOSAIC?

MOSAIC is a computer-assisted method for conducting comprehensive assessments - in the same way that diagnosis is a method used by a doctor. An effective medical diagnosis results when a doctor knows which questions to ask, knows which tests will produce the most accurate answers, and then knows how to draw relevant conclusions from all the answers combined together.

Similarly, assessing whether a situation has the combination of factors that are associated with escalated risk and danger requires that you know what questions to ask, and then know how to consider all your answers in a way that enhances insight. The MOSAIC method works by breaking a situation down factor-by-factor, like pieces of a puzzle, and then seeing what picture emerges when you put them together.

MOSAIC helps the assessor weigh the present situation in light of expert opinion and research, and instantly compare the present situation to past cases where the outcomes are known"

Advocate's Book Review: TIME'S UP by Susan Murphy-Milano

2010-04-11T17:54:00.002-04:00

“Been there, done that…” Susan Murphy- Milano has turned a tired phrase into demonstrable realism through the gift of her newly published book, TIME'S UP: A GUIDE ON HOW TO LEAVE AND SURVIVE ABUSIVE AND STALKING RELATIONSHIPS. Susan’s writing is based on doing. It is based on the irrefutable credential of experience, both as a residual victim of interpersonal violence and a tireless advocate for others who suffer. This book is born from working in the trenches for twenty years and the necessity of crafting working solutions to help ensure individual safety from batters and stalkers.

TIMES UP is a comprehensive guide for women in danger. Every advocate owes it to those they work to assist to obtain this book.The contents provide specific steps towards safety and addresses issues that a person who is stressed and in fear may not think of. This guide can provide structure in the midst of chaos.

Among the tools and forms is the original idea of an “Abuse Affidavit”, a sworn statement detailing the facts of an individual’s victimization, preserving the specifics so they are not lost even if the victim is. It is difficult to think about speaking from the grave but no different than any life insurance policy obtained in consideration for those left behind.

An “Abuse Affidavit” has the additional psychological benefit of being forced face reality and admit that the potential for the ultimate kind of violence exists…and that if it occurs the perpetrator will be held accountable.

Purchase and read TIMES UP as an advocate to continue to learn and practice informed advocacy. Give TIMES UP to concerned friends or family members looking for solutions for a loved one who is in danger. Most of all, find a way to share this valuable guide with the domestic violence and stalking victims you know and work with. It has all the information and tools to empower a crime victim to save her own life.

Dedicated Advocate, Susan Murphy Milano, Authors a Guide for Domestic Violence/ Stallking Victims

2010-04-09T18:57:00.002-04:00

PRESS RELEASE:

April 9, 2010--According to Susan Murphy-Milano, Susan Cox Powell, the missing Utah woman, Stacy Peterson, Lisa Stebic from Illinois who vanished from their home's without a trace is an example of women who could have benefited from her newly released book "Time's Up!".

With the proliferation of deaths due to domestic violence, something has to be done, something different, and something effective. Susan Murphy-Milano, a 20 year veteran of family violence will be releasing her newest book, “Time’s Up” A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships, on April 12, 2010.
“Time’s Up” guides the victim towards safety by showing them the unseen pitfalls of leaving a violent relationship and how to navigate around them. “Time’s Up” also has explicit details and instructions how to fill out an “Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit”, one of the unique things that Murphy-Milano has created and used through the years in high danger cases which has saved the lives of many.

Susan Murphy-Milano is a specialist in family violence and works nationally with domestic violence programs, law enforcement and prosecutors providing technical and consulting services in “high risk” domestic violence and stalking related cases. Her principal objective is to intervene before a victim is seriously injured or killed.
Important: Link to abuse document and video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9uGnrtwK3Q&feature=player_embedded
(If missing Mom Susan Powell from Utah, Renee Pernice, Kansas, Stacy Peterson, IL an others had created this abuse document the person responsible would be arrested)

Link overview to Susan’s work: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaNhBfzXN5c

Author of “Defending Our Lives” Doubleday books and “Moving Out Moving On” when a relationship goes wrong, Susan is host of The Susan Murphy Milano Show and is also a contributor to “Time’s Up!” and “Women In Crime Ink” online. With co-stars, Dennis Griffin and Vito Colucci, Susan will be participating in the new television show, “Crime Wire” which will examine cases in which the investigations have left questions unanswered and possible criminal activity unexposed.
ORDER NOW FROM AMAZON
ISBN # 9781608443604
Time's Up: How to Escape Abusive and Stalking Relationships Guide

For more information: www.susanmurphymilano.com or 312-675-2254

Contact: contact@imaginepublicity.com
843.808.0859

Wife sought protection prior to Upland tragedy

2010-03-27T11:10:00.001-04:00

Wife sought protection prior to Upland tragedy
WISH
Police say there was a history of domestic violence. "We've had victims' advocatesinvolved with the family. Amy's been in a shelter some and tried to work ...

Ohio Judge Orders Rape Victims to Take Polygraph; Ms Magazine Blog

2010-03-19T17:12:00.000-04:00

File this under “For Real?!”

Cleveland, Ohio Juvenile Court Judge Alison Floyd is forcing sexual assault survivors to take polygraph tests before their attackers are sentenced. To date, at least four teenage girls have been ordered to do so. All have refused.

FULL STORY

Advocates Outraged by Baltimore Judge's Actions

2010-03-19T10:32:00.000-04:00

By Nick Madigan | nick.madigan@baltsun.com
March 19, 2010

Advocates for abused women reacted with outrage Thursday after learning that a Baltimore County judge had enabled a 29-year-old man to be found not guilty of assault when he officiated at the marriage of the defendant and the woman he was accused of beating.

Another judge who waived the required 48-hour waiting period between the issuance of the marriage license and the wedding ceremony did not know the circumstances, according to that judge and a court official.

"It's appalling," said Lisae C. Jordan, general counsel for the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault. "We know to anticipate that behavior from batterers, but to have the judiciary involved in assisting a batterer is just appalling."

Frederick D. Wood had been charged with second-degree assault after his fiancee claimed that on Nov. 29 he hit her in the face, bloodied her nose, kicked her and banged her head against a wall at his home in Middle River.

But when the domestic violence case against him came up for trial on March 10, District Judge G. Darrell Russell Jr. allowed Wood to leave his courtroom in Essex to obtain a marriage license. Before the day was over, Russell married Wood and his fiancee in his chambers. The woman then invoked marital privilege so that she would not be required to testify against her husband, and Russell found Wood not guilty.

"Here's somebody who is clearly injured. And the authority figure, rather than acting neutrally or doing something to help protect her, pushed her into more entanglement with the alleged batterer," said Dorothy Lennig, longtime director of the legal clinic at the House of Ruth, which helps battered women and their children.

"Often the abuser will threaten the victim into invoking the spousal privilege," Lennig said. "For all we know, he could have figuratively been holding a gun to her head."

WBAL-TV first reported Russell's actions.

Another woman, Mildred Shank, obtained a temporary peace order against Wood on May 18, 2009, in the same Essex courthouse. The case was dismissed May 26 when neither party showed up in court.

Russell, the judge in last week's case, has been reassigned to desk duties and is not hearing cases pending the outcome of an investigation. He could not be reached Thursday for comment. A clerk in Russell's chambers said in early afternoon that Russell had left for the day.

Baltimore County Circuit Judge Robert E. Cahill Jr. said in a prepared statement that he was unaware of the circumstances when he waived the required 48-hour waiting period between the issuance of the marriage license and the wedding ceremony.

Cahill said the request for a waiver was routine and was made by the couple "on a mutual and voluntary basis." He said he was "provided with no other information concerning the reason for the request" and was "not informed of any proceedings in the District Court."

Angelita Plemmer, a spokeswoman for Maryland's judiciary, reiterated Cahill's statement. "He had no idea," she said.

Jordan said this was an example of why the 48-hour waiting period was in state law.

"This is exactly the sort of situation it's designed to prevent," Jordan said, "and to give a person some time to reflect about the seriousness of what they're doing, and perhaps get away from a fiance who may have been threatening to her."

Gary Kolb, executive secretary of the Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities, which investigates complaints against judges, said it was too soon to know whether this issue would come before the panel. The commission can recommend removing a judge from the bench.

Advocates: The System Failed Slain California Teen Chelsea King

2010-03-06T08:41:00.003-05:00

(March 5) -- The convicted sex offender charged with raping and murdering a 17-year-old Southern California girl received too lenient a sentence in an earlier attack and should never have been allowed back on the streets, the victim's parents and advocates say.

The arrest of John Albert Gardner III, 30, in the death of Chelsea King has caused an uproar as the public wonders whether anything could have been done to prevent the attack. Her parents believe the system failed their daughter.

Laws need to be changed so that registered sex offenders are kept away from children, her father, Brent King, said Friday.

"Kids [need to be] kids and be safe," he told NBC's "Today" show. "And predators should not be allowed within their reach."

Family Photo / AP

Searchers found Chelsea King's body on Tuesday afternoon, five days after she vanished while jogging in a San Diego park.

A Houston crime victim advocate said steps must be taken to prevent other girls from being victimized.

"The sad reality is, you have to try to take a negative and turn it into a positive, so that there won't be any more Chelsea Kings that have to be needlessly and brutally murdered for no reason other than the systematic failure," Andy Kahan told AOL News. "That is the real quest now -- to ensure she didn't die in vain."

A high school senior from Poway, King went for a jog on Feb. 25 but never returned. Police found her bodyTuesday in a shallow grave near a lake shoreline in the Rancho Bernardo Community Park in San Diego. Gardner had been taken into custody two days earlier after investigators said they had found evidence linking him to King.

Police said they also have evidence linking Gardner to the Dec. 27 assault on a 22-year-old woman who was jogging in the same area.

Authorities are also looking for possible connections between Gardner and the disappearance ofAmber Dubois, a 15-year-old girl last seen in Escondido in February 2009.

In 2000, Gardner was convicted of molesting a 13-year-old girl. Prosecutors said Gardner had lured the teen to his house under the premise of watching a movie. The girl was beaten before escaping and calling for help.

A psychiatrist recommended that Gardner be given the maximum sentence of at least 10 years in prison because he showed no remorse and was a "continued danger to underage girls in the society." Nevertheless, San Diego County prosecutors agreed to lesser charges to spare the victim the ordeal of testifying.

nsopw.gov / AP

John Albert Gardner, a registered sex offender shown in an undated photo from the National Sex Offender Web site, was arrested Sunday in connection with 17-year-old Chelsea King's disappearance in San Diego.

"It is extremely rare for a psychiatrist to make a recommendation, particularly of a maximum sentence. Normally you are dealing with people who are more treatment-oriented, so it is pretty telling that the psychiatrist said that this guy was a danger and will be a danger and deserves the maximum punishment," Kahan said.

"That recommendation should been taken wholeheartedly as gospel, but, unfortunately, the prosecutor ignored it."

Under the plea deal, Gardner received just six years in prison, of which he served just over five, instead of the 30 years he faced for the original charges, according to court documents.

"They had an opportunity to nail him and they elected not to," Kahan said. "In hindsight, it has come back to bite them, but the harsh reality is that many offenders don't even go to prison for sexually molesting children. In addition, there are roughly 600,000 registered sex offenders nationally, and about 25 percent of them are missing in action/whereabouts unknown, so to me it is a public safety crisis -- an epidemic -- and we need to treat it as such."

Jessica's Law, which is designed to prevent sex offenders from attacking again, was not approved until 2006, after Gardner was paroled. He was, however, subject to Megan's Law, which requires sex offenders to register with local law enforcement and provides the public with certain information on their whereabouts. Gardner was listed on the site.

The listing does little to prevent a sex offender from reoffending, Kahan said, adding that there is no way of determining if a sex offender can be successfully treated.

"Any treatment provider worth a grain of salt will tell you there is no cure-all," he said. "It is kind of like an alcoholic -- they can attend meetings and go to treatment, but they can never unequivocally state that they will never drink again. It is the same thing with a sex offender, especially a pedophile."

King's parents said they are determined to see that laws are changed to help prevent their tragedy from befalling another family.

"How many times do our daughters need to be raped before we put these monsters behind bars forever?" Kelly King said Thursday on CNN's "Larry King Live."

Kahan said that it is great that the Kings want to take proactive steps, but he is skeptical about how effective new laws can be. He believes the only way to stop sex offenders from attacking new victims is to lock them up for a long time.

"It is time we need to start hammering the people with lengthy sentences, particularly those that molest the most vulnerable members of our society -- our children," Kahan said.

"I get sick and tired of naming state laws after victims of child molesters. Think about all your state laws. You got Jessica's Law, Megan's Law, Ashley's Law, the Amber Hagerman Act, etc., etc. It's pretty sad that we continue to name those laws after dead children who were taken from known offenders."

Filed under: Nation, Crime

Case Revives Debate Over Protection Orders

2010-02-27T12:14:00.000-05:00

By ALAN FEUER

How protective is an order of protection? The short answer is: It depends.

While experts on domestic violence say orders of protection can clearly forestall harm — they point out that 87 percent of the victims of family-related killings last year in New York City did not have one — a piece of paper, even one bearing the imprimatur of a court, is certainly no guarantee of safety. This is especially true if the paper in question is delayed, ignored or never served.

That is what seems to have happened last fall to a woman who obtained a temporary order of protection from a Family Court judge in the Bronx against David W. Johnson, a top aide to Gov.David A. Paterson. Transcripts of recorded court hearings suggest that when the woman tried to serve Mr. Johnson, he refused the order — as did his lawyer a few weeks later. A police spokesman said Thursday that officers did deliver papers to Mr. Johnson, but he never appeared in court to answer them.

The woman herself, who is soft-spoken and expresses fear in the court recordings, seemed unaware that Mr. Johnson had been served by the police, and after a phone call from the governor, she failed to appear for a hearing seeking a final order, leading to the matter’s dismissal.

Continued in the NYT HERE

Case of John Michael Farren seen as refresher course on domestic violence; Washington Post

2010-02-26T08:47:00.001-05:00

Case of John Michael Farren seen as refresher course on domestic violence

CHARGED: John Michael Farren, an ex-aide to President George W. Bush, is accused of trying to kill his wife. (Kerry Sherck - AP)
By Karl Vick

Washington Post Staff Writer

Thursday, February 25, 2010
NEW CANAAN, CONN. -- The gate to 855 Weed St. is always open, and the driveway curves invitingly toward a cheerful Cape Cod. But what mattered to Mary Margaret Farren in the darkness of Jan. 6 was that lights were on inside.
The 43-year-old lawyer swung the BMW into the drive of a family she didn't know, leaned on the horn, pounded on the front door. When it opened, she collapsed, bleeding, in the airy stillness of a New Canaan foyer.

"She made several remarks implying that she did not think she was going to live," New Canaan police Sgt. Louis Gannon noted in his report. Summoned by the owners of the house on Weed Street, the officer found Farren on her side, inside the front door of the dumbfounded family's house, shivering and pale under a pile of blankets in an expanding pool of blood.

Rest of story HERE

Senator Shaheen Confronts Senate for Violence Against Women Director Delay

2010-02-19T18:10:00.000-05:00

February 16, 2010

Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) reprimanded her colleagues in a floor speech Thursday for their two-month-long hold on the confirmation of Judge Susan Carbon as the Director of the Department of Justice's Office of Violence Against Women (OVW). President Barack Obama first nominated Carbon to be director of the OVW in October 2009, according to the Boston Globe. The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously voted for Carbon's confirmation on December 3. She was eventually confirmed last Thursday.

During her speech on the Senate floor, Shaheen said, "Every two minutes someone in this country is a victim of sexual violence. Every 52 seconds a woman is victimized by a spouse or partner. These crimes devastate victim's lives. They shatter families...These Senators cloaked in anonymity were not punishing Attorney General Holder by blocking Susan Carbon's confirmation. These Senators were punishing the victims of domestic and sexual violence in states across this country...the police officers who put their lives at risk every day when they enter homes plagued by domestic violence...[and] the community groups that are working to prevent domestic and sexual violence."

In addition to Carbon, 26 other Obama nominees were finally confirmed by the Senate last week, according to the New York Times. President Obama said in a statement, "In most cases, these holds have had nothing to do with the nominee's qualifications or even political views...Instead, many holds were motivated by a desire to leverage projects for a Senator's state or simply to frustrate progress. It is precisely these kinds of tactics that enrage the American people."

Media Resources: Jeanne Shaheen Press Release 2/11/2010; Boston Globe 10/2/2009; NY Times 2/11/2010; White House Press Release 2/11/10

The White House’s Commitment to Combating Violence Against Women

2010-02-03T08:39:00.002-05:00

The White House’s Commitment to Combating Violence Against Women

The White House’s Commitment to Combating Violence Against Women
White House.gov Blog Feed

For six months now, I have held the first-ever White House position dedicated to combating violence and sexual assault against women and continuing the important work of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Every morning when I’ve walked into the White House, I’ve brought with me the stories of the many survivors I have worked with over the years. I’ve focused on raising the profile of violence against women issues across Federal Agencies, states, tribal communities, and localities; coordinating interagency collaboration on these issues; implementing victim assistance programs; and integrating these issues into Administration-wide programs such as the White House Fatherhood Initiative, the White House Council on Women and Girls, HUD’s fight against homelessness, and the Justice Department’s recent effort to better combat disproportionate violence in tribal communities.

Yesterday, I met with a group of 16 leaders of organizations that combat violence against women, provide resources for women who face domestic violence and sexual assault, and advocate for victims. During this meeting, I shared with these leaders the same information I am sharing with you — information on how the White House, through the President’s FY 2011 budget, is making combating violence against women a real priority.

Violence Against Women Act as a Budget Priority

The FY 2011 budget will provide a record total of $730 million to combat violence against women — a $130.5 million increase in funding from the previous fiscal year. The VAWA, passed in 1994, already provides thousands of victims with life-saving services, improvements in the criminal justice system and increased public awareness. The President’s FY 2011 budget not only continues this strong response, but bolsters current funding and responds to the emerging needs of communities.

Crime Victims Fund

The budget provides a $100 million increase from the Crime Victims Fund, specifically for emergency shelter, transitional housing, and other local services for domestic violence and sexual assault victims. By focusing on both immediate safety and long-term housing assistance, we can help ensure that victims don’t have to choose between living with abuse or becoming homeless. Furthermore, the Crime Victims Fund does not consist of a single taxpayer dollar; it is self-sustaining and supported by criminal fines, forfeited bail bonds, and penalties for Federal offenders. In addition to a fund increase from the Crime Victims Fund, the FY 2011 budget provides $140 million for battered women’s shelters and services, an increase of $10 million from the previous fiscal year.

Victim Resources and Legal Support

The $730 million also provides vital funding for victim resources. The National Domestic Violence Hotline and Teen Dating Violence Helpline are receiving increased funding of $4.5 million to ensure every call is answered. The budget also provides $30 million in VAWA funding for victims of sexual assault — a $15 million increase from the previous year — which will be utilized by the Sexual Assault Services Program to provide crisis intervention, advocacy within the criminal justice system, support during forensic exams, and other related assistance.

The FY 2011 budget bolsters legal support for domestic violence and sexual assault victims by providing $50 million in VAWA funding for legal assistance for victims, a $9 million increase from the previous year. The Civil Legal Assistance Program will use this funding to help victims more easily obtain protective orders and other assistance available through the court system.

To build upon the above improvements in the criminal justice system, the budget also provides $188 million in STOP grants that provide better training, improved data collection, specialized law enforcement and prosecution units, and courts specialized for domestic violence and sexual assault cases.

Support Across the Board

Ending domestic violence and sexual assault is a priority for President Obama and Vice President Biden. I’ve written about numerous fund increases and initiatives that are testaments to this fact. In my meeting yesterday, the White House’s commitment to violence against women issues was clear — we are increasing support for women across the board.

Read more about our efforts in the President’s FY 2011 budget.

Lynn Rosenthal is the White House Advisor on Violence Against Women

In France, a Move to Outlaw Psychological Abuse in Marriage

2010-01-09T18:29:00.000-05:00

By BRUCE CRUMLEY / PARIS – Sat Jan 9, 1:40 pm ET

Virtually all couples argue over things like forgotten anniversaries and taking out the trash. Insults may even fly over whose spending busted the household budget. But in some relationships, accusations and harassment can become something more troubling - psychological abuse. French lawmakers are now recognizing this and are moving to offer people legal protection from repeated mental and emotional abuse in relationships.

Aside from passing laws in 1996 and 2006 to protect women from violent husbands and partners, France has largely tried to deal with the once hushed-up problem of domestic abuse through education and public awareness campaigns. In the coming weeks, however, conservative legislators are expected to introduce a bill that would outlaw "conjugal abuse of a psychological nature" in both married and unmarried relationships. Backed by President Nicolas Sarkozy's ruling party, which increases its chances of passing, the legislation seeks to target the verbal and mental denigration, humiliation and manipulation that typically lead to physical abuse. The hope is that the bill will help prevent the emotional wounds that words often cause before a punch is ever thrown.

"It's an important move forward, because the creation of this offense will let us tackle the most insidious situations - the ones that leave no physical scars but which still injure the victims inside," Prime Minister FranÇois Fillon said in November when he announced the government would pass a ban on psychological abuse before the end of this year.

Few contest that domestic abuse is a problem in France, which, like most Latin nations, has long viewed it as an unfortunate component of the permanent wrangling between the sexes. According to government statistics, 157 women and seven men died as a result of domestic violence in France in 2008. But French attitudes started to change in 2004 when the French actress Marie Trintignant was killed by her lover and several other women lost their lives in domestic disputes. Activists argued that the law defining domestic battery as simply illegal assault was insufficient, so they pushed for a law, passed in 2006, establishing domestic violence as grounds for immediate divorce and giving victims the means of obtaining protection from violent spouses.

But some say this is still not enough. According to government statistics, about 10% of all women in France are victims of domestic mistreatment of some kind, and 80% of women who make calls to state-funded help lines complain of severe verbal abuse, compared to 77% who report physical violence. Though preventive measures and the 2006 law have succeeded in reducing the instances of physical domestic abuse in the country, there's a growing sentiment that something must be done to halt the emotional and mental trauma that continues unabated behind closed doors.

"We know physical abuse is always preceded by psychological violence, but we also know there are countless people who live in fear, humiliation and in total submission to verbally brutal partners who never hit them," says YaËl Mellul, a lawyer for abused women who began the push to draw up the pending legislation over two years ago. "We need clear legal statutes prohibiting the repetitive, regular barrage of insult, denigration, threats, financial or familial blackmail and other ways people overpower victims into submission."

The bill has its opponents, though. Some sociologists, psychologists and legal experts argue that legislating what happens in a relationship is an invasion of privacy. Some pundits - especially journalists working for British papers - have even conjured up scenes of police raids of dinnertime spats, or husbands getting a hard time for telling their wives they spend too much. Mellul says that such comments miss the point.

"Domestic disputes and conflicts aren't just normal - they're usually salutary in releasing pressure and finding compromise," she says. "We're talking about the regular, repetitive verbal and psychological treatment characteristic of abusers vis-À-vis their victims. There's a clear difference between mental cruelty and having a row over where to go on vacation."

Some skeptics also say that securing court convictions for psychological violence in relationships would be impossible. But while Mellul admits it would indeed be difficult, she says it wouldn't be impossible, particularly if victims provide ample evidence of the psychological abuse. "If a law putting a name to and describing the crime can help victims realize they're being wronged and do something to stop it, that in itself will be a major step," Mellul says. "What child dare stepped up to denounce abuse before they were told they should? How many women never bothered to report rape until they knew police would take them seriously? Well, this effort seeks to give victims of psychological violence the same backing and legal framework that victims of physicaldomestic abuse are using to stop their torment." (Read: "Why Love Can Turn Violent.")

In other words, it may be a far-fetched idea - but one whose time appears to have come.

View this article on Time.com

"Justice System" Travesty in Tennessee

2009-11-14T21:58:00.001-05:00

A class action lawsuit against the city of Dickson, perhaps? In the meantime:

Mayor’s Office- Don L. Weiss, Jr

615-441-9508

mayor@cityofdickson.com

Domestic Violence Victim Blames Magistrate

Woman Says Milton Genella Didn't Do His Job

Reported By Dennis Ferrier

POSTED: 3:58 pm CST November 13, 2009

UPDATED: 7:41 pm CST November 13, 2009

DICKSON, Tenn. -- A victim from a domestic violence case that was thrown out comes forward after the Channel 4 I-Team's investigation into a judicial magistrate.

Video: Domestic Violence Victim Beaten After Case Thrown Out \| Video: Magistrate Throws Out Domestic Violence, DUI Arrests

The victim said her husband was so emboldened by his immediate release that he beat her for six months like he had never beaten her before.

The Dickson Police Department is so frustrated it keeps a permanent file of dozens of domestic violence arrests thrown out by judicial magistrate Milton Genella.

Dickson County Sheriff Tom Wall also keeps a book in his office in which every officer must keep a record of domestic violence arrests thrown out by judicial magistrates.

Law enforcement said Genella throws out more than half of domestic violence arrests the night of the arrest -- a practice unheard of in several other local counties.

Domestic violence advocates say that throwing out arrests discourages the victim and encourages the attacker.

"By getting that protection that the court can offer, that is not only sending a strong message to the perpetrator ... but it's sending a message to the victims as well that we're going to protect you," said Kathy England Walsh of the Tennessee Domestic Violence Coalition.

Dickson County sheriffs arrested the woman's husband in January 2006 for dragging her around their home, punching her and knocking her down. Genella refused the warrant, saying it was not domestic violence. June's* husband was released that night.

"(I was) terrified. I didn't know where he was, I didn't know if he was coming back for me," she said.

June said the beatings got worse and more frequent from then on.

"I never called the police again," said June. "Every time that would happen, I would think, 'What's the point?'

"There were times when he would be abusing me and tell me, you know, 'Even a judge let me go.'" In his mind, he thought it was OK for him to be doing what he was doing," she said.

The beatings went on for six months until June ended up in the emergency room with a broken nose.

"The only time that something, you know, actually got resolved was when I ended up in the emergency room," June said.

June said she blames Genella for not stopping the violence.

"I'm really angry. I'm angry at this man for not doing his job, doing what he's supposed to do to protect people like me," she said.

Genella declined to discuss some of the cases he has thrown out and suggested talking to the district attorney.

But the district attorney isn't Genella's boss. In fact, Dan Alsobrooks said by law he isn't even permitted to criticize the magistrate. He said to check with the county mayor.

County Mayor Robert Stone said the County Commission approves magistrates for four-year terms but can't fire them, and that the magistrates' boss is General Sessions Judge Durwood Moore.

Moore said he isn't Genella's boss; he is a consultant who recommended him. Moore said that only the Tennessee Supreme Court can fire a judge.

But the Tennessee Supreme Court said Genella isn't a real judge because he isn't a lawyer, so it doesn't have any jurisdiction.

The county has the right not to renew Genella's term when it's up next year.

*This name has been changed.

Previous Story:

November 12, 2009: Domestic Violence Cases Shut Down Before Reaching Courts

VAWNet Mini Collection: Conflict Resolution Tools for Domestic Violence Shelter Staff

2009-11-09T10:14:00.001-05:00

Conflict Resolution Tools for Domestic Violence Shelter Staff
Although most domestic violence victims who seek assistance from local domestic violence programs do not need emergency shelter, far too many do. For those fleeing an abusive partner, finding a safe and supportive refuge for themselves and their children is critically important. In most cases, domestic violence shelter staff and volunteers work hard to create and maintain a ”home-like” feel for the families that come to a shelter and a shared sense of communal living among shelter residents. Some programs are able to offer individual rooms with private bathrooms for residents, while others may have two or three families sharing a room or a suite of rooms with a common bathroom. Typically, a shelter has other common areas where residents prepare and eat meals, play with their children, watch TV, use a computer if one is available, and socialize.

Sharing living space with others is difficult under the best of circumstances and conflicts are inevitable – anyone who has grown up in a large family or shared an apartment with others knows this first hand! But group living is particularly challenging when you are sharing communal space with strangers who, like you and your children, are living in real fear, are unsure of the future, and are recovering from the trauma of domestic violence.

While advocates working in shelter programs are expected to build a community and manage a household of women and children from diverse backgrounds and circumstances, many may not receive the necessary training to resolve the types and intensity of conflicts that may arise within the shelter. Such training should equip advocates to better identify, understand and respond to the many challenges associated with communal living, including those described in Meeting Survivors' Needs: A Multi-State Study of Domestic Violence Shelter Experiences, discussed in more detail below.

Mini Collection

In order to help address the training and technical assistance needs of domestic violence advocates, the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) developed this brief collection on Conflict Resolution Tools and Resources for Domestic Violence Shelter Staff. Building on the findings from the Meeting Survivors’ Needs study, this online collection includes selected materials and resources intended to equip advocates with a contextual framework and practical skills to better resolve conflicts that often arise within a shelter environment. A full set of publications related to Meeting Survivors' Needs: A Multi-State Study of Domestic Violence Shelter Experiences can be found at http://new.vawnet.org/category/index_pages.php?category_id=936, including the Research in Brief, Executive Summary, and Final Report, as well as Webinar materials, a Shelter Study FAQ, and related resources.

Downloadable Materials for Advocates

2009-10-28T10:05:00.000-04:00

The Family Violence Prevention Fund has placed all conference materials and slides online for download from the 5th National Conference on Health and Domestic Violence that took place in October. There is a wealth of information although some is only supplimental to the actual presentation. While there is no sustitution for getting away and interacting with other advocates it would be wonderful if others would follow suite and make conference materials available to those who cannot attend.

Conference on Health and Domestic Violence Materials

Domestic violence advocate questions Judge's decision in Arizona murder-suicide

2009-10-21T13:09:00.000-04:00

by Ryan O'Donnell / 3TV

Posted on October 20, 2009 at 8:27 PM

Story & Video

PEORIA , AZ -- On October 6, 2009 Dawn Axsom and her attorney pleaded with Judge Jose Padilla to allow her to leave Arizona with her two-year-old son, Xavier, but Judge Padilla denied the request.
According to court testimony, Axsom’s estranged boyfriend, 28-year-old Gabriel Schwartz, had been arrested twice for DUI, was unemployed, and had made two failed suicide attempts. This prompted Axsom to also file for an Order of Protection against Schwartz.

Judge Padilla granted Schwartz visitation rights, requiring a drug & alcohol and mental health evaluation to be completed within 60-days.

Two weeks after that court appearance, Dawn Axom and her mother Linda were found shot to death in their Peoria home, reportedly by Schwartz, who then turned the gun on himself.

Elizabeth Ditlevson, who works for the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, says it’s not just Judge Padilla, but other family court judges who don't seem to take domestic violence as seriously as they should.

“Some courts are privileging an abusers access to their children over the safety of the victim parent and the child. We think that that is a huge issue and it needs to change” said Ditlevson.

Justice Department:Violence to some groups of women 'shocking'

2009-10-20T15:10:00.000-04:00

By Terry Frieden

CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Fifteen years after passage of the Violence Against Women Act to combat physical abuse of women and girls, domestic violence remains especially acute among Native American and Alaska Native women, Justice officials said Monday.
The levels of violence against American Indian and Alaska Native women are shocking, and cannot be tolerated," said Deputy Attorney General David Ogden. "Indeed, in some tribal land counties, murder rates for American Indian and Alaska Native women are 10 times the national average."
The Justice Department's second highest-ranking official told a gathering marking the 15th anniversary of the act's passage that poverty and lack of educational opportunities contribute to the scope of the problem and make it especially hard for these victims to escape abuse.
Ogden said that given the federal government's responsibility and its unique authority to prosecute serious crime on tribal lands, the Justice Department is intent on dealing with the issue.
Justice Department grants often provide the only funding for on-reservation domestic violence shelters and for victim advocates in tribal communities in 17 states.
Attorney General Eric Holder and Associate Attorney General Tom Perelli will join Ogden later this month for a meeting with tribal leaders to discuss public safety issues, including violence against these women.
Two tragic victims from affluent backgrounds told the Justice Department crowd that domestic abuse is not restricted to poor families.
One of the women -- a Harvard graduate -- said she first had been beaten by her Ivy League husband-to-be five days before their "fairytale" wedding but was unable to leave the physically abusive relationship for four years.
A second victim described how her ex-husband continued to threaten her despite court protective orders, until he finally shot her twice -- once in the face -- because she would not return home.
A new report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics released Monday said its victimization survey showed 652,000 incidents of overall violent crime inflicted by intimate partners in 2008.
More than 550,000 violent incidents targeted women; 101,050 targeted men.
Most of the incidents were classified as simple assaults, but there were 111,530 cases of aggravated assault, 44,000 rapes and sexual assaults and 38,820 robberies.
The number of homicides by intimate partners rose slightly in the past two years, while the cases of nonfatal intimate partner violence continued to decline, the Justice Department report said.

Mary Kay Builds Nation’s First Outdoor Nature Classrooms at Women’s Shelters in Honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

2009-10-16T13:39:00.000-04:00

Mary Kay Builds Nation’s First Outdoor Nature Classrooms at Women’s Shelters in Honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Mary Kay Inc. and The Mary Kay Foundation are building Nature Explore Classrooms at five women’s shelters across the United States as a part of its corporate social responsibility initiative, Pink Changing LivesSM.

Nature Explore Classrooms are outdoor learning spaces designed to include nature in the daily lives and learning of children. Research shows that nature buffers the impact of life stress on children and helps them deal with adversity. It also helps reduce or eliminate anti-social behavior such as violence, bullying and vandalism – all of which are common in children who have witnessed abuse.

This is the first time a Nature Explore Classroom is being built at a domestic violence women’s shelter. The women’s shelters who will receive the Nature Explore Classrooms from Mary Kay are located in Illinois, Texas, California, New Jersey and Georgia. Along with the outdoor area, each Nature Explore Classroom includes a multi-faceted curriculum with details on how to fully maximize the educational opportunities and healing effects of the outdoor environment. Mary Kay Inc., The Mary Kay Foundation and the Arbor Day Foundation partnered with Dimensions Educational Research Foundation to build the five Nature Explore Classrooms.

According to Dimensions, an outdoor classroom offers endless possibilities for discovery. Children who are engaged and active are far more likely to exhibit positive behavior and exhibit stronger social skills, all of which are critical for children who have witnessed domestic violence abuse.

“As an organization, we believe that violence against women is simply unacceptable,” said Anne Crews, Mary Kay Inc.’s vice president of government relations and board member for The Mary Kay Foundation. “Bringing these Nature Explore Classrooms to women’s shelters is just one example of how we are addressing domestic violence. We know that helping women and children connect with nature during the healing process will empower them. Our primary goal is to enrich women’s lives. Because of this, Mary Kay will continue to be an advocate on the issue of domestic violence and a champion for women around the world.”

The Nature Explore Classroom is one example of the unique ways that Mary Kay has addressed the issue of domestic violence. Mary Kay Inc. and The Mary Kay Foundation have underwritten two PBS documentaries on domestic violence, lobbied Congress to pass the Violence Against Women Act and its subsequent renewal, provided grants to domestic violence women’s shelters, gave a grant to fund a salary for a special prosecutor for domestic violence crimes and underwrote an interactive DVD-based curriculum addressing teen dating violence in a partnership with Break The Cycle.

Future Attorneys in Michigan Gain Exposure to Real Advocacy

2009-10-08T13:03:00.000-04:00

U-M Law Students Pledge Time for Pro Bono Work

Rina Miller (2009-10-08)

ANN ARBOR, MI (MICHIGAN RADIO) - University of Michigan Law School students are being asked to give some of their time and talents to help others.

The law school is asking its students to pledge at least 50 hours to pro bono services.

Volunteering their time isn't a new idea but the pledge, as it's called, formalizes their efforts.

MaryAnn Sarosi is Assistant Dean of Public Service at U-M. She says the program helps put a human face on the law:

"When you are standing there with a woman who is a mother of two children, who works very hard, is a domestic violence survivor, and she's a tough person - and you are helping her get a personal protection order, you begin to understand her daily struggles," Sarosi says.

Students will also work with Human Rights Watch to monitor the upcoming war crimes trial of former Serbian leader Radovan Karadzic. And they're helping the Mississippi Center for Justice in its fight to win Medicaid benefits for developmentally challenged children.

Wayne State University and Cooley Law School students also participate in pro bono work.
© Copyright 2009, Michigan Radio

New Research Shows Domestic Violence Shelters Meet Survivor's Needs

2009-10-06T15:31:00.000-04:00

Domestic Violence Shelters Meet Survivor's Needs

Domestic violence shelters are meeting the needs of abuse survivors and their children, providing services like housing, mental health counseling, and legal assistance. An NIJ-sponsored study [1] found that nearly three-quarters (74 percent) of domestic violence survivors rate the assistance they received at their shelters as "very helpful", and another 18 percent rate it as "helpful."

Benefits of Domestic Violence Shelters
Shelters provide specific, immediate benefits for adults and children who face abuse and homelessness:

Almost all survivors (99 percent) received help securing their own safety, 90 percent received help issuing a protective or restraining order, and 82 percent received help with divorce issues.

Most shelters (82 percent) let survivors stay more than 30 days, and 34 percent allow stays of more than 60 days.

Most shelters offered child protection (79 percent) and welfare (80 percent) services.

Most shelters offered survivors help prosecuting their abusers in civil (82 percent) and criminal (81 percent) court.

Survivors receive a range of services:

Three-quarters (75 percent) of survivors found employment or received job training.

Shelters offered many victim services, including: support groups (97 percent), crisis counseling (96 percent), individual counseling (92 percent), parenting classes (55 percent), counseling for children (54 percent) and child care (50 percent).

Almost all shelters (92 percent) helped victims find schools for their children.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

Around a third (32 percent) of survivors had conflicts with other residents.

Survivors reported problems finding privacy (16 percent) and problems with time limits on the shelter stay (16 percent), curfews (14 percent), child discipline and monitoring (13 percent).

Read the full report Meeting Survivor's Needs: A Multi-State Study of Domestic Violence Shelters (pdf, 145 pages)

[1] The content on this page comes from the report Meeting Survivor's Needs: A Multi-State Study of Domestic Violence Shelters (pdf, 145 pages) Exit Notice, which reports findings of research conducted by Eleanor Lynn and Shannon Lane of the University of Connecticut's Institute for Violence Prevention and Reduction at the School of Social Work in collaboration with Anne Menard of the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, a project of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Researchers interviewed 3,410 residents of 215 domestic violence shelters in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Washington. They collected data between October 2007 and March 2008.

Susan B. Carbon Nominated as Director, Office on Violence Against Women, Department of Justice

2009-10-04T12:00:00.000-04:00

A top judge of New Hampshire's family court is going to Washington for a new job.
President Obama annnounced this evening he is nominating Susan B. Carbon as director of the Office on Violence Against Women in the Department of Justice.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who recommended Carbon for the post, praised the nomination.

“I have known Judge Carbon for nearly two decades, and have long admired her exemplary career in public service and her dedication to defending the rights of women and children,” Shaheen said in a statement. “Judge Carbon was the driving force behind many of New Hampshire’s efforts to strengthen domestic legal protections for women, and I’m so happy she will now lead the charge on this important issue nationwide.”
Carbon, first appointed to the bench in 1991, has been a supervisory Judge of the New Hampshire Judicial Branch Family Division since 1996. She is a member of the Governor’s Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence and, until recently, was chairwoman of New Hampshire’s Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee.
Her resume, provided by the White House, is below:

Susan B. Carbon, Nominee for Director, Office on Violence Against Women, Department of Justice
Susan Carbon, first appointed to the bench in 1991, has been a Supervisory Judge of the New Hampshire Judicial Branch Family Division since 1996. She is a member of the Governor’s Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence and, until recently, chaired New Hampshire’s Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee. Judge Carbon was also a President of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) from 2007 to 2008 where she still frequently serves as a faculty member. She also serves as faculty for the National Judicial Institute on Domestic Violence - a partnership of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women, the Family Violence Prevention Fund, and the NCJFCJ. In September 2006, she chaired Firearms and Domestic Violence: A National Summit for Community Safety in Los Angeles, an initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Justice. She also chaired the project which produced the multidisciplinary Effective Issuance and Enforcement of Orders of Protection in Domestic Violence Cases (The Burgundy Book), a document used throughout the country and U.S. territories to guide professionals in their work around civil protection orders. Judge Carbon has trained judges and other professionals across the country and internationally on topics related to family violence, firearms, child custody, and child protection. She has published extensively on these and other topics, including on judicial selection and retention and judicial administration. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the DePaul University College of Law.
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2009/10/obama_nominates_8.html

Domestic Violence by Proxy

2009-09-27T08:03:00.000-04:00

The Leadership Council on Child Abuse and Interpersonal Violence has promoted a new concept to distinguish mother's protective actions from what abusers do. It is called Domestic Violence by Proxy. You can download a 2 page memo on it from their web site at http://www.leadershipcouncil.org/1/pas/DVP.html or read it here:

Domestic Violence (DV) by Proxy:
Why Terrorist Tactics Employed by Batterers Are Not "PAS"

September 16, 2009
As more and more abused women lose custody to batterers in family courts, they are wrongly embracing the very ideas that enabled their abusers to gain custody in the first place. False accusations of “parental alienation" are often used by batterers to gain custody and to defend against accusations of abuse.
Some unfortunate women after years of enduring domestic violence have lost custody to the batterers who abused them. In these cases, batterers have made good on their threat to attack their ex-partner in the place she is the most vulnerable—by taking her children away from her. After separation, these batterers continue to wage their campaign of manipulation and abuse by attempting to convince involved children that their mothers never loved them. Looking for a way to describe their batterers' behavior, some mothers have called what their batterer is doing "parental alienation syndrome."
In reality, what these women are describing from their ex-partners is better termed Domestic Violence by Proxy (DV by Proxy), a term first used by Alina Patterson, author of Health and Healing. DV by Proxy refers to a pattern of behavior which is a parent with a history of using domestic violence or intimidation, uses a child as a substitute when he no longer has access to his former partner. Calling this behavior “parental alienation” is not strong enough to convey the criminal pattern of terroristic behaviors employed by batterers.
When his victim leaves him, batterers often recognize that the most expedient way to continue to hurt his partner is to assert his legal rights to control her access to their children. By gaining control of the children, an abusive male now has a powerful tool which allows him to continue to stalk, harass and batter an ex-partner even when he has no direct access to her. Moreover, by emotionally torturing the child and severing the bond between children and their mother, he is able to hurt his intended victim -- the mother -- in a way she cannot resist.
DV by Proxy includes tactics such as: threats of harm to children if they display a positive bond to the mother, destroying favored possessions given by the mother, and emotional torture (for example, telling the child the mother hates them, wanted an abortion, and is not coming to get them because they are unloved).
DV by Proxy may also include coaching the child to make false allegations regarding their mother's behavior and harming or punishing the child for not complying. DV by Proxy perpetrators may also create fraudulent documents to defraud the court in order to prevent the mother from gaining custody. Whether or not the child is biologically related to them is irrelevant to perpetrators of DV by Proxy. The perpetrator's main motivation is to hurt his ex; whether or not his own child is harmed in the process is irrelevant to him.
This is very different from "parental alienation syndrome" as described by the late Richard A. Gardner. Dr. Gardner described PAS as an internal process by which a child aligns themselves with a preferred parent to protect themselves from the divorce conflict. “PAS” is conceptualized as a psychological process of identification with a parent who, according to the theory, encourages this identification at the expense of the other parent.
PAS inducing parents, according to Gardner, are often unconscious of what they are doing to encourage the identification. In contrast, perpetrators of DV by Proxy are very conscious of what they are doing. Controlling, coercive, illegal acts often done by abusive and controlling people, usually men, are not subtle, and do not encourage an identification with a parent. Criminal, fraudulent, coercive acts are visible and obvious. These behaviors encourage compliance by threats and fear. Behaviors involved in DV by Proxy are deliberate and often illegal. These behaviors include: battery, destruction of property, locking children in rooms to prevent them from calling parents, falsifying documents, along with other similar overt behaviors.
The most dangerous aspect of Gardner's PAS theory is that that the alienating parent's behavior is theorized to be so subtle as to be unobservable. In other words, the behaviors that are supposed to cause the alienation are assumed to be happening without any proof that they have actually occured. As many women have discovered this makes a charge of "alienation" almost impossible to defend against.
While Gardner's theories regarding PAS have been shown to be overly general and have not been supported by careful research, behaviors seen in DV by Proxy can be readily observed. Behaviors involved in DV by Proxy are deliberate and planned; many are illegal, and if the child is given the freedom to talk, will be described in great detail by the child.
If the child's formerly favorable view of the victimized parent changes when exposed to tactics like this over time then it is more likely a form of "Stockholm Syndrome" or traumatic attachment to the abuser, rather than the alignment with one parent and negative reaction to the other that Gardner described as "alienation".
A recent and comprehensive article on PAS and its use in the court system, by Jennifer Hoult can be downloaded here.
For further information:

Are Protective Parents Losing Custody to Alleged Abusers?Evidence shows that women who raise concerns about family violence during custody litigation run the risk of losing their children.
Stopfamilyviolence.org: The people's voice for family peace. Stop Family Violence is a national grassroots organization with a mission to organize and amplify our nation's collective voice against family violence.
CA3 -Children Against Court Appointed Child Abuse
High-conflict divorce or stalking by way of family court?Massachusetts Family Law Journal, 2004.http://www.mincava.umn.edu/reports/linda.asp
Hoult, Jennifer. (Spring 2006). The Evidentiary Admissibility of Parental Alienation Syndrome: Science, Law, and Policy,Children's Legal Rights Journal, 26(1) pp. 1-61. (download PDF)

Stalking by Air

2009-09-24T15:03:00.001-04:00

Pilot allegedly buzzed ex-girlfriend's house

Henry K. Lee, Chronicle Staff Writer
Thursday, September 24, 2009
(09-24) 10:10 PDT CONCORD -- A private pilot suspected of repeatedly flying his small plane at low altitudes over a Concord neighborhood where his ex-girlfriend lives has been arrested on suspicion of stalking, police said today.

Tom Huey, 51, was arrested at Buchanan Field Airport in Concord about 6:40 p.m. Wednesday, shortly after he landed, police said.

Huey, who lives in Concord, is being held at Contra Costa County Jail on suspicion of stalking and violating a domestic violence restraining order. His bail was set at $150,000.

"It appears that the motivation behind this situation is the result of a failed domestic relationship," said Concord police Capt. Jim Lardieri.

The arrest came hours after police served Huey with the restraining order Wednesday at Buchanan Field, Lardieri said.

Later that evening, residents of the Canterbury Village neighborhood in Concord near Treat Boulevard and Clayton Road reported that a plane had made eight passes at low altitude, authorities said. Huey's ex-girlfriend lives in the area, police said.

Police believe Huey has buzzed the neighborhood in his 1957 Beech numerous times since April 2008, after Huey and his girlfriend broke up.

Residents have repeatedly called police and airport officials to complain, authorities said. One resident believed that a rock that shattered a car's windshield was linked to one of the flights because the vandalism apparently coincided with a flyover.

"We are an airport, so we do get noise complaints. That's not uncommon," said Keith Freitas, director of Buchanan Field. "The unusual part of this is, usually it's a one-time fly-by kind of thing.

"What the neighbors have been telling us is (the plane has) been circling or hovering or orbiting over their homes," Freitas said. "So it's a compounded nuisance, to say the least."

Earlier this month, residents reported finding flyers in the neighborhood that referred to the woman and included a racial slur. Police believe the flyers may have been dropped from the plane, authorities said.

E-mail Henry K. Lee at hlee@sfchronicle.com.

Domestic Violence Program Evaluation and Current Research

2009-09-17T13:45:00.003-04:00

As an advocate who's program receives Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) funds I am mandated to attend an annual training on program evaluation, outcome measures and collecting and reporting data. Though the subject may sound dry and tedious we are fortunate here in Michigan to have a trainer who can present the content in such a way that those in attendence walk away with a clear understanding of how and why accurate reporting is essential, not only to the funders who demand the data but to the crime victims that the program is in place to serve.
Anyone who follows my blog knows I take exception with those on the outside who criticize domestic violence programs for their lack of accountability in this area. Some "father's rights" activists and otherindividuals like to claim that dv programs just suck money from the government, pay administrators big salaries and have no accountability for how money is spent or how victims are treated. Anyone who has worked for any length of time in a domestic violence program would find this laughable...but people are entitled to their opinions.
Back to our training, the presenter for these sessions is Dr. Cris M. Sullivan. Dr. Sullivan is Professor of Ecological/ Community Psychology at Michigan State University and Director of Evaluation for the Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. She has serves as a consultant on the local, state and national levels including the NRCDV, NNEDV, Dept. of Health and Human Services, the DOJ OVW and the Battered Women's Justice Project. Dr Sullivan has been an advocate and researcher since 1982 and remains passionate about ending violence against women.

Dr Sullivan has given permission to use the following summary of current research to assist in grantwriting and working with funders. It is also very valuable in your own program evaluation:

The Impact of Domestic Abuse Victim Services on Survivors’ Safety and Wellbeing:
Research Findings to Date

Cris M. Sullivan, Ph.D.
Michigan State University

More and more, funders and others are asking if victim service programs are engaging in
“evidence-based practice.” To help domestic violence programs answer that question, I have reviewed
the current research and summarized what we know about the evidence that our services make a
difference for survivors. It can also be helpful to programs to know what research studies have found
about the effectiveness of our efforts, so that we can feel confident we are measuring the appropriate
short-term outcomes that will lead to desired long-term outcomes for survivors. It is not realistic for nonprofit
programs, with little money devoted to evaluation, to measure the long-term impact of their work –
that’s what research is for. We can, however, examine the short-term changes that have been found to
lead to long-term success.
Shelter programs have been found to be one of the most supportive, effective resources for
women with abusive partners, according to the residents themselves (Bennett et al., 2004; Gordon, 1996;
Sullivan et al., 2008; Tutty, Weaver, & Rothery, 1999). For example, Berk, Newton, and Berk (1986)
reported that, for women who were actively attempting other strategies at the same time, a stay at a shelter
dramatically reduced the likelihood they would be abused again.
One research study used a true experimental design and followed women for two years in order to
examine the effectiveness of a community-based advocacy program for domestic abuse survivors.
Advocates worked with women 4-6 hours a week over 10 weeks, in the women’s homes and
communities. Advocates were highly trained volunteers who could help women across a variety of areas:
education, employment, housing, legal assistance, issues for children, transportation, and other issues.
Women who worked with the advocates experienced less violence over time, reported higher quality of
life and social support, and had less difficulty obtaining community resources over time. One out of four
(24%) of the women who worked with advocates experienced no physical abuse, by the original assailant
or by any new partners, across the two years of post-intervention follow-up. Only 1 out of 10 (11%)
women in the control group remained completely free of violence during the same period. This low-cost,
short-term intervention using unpaid advocates appears to have been effective not only in reducing
women's risk of re-abuse, but in improving their overall quality of life (Sullivan, 2000; Sullivan & Bybee,
1999).
Close examination of which short-term outcomes led to the desired long-term outcome of safety
found that women who had more social support and who reported fewer difficulties obtaining community
resources reported higher quality of life and less abuse over time (Bybee & Sullivan, 2002).
Remainder of the report HERE (PDF)

Fight Continues for CA Domestic Violence Program Funding

2009-09-16T13:22:00.002-04:00

Yee Says Fight To Save Funding For Victims Of Domestic Violence Not Over Yet
by Shea O'Neill
September 14, 2009 2:36 PM

Domestic violence prevention in California is in trouble. Six shelters have closed throughout the state since Governor Schwarzenegger eliminated the entire $20.4 million budget for The California Department of Public Health's Domestic Violence Program, which provided funding for 94 agencies statewide. Agencies that remain open do so only at the cost of layoffs, office closures, and a drastic reduction in services.
Funding for domestic violence has been reduced in many of the fifty states, but only California has completely removed all state funding for prevention.
Senator Leland Yee jumped to restore the atrocity with a bill that would restore $16.3 million of the programs funding by taking money from alternative fuels and vehicle technology. The bill died on the Senate floor late Friday night, just shy of the three votes needed for the 2/3 majority.
Lee blames the loss on "petty Sacramento Politics," but plans to reintroduce a measure when lawmakers convene for a special session in January.
The closings put undue pressure on remaining shelters, particularly private non-profits which do not receive state funds. Tina Figuer, former director of a shelter in Madera County, says that closing shelters forces women to rely rescue missions. Since eighty three percent of domestic violence related homicides were perpetrated by a husband or a boyfriend, women may be reluctant to seek help from largely male populated missions.
Eve Sheedy, director of domestic violence policy at the Los Angeles city attorney's office, beleives the cuts will actually increase costs for the state government. Sheedy told reporters "if you take the cost of arresting, trying, incarcerating someone for a serious physical crime or homicide you compare that to what these shelters were getting, its an unbelievable cost benefit"
Information on where we go from here, and how to help remaining shelters can be found through the DVC Partnership's website

Nine States & DC View Domestic Violence as a Pre-Existing Condition , Denying Insurance Coverage!

2009-09-12T17:40:00.001-04:00

From the SEIU

Domestic violence victims have a "pre-existing condition"?

BY MARIA TCHIJOV

Insurance companies have used the excuse of "pre-existing conditions" to deny coverage to countless Americans. From cancer patients to the elderly suffering from arthritis, these organizations have padded their profit margins by limiting coverage to patients deemed "high risk" because of their medical condition.

But, in DC and nine other states, including Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Wyoming,insurance companies have gone too far, claiming that "domestic violence victim" is also a pre-existing condition.

Words cannot describe the sheer inhumanity of this claim. It serves as yet further proof that our insurance system is broken, destroyed by the profit-mongering of the very companies who's sole purpose should be to provide Americans with access to care when they need it most. In 1994, an informal survey conducted by the Subcommittee on Crime and Criminal Justice of the United States Senate Judiciary Committee revealed that 8 of the 16 largest insurers in the country used domestic violence as a factor when decided whether to extend coverage and how much to charge if coverage was extended.

It is clear that insurance companies refuse to police themselves. It's up to us to call on Congress to take action now to pass health care reform and end discrimination against patients with pre-existing conditions.

"You(th) Have the Right" Campaign

2009-09-09T10:40:00.002-04:00

As students across the country return to school, the Youth Initiative ofthe National Center for Victims of Crime is launching its new "You(th)Have the Right" outreach campaign.
The campaign features a unique set of fresh materials to help you reach and respond to youth victims of crime:
Youth Outreach Palm Card: This youth-friendly mini-brochureunderscores that youth victims are not alone and that there is help.(Multiple copies of the palm card can be ordered online atwww.ncvc.org/ youth.)
Youth Outreach Poster: This visually compelling, reproducible posterencourages youth crime victims to take the first step to get help. Adownloadable PDF includes space to add your local victim services contact information.
"Getting Help" Teen Tools: This two-page tip sheet walks youththrough some of the common concerns they have in coming forward andasking for assistance.
"When a Youth Is Victimized" Get Help Bulletin: This four-pagebulletin offers practical guidance and support for teachers, youthworkers, counselors, healthcare providers, and other adults who are in aposition to help youth victims.
Those of us in the victim services community have a unique opportunityto reach out to young people. We encourage you to share these materialswith your local schools, youth organizations, and other communitygroups, and to support the millions of young people who become victimsof sexual abuse, theft, assault, bullying, dating violence, harassment,and other crimes each year.Please visit www.ncvc.org/youth to view and download these resources andlearn more about the "You(th) Have the Right" campaign

The Liz Library

2009-08-26T09:41:00.002-04:00

For those who are not aware of this comprehensive resource, the Liz Library is a "women's legal research and reference library on the history law and politics affecting women, motherhood and marriage".

The Liz Library

ABA Commission on Domestic Violence Pro Bono Database

2009-08-21T08:46:00.002-04:00

The American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence has just announced its new online directory of pro bono lawyers for domestic violence cases:

WASHINGTON, DC — The American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence today announced the launch of the first-ever National Domestic Violence Pro Bono Directory, a comprehensive national database of programs providing pro bono legal services to victims of domestic violence and made public online at www.probono.net/dv.

The National Domestic Violence Pro Bono Directory is a comprehensive resource for volunteer lawyers seeking to assist victims of violence. It includes a national, searchable database of programs providing pro bono legal services to victims of domestic violence: the Opportunities Guide. This online directory includes the types of cases these programs accept - e.g., immigration, housing, protection order, family law; the scope of representation; the frequency and content of trainings for pro bono lawyers; and the on-going supervision and/or support provided to pro bono attorneys.
Volunteers can also find links to resources for attorneys on multiple topics related to domestic violence representation, and a comprehensive national and local training calendar. Additionally, local and national provider listserves will be created on an on-demand basis, to provi
Our hope is that this vital directory will also identify gaps in the provision of pro bono legal services, link existing programs to address these gaps, help identify funding and support for additional programs, and identify opportunities for collaboration among pro bono programs to pool their resources.

Priorities

2009-08-10T21:21:00.007-04:00

Does anyone else find themselves spread too thin and unable to accomplish near what they need...let alone want...to do? Of course I know the answer to that rhetorical inquiry. We are all beyond busy these days. I have at least two fantastic (my assessment anyway : ) blog posts half written and the remainder percolating in my mind. What a luxury it would be to simply focus on online writing and interaction with the great community of advocates that exists.

Sadly, when I cannot find the time to write that means that I am in crisis intervention mode. This weekend ( 3 days) in our small county of 56,000 we had 2 rapes and a felonious domestic assault where the victim was flight-cared to the hospital, not to mention several domestic arrests and 2 personal protection order violations. I wonder if other advocates find themselves barely keeping up with the immediate crises and emergency safety measures and seldom have time for long term advocacy, let alone prevention and systems change work.

Debby Tucker of NCDSV was kind enough to pass along this continuun of care model recently that I think is fantastic and wanted to share (click to enlarge). I hope to get back to original posts soon

Thank You, Bob Herbert

2009-08-08T07:06:00.004-04:00

Advocates,for all of their strength of purpose can, at times, feel isolated or defensive while working at changing the cultural attitudes and institutional practices that support domestic violence/ misogyny in whatever larger system encompasses them. We find support and validation from other advocates and survivors and, on occasion, from a spot on editorial such as Bob Herbert's in this morning's New York Times

August 8, 2009

OP-ED COLUMNIST

Women at Risk

By BOB HERBERT

“I actually look good. I dress good, am clean-shaven, bathe, touch of cologne — yet 30 million women rejected me,” wrote George Sodini in a blog that he kept while preparing for this week’s shooting in a Pennsylvania gym in which he killed three women, wounded nine others and then killed himself.

We’ve seen this tragic ritual so often that it has the feel of a formula. A guy is filled with a seething rage toward women and has easy access to guns. The result: mass slaughter.

Back in the fall of 2006, a fiend invaded an Amish schoolhouse in rural Pennsylvania, separated the girls from the boys, and then shot 10 of the girls, killing five.

I wrote, at the time, that there would have been thunderous outrage if someone had separated potential victims by race or religion and then shot, say, only the blacks, or only the whites, or only the Jews. But if you shoot only the girls or only the women — not so much of an uproar.

According to police accounts, Sodini walked into a dance-aerobics class of about 30 women who were being led by a pregnant instructor. He turned out the lights and opened fire. The instructor was among the wounded.

We have become so accustomed to living in a society saturated with misogyny that the barbaric treatment of women and girls has come to be more or less expected.

Please don't miss the rest by reading HERE

A Bit of Positive Funding News for Domestic Violence Programs in California

2009-08-07T09:40:00.002-04:00

Domestic violence groups get federal funds
Matthew B. Stannard, Chronicle Staff Writer
Friday, August 7, 2009
(08-06) 18:44 PDT -- The U.S. Justice Department awarded nearly $3 million Thursday to six California domestic violence programs - including two in the Bay Area - that just lost millions of dollars to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's veto.
The Office on Violence Against Women Recovery Act Transitional Training Program grants will support temporary housing, short-term financial support, employment assistance and other services to victims of domestic violence.
In the Bay Area, Marin Abused Women's Services will receive more than $413,000 and San Mateo County's Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse will receive $500,000. State officials said they are pleased to see federal funds go to programs that lost state money when the Republican governor used his line-item veto to cut $489 million from California's budget last month.
Department of Finance spokesman H.D. Palmer noted Thursday that all six programs gained more from the federal grants than they lost to the veto.
But directors of the programs receiving the grants said that was comparing apples and oranges. The state money supported short-term crisis intervention care for victims of domestic violence, they said, while the new grant is specifically targeted to support transitional housing that comes later in the process.
"This actually and unfortunately makes no difference, because this is toward the second part of our continuum," said Donna Garske, executive director of Marin Abused Women's Services.
Service providers are hoping to see more state money under a proposal by state Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, that would shift money from the crime victims compensation fund to the domestic violence program.
Both Garske and Melissa Lukin, director of Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse, were quick to say they were nevertheless glad to see the federal money.
"This is great news," said Lukin, adding that the money will allow them to retain two employees and provide clients with rent, child care and other services. In Marin the money will allow new staff to be hired, Garske said.
E-mail Matthew B. Stannard at mstannard@sfchronicle.com.
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/08/07/MN7C195711.DTL
This article appeared on page A - 11 of the San Francisco Chronicle

Regarding DV/ SA Funding from Women's eNews Commentators

2009-08-07T08:43:00.005-04:00

Dear Lynn: Women's Safety Needs You to Safeguard

Run Date: 08/04/09
By White and Grumm WeNews commentators

Chicago Foundation for Women is watching anti-violence services struggle locally, while the Women's Funding Network is seeing it happen nationwide. Executives with both funds call on Lynn Rosenthal, the new anti-violence czar, to do all she can.

Exerpt:

"We are at a tipping point, nationally and locally.

Recently President Obama and Vice President Biden named Lynn Rosenthal as the first White House Advisor on Violence Against Women. We enthusiastically congratulate Rosenthal and thank the administration for selecting such a strong advocate.
Last year, as leader of the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Rosenthal helped maintain state funding for anti-violence services despite the worsening economy. Now, Rosenthal will have the ears of many federal departments and we hope they in turn prioritize funding for the obvious programs--namely the Violence Against Women Act and Victims of Crime Act--as well as human trafficking and sexual assault prevention.

Breaking the silence on violence against women is closely tied to the women's funding movement. Women's funds were the first to spotlight this problem and provide funding to address its root causes. Now more than ever, we need resources--including from the government--to ensure women's rights to be safe, healthy and economically secure."

Read entire article HERE

Thousands Speaking Out Against Terminator's Budget Cuts to Domestic Violence Programs

2009-08-06T09:46:00.004-04:00

Budget Cuts Hurt Domestic Violence Victims for 2nd Time - webcastr.com
7 hours ago Nearly 100 domestic violence shelters and centers throughout California are at risk. They've lost a combined 16 million dollars to the Governor's line-item veto power.

SJ: ADVOCATES SPEAK AGAINST GOV.'S CUTS TO STATE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ...CBS 5The Gilroy shelter is one of nearly 100 facilities across the state funded by the Domestic Violence Program, part of the Department of Public Health. ...

Advocates, officials: Governor's cuts to women's shelters threaten ...San Jose Mercury NewsBut the governor eliminated the state's entire domestic violence shelter budget in a line-item veto. At the news conference Wednesday, state Sen. ...

Editorial: Faces behind the numbers : CALCASA Public Policy
5 Aug 2009 by CALCASA Yesterday, the Ventura Country Star posted an editorial about the recent domestic violence program funding cuts. You don't chop a total of $31 billion from the state budget in one year without exacting a lot of pain. California's latest ...

CALIFORNIA FILIPINO-AMERICAN WOMEN EXPRESS OUTRAGE AT GOVERNOR'S ...
10 hours ago by artivista1 For many communities, the budget cut coincides with an increase in reported cases of domestic violence. The stress of job loss, foreclosures, and car repossessions stemming from the current economic crisis can raise tension in ...

Domestic violence shelters, programs take a big hit Modesto BeeSome might ask why the state ever got into the business of funding domestic violence shelter programs. The state made a commitment to victims and survivors ...

Schwarzenegger Line-Item Vetoed Entire Domestic Violence Program California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger last week line-item vetoed the Department of Public Health's Domestic Violence Program, which provides $20.4 ...

Domestic violence shelters, programs take a big hit
Modesto Bee
Nobody can deny these are extraordinary times. The state of California is dealing with an economic situation the likes of which few can ...

Domestic Violence Shelters Struggling After Budget Cuts
KPBS
Above: Executive Director of Carol's House, Laurin Pause, gives a tour of the shelter. Pause says the governor's cuts puts her shelter ...

Senator seeking DV shelter funds
San Mateo Daily Journal -
State funding for domestic violence shelters was completely eliminated last week by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in a line-item budget veto to divert $16.3 ...

Editorial: Faces behind the numbers
Ventura County Star - ‎Aug 3, 2009‎
You don't chop a total of $31 billion from the state budget in one year without exacting a lot of pain. California's latest budget shortfall of $26.3 ...

Domestic Violence Funding Cuts, Dangerous For Victims Of Abuse
KEYT - ‎Aug 3, 2009‎
Camarillo, CA-- Agencies that provide shelters for domestic violence victims must find new sources of funding. A line-item veto made by Governor ...

California Cuts 100 Percent Funding for Domestic Abuse Programs ...
Women on the Web - ‎Aug 3, 2009‎
While California cuts funding for much-needed programs, New Mexico offers more protection for abuse victims. By The Staff at wowOwow.com So by now, ...

Despite deep cutbacks, domestic violence shelter will stay open
Morgan Hill Times -
The Governor's last-minute decision to cut all funding for the state's domestic violence program means the county's only four shelters will ...

Cut to the wounded
Stockton Record -
Arnold Schwarzenegger, in signing the state budget last week, cut about $20 million in funding that had supported efforts to address domestic violence.

Despite deep cutbacks, domestic violence shelter will stay open
Morgan Hill Times
The Governor's last-minute decision to cut all funding for the state's domestic violence program means the county's only four shelters will ...

Lawyers for lawmakers say Schwarzenegger exceeded constitutional ...
Los Angeles Times -
... such as children's healthcare, state parks, AIDS treatment and prevention, domestic violence programs and services for abused and neglected children. ...

Schwarzenegger Cuts Funding for CA Domestic Violence Shelters
Ms. Magazine - ‎Jul 31, 2009‎
The cuts were directed primarily towards health and human services programs, and will eliminate all state funding for domestic violence shelters, ...

Battered women's shelter could close
The Desert Sun -
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence also had sharp criticism for Schwarzenegger's funding cuts. Coalition executive director Rita Smith said

Authors Prepare To Walk The State Of California To Bring Aid And ...
OfficialWire (press release) - ‎Jul 31, 2009‎
This statistic is based only on reporting agencies (approx 78% of active DV agencies nationwide). Requests for emergency shelter or transitional housing

Budget Essay 13: Women & Children First! oops: no lifeboats....
California Progress Report -
He virtually killed a number of domestic violence shelters around the state, especially in poor, rural areas, by cutting an additional $20.4 million dollars ...

Total loss of state funds imperils domestic violence shelters
San Diego Union Tribune -
California has helped pay for shelters for battered spouses and other domestic violence programs since 1977. What's changed: All funding for ...

While there are a few on the fringes that see this destruction as a good thing:

http://mensnewsdaily.com/glennsacks/2009/07/31/schwarzenegger-terminates-dv-funding/
http://www.womenslegalresource.com/blog/archives/1555

most of us can find strengh and inspiration in the many survivors, advocates, officials and all the other individuals and agencies who band together for a common purpose; the protection and safety of the battered and abused.

California DV Cuts - Here's Hoping

2009-08-05T10:03:00.002-04:00

From the San Francisco Examiner
Bill would save domestic violence programs
By: Christine Karavas08/04/09 12:19 PM PDT
Senator Leland Yee announced legislation Tuesday aimed at saving domestic violence programs and shelters statewide that had funding cut by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The line-item budget veto of the Department of Public Health’s Domestic Violence Program eliminated $16.3 million, that was allocated to 94 domestic violence shelters and centers, according to Yee’s office. The senator’s legislation allocates $16.3 million from the victims’ compensation fund to the Domestic Violence Program.

The Senate is on recess until Aug. 19 and will finish Sep. 11, giving the bill less than a month to win two-thirds of the legislature’s support. If passed and signed, it will go into effect immediately. "It can't afford to wait until January 1," Yee spokesman Adam Keigwin said. "If these shelters close, folk's lives are at risk."

Huffington Post: Despite Promises, Some Rape Victims Stuck Paying Exam Bills

2009-08-03T15:31:00.000-04:00

By Ben Protess, Huffington Post Investigative Fund, and Emily Witt, ProPublica -Read Online HERE

When a woman is raped, police turn to scientific evidence-semen, blood and tissue samples-to identify her attacker. The evidence is collected through a medical exam of the victim, who is not supposed to pay for this crime-solving process.

But 15 years after Congress passed a law to ensure that rape victims would never see a bill, loopholes and bureaucratic tangles still leave some victims paying for hospital expenses and exams, which can cost up to $1,200.

Congress requires state or local authorities to cover these costs, but the state legislatures that regulate the process offer piecemeal guarantees of Congress' mandate, the Huffington Post Investigative Fund and ProPublica found. Some states allow hospitals to bill the victim's insurer. Confusion in California and other states allows police to occasionally ignore Congress' rules and require victims to cooperate with an investigation before exam costs are covered. Lax enforcement of the law, victims' advocates say, also means some hospitals in Illinois bill victims directly.

Congress created the Violence Against Women Act to protect victims and encourage them to report rapes. The law known as VAWA has forced many states to crack down on billing problems.

But ambiguities in the law still allow a remarkable disparity in the legal system: Some rape victims, unlike victims of other crimes, have to pay for basic evidence collection.

"We never ask a robbery victim to pay for the cost of fingerprints," said Sarah Tofte, a researcher with Human Rights Watch, which has been tracking how states comply with VAWA.

As a victim recovers from her assault, the last thing she needs is a bill for her exam, said Katherine Hull, a spokeswoman for the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network.

Story continues below

After all, she said, "Rape is not something you can budget for".

Despite billing concerns, Hull and other advocates encourage victims to get a forensic exam. Many emergency rooms have specially trained nurses who swab, scan and photograph victims' bodies, hunting for evidence.

Yet states vary in how proficiently they process the evidence and medical bills that follow. As we previously reported, even if the state pays for an exam, there is no guarantee the evidence will be tested. There are more than 350,000 untested DNA samples backlogged in police departments and crime labs nationwide, according to federal statistics.

Kellie Greene, a rape victim who battled collection agencies in the 1990s because she refused to pay for her exam, is disappointed that victims still find themselves saddled with hospital bills and testing delays. "It's a frightening thought," said Greene, who runs the advocacy group Speaking Out About Rape.

An opportunity to strengthen VAWA will come soon because Congress must reauthorize the law before it expires in 2011. In a statement, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), the Judiciary Committee's chairman, said Congress "will need to carefully consider what can be done to improve and strengthen the Act."

Revisions to VAWA, Leahy's statement said, "should include providing every possible assistance to victims, regardless of where they live."

It's unclear whether Republicans on the Judiciary Committee would support VAWA reform. A spokesman for Sen. Jeff Sessions, the committee's ranking Republican, did not return calls or e-mails requesting comment.

ENFORCING THE LAW

Some states and police departments have a history of skirting their responsibility to pay for forensic exams, we found in an analysis of state statutes and from interviews with policymakers and victims' advocates.

Last year's presidential race exposed the shortcomings.

During the campaign, it came to light that until 2000, police in some Alaska towns charged rape victims or their insurance companies up to $1,200 for forensic exams - including the town of Wasilla where vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin was mayor from 1996 to 2002.

Justice Department officials also have found that, until recently, some states refused to pay for a rape victim's exam unless she agreed to file a police report, which some victims are reluctant to do immediately after the attack.

In 2005, Congress revised VAWA to hold states more accountable. This time, Congress required state or local officials to pay for forensic exams even if a victim declined to cooperate with police. States that didn't comply would lose federal crime-fighting grants.

The new rule went into effect this January with some marked successes.

By June, only five states were still billing victims who didn't file police reports, according to the Justice Department. By early July, that number had dropped to one. Now department officials say every state is complying.

But the department still hasn't verified that all of the nation's 15,000-plus law enforcement agencies are following Congress' mandate. After hearing about complaints from victims, the department contracted an outside advocacy group to more closely track these agencies, a Justice Department official said.

One problem the agencies are facing, interviews with police officials and advocates revealed, is lingering confusion about the new VAWA changes. When we first contacted the Nebraska State Patrol, a spokeswoman said it bills rape victims or their insurance companies if victims decline to cooperate with an investigation. When we reported this to the Justice Department, it notified the Patrol and determined that the spokeswoman had been given out-of-date information and that Nebraska is following the mandate.

While California is considered in compliance with VAWA's new mandate, the state requires law enforcement agencies to authorize and pay for exams. Even a victim who doesn't want to press charges must report the assault to get her exam covered. If she doesn't call the police, or if the police don't authorize her exam because they aren't investigating her case, hospitals will charge the victim, several advocates and a forensic exam nurse told us.

A spokeswoman for the California Emergency Management Agency, which is responsible for implementing VAWA requirements, said her agency has not received any specific complaints about hospitals billing victims.

LOOPHOLES REMAIN

Even states that abide by VAWA can take advantage of its loopholes, leaving victims without the full protections that lawmakers intended.

Texas authorities pay for an exam only if the victim reports her attack within four days - a time limit that could exclude some victims and viable evidence, experts say. VAWA doesn't address how long victims have to get their exam, so technically Texas is complying with the law.

Illinois requires hospitals to bill forensic exams to a victim's insurance company, although the state covers exams for the poor and uninsured, as well as co-pays and deductibles for everyone else.

Maryland law leaves the billing issue open to interpretation, because it doesn't explicitly prevent hospitals from billing insurance companies. Although VAWA clearly intended that states or local authorities pay for exams, both Illinois' and Maryland's policies comply with the law.

Kellie Greene, whose forensic exam was eventually paid for by Florida's victim compensation fund, said insurance loopholes could discourage victims from getting exams. A young rape victim might not want her parents, who hold the insurance policy, to know she was attacked, Greene said. Cases are further complicated if a family member is named as the attacker.

Greene also noted that insurance companies could deny a victim coverage for future ailments seen as "preexisting conditions" resulting from her rape, including sexually transmitted infections.

VAWA also does not require states to cover non-forensic medical expenses, including ambulance rides, emergency room stays or treatment for injuries sustained during the assault.

At least one state, West Virginia, won't cover emergency birth control or emergency medication to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Jeffrey Kessler, Democratic chairman of West Virginia's Senate Judiciary Committee, said he doesn't recall any efforts to change this law and suspects the provision was included for budgetary reasons.

"It would seem to me to be archaic and something we would take a look at," he said, adding that a victim willing to press charges could apply for assistance from the state victims' compensation fund.

While these states are technically compliant with VAWA, they are dodging the spirit of the law, said Jennifer Pollitt-Hill, former executive director of the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault, which helped implement the new VAWA requirements.

"States are settling for the letter of the law rather than doing what's best for victims," Pollitt-Hill said.

IN ILLINOIS, A BUREAUCRATIC TANGLE

Much of the confusion over who pays for what stems from overlapping layers of bureaucracy, Pollitt-Hill said. Hospitals must navigate federal, state and local rules, causing "confusion within states about how it's done," she said.

In Illinois, victim advocates complain that some hospital billing departments occasionally send exam bills directly to victims-a problem VAWA was supposed to prevent. At least three Chicago hospitals send repeated bills to victims who don't pay and turn over some to collection agencies, said Kris Krafka, a legal advocate at Life Span, a Chicago-based nonprofit that helps domestic violence and rape victims.

Part of the problem, Krafka said, is that billing departments often don't know which patients are rape victims because hospital paperwork might not include that information.

The billing problems don't appear to be malicious, Krafka said, but the process hurts victims nonetheless. "It's going to keep happening unless there's repercussions for hospitals when they do the wrong thing," she said.

The problem has been known for years, according to Rape Victim Advocates, a nonprofit that is contracted by 12 Chicago-area hospitals to provide crisis support for rape victims.

We asked the group to review its files from this year to determine how often it gets reports of hospital billing problems. Between January and June of this year, Rape Victim Advocates received about 20 complaints from victims who were billed for hospital services, which typically include an exam, lab tests and treatment for injuries, said the group's executive director, Sharmili Majmudar.

Once the group notifies a hospital of a billing problem, the hospital usually stops pursuing the victim, Majmudar said.

"We make every effort to ensure all [our] patients are treated in accordance with the law," said a spokeswoman for Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, one of the city's largest private hospitals. "If a rape victim has inadvertently been billed for a forensic exam or rape kit, we ask that they contact the hospital's billing department to have the charge removed and any payment refunded."

Annie Thompson, a spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, which reimburses hospitals that bill the state for forensic exams, said the department has received only a "handful" of complaints about hospitals mistreating rape victims in the last 10 years, though she acknowledged the department doesn't keep a record of all the complaints it receives.

"In the rare occasion when an eligible survivor is billed for sexual assault-related services, [the department] works to quickly resolve these errors," Thompson said.

NEXT STEP

Victims' advocates contend Congress needs to bolster VAWA to rid it of loopholes that make for unfair billing.

Policy experts also have suggested that lawmakers craft incentives for states to comply with VAWA rather than threatening financial cuts to law enforcement grants if they don't.

Meanwhile, advocates and law enforcement officials agree that rape victims must not be deterred from getting an exam no matter the cost.

"An exam gives a victim more breathing space and options," said Pollitt-Hill, the advocate in Maryland. "You might decide a week later that you don't want to have it tested, but at least you have the choice."

Division and Censorship Between Domestic Violence Advocates

2009-07-31T13:07:00.015-04:00

Power struggles occur in every area of life. To a certain extent it is human nature. It can even occur amongst those who are speaking out against violence against women and against power and control in the context of interpersonal relationships. I believe in working together for a common cause and against those that would oppress. In-fighting diminishes everyone's effectiveness and is, in essence, colluding with the batterers. I do not believe, however, in blindly accepting everyone who claims to be an expert or authority. I believe in asking questions and forming my opinions based on my experience. I try to respect others right to do the same. This is where change and progress occurs.

I was invited by the founder, Alexis Moore, to become a member of the Yahoo group "Crime Victim Organization Network" several months ago and did so. The description of the group is:

"The mission of Crime Victim Organization Network (CVON) is to create a forum for crime victim service providers across the nation to collaborate. CVON should be utilized by victim advocates, law enforcement, prosecutors, non-profit crime victim organizations and attorneys to share information and to network with other agencies to help serve the best needs of the victims that they serve.This group is an open forum that allows the sharing of information regarding all issues pertaining to public safety and serving victims of crime. "

I have communicated with Alexis off and on and have respect for the work she does. She is excellent when it comes to promoting. I became perplexed about some of the things she and a few others had published on the web, most recently stating that they were happy funding to DV programs was cut. When Debby Tucker of the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence posted (on CVON) the NCADV postion paper on the devastating budget cuts in California ( http://www.ncadv.org/files/CA%20Budget%20Cuts.php ), which I hope the majority of advocates fully support, I expressed my concern about those that do not with this post:

"Am I to understand that the founder and moderator of this Yahoo group thinks the funding cuts are a good thing?
http://www.free-press-release.com/news/200907/1248980743.html
http://www.womenslegalresource.com/blog/archives/1555
http://www.survivorsinaction.blogspot.com/
If this group of domestic violence victims (Survivors in Action) had negative experiences with service providers then those individual experiences should absolutely be addressed and rectified however for every person who has had a bad experience, whether real or perceived, there are thousands who have had positive, life-changing experiences. I can attest to this personally.
If this group is discouraging victims to seek assistance through shelters and other service providers they are visiting their own trauma on the lives of others. What are they suggesting the solution is? Are they saying that their group, Survivors in Action, is more ethical, qualified and effective than all the established programs? What are their qualifications and who is monitering them?
There is always room for improvement, growth and change in any sector of society whether it's medical, criminal justice, political, etc. The domestic violence movement is responsible for improving the lives of countless victims through individual advocacy and systems change and it continues to advance and improve. It appears the suggestion is that all the accomplishments and lives saved should be discredited to focus on a small percentage of individuals have had bad experiences. It also appears that they are saying the thousands of sister survivors who have healed and now are employed in domestic violence agencies should lose their jobs.This attitude is destructive and throwing the baby out with the bathwater, in my opinion.
Diane Santhany
http://victimadvocates.blogspot.com/"

My post was published momentarily but then suddenly disappeared after which I was uncermoniously booted from the internet group. This is Alexis' right, as she is the monitor of the group. I have refused to publish comments on my blog in the past, not because someone disagreed or questioned me, but because they were abusive or obscene. I am saddened that there is such a division between those who advocate for victims of violence but I will continue to "call 'em as I see em" and expect those that disagree will do the same.

Transitioning from Victim to Survivor to Advocate - Part 1

2009-07-27T21:09:00.012-04:00

Victim -> Survivor -> Advocate

The journey from being a crime victim to serving as a crime victim advocate is a journey of healing. In order to be healthy and responsible in the role of advocate there is a series of transitions that are absolutely necessary to be effective.

Most people have been victimized to some degree in their lives, whether by cruelty, politics, economics, disease, accident or even the weather. Victims of domestic and sexual violence experience the most personal and intimate violence that one person can perpetrate upon another. It is the ultimate betrayal that shakes a victim to the core.

A victim of interpersonal violence must necessarily focus on the most basic needs - safety, mental and physical health and just getting through the day. Life is constant chaos - emotions range from shock, guilt, fear, rage, lack of control, humiliation and powerlessness, not to mention the physical manifestations both obvious and unseen. Trauma colors our perceptions.

Once a victim of interpersonal violence is able to remove herself and establish a modicum of safety and peace, healing begins. Part of the healing process is the recognition that we are so much more than those experiences. We recognize that "victim" is not our identity, but part of our experience. Life did not stop at the betrayal and violence. Healing is choosing not to let your experience consume you. If we maintain a victim mentality we give our abusers amazing power while abandoning and denying ourselves. As a survivor we reclaim our lives.

The process from victim to survivor is one that takes time and distance. Coping skills form for the times you must be reminded of your pain but you've learned to protect yourself emotionally. You've taken his power over you away. Everyone has their own process - going through criminal and/ or civil court, self-defense training, therapy, journaling, participating in support groups or talking to friends and family and building a life free from fear. It is important to recognize that it is a process. Healing does not happen overnight.

In the next post I will address the transition from survivor to victim advocate and the necessary boundaries that must be established. Please consider these definitions from Webster:

Victim - (Casualty, target) :
*One that is acted on and adversely affected by a force or agent
*One that is injured, destroyed or sacrificed under any of various conditions
*One that is subjected to oppression, hardship or mistreatment.
*One that is tricked or duped
Survivor:
*To remain or live after someone's death
*To continue to exist or live after
*To continue to function or prosper after and despite of
Advocate-(promoter, booster, champion, supporter):
*One that pleads the case of another
*One that defends or maintains a cause or proposal
*One that supports or promotes the interests of another

Personal:
*Relating or affecting a particular person
*Relating to an individual
Healing:
*To make whole or sound
*Restore to health
*Return to sound state
*To cause an undesirable condition to be overcome
Altruistic:
*Unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others

http://www.cbwhit.com/Victim-to-survivor.htm

Jimmy Carter: "Losing my Religion for Equality"

2009-07-21T11:36:00.003-04:00

Jimmy Carter authored an incredible Op Ed last week in the United Kingdom's Guardian titled "Losing My Religion for Equality" about how he has chosen to leave his church, the Southern Baptist Convention due to the discriminatory practices toward women. This is a portion of his profound statement:

So my decision to sever my ties with the Southern Baptist Convention, after six decades, was painful and difficult. It was, however, an unavoidable decision when th e convention's leaders, quoting a few carefully selected Bible verses and claiming that Eve was created second to Adam and was responsible for original sin, ordained that women must be "subservient" to their husbands and prohibited from serving as deacons, pastors or chaplains in the military service. This was in conflict with my belief - confirmed in the holy scriptures - that we are all equal in the eyes of God.
This view that women are somehow inferior to men is not restricted to one religion or belief. It is widespread. Women are prevented from playing a full and equal role in many faiths.
Nor, tragically, does its influence stop at the walls of the church, mosque, synagogue or temple. This discrimination, unjustifiably attributed to a Higher Authority, has provided a reason or excuse for the deprivation of women's equal rights across the world for centuries. The male interpretations of religious texts and the way they interact with, and reinforce, traditional practices justify some of the most pervasive, persistent, flagrant and damaging examples of human rights abuses. eyes of the Church, and the eyes of God:

There are battered women who struggle daily with the conflicts of safety for herself and the doctrine used to subjugate her and the women who follow her particular religious beliefs. Advocates must understand the importance of religion in her life and identity and help find ways for a dv victim to reconcile this .

GPS, Mary's Law,Good Laws, Difficult to Implement

2009-07-18T12:56:00.005-04:00

In our small jurisdiction we have had a very difficult time implementing GPS tracking. The Judges are on board but the questions as to cost and who will monitor have been daunting for a system that has been forced to cut expenses and personnel in all areas of public safety. I continue to work on it, meeting after meeting, slowly but surely. Mary Babb's killing was very close to our area and had an impact that resonates still. Some of the roadblocks are outlined in the Chicago Tribune today

More states approving GPS in domestic abuse cases

By ARELIS HERNANDEZ

Associated Press Writer

7:31 PM CDT, July 17, 2009

HOUSTON

Six months before she was killed, Evairene Flores wrote her entire family in case she died: "Many will miss me, many will cry, but it was because of Matthew that I had to die."

Married for 20 years to an abusive husband, Flores divorced Matthew O'Connor and turned to the San Antonio courts for a protective order to keep him away.

When O'Connor continued to threaten her, a district court ordered him to wear an electronic monitor, court documents show. But that didn't stop O'Connor from kicking in the door of Flores' apartment and shooting her more than 20 times on Aug. 23, 2006. O'Connor then shot himself.

Flores' sister says the killing might have been prevented if O'Connor's electronic monitor had been equipped with a global positioning system, allowing police to track his movements and warn Flores before he reached her apartment.

The device -- the same technology used in car navigation systems -- has become an increasingly popular tool in the fight to protect domestic violence victims.

In June, Texas joined 17 states that have passed legislation requiring GPS use as a condition of probation for a convicted domestic violence offender.

But some advocates and law enforcement officials worry that ambiguous language, lack of funding and overall confusion in some of the bills may only endanger victims, providing only an illusion of safety. The measure could exacerbate offender violence and silence women, particularly minorities, who are terrified of their abusers and have little faith in the system, advocates say.

"I worry that nationally there is a lot of fervor that GPS is going to save everyone" and authorities will stop looking at other solutions such as education, said Cindy Southworth, director of technology for the National Network to End Domestic Violence.

GPS technology allows police to monitor and respond the moment an offender gets near the job, home or school of a victim with a protective order. The device records it and provides evidence of an offense.

"It's a moment where the technology matches the problem in a way that can help criminal justice systems address domestic violence," said Harvard Law School lecturer Diane Rosenfeld. "I see this as domestic homicide prevention."

Before these laws became popular, protective orders required offenders to stay away but did little to stop them.

"We've had deaths in Corpus Christi where someone had a protective order but it just wasn't quite enough," said Frances Wilson, executive director of the Women's Shelter of South Texas, "This (measure) will encourage more victims to come forward and give more teeth to protective orders."

Three women are killed every day in the U.S. by their husbands or boyfriends, according to Justice Department statistics. Such killings accounted for about a third of all female homicides in the United States, statistics show.

Without GPS, police have been lax to follow up on complaints that partners are ignoring protective orders, said Tara Shabazz, executive director of the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence.

However, Shabazz and her organization oppose California's proposed GPS legislation because it would require the state to order GPS tracking for an offender without providing details on how to implement it.

In Illinois, the law there has frustrated smaller jurisdictions ill-equipped to carry out its requirements. Advocates and officials are struggling to interpret the details of a 2008 state law that requires judges to order the devices for protective order violators.

"When we start playing with anything computerized or electronic, it all sounds good and we wish it worked like it does in 'CSI,"' said Vickie Smith, executive director of the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, "but the reality is we aren't there yet."

The Illinois law also doesn't spell out who would pay for the devices and many police departments don't have enough officers to enforce every violation.

In California, the cash-strapped government can't pay for the program, said Alexis Moore, the president and founder of Survivors in Action, a California-based advocacy group. Similarly in Texas, no money was appropriated for GPS implementation.

In most states the offender must pay the $4 to $12 daily fee, but some critics say the offenders don't always pay up, and the cost ultimately falls on local governments.

Despite the problems, Rosenfeld said the popularity of GPS devices does signal a shift in the prosecution of these crimes and the attitudes of local agencies.

"It enables us to see who's paying attention to orders of protection," she said. "GPS is not necessarily going to make police departments stand up and say, 'We have to do something about it,' but it takes away a lot of their excuses for not taking it up."

Floria Roberts said a GPS device could have given her sister the time to save her own life.

"My sister would have had a 50 percent chance of surviving that attack if she was given at least a two-minute warning," Roberts said.

Worth Reading - Articles from the San Francisco Chronicle & Redbook

2009-07-17T10:35:00.004-04:00

The San Francisco Chronicle has re-published the Redbook articles written by Liz Welch and Rebecca Davis on domestic violence. Both worth reading (click titles to read entire story):

You May Think Domestic Violence Has Nothing to Do with You

"I lost my best friend."--Kriquette Davis, 41, associate executive director of the Goldsboro Family YMCA, North CarolinaMy dear friend, Karen Crawford, was murdered by her partner, Peter Matson, on January 1, 2006.

Yes, You Can Stop Violence Against Women
It's unanimous: We all want violence against women to stop. In fact, nine out of 10 women said that ending domestic violence and sexual assault should be the top priority for a new women's movement (according to the Center for the Advancement of Women) -- and also for every politician. There are ways you can make this happen -- for one woman, and for all.

NYT: U.S. Opens Path to Asylum for Victims of Battering & Sexual Abuse

2009-07-15T15:49:00.002-04:00

The Obama administration has opened the way for foreign women who are victims of severe domestic beatings and sexual abuse to receive asylum in the United States. The action reverses a Bush administration stance on an issue at the center of a protracted and passionate legal battle over the possibilities for battered women to become refugees.

Full story in the New York Times

Critical Ethics Training Every Victim Advocate Should Have

2009-07-15T08:40:00.004-04:00

Training information and notices are typically relegated to my Advocate Trainings blog however this ethics training put together by the Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center contains an overview of what I consider essential for anyone advocating for victims of interpersonal violence and other crimes. All materials are downloadable for an experienced advocate/ trainer to conduct the class including manuals, power point slides and movie vignettes. The following topics included in this training should be mandatory for everyone working in the field:
-Boundary Issues
-Confidentiality
-Legal Advocacy vs. Legal Advice
-Professional Competence

From the site:
This training, Ethics in Victim Services, explores common ethical conflicts and how to apply ethical standards and decisionmaking to resolve them. There are several goals associated with this training:
-To increase self-awareness and understanding of how attitudes and beliefs influence responses to victims of crime.
-To become familiar with and be able to apply the Standards for Victim Assistance Programs and Providers developed by the National Victim Assistance Standards Consortium.
-To recognize when a person is acting in an ethically questionable way.
-To use a standard decisionmaking process when faced with an ethical dilemma.
The participants will learn information and skills related to:
-Values and responses to victims.
-Ethics in victim services.
-Standard decisionmaking process.
Target Audience
The training is designed for those who work in the field of victim services with at least 2 years of experience. The training material is useful for both supervisors and direct services staff.
To be most effective and best use the participatory techniques in the training, enrollment should be limited to 40 participants.
Instructor Requirements
Instructors for Ethics in Victim Services should have
practical experience as a victim advocate/counselor.
Experience conducting training, particularly experiential and interactive (rather than lecture-based) programs.

The Growing Chasm Between Domestic Violence Agencies and Domestic Violence Survivors

2009-07-13T21:44:00.001-04:00

There is a growing chasm of dissent between traditional domestic violence programs and former domestic violence victims who have independently taken up the cause. The disconnect comes as domestic violence shelters have gone from being grassroots, underground efforts run out of women’s homes to established, government sanctioned agencies who employ many specialized and degreed (albeit, still poorly compensated) “professionals”.

Shelters, in the last couple of decades, have enjoyed status in the community as the darlings of all the service agencies that compassionate individuals and foundations feel good about throwing money at. Shelters also are at the top of the list for federal and state grants and other funding. There has long been an unquestioning faith that these agencies are doing the right thing in the best possible manner. This status brings the inherent problem with growth and acceptance that begins to play out in this evolutionary process. Things are run more as a business instead of a cause. Priorities shift, ethics slide and compassion dulls. Meeting the outcomes and budgets that each funding source demands becomes the central, one-dimensional purpose rather than the diverse, multi-dimensional victims who come to the door. These victims and survivors who feel, at the minimum, slighted and, in worse case scenarios, placed in further danger, are speaking out. Their outrage is justified:

http://www.survivorsinaction.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=56

I don’t know if those speaking out against the established domestic violence programs can be called a new grassroots movement. Grassroots implies local involvement doing what needs to be done - hands on, face-to-face - beneath the surface (root level). It seems to me that the cohesiveness and much of the actual advocacy within this group of dissenters is accomplished through the internet. A “web” connected by keyboards and search engines spreading information via blogs, Youtube and internet radio. Many are in the midst of or still dealing with their own victimization. They have been on the receiving end of services and were treated poorly or been re-victimized by an agency. There have always been individuals who are not treated the way they should have been, however the difference now is that they can expand their experience and make it known to the world by reaching out online.

There are calls for more government monitoring. http://alexisamoore.blogspot.com/2009/07/open-letter-to-lynn-rosenthalnew-white.html There seems to be a belief that there are no audits or accountability; however that is not the case. There are long horrendous statistical and budget reports and site visits for agencies who receive government funds. Anyone who has been a recipient of Department of Justice or VOCA funds is aware of the hoops that a program must jump through to reach compliance. The bureaucracy contributes to the problem, each funding source with its own objectives and standards. The failing is that it is all on paper and can be tweaked and manipulated. There are no resources for effective monitoring, other than perhaps a couple of telephone “peer reviews”. Confidentiality does not allow interaction with those being served, only anonymous surveys or exit interviews that an agency may self-report.

I have been talking so far about local domestic violence service agencies however many complaints are also directed towards the lack of individual case advocacy from state and national coalitions. My understanding of coalitions is that they are systems change agents not direct services for individuals. Direct service is provided by shelters and other local programs. A state or federal agency’s purpose is not to assist on an individual basis. It would be like going to the USDA and ordering a Big Mac. Their function is legislative change; research for evidence based mandates and to provide training and other resources to local programs. If contacted by an individual they could only provide referrals and connections. These coalitions vary in their effectiveness also but can be credited for many of the current legislation enacted to make batterers accountable and victims and their children safer.

I don’t know what the answer is. There are enough horror stories to create a new class of victimization – maybe Program Abuse & Neglect. The solutions being offered are more government oversight and more money given to individuals. There are hundreds of small programs and organizations being formed online, all asking for donations, all promising to fill the gaps, all wishing to dismantle the current way of doing things and make it better. What will keep these programs from morphing into the very thing they are fighting against? How does a woman who is seeking assistance know who these online advocates are? What their credentials, experience and ethics are? Who are they accountable to? Maybe it is time for mandatory advocate credentialing and a national Code of Ethics such as the one structured by NOVA: http://www.trynova.org/nacp/

As someone who has worked as an advocate for 17 years, 3 years in a shelter and 14 as a one- person agency within a county government, I am aware of very ineffective local agencies and I am also aware of those that do a phenomenal job with huge populations and limited resources. The difference typically lies at the top. Most agencies are a reflection of their director, board or parent agency. No matter how compliant they are on paper to grantor’s demands, the treatment of victims and their families is only as effective as the personalities and philosophies of those involved. I am also aware of domestic violence survivors who have used their experience to single handedly effect change and made it their life’s mission to help others. Sadly too, I have known survivors who have used their experience as a credential to hide behind while they scammed resources and other victims out of money. While chasm it may be, it is not a clear divide. The bottom line is domestic violence service agencies do not have the funding, authority, equipment or trained staff to function as witness protection programs or body guards and no amount of oversight can change that.

While positive change is often born of dissent, those who assist victims on any level also have to contend with “father’s/ men’s rights groups” http://mensnewsdaily.com/2009/05/26/statists-funded-feminism-national-girfriend-league/, at times, ineffective or abusive police, courts or criminal justice responses and policies, sources of any funds drying up and no resources for educating the upcoming generation who appears to be regressing in the area of healthy relationships and interpersonal violence. http://www.theindychannel.com/news/20024943/detail.html . There isn’t the time to fight internally. Injustices must be dealt with swiftly and constructively so the bigger fight can be met with a united front.

As I see it, the more levels of service and access points for a domestic violence victim the better but not to the point that the little money available is spread so thin that nothing works. Many victims will only find assistance with what is available locally so local agencies and good laws that are enforced are critical however there are a growing number of women who seek assistance and referrals via the internet, which reaches more women than ever. As with anything else there are good programs and bad programs just as there are good advocates and inappropriate advocates…on all levels…that will always be as long as human personalities are involved. We must try harder.

Stories of System Failure:

http://annecarolinedrake.com/2009/07/10/creaming-why-dv-victims-dont-get-help/

http://domesticviolencenews.blogspot.com/

http://mamaliberty.wordpress.com/2009/07/07/a-history-of-violence/

http://4survivors.blogspot.com/2009/06/1ignore-2refer-3pass-buck.html

http://www.keyt.com/news/local/47243887.html

Programs that are Working:

http://www.dvleap.org/

http://www.faithtrustinstitute.org/

http://www.watchmn.org/

http://www.havejusticewilltravel.org/

http://www.c2home.org/

Lawsuit Regarding Police Lack of Response to Protection Order Violations Settled

2009-07-01T13:37:00.001-04:00

by Michael Hewlett
JOURNAL REPORTER
Published: July 1, 2009
YADKINVILLE
A lawsuit that was being watched closely by advocates for victims of domestic violence was settled yesterday just as jury selection was set to begin.
Vernetta Cockerham settled for $430,000 in her lawsuit against the Jonesville Police Department and two of its officers.
Her lawsuit, which was filed in 2004, accused the police department of failing to enforce a restraining order that she had taken out against her estranged husband, Richard Ellerbee, who eventually killed her 17-year-old daughter, Candice, and stabbed Cockerham. Ellerbee killed himself several days later.
She said she is satisfied with the settlement and is ready to put the case behind her. "Every time I go to court, I relive it again," she said as she stood in a parking lot near the Yadkin County Courthouse.
"I'm going to take time out with my family and go through my grieving process," she said.
She said she also plans to continue to advocate for domestic-violence victims, especially those in Yadkin County.
Rita Anita Linger, the executive director of the N.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence, stood alongside Cockerham after the settlement was announced.
Linger said she hopes the case puts a magnifying glass on a system that is supposed to make sure that domestic-violence protective orders are enforced and that victims of domestic violence are protected against their abusers.
"This case speaks, and Vernetta speaks, for women who can't speak for themselves," she said.
Under the terms of the settlement, the town admits no liability in the death of Cockerham's daughter, said William Hill, an attorney for the two officers, Scott Vestal and Tim Gwyn. Roger Reece, the current police chief, declined to comment. He sent out a news release later in the day, saying that the officers did nothing wrong.
"We do hope Vernetta Cockerham finds peace with this resolution," the news release said.
Vestal, who still works for the police department, declined to comment. Gwyn resigned in 2006 as police chief. He was not available for comment.
On Nov. 13, 2002, Cockerham filed a domestic-violence protective order against Ellerbee. That order required that he not threaten her and her children and that he stay 250 feet away.
Ellerbee ignored that order. The next day, he broke into her house and left a note, Cockerham said in an affidavit filed with her lawsuit.
"I will kill you," the handwritten note said. "You will die."
Over the next several days, Ellerbee repeatedly violated the protective order, according to the lawsuit. He came to her youngest son's day care and threatened her daughter, Candice. He dug graves across the street and later told her that the graves were for her and her children. And on the day before he killed Candice, he stalked Cockerham in his car.
Each time, Cockerham said, she told police that Ellerbee was violating the protective order and at one point had an arrest warrant issued for him. She said in the lawsuit that then-police chief Robbie Coe said he would put the department on high alert and that Vestal and Gwyn promised her that they would arrest Ellerbee.
Ellerbee was never arrested, and on Nov. 19, he fatally stabbed Candice and then stabbed Cockerham in the foyer of her home after she came back from running an errand. Cockerham still has a scar along the left side of her neck where Ellerbee cut it with a broken piece of glass.
Hill said that Cockerham never told police that Ellerbee threatened her, and that Vestal and Gwyn never made any specific promises to her. He cited written statements by Cockerham and her daughter about the incident when Ellerbee went to the day care. Candice said in the statement, dated Nov. 18, 2002, that Ellerbee came to her and told her that he wanted Cockerham to contact him.
"I know in my heart of hearts that Scott Vestal and Tim Gwyn did nothing wrong," he said.
Hill placed much of the blame on Coe, who resigned abruptly in 2004. He said that Coe never told Vestal and Gwyn that he had met with Cockerham and he never investigated Cockerham's complaints. He also suggested that Cockerham's recollection of events may have been mistaken because of the trauma she suffered in the attack.
Cockerham said she was never mistaken about what she did. Coe said in depositions that he had talked with Cockerham several times and advised her to get an arrest warrant for Ellerbee.
Coe could not be reached for comment.
Harvey Kennedy, one of Cockerham's attorneys, said that Ellerbee violated the protective order numerous times.
"We hope the impact of this case will be to ensure in the future that law-enforcement officers will take domestic-violence protective orders seriously and enforce those orders," he said.
Story Published Here
■ Michael Hewlett can be reached at 727-7326 or at mhewlett@wsjournal.com.

Interactive Poster from Amnesty Internationsl Dispaying the "Behind Closed Doors" Aspect of Domestic Violence

2009-06-27T09:23:00.002-04:00

This interactive poster (which just won a Cannes Silver Lion this week) was erected at a bus stop in Hamburg, Germany. An eye tracking camera was installed in the board, so that when you looked directly at the domestic violence, after a delay, the scene morphed into spousal harmony.

Obama Appoints a Domestic Violence Adviser

2009-06-26T19:02:00.002-04:00

WASHINGTON -- A longtime advocate for victims of domestic violence and
sexual assault has been named to a new post advising the White House on
those issues.

Vice President Joe Biden announced the appointment Friday of Lynn Rosenthal,
an expert in domestic violence policy. The White House said she will advise
President Barack Obama and work with government agencies to ensure that
violence against women isn't ignored and the perpetrators are held
accountable.

A former director of a women's shelter, Rosenthal was executive director of
the National Network to End Domestic Violence from 2000 to 2006. And she
worked as director of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Intimate Partner Rape & the Use of Pretext Telephone Calls

2009-06-24T17:49:00.003-04:00

Marital/ intimate partner rape is the most underreported sexual assault. It is also the most difficult to prosecute. 14% of women who have been married are raped by their husband or ex-husband. Sexual assault often accompanies other types of violence and degradation in a relationship. It is often not a one time incident. Of all crimes, rape is the only crime that the victim is consistently blamed as much as the perpetrator is. The perception of perpetrator responsibility is diminished even more so in the context of a marriage. Aside from the obvious reasons for not reporting, such as shame, embarrassment, fear of retaliation and fear of not being believed there are also persona, cultural, religious and societal beliefs to contend with. Since forced sex by a spouse is seldom reported it is ‘used as punishment, retaliation and a bargaining tool in child custody disputes.’1. When a woman submits to sex out of fear or intimidation it is rape. If she cannot consent due to intoxication or drug/ medication or due to sleeping or unconsciousness it is also rape. If she is permanently or temporarily disabled and can’t consent - it is rape. Every legitimate, sexual encounter must be a separate, consensual act, regardless of what has happened before or since. Married or not, conscious or not, a woman “owns” her body. Any nonconsensual intrusion or violation is a crime, a sexual “trespassing”.

Professor Evan Stark (2007), a leading researcher on violence against women writes:

“[M]arital rape…should be treated differently and more severely than similar crimes committed by strangers. As a result of its unique

relation to personal life, sexual assault is far more likely to be repeated when it is committed by partners and almost always occurs amid other forms of violence, intimidation, and control. The level of unfreedom, subordination, dependence, and betrayal associated with marital rape has no counterpart in public life.” (p. 388) 2.

If the victim does report, marital and intimate partner sexual assaults are some of the most dreaded by police officers and prosecutors. Even if there is physical evidence to be collected there is still the consent defense to contend with .

One of the most effective investigative tools in sexual assault is pretext, recorded phone call. Usually made by the victim, working with the investigator, the perpetrator is unaware that the call is being recorded. The call, whether accusatory or distressed, almost always elicits admissions that corroborate the victim’s account, if not a confession. This has even been accomplished with text message “conversations” with the police as witness. These recordings become very powerful evidence in court however, faced with such powerful evidence, many suspects plead guilty sparing the victim the pain of trial.While legal in Michigan, the use of pretext phone calls will be different according to each jurisdiction. It is illegal in some states to conduct a pretext phone call and this evidence is therefore not admissible in court. Policies and procedures will also vary between region and agency

Great care regarding the emotional strength of the victim must be taken. An advocate should be present and officers should discuss at length the process and potential traumatic consequences. Every case is different The foremost concern is always the safety of the victim. That said, I have found that a intimate partner sexual assault victim who is willing to participate in this type of investigation frequently has a feeling of reclaiming power over her life. A successful pre-text call can almost always take a case from “he said-she said” to a conviction.

1. Jonathan S. Olshaker, M. Christine Jackson, William S. Smock(2006)

Forensic Emergency Medicine

P Published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006

2.Stark, E. (2007). Coercive control: How men entrap women in

personal life. New York: Oxford University Press.

New Guide for Domestic Violence Advocates - Advocacy Beyond Leaving

2009-06-23T13:33:00.002-04:00

Helping Battered Women in Contact with Current or Former Partners.
Family Violence Prevention Fund
by Jill Davies

"I invite you to understand –
not judge – my family and the
contact with my partner. My life
is my business, filled with my
joy to celebrate, my hardship
to endure, and my decisions
to make. I ask that you listen,
support me, and offer help that
makes things better for me and
my children."

Download HERE

Opportunity for Pro_Active Advocates to Affect Some Real Systems Change

2009-06-19T22:06:00.003-04:00

Even Washington is realizing that the domestic violence programs that have worked in the past may not be effective now:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/expectmore/summary/10002150.2004.html

Here is an opportunity for the right person to make a real difference.

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is pleased to inform you that we are now accepting applications under the “Victim Assistance Professional Development Fellowship Program.”

This is a new opportunity to expand the capacity of individuals in the victim assistance field through the Fellowship Program. As many as four people can become part of OVC’s team in Washington, D.C., and work in the areas of victim assistance and compensation, tribal communities, underserved crime victims, and evidence-based training and technical assistance.

Applications must be submitted by July 9, 2009, through OJP’s online Grants Management System athttps://grants.ojp.usdoj.gov . Applicants are encouraged to begin the process in advance of the deadline.

This competitive program will award $80,000 - $125,000 each, for up to four fellowships, to provide direct operational assistance to crime victim organizations and agencies; design and develop innovative initiatives; implement a training strategy; and assist with evaluation and capacity building efforts. OVC fellows will also be responsible for crafting articles and speeches on specific topics covered in their fellowship category area. The fellowships are for a 12-month period, with options for 2 more years.

Individuals, not organizations, are invited to apply for this program. For assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, contact Meg Morrow, Attorney-Advisor at 202-305-2986 or meg.morrow@usdoj.gov

New Training Opportunity for Violence Prevention Advocates

2009-06-19T18:50:00.001-04:00

An Exciting Opportunity for Violence Prevention Advocates

Jun 19, 2009

An exciting new opportunity for advocates working to end violence against women – The Advocacy Learning Center – is accepting applications for its first class beginning in September 2009! The goal of the Advocacy Learning Center is to strengthen the core activities, skills, principles, and knowledge domestic violence programs use, so that advocacy becomes a more powerful force for change. The course presents a framework for advocates to define and structure violence prevention work, from how to engage and work with survivors, to how to strategize and change systems and community responses to violence.

Each selected organization will send a team of participants, including management and front-line staff to the course. The teams will participate in on-site and distance learning activities, conduct site visits to other social change agencies and do independent study and share what they learn with colleagues.

This two-year course is funded by the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and programs that receive OWV funds or are advocacy partners of an OVW-funded project are eligible to apply. Clickhere to view a flyer on the new program and for more information, visitwww.praxisinternational.org or email advocacy@praxisinternational.org.

Online advocacy vs. face-to-face advocacy

2009-06-17T14:49:00.002-04:00

After an email “conversation” with Alexis Moore I began to think about service delivery and online victim advocacy versus face-to-face advocacy. I believe both are important and effective.

There are certain points in an in the life of a domestic violence victim that she will be more likely to be seeking online information. One point is the planning process, while still in a relationship, but looking for the safest and best process to leave. It may be impossible to access help in the form of programs or advocates and online information can, at times, be the sole source of support.

The other point in time time I see survivors seeking help on the internet is when they are securely out and established on their own. At that time they may be seeking legal information for divorce & custody , information regarding emotional or physical well-being and even information about volunteering or helping others.

There is a gap between these 2 "phases" that is a crisis phase. The transitional, at times, life-or-death changes in status, whether preceeded by planning or precipitated by an assault. This is the time when there is the most critical need for help but it isn't going to come from the internet. It will come from family, friends, medical personnel, police and advocates.

Individual crisis intervention will never be accomplished effectively online, but you are likely to reach and educate far more people by utilizing the many ways of networking on the web. A comprehensive program should pour their resources into both to help fill the gaps in service delivery. Anything less is leaving someone out.

A Story for Advocates to Consider

2009-06-09T11:09:00.000-04:00

Ex-Murder Suspect Says Domestic Violence Groups Overlooked Her Claims
Originally printed at http://www.keyt.com/news/local/47243887.html
Ventura, CA-- An ex-sheriff's deputy who was exonerated last week in the stabbing death of her lover in self-defense says, domestic violence advocacy groups abandoned her in her time of need.
Claudia Valenciana claims several groups would not help her when they found out she may be facing murder charges.
KEY News Bureau Chief Tracy Lehr joins us from our ventura county bureau with more.
For more information about domestic violence advocacy you can log onto www.icfs.org and the Coalition to End Family Violence at www.coalition.org
Statement of Claudia Valenciana:
Thank you everyone for coming. I asked for Ron to have everyone here so I could make a statement because I think it’s important for others to know a little of my story to hopefully prevent anyone from experiencing what I had experienced for the better part of two years.
I am a victim of domestic violence. I was abused by the man I loved over a majority of my relationship with him. I suffered both physical and mental abuse. Nobody wanted to believe that a woman like me could be abused. I know I did not’t want to believe it, so I understand why my friends, family, and my employer did not want to believe it.
I was embarrassed about being the victim of abuse, believing that as a police officer, a person who prided herself on demonstrating a strong image and personality would allow herself to be abused. I realize how it’s hard for others to understand how a woman in my profession could be a victim of abuse, I didn’t understand it myself. After this incident, when I sat down and actually talked about the number of times I had been hit, threatened, thrown down, kicked, and humiliated I was shocked at what I accepted. It is hard to explain to those around me why I would tolerate such behavior, but for the longest time I thought he would change, that his promises to stop would be kept, that I could be happy with a man I thought I loved.
My employer ignored the obvious signs of abuse, and when my abuser tried to segregate me from my friends and my family, my employer attempted to segregate me from colleagues. My employer was aware that police were called to my house on a report that I was being attacked. They were aware that officers contacted me and that I said everything was ok and there was no need to come in my house. Terrified, I said this with my abuser standing just a few feet away from me, knowing that the officers would take my word for it because I was a fellow cop. Had I been anyone else the officers would have demanded entry into my house, completed a follow up investigation to make sure I was safe, and spoken to JR.
My employer ordered me to first leave my abuser. When I could not, for like most victims of domestic violence I felt trapped and helpless, my employer attempted to prevent me from working in my profession. By telling me I could not work and ordering other officers not to speak to me, my employer effetely helped my abuser segregate me from some of my closest friends my fellow officers. I was paralyzed with fear, knowing even if I left JR he would never let me go. He would find me.
I of course fought my employer’s attempts to terminate me. However, even at that time I could not admit what was truly happening. In going through that process I realized how important it was for me to keep JR’s secret. I felt compelled not to tell anybody that he was an abuser, and that I was his victim and that compulsion cost me my job.
I have also realized through my recent experiences that those who claim to be advocates for victims of domestic violence only advocate for victims who they perceive can be victims. When I attempted to reach out to some of these advocates for help and advice local advocacy groups told me that there were not interested in helping me; apparently thinking that a woman who appeared capable of defending herself from her attacker could not be a victim of domestic violence. Maybe now they will realize that women who appear strong on the surface, women in professions that are traditionally male dominated, like police officers or firefighters can be abused. I hope those so called advocates of abused women realize that all victims of domestic violence deserve their help and the effectiveness of their advocacy.
I know many of you are here to hear what I have to say about the day of the incident and what actually happened. I will speak to that now for the first time publically. The weekend prior to Monday March 2nd, I was attacked by JR both in my home and at a hotel out of the county. I attempted to end my relationship with JR that weekend, and when I took a strong stance on that he made it clear that he would not allow me to leave him. He first attacked me on that weekend at a hotel in Long Beach. A security guard came to our room and asked if I needed help That security guard may have saved my life. When I returned home, JR came with me and would not leave. He proceeded to keep me in my house, his prisoner throughout the night of March 1st and through the early morning of March 2nd. I attempted to defend myself but I was no match for him. I began to fear and then believed that I was not going to survive this attack.
JR left my house early on the morning of March 2nd, and I believed he was going to report to his probation officer. I believed at that time that his probation officer would notice the scratches I had left on him when I was attempting to defend myself. He was on probation for domestic violence so I believed that the probation officer would notice the marks and arrest him for violating his probation since he had no plausible explanation for why he had visible scratches on his body.
To my shock JR returned to my home that morning after his probation appointment. He was just as angry as he was the night before, and when I tried to prevent him from entering my house he overwhelmed me and forced his way into my home. He then attacked me. I knew at some point that I was not going to survive this attack. I am a trained officer, have practiced martial arts, and have even boxed professionally, but JR’s size and strength was too much for me. He was enraged and he made it clear that he was going to hurt me, and I feared he was going to keep his word and that he would actually kill me. He often told me that if he could not have me nobody could. At that point on that morning all I could think of was that I wanted to live, that I needed to do everything I could to see my son again. I will not give specific details, but I will say I fought for my life that morning.
When I saw JR bleeding, I was the one who called 911, even though JR begged me not to do so saying his probation was going to be violated for this. When we were waiting for help to arrive, JR told me what to say to the police and like always I told the police what JR told me to say. I am now aware that it was the same statement that JR said to one of the people who arrived to render aid.
I still mourn JR’s death, which I know is hard for people to understand. Even though he was the person who physically abused me, I did love him. As hard as it is for you to understand that and until recently it was even harder for me to understand it is a fact of my life. I am grateful to my doctor who has assisted me through therapy with dealing with the trauma leading up to and including March 2nd and also the affects of long term abuse. I am starting to understand what I experienced and more importantly how I can help others prevent it from happening to them.
I was fortunate that much of the abuse I reported to my lawyer and his investigator that occurred during the course of my relationship with JR could be corroborated; I was surprised at how many people had seen so much. I do realize how difficult a decision it was for the District Attorney to find that JR’s death occurred during an act of self defense. I realize that if my history of abuse at the hands of JR could not have been corroborated by the investigators on both sides of this case, and if Investigators ignored or missed some of the evidence found in my home that the DA may have reached a different conclusion. What I have learned through this case is that a good investigation is not one motivated by a desire to convict a suspect it is motivated by a desire to find the truth. I will take that lesson back with me when I resume my career in law enforcement.
I want to thank all of my family, friends, and fellow Officers who expressed their support and offered me help during this time. I want to thank Ron and the people of his office for their guidance and advice and Ron’s investigator Gene Thayer for his efforts in investigating my case. I put a great deal of trust in these people and I am grateful for their support.
As for the future, I will attempt to get my job back. I will do so by attempting to educate my department on the effects of domestic violence and how they can do more to help employees who may be victims of abuse. It is also my desire to be the voice for other women who are suffering at the hands of their abusers, and maybe I can play a small part in preventing other women from suffering what I have experienced. I plan on helping others who are silent victims of abuse, to let them know that there are people who will listen, and that they can break the cycle of violence by getting help.
Once again thank you for coming, I am sure many of you have questions but on the advice of Ron with my pending hearing coming up I will not be answering them. I will leave you with Ron and hopefully he can answer any of the remaining questions you all may have. Thank You

Advocacy Wheel

2009-06-08T21:36:00.003-04:00

I'm not sure who originally created this but it's always been a great training tool:

Congressional Hearing on the Violence Against Women Act

2009-06-05T14:37:00.002-04:00

Congressional Hearing on the Violence Against Women Act
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
10:00 a.m.

Washington, DC

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee will hold the first of several congressional hearings on the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

The "Continued Importance of the Violence Against Women Act" will be held at 10:00 a.m. (EST) on Wednesday, June 10th in Room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. The public is welcome to join and the hearing will be made available via a live webcast.

Actress Gabrielle Union is scheduled to testify at the hearing. Union herself is a sexual assault survivor and an advocate for victims. Union has been in numerous television shows, including Ugly Betty, and films, such as Deliver Us From Eva; she's worked alongside actors LL Cool J, Will Smith and Jamie Foxx.

Catherine Pierce, the Acting Director of the Office on Violence Against Women; Karen Tronsgard-Scott, the Director of the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence; and Ann Burke, the President and Founder of the Lindsay Ann Burke Memorial Fund will also testify at Wednesday's hearing.

VAWA was first enacted in 1994 and provides resources and assistance to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and trafficking.

10 Links I Came Across in Weekend Reading

2009-06-01T12:40:00.006-04:00

People often how I keep informed. Let me count the ways... Seriously, I subscribe to email lists, blog feeds, twitter, facebook and the list goes on. Some of the items I came across this weekend:

Following are quotes from the sites that are linked:

From the FBI: For the second year in row, the number of violent crimes declined across the country—a total of 2.5 percent during 2008 compared to the previous year—according to our just-released Preliminary Annual Uniform Crime Report.
http://www.fbi.gov/page2/june09/ucr_statistics060109.html

Terrance ``Terry'' Wheeler showed violent tendencies for decades.
Wednesday, police said Wheeler stabbed to death his former, longtime girlfriend, Dorothy Holliday, and seriously injured his brother inside the home they all shared at 815 Maltby St. Two Jackson officers arrived, and Sgt. Michael Gleeson shot and killed Wheeler when he refused to drop the kitchen knife he was using to stab Holliday in the chest area, Jackson County Undersheriff Tom Finco said.
http://www.mlive.com/news/citpat/index.ssf?/base/news-28/124376431113890.xml&coll=3

There is a really cool movie out on DVD dealing with the cycle of domestic violence in families. Bitter Memories was written by Mariella Zavala for a school assignment when she was just a freshman in high school.
http://www.loveisrespect.org/2009/06/01/movie-to-check-out-bitter-memories/

Anchorage is suffering a crisis of domestic abuse. For about six months now, the number of women fleeing abusive boyfriends and husbands has been swelling Anchorage's only shelter for battered women beyond its capacity.
http://theimmoralminority.blogspot.com/2009/06/anchorage-is-suffering-crisis-of.html

Moving out, Moving on , is more then a simple workbook, but a true plan to take control of one’s life and face the future head on. This is not just another “divorce book” written by a so called “expert.”
Moving out, Moving on , is authored by a person who truly knows…Susan Murphy-Milano. Free download:
http://www.susanmurphymilano.com/
(my mistake, the download is NOT free)

Last month, in April 2009, I decided to start tracking news articles publishing incidents of Intimate and Domestic Violence related homicides. My original goal was to get an idea of how many homicides occurred within any given 30 day period.
It was astonishing to me to find so many homicides covering so many jurisdictions from around the United States. I decided to create a google map to get a visual tool for the material and incorporated the map into the blog as well.You are receiving this email because a colleague/supporter thought you may be interested in viewing the blog: Intimate and Domestic Violence in the News. It can be found at : http://domesticviolencenews.blogspot.com/

Is Blogging Right for Your Organization?
Practically every customer and potential customer I speak with inevitably brings up social media. “Should we be twittering?” “Should we set up a facebook group?” “Should we be blogging?” And, the answer to all of these questions is that these are just relatively new tools available to us, and if used correctly, can become a valuable asset to your organization, so yes.
http://www.wildapricot.com/blogs/newsblog/archive/2009/05/01/is-blogging-right-for-your-organization.aspx

If you aren't convinced that gender inequality and gender prejudice doesn't exist in these enlightened days of the 21st century, look no further than the insane reasons the punditry of the American Media have for discrediting Sonia Sotomayor as a worthy nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States (current membership: 8 males, 1 female).
http://ourfuturehasnoviolenceagainstwomen.blogspot.com/2009/05/ew-girl.html

Spike in Murder-Suicides Raise 'Manhood' Issue
By Katherine van Wormer
The horrifying headlines about men who kill their entire families and then turn the gun on themselves appear to be intensifying. Katherine van Wormer says the harsh economy may be a factor, but more fundamental may be a distorted notion of manliness.
http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm?aid=4025

And finally:

The Art of Artlessness: A lot of the complexity in our lives come when we try to keep up certain appearances.
A simpler, happier life can be achieved when we drop those appearances and just live naturally, without pretense or artfulness.
http://zenhabits.net/2009/05/the-art-of-artlessness-on-living-simply-and-naturally/

Counseling for Domestic Violence Victims...Maybe

2009-05-26T15:31:00.004-04:00

On the occasions that the idea has come up over the years, I have always been adamantly opposed to mandating that domestic violence victims being forced into counseling by the court system. Typically a frustrated new prosecutor who doesn't understand the dynamics or an indignant defense attorney whose client was ordered counseling brings up the idea which is quickly shot down with very good reasons. She is not a criminal...we are no better than the batterer trying to be a controlling factor in her life,etc. But what about in exchange for her request to drop charges?

Interesting program:

Program targets violence in home

Effort’s goal is to help victims break the cycle

By Mary Ann Cavazos (Contact)
Sunday, May 24, 2009

CORPUS CHRISTI — Some fear retaliation. Others believe their partner’s promises that it will be the last time. Many simply don’t understand the legal process.

But regardless of the reasons, the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office wants victims of domestic violence to know their options.

That’s why the office now requires victims who want their cases dismissed to attend the Domestic Violence 101 Workshop and meet with an advocate one-on-one.

Officials say most who go through the process end up changing their minds and decide not to sign a non-prosecution affidavit. The form requests the office consider dismissing a case.

Rest of the story:

http://www.caller.com/news/2009/may/24/program-targets-violence-in-home/

The Economy and Domestic Violence Series from WeNews

2009-05-22T08:14:00.002-04:00

Harsh Economy Highlights Cost of Domestic Abuse
By Kayla Hutzler - WeNews correspondent

As the economy has soured since September, reports of domestic violence have risen sharply. Advocates say this trend can be counted on to worsen household stress. The first of two articles.

http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm?aid=4017

---------------------------------------------------------

Financial Abuse Rises as Major Hurdle to Safety
By Kayla Hutzler - WeNews correspondent

Money can be a big reason for staying with an abusive partner. But programs around the country help victims develop income and a family law specialist in New York says financial abuse can be solid grounds for a divorce. The second of two articles.

http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm?aid=4018

What Is Art? "Battered Woman Syndrome" Sculpture

2009-05-21T15:20:00.002-04:00

"Battered Woman Syndrome", a sculpture created by artist Ed Miracle to raise awareness of domestic violence issues, and the effect of exposure to repeated trauma on an individual

Empowerment Model of Advocacy - a Refresher

2009-05-20T20:39:00.006-04:00

INDIVIDUAL ADVOCACY WITH SURVIVORS

1. This type of advocacy should view all "personal" problems in the context of a sexist society and help women understand the real oppression and socially defined roles which reinforce their victimization and feelings of powerlessness. In such counseling, a large part of an advocate's role will be to communicate to survivors this vision and understanding through the facts about battering. The difference between our own oppression as a woman and that of the survivor is one of degree. The issues the abused woman must struggle with ‑‑ such as balance of power in the relationship, being viewed as her husband's property, and finding her own worth as a woman in a sexist society ‑‑ are the same issues that we as women all face daily.

2. Empowerment advocacy believes that battering is not something that happens to a woman because of her characteristics, her family background, her psychology, her psyche or her unconscious search for a certain type of man, We believe that battering can happen to anyone who has the misfortune to become involved with someone who wants power and control enough to be violent to get it.

3. In an empowerment model, the woman coming for help is assumed to be a basically healthy person who needs understanding, information, support, and concrete information and resources in order to make changes in her life. She is responsible for her own life decisions, and the advocate's role is to help her tap her own strengths and abilities, and to recognize and experience her potential as a woman. Advocates are not there to probe for weaknesses, assess her, diagnose her or label her. Advocates can put forward the conscious expectation that she will take charge of her own life. We can help her learn to, and encourage her to act on her own competence, rather than allowing ourselves to see her as helpless and tell her what to do.

4. The survivor and the counselor/advocate are assumed to be equals. We may use the term "counselor" and "service participant" to define different roles which are interchangeable depending on the skills and needs of the individuals involved. It is basic to the feminist philosophy that the word "counselor" does not connote value, or more worth, and that we have the responsibility to tell that to the survivor. We may have special training in a particular mode of counseling, and we can use this if you and the survivor agree that it is appropriate ‑‑ however, in a peer relationship we should see this as a sharing and teaching of skills rather than as a taking over or thinking for the survivor. As a peer we see ourselves as a woman sharing the position of the survivor in society, and involving ourselves in the counseling process by openly sharing our skills and our own experience which might be helpful to her in taking charge of her own life. It is also important that although the two of us are equals, our current role as counselor gives us institutional power over the woman. It is our responsibility not to misuse that institutional power, and carefully look at how that affects our relationship with the survivor.

5. Advocates have the responsible for becoming conscious of our own cultural biases and stereotypes in order to effectively support all survivors we are working with. We have the responsibility to learn about the real differences in life experiences that affect women from different cultural backgrounds than our own, and about oppression. We must commit ourselves to making our services culturally accessible to all and to struggle towards cultural competency. Counselors have the responsibility not to discriminate on the basis of age, race, class, background, gender, sexual orientation, service seeker's consumption of or addiction to drugs or alcohol, disabilities, religion, political beliefs, victimization by the sex industry, being trapped in prostitution or other circumstances.

6. Advocates need to provide a supportive atmosphere in which to discuss concerns including confidentiality. Counselors have the obligation to explain fully to the survivor the extent and nature of confidentiality. If confidentiality must be breached because of life threatening situations, or child abuse, this should be explained truthfully to the survivor.

7. Counselor/advocates operating under this philosophy affirm that the survivor is the expert on her own experiences and her own life, and that counselors learn a great deal by listening without judgments to survivors.

8. Counselor/advocates have the responsibility to identify areas where we are judgmental of survivors, and to work on providing services compassionately, supportively and non‑judgmentally.

7. Counselor/advocates have the responsibility of informing themselves about the ways the criminal justice system has revictimized women, other societally disadvantaged populations, and survivors of violence. They have the responsibility of imparting that information to survivors. They should give survivors accurate information about legal options.

8. Advocates have the responsibility of informing themselves about different models of assessment and intervention and adapting them to their work<>

9. Counselors must have the utmost respect for confidentiality. They must pay assiduous attention to their record keeping practices.

10. This philosophy should not be construed to mean that:

a) counselors should avoid enhancing their advocacy skills of assessment and intervention in any way possible. Updated kills are essential to effectively counsel survivors within the framework of the above philosophy.

b) advocates should avoid communicating to survivors that they have the ability to change their life and make personal choices that will improve their situation. By putting all the problems on the batterer, counselors may inadvertently send the message to survivors that there is nothing they can do to change their lives. A balance is essential.

c) advocates should avoid discussing directly with survivors the effects of alcohol and other drug addiction on their lives and the need for women to take immediate and affirmative steps to get treatment for their addiction.

11. Counselors must strive to promote survivor’s autonomy - psychic, spiritual, emotional, physical, and economic.

12. Counselors and advocates must safety plan with survivors at every encounter.

PARTICULAR ISSUES FOR COUNSELORS ADVOCATING FOR SURVIVORS THROUGH THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND CIVIL COURTS.

1. Any domestic violence worker who will be advocating for or accompanying survivors through the criminal justice system or civil process has the responsibility of gathering as much concrete and accurate information as s/he can. This includes reading, listening and thinking about the ways the system has revictimized battered women and has not held the assailant accountable legally. The legal system impacts differentially on women from societally disadvantaged populations, and it is the advocate's responsibility to become sensitive to that fact. The advocate should keep up to date on the laws, and the policies, procedures, and personnel in her own community. In this way, s/he can be most helpful to the survivor.

2. There is sometimes great pressure from the system to "get survivors to press charges". It's critical that advocates not pressure survivors to report crimes, press charges, or go to court. Advocates may give information, but must support women in making their own decisions. Survivors are the experts on their own lives, and on the level of danger they face from the assailant.

3. One of the advocate's major roles is to make the legal system accessible to survivors. This means helping survivors feel comfortable with the process. This may mean accompanying them to sign charges, talking to personnel on their behalf (only with their permission), accompanying them to court, role playing interactions, consulting with attorneys, and fighting the system on the survivor's behalf. It may mean "translating" legalese into English.

4. Legal advocates have the responsibility to keep the survivor informed of contacts you have made on her/his behalf. S/he must be consulted in making and carrying out the plan in her case, and she must have veto power over your actions. Although the advocate may be in a position to use her/his expertise and contacts to help the survivor, it cannot be without her/his knowledge and consent.

5. It's critical for legal advocates not to give legal advice. Giving information about the law, and the experiences of other survivors, being supportive and helpful, and doing advocacy is very different from the role of the attorney. Be careful and in case of confusion, consult your supervisor.

6. Advocates have the responsibility of helping the survivor do things for herself. If you make a connection for her/him, make sure s/he understands the steps to do it alone in your absence. Support her or him in becoming her own best advocate.

7. Advocates must not collude with the system in order to make it easier for yourself or your agency. Example: Sometimes we might want the survivor to agree to a "deal" that would make the prosecutor happy. It would strengthen our relationship with his or her office. It's important to remember that relationships with systems and political progress (although crucial) are secondary to the individual survivor's safety and best interests.

Modified fromOriginal Published by Susan McGee in 1997

Conveying the Message - Talking to Civic Groups About Domestic Violence

2009-05-18T22:00:00.003-04:00

I don’t enjoy public speaking. I’m not good at it and tend to avoid it if at all possible. I am in awe of speakers who can command a room and leave the audience inspired. At the end of last week I was called upon to speak to a local women’s group. The topic I was given was simply “domestic violence”

When I speak to community groups I typically show a very short, heart-wrenching movie put together by a Michigan shelter program. This is guaranteed to get everyone crying and focused on the subject at hand. Turned out I loaned my copy to someone and it was not available.

Ok, well I’ll just extend my talk a little, After a very busy, frustrating day I got out the notes I usually use but everything I generally cover seemed kind of flat and ineffective given the frame of mind I was in – as though we are all missing something when it comes to addressing family violence

I usually start by outlining all the statistics I know by heart, i.e., No matter what the rate of violence or who initiates the violence, women are 7 to 10 times more likely to be injured in acts of intimate violence than are men. Eighty-one percent of men who batter had fathers who abused their mothers. About one third of female murder victims were killed by an intimate. About 3% of male murder victims were killed by an intimate… and the list goes on.

I usually go into the impact of abuse on the victim; depression, low self-esteem, anger, suicidal thoughts, chronic medical problems and substance abuse as a coping mechanism. I discuss the dynamics and how domestic violence is a comprehensive form of terrorism that goes much deeper than the actual bruises and broken bones.

I always address the persistent question, Why doesn’t she leave? I answer that one big reason is fear – the belief that the abuser will follow through with whatever he has threatened – I’ll take your children, kill your parents, kill you…! That this is valid – experience us the violence escalates after separation when the batterer feels his control slipping away. I go into the economic handicaps, isolation and even the “L” word – love. That women sometimes focus on the good they see, the belief he’ll change if she just tries harder, unconditional love fixes everything (not).Maybe if he would just quit drinking or get help for his “chemical imbalance”.

I finish the “why doesn’t she just leave?” question by asking WHY SHOULD SHE? It’s her home, she worked for it, she cleans it, she decorated it, her children are growing up there. She is not committing any crime there – he is.

I try to personalize the problem by bringing in local statistics that show how prevalent it is in our community, because it is.

I usually wind up my presentation with my hard line about how domestic violence should be viewed and handled. It is a crime. It is against the law. Forget about any faults the victim may have. We don’t ask victims of drunk drivers or armed robbery or stranger assaults why they didn’t stay out of the criminal’s way. Why do we continue to make domestic violence victims responsible for their victimization? We must recognize interpersonal violence as a crime and hold the abuser accountable!

I am a one person, stand alone victim services agency in a small rural county. The past few weeks have been some of my busiest ever. I assist more victims in our county than the local domestic violence shelter does. For my presentation to this group of women I attempted to step back from the hornet’s nest that is my job and get an overview of the state of things as I see them. This is what I told them:

-The police are making more domestic violence arrests – this is good but I’ve found the need to address a regression in some agencies who occasionally have arrested the victim for fighting back. Time for another training.

-Some of the prosecutors are being aggressive about prosecuting cases, some need some coaxing. Officers feel they don’t authorize enough cases, the defense bar will say they are authorizing too many.

-I see a too much victim bashing in every arena, even with victim service personnel. I see victims in court trying to get or keep a protection order. The defendant can afford an attorney the victim cannot. Abusers get visitation when they shouldn’t …or worse, custody, due to no legal representation.

-I still see crimes against women, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and harassment not taken as seriously as other crimes. It’s a daily battle.

-Even when all goes right in the system – arrest, the victim is afforded all the protection the courts have to offer and prosecutors present a good case –juries are very conservative. Domestic violence is still viewed as a private family matter.

These are all system change issues that require patience and perseverance. That’s a fight I can handle.

I told these women that what has disturbed me most in the last few months is the second generation of criminals and victims that I am seeing. Over half of the juveniles I see in delinquency and runaway complaints are names I recognize from dealing with their mother or father in some capacity. Twelve or so years ago, I assisted a victim in what was our first felony domestic violence case after the laws were enhanced. The abuser went to prison and the victim went on with her life – safe. A success story. Except I just did a protection order for her teenage daughter against her abusive boyfriend

Another women I assisted in fleeing her state and relocating in our county. She got on with her life in time. A couple of weeks ago her son was arrested for armed robbery and conspiracy to commit murder at fourteen years old.

I told several other similarly disheartening stories and explained how I seem to be doing more and more follow-up and protection orders for high school girls. To often when I talk to these young victims the mom tells me quietly, “You know, I went through this when I was young, too” .

In an ideal world we would spend more time and resources on education and prevention but right now all my energy is spent on urgent situations long past avoiding,

I wrapped it up by passing out materials on dating violence. I encouraged them all, as role models and professionals, to participate in educating younger women, rather than waiting until these young people are contributing to the new statistics on domestic violence, sexual assault, suicide and murder rates. Can the cycle ever be broken?