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

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

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CDC Manual to Download: Empowerment Evaluations For Violence Prevention Programs

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]

The Concept of Informed Advocacy in Victim Services Organizations

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.

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

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.

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

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.

New Research Shows Domestic Violence Shelters Meet Survivor's Needs

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.

Domestic Violence Program Evaluation and Current Research

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

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

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

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

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

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

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."

The Growing Chasm Between Domestic Violence Agencies and Domestic Violence Survivors

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/

Are Domestic Violence Programs Still Meeting the Needs of Survivors?

 Domestic violence programs have a rich and inspiring history of selfless volunteers sacrificing time, resources and money to help battered women find safety and support. Early on, some women just opened their homes to victims The first shelter for women in the United States was started  in California in 1964. In the seventies and eighties, shelters were funded by feminist groups and newly formed foundations but the government, the police, and the media outlets still paid very little attention to interpersonal violence.

  Out of this grassroots era of advocacy there have evolved structured organizations sanctioned by national and state associations. Laws have changed to incorporate rights and services to crime victims, further validating the professionalization of domestic violence agencies. There are ethical standards in place and accepted best practices. Government funding sources require reporting of demographics, outcomes and fiscal compliance. A great deal of energy is put into compliance with many different grantors, coalitions and commissions. Less and less energy is directed to survivor’s daily needs and practical, ground level victim advocacy.

 

This concern has been addressed by others:

 From Disloyal to Feminism: Abuse of Survivors within the Domestic Violence

Shelter System

by Emi Koyama

  “…Only a short time after the Feminists had fallen asleep, mainstream

professionalism infiltrated battered women’s programs, bringing forth a new and

unpleasant hierarchy within the movement, a hierarchy that undermined the

Feminists' effort to eradicate the root causes of domestic violence. Shared power

among employees was quickly discarded and ethical practices that included the

voices of battered women, basic training on the dynamics of domestic violence, and

the power of shared experience among women was frowned upon… Unqualified

executive directors were brought in from the mainstream to tell shelter staff and

court advocates that they were not as important to the program as the licensed

professionals… Battered women seeking refuge were held captive by the never-ending

shelter rules that were put into place by the mainstream professionals who thumbed

their noses at the original founders. Many safe houses now seemed more like prisons,

or ‘social’ bed and breakfasts, that prevented the disabled and women of all races,

ages, classes, and religions and ethnic groups from entering. Victims were referred to

as ‘crazy’ and whips were cracked upon the backs of advocates or victims who dared

question the professional task master’s authority… Shelter programs were no longer a

safe place for all battered women.” (Gaddis 2001, p. 16)

 

Nancy J. Meyer of the Washington, D.C. Coalition Against

Domestic Violence defines “de-politicization” as “a reframing process that directs

attention away from (and recreates knowledge about) sexism, male dominance,

patriarchy, and female subjugation.” “There is nothing inherently wrong with trying

to improve the conditions in which battered women live,” Meyer argues, “but when

putative efforts to just 'make it better' become the end goal, the political vision and

motivation to address the real exegesis of male violence becomes sublimated… The

political disappears and domestic violence becomes a naturalized part of what

appears to be an unchanging or unchangeable social landscape.” (Meyer 2001, p. 23).

 While there will always be unwarranted and completely off-base criticism from groups such as “father’s rights” or right wing factions there is a growing and very vocal community of survivors who feel re-victimized or at least dissatisfied by the domestic violence services they attempted to access. Some are local individuals and some are organized via the internet, some are forming organizations and movements of their own.

The reasons are varied from blatant mistreatment to the lack of resources to accommodate family pets. As becomes true in many institutions, the lowest paid, entry level personnel spend the most time doing the real work…in this case one-on-one interaction with survivors and their children. There is often an elitism among the credentialed administrators hindering free flow of information and support of the staff on the ground. This results in rapid staff turnover and advocates who do not feel empowered or appreciated .

The current economic climate exacerbates the problem.  Resources have diminished. There are less training opportunities. New technology for both staff and survivors is critical but costly. Battered women have less need for temporary shelter due to improvements in the court system in the area of personal protection orders, domestic violence arrest policies and pretrial release conditions but greater need for support services. Survivors are now more desperate for real economic assistance, something that is not possible in the current structure of most programs and funding sources.

STUDY

The time has come for domestic violence programs to assess which services are effective advocacy and which are simply based on time-worn  tradition rather than current needs of women and children. Domestic violence agencies still save lives every day. There will always be a primary need for a safe haven. The majority of advocates are selfless and hardworking and in it for all the right reasons but are confined to the policies of their agencies. A successful program will continually evaluate, update and re-evaluate to ensure the best quality services and safety of those who come to them for help.

 

 

Animal Cruelty as a Factor in Family Violence

The connection between domestic violence and animal cruelty is now widely acknowledged and accepted. States are beginning to incorporate these crimes into their packages of domestic violence laws and shelters are beginning to accommodate these vulnerable members of victims families


Washington state is one of the recent states moving towards protecting family pets legally. There is a well-established shelter and crisis center for animal victims of domestic violence in Atlanta, Georgia. Hopefully these successful initiatives will inspire others all over the country

From the Family Law Prof blog:

Domestic Violence and the Family Pet

A Bill introduced in the state of Washington, HB 1148, would protect animals from domestic violence. The introduction to the Bill states:

The legislature finds that considerable research shows a strong correlation between animal abuse, child abuse, and domestic violence. The legislature intends that perpetrators of domestic violence not be allowed to further terrorize and manipulate their victims, or the children of their victims, by using the threat of violence toward pets.

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What is Ahimsa House?
Perpetrators of domestic violence often hurt family pets to control and intimidate their victims. Ahimsa House, Inc. - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation - is dedicated to helping the human and animal victims of domestic violence across Georgia reach safety together.

As Georgia's only organization of this type, Ahimsa House accomplishes its mission by:

1. Providing confidential emergency shelter and veterinary care for animal victims
2. Maintaining a 24-hour crisis line providing referrals and information
3. Raising awareness about the connections between animal abuse and domestic violence

Promotional Video

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The Humane Society of the United States | humanesociety.org

Animal Cruelty/Domestic Violence Fact Sheet Why do batterers threaten, abuse, or kill animals? To demonstrate and confirm power and control over the family. To isolate the victim and children. To eliminate competition for attention. To force the family to keep violence a secret. To teach submission. To retaliate for acts of independence and self-determination. To perpetuate the context of terror. To prevent the victim from leaving or coerce her/him to return. To punish the victim for leaving. To degrade the victim through involvement in the abuse. Why should we recognize animal abuse as a form of battering? Animal abuse exposes the deliberateness of battering rather than loss of control. Animal abuse and child abuse are closely related. Animal abuse is often a tool used by batterers to emotionally control or coerce victims. Threatening, injuring, or killing animals can indicate the potential for increased violence or lethality. Victims may postpone leaving out of fear for their pets' safety. Identifying animal abusers can help identify other victims of violence within the family. What can victims of domestic violence do to protect their pets? Develop an emergency plan for sheltering the pets, themselves, and their children (Review a copy of the First Strike® planning guide, Making the Connection: Protecting Your Pet From Domestic Violence.) Establish ownership of the pets (obtain an animal license, proof of vaccinations or veterinary receipts in victim's name to help prove they own the pets). Prepare the pets for departure (collect vaccination and medical records, collar and identification, medication, bowls, bedding, etc.). Ask for assistance from law enforcement or animal care and control officers to reclaim the pets if left behind. What are suggested intake questions regarding pets that should be asked by a domestic violence shelter? Do you now have a pet? If yes, how many and what kinds? Have you had a pet in the past 12 months? If yes, what kinds? Has your partner ever hurt or killed a family pet? If yes, describe. Has your partner ever threatened to hurt or kill a family pet? If yes, describe. Have you ever hurt or killed a family pet? If yes, describe. Have any of your children ever hurt or killed a family pet? If yes, describe. Was the animal considered the child's, yours, your partner's or the family's pet? Did your concern for a pet's welfare keep you from coming to a shelter sooner than now? If yes, explain. Did you leave the abusive partner because of the abuse of a pet? If yes, describe. What can advocates do to raise awareness about the connection between animal cruelty and domestic violence in their communities? Take animal abuse seriously. Contact their counterparts in other agencies. Develop cross-training and cross-reporting among animal welfare, domestic violence, child abuse and other related agencies. Support strong anticruelty laws. Develop community anti-violence coalitions. Develop community based programs to promote empathy and humane education. Encourage research on the connection. Work with local animal shelters, veterinarians, veterinary schools and boarding kennels to develop emergency housing programs for pets. Collect data in their own agencies. Add questions to intake forms about animal cruelty. What does The HSUS's First Strike campaign do to help other organizations? Provide First Strike materials and related information. Assist with outreach efforts (e.g., workshops, contacts, etc.). Provide information and contacts for model programs across the country. Provide advice, support, and technical assistance. Provide assistance on cases involving animal cruelty. Assist with legislative efforts. Help raise awareness of domestic violence, child abuse and other forms of human violence among animal protection organizations and activists.