Silent Witness Initiative

Info source: Domestic Violence Awareness Project – Silent Witness Initiative

The Goal
The Silent Witness National Initiative seeks to promote peace, healing and responsibility in adult relationships. The Initiative’s goal is to reach zero domestic murders by 2010 through successful community-based domestic violence reduction efforts.

How The Initiative Began
In 1990, a group of women artists and writers, alarmed by the growing number of women in Minnesota being murdered by their partners or acquaintances, joined together with several other women’s organizations to form Arts Action Against Domestic Violence.

They felt an urgency to do something that would speak out against the escalating domestic violence in their state, something that would commemorate the lives of the 26 women whose lives had been lost in 1990 as a result of domestic violence. They decided to create 26 free-standing, life-sized red wooden figures, each one bearing the name of a woman who once lived, worked, had neighbors, friends, family, children–whose life ended violently at the hands of a husband, ex-husband, partner, or acquaintance. A twenty-seventh figure was added to represent those uncounted women whose murders went unsolved or were erroneously ruled accidental. The organizers called the figures the Silent Witnesses. Names of the 26 women can be accessed on the Silent Witness National Initiative WebSite.

The Debut
On February 18, 1991, more than 500 women met at a church across the street from the Minnesota State Capitol with the newly-constructed Witnesses. The women formed a silent procession escorting the figures single file across the street, up the steps, and into the State Capitol Rotunda for public statements and a press conference. The sheer volume of space the figures occupied spoke of their power and the loss. The Silent Witness Exhibit was officially launched.

The National Initiative
1994 saw the formation of a national initiative dedicated to the elimination of domestic murder, starting with the creation of Silent Witness exhibits in communities across the country. Within one year a total of 800 Silent Witnesses had been created to represent women who were killed as a result of domestic violence in seventeen states. By October 1997, exhibits had been established in all 50 states.

To find out how you can become involved, please contact:

The Silent Witness National Initiative
20 Second St., Suite 1101
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Telephone (612) 377-6629
Fax (612) 374-3956
E-mail info@silentwitness.net

Click the flier to download it [PDF] or CLICK HERE

Information from the Silent Witness National Initiative web site

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Info source: Domestic Violence Awareness Project – Clotheslines Project…

The Clothesline Project is a visual display that bears witness to the violence against women and children. The Clothesline Project comprises T-shirts designed by survivors of abuse and those who have lost loved ones to it. The shirts are hung on a clothesline display to:

• Honor survivors and memorialize victims
• Help with the healing process for survivors and people who have lost a loved one to violence
• Educate, document, and raise society’s awareness of about the crimes of violence against women and children

What the Shirts Represent

Shirts that hang on The Clothesline represent a wide spectrum of abuse. Although each shirt is unique, a common color coding is generally used to represent the different dimensions of violence against women and children:

• WHITE for women and children who have died as a result of domestic violence
• YELLOW or BEIGE for women and children who have been battered or assaulted
• RED, PINK or ORANGE for women and children who have been raped or sexually assaulted
• BLUE or GREEN for women and children survivors of incest
• PURPLE or LAVENDER for women and children attacked because of their sexual orientation/identification

The History of the Project
The Clothesline Project originated with 31 shirts in Hyannis, MA, in 1990 through the Cape Cod Women’s Agenda. A small group of women – many of whom had experienced violence in their own lives – designed the visual monument to help transform staggering statistics about violence against women and children into a powerful educational and healing tool.

They decided to use a clothesline after discussing how many women in close-knit neighborhoods have traditionally exchanged information over backyard fences while hanging laundry out to dry.

The Clothesline Project breaks the silence about violence against women and children by giving a voice to survivors and victims. Since 1990, hundreds of Clothesline Projects have emerged nationwide and abroad, resulting in tens of thousands of shirt designs.

To find out more information, contact:

The Clothesline Project
P.O. Box 654
Brewster, MA 02631
Email clotheslineproject@verizon.net

Information taken from The Clothesline Project Overview (1994) Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence/National Resource Center on Domestic Violence.

Click flier to download [PDF] or CLICK HERE

Empty Place at the Table

Info source: Domestic Violence Awareness Month – Empty Place at the Table…

Following a cluster of domestic violence murders in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania in 1993, the community responded by holding a rally and march outside the courthouse. In an effort to continue the community involvement, education and commemoration, rally organizers and the Women’s Resource Center, Inc. worked together to create the Empty Place at the Table exhibit.

This exhibit comprises victims’ place settings, photographs and personal items, as well as newspaper clippings about the homicides. The exhibit works to:

• Recognize the individuality of each victim
• Establish a way to mourn the loss of their lives
• Raise awareness about domestic violence and its impact on our communities
• Ensure these deaths are not forgotten

Domestic violence program advocates and community members can replicate the exhibit to honor the victims of domestic violence homicides. For more information, please contact:

Women’s Resource Center, Inc.
Telephone (570) 346-4460 x242
Fax (570) 346-3413
Web http://www.wrcnepa.org/epatt.php

Click the flier to download [PDF] or CLICK HERE

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Info source: Domestic Violence Awareness Month – Purple Ribbon…

Purple Ribbon…

Over the years, a number of sources have been credited with originating the use of purple ribbon as a unifying symbol of courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending domestic violence.

Although the exact history of the purple ribbon is difficult to pinpoint, aross the country, families and friends of victims have adopted the purple ribbon to remember and honor their loved ones who have lost their lives at the hands of a person they once loved and trusted. Shelters and local battered women’s programs use the purple ribbon to raise awareness about the crime of domestic violence in their communities.

Purple ribbons are…

• made into pins and passed out at local events
• embroidered on t-shirts, hats and bags
• tied to the antennae of police cars
• hung on doors
• wrapped around trees
• draped over fences at murder scenes

In addition to the demonstration of support for victims and advocates, the display of purple ribbons throughout a community conveys a powerful message that there’s no place for domestic violence in the homes, neighborhoods, workplaces or schools of its citizens.

Click the flier to download [PDF] or CLICK HERE

Presidential Proclamation – NATL DVAM

Info source: Presidential Proclamation – National DVAM

Presidential Proclamation – National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2010

By The President Of The United States Of America

A Proclamation

In the 16 years since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), we have broken the silence surrounding domestic violence to reach thousands of survivors, prevent countless incidences of abuse, and save untold numbers of lives. While these are critical achievements, domestic violence remains a devastating public health crisis when one in four women will be physically or sexually assaulted by a partner at some point in her lifetime. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recognize the tremendous progress made in reducing domestic violence, and we recommit to making everyone’s home a safe place for them.

My Administration is committed to reducing the prevalence of domestic violence. Last year, I appointed the first-ever White House Advisor on Violence Against Women to collaborate with the many Federal agencies working together to end domestic violence in this country. Together with community efforts, these Federal programs are making important strides towards eliminating abuse.

The landmark Affordable Care Act also serves as a lifeline for domestic violence victims. Before I signed this legislation in March, insurance companies in eight States and the District of Columbia were able to classify domestic violence as a pre existing condition, leaving victims at risk of not receiving vital treatment when they are most vulnerable. Now, victims need not fear the additional burden of increased medical bills as they attempt to protect themselves and rebuild their lives.

Individuals of every race, gender, and background face domestic violence, but some communities are disproportionately affected. In order to combat the prevalence of domestic violence and sexual assault in tribal areas, I signed the Tribal Law and Order Act to strengthen tribal law enforcement and its ability to prosecute and fight crime more effectively. This important legislation will also help survivors of domestic violence get the medical attention, services, support, and justice they need.

Children exposed to domestic violence, whether victims or witnesses, also need our help. Without intervention, they are at higher risk for failure in school, emotional disorders, substance abuse, and perpetrating violent behavior later in life. That is why my Administration has launched the “Defending Childhood” initiative at the Department of Justice to revitalize prevention, intervention, and response systems for children exposed to violence. The Department of Health and Human Services is also expanding services and enhancing community responses for children exposed to violence.

Ending domestic violence requires a collaborative effort involving every part of our society. Our law enforcement and justice system must work to hold offenders accountable and to protect victims and their children. Business, faith, and community leaders, as well as educators, health care providers, and human service professionals, also have a role to play in communicating that domestic violence is always unacceptable. As a Nation, we must endeavor to protect survivors, bring offenders to justice, and change attitudes that support such violence. I encourage victims, their loved ones, and concerned citizens to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1 800-799-SAFE or visit: www.TheHotline.org.

This month — and throughout the year — let each of us resolve to be vigilant in recognizing and combating domestic violence in our communities, and let us build a culture of safety and support for all those affected.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2010 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I call on all Americans to speak out against domestic violence and support local efforts to assist victims of these crimes in finding the help and healing they need.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Info source: Domestic Violence Awareness Project – About Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month History…

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the “Day of Unity” in October 1981 conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national levels.

The activities conducted were as varied and diverse as the program sponsors but had common themes: mourning those who have died because of domestic violence, celebrating those who have survived, and connecting those who work to end violence.

In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year marks the initiation of the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline. In 1989 the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 101-112 designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Such legislation has passed every year since with NCADV providing key leadership in this effort. Each year, the Day of Unity is celebrated the first Monday of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

– Adapted from the 1996 Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resource Manual of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

About Domestic Violence

Info source: Domestic Violence Awareness Project – About Domestic Violence

About Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is best understood as a pattern of abusive behaviors — including physical, sexual, and psychological attacks as well as economic coercion — used by one intimate partner against another (adult or adolescent) to gain, maintain, or regain power and control in the relationship. Batterers use of a range of tactics to frighten, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, often injure, and sometimes kill a current or former intimate partner.

For more general information about domestic violence, including potential warning signs for emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s information page: What is Domestic Violence? The Safe Space, a project of Break the Cycle, also provides more information about Types of Abuse commonly experienced by youth in dating relationships.

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How do I know if I’m a victim?
The Power and Control Wheel [PDF] developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project in Duluth, MN is a helpful tool in illustrating the overall pattern of abusive and violent behaviors that can be used by someone to establish and maintain control over their partner. Below are additional resources and tools to help you evaluate the safety and health of your relationship.

• Am I being abused? by the National Domestic Violence Hotline
• Am I in an abusive relationship? by the Safe Space
• Quiz: Is Your Relationship Healthy? by the Safe Space
• Red Flags for Abusive Relationships [PDF] by the Domestic Abuse Project
• Am I abusing others? by the National Domestic Violence Hotline

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What can I do to get help for myself?
Through the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE [7233] or TTY 1-800-787-3224), help is available to callers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Hotline advocates are available for victims and anyone calling on their behalf to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals to agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Assistance is available in English and Spanish with access to more than 170 languages through interpreter services. If you or someone you know is frightened about something in your relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (www.loveisrespect.org, 1-866-331-9474, or TTY 1-866-331-8453) provides help and resources, including confidential online support, for teens who are concerned about what is going on in their relationships.

To learn about nearby domestic violence shelters, victim advocacy programs, or other services for victims, contact your state’s domestic violence coalition. A complete list of up-to-date contact information for all domestic and sexual violence coalitions across the United States and its Territories can be found at www.VAWnet.org.

• Safety Planning by the National Domestic Violence Hotline
• Calling the Police by the Safe Space
• Know Your Rights by the Safe Space

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What are signs that a friend or family member might be a victim, and how can I help them?
Family members and friends may feel overwhelmed or frightened if they are abused by a partner. In addition to the resources listed above, the materials below may help you determine if your friend or family member is in danger and assist you in talking with them.

• 10 Warning Signs by Love Is Not Abuse
• Signs of Domestic Abuse by the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence
• Support for a Friend by Love Is Respect
• Help Someone Experiencing Abuse by the Safe Space
• Helping a Friend or Family Member [PDF] by the Domestic Abuse Project
• How can I help a friend or family member who is being abused? by the National Domestic Violence Hotline
• A Woman’s Handbook: A Practical Guide to Discussing Relationship Abuse [PDF] by Liz Claiborne
• Fifty Obstacles to Leaving, a.k.a., Why Abuse Victims Stay by Sarah M. Buel

If your friend or family member is abusive, you may be interested in Understanding Batterers & Batterer Behavior. In addition, the resources provided below are designed to assist you in talking with them.

• Help Someone Stop Being Abusive by the Safe Space
• Talk to an Abusive Friend by Love Is Respect
• Helping A Friend Or Family Member End Abuse by Break the Silence

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How can I talk to my children about healthy relationships and domestic violence?
VAWnet’s Special Collection, Working with Children Towards a Healthy & Non-Violent Future, provides resources focusing on theories and strategies for raising respectful, non-violent people.

• A Parent’s Guide to Teen Dating Violence: 10 Questions to Start the Conversation by Love Is Not Abuse
• A Parent’s Handbook: How to Talk to Your Children About Developing Healthy Relationships by Love Is Not Abuse
• Help for Parents by the Safe Space
• Talking to Your Teen about Dating Violence by the Safe Space
• Tough Talk: What Boys Need to Know about Relationship Abuse by Love Is Not Abuse

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How can I raise awareness in my community?
To stop domestic violence, we all need to be part of the solution. Helping a friend who is being abused, speaking up about abuse, educating yourself and others, and supporting your local domestic violence program are all examples of things we can do to help. Materials listed below highlight simple steps that individuals and communities can take to help end domestic violence.

• 10 Things You Can Do by the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence
• Community Awareness Ideas from Love Is Respect
• A Community Checklist: Important Steps to End Violence Against Women [PDF] by the U.S. Department of Justice
• A Dozen Ways Any High School Student Can Make Ending Domestic Violence His or Her Business [PDF] by the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
• Help End Domestic Violence/Ayude a poner fin a la violencia domestica by the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
• Instigate! An Online Toolkit for Community Mobilization by Transforming Communities: Technical Assistance, Training & Resource Center
• Just for Men by the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence
• Suggested Action Steps from Love Is Not Abuse
• Take Action from the Safe Space
• Ten Ways Any Middle School Student Can Make Ending Domestic Violence His or Her Business [PDF] by the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
• Thirteen Ways Any Adult Can Make Ending Domestic Violence His or Her Business [PDF] by the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence

To read more about domestic and sexual violence prevention, intervention, public policy, research, and funding, please visit VAWnet, the National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women.

Love Makes No Sense

I FEEL Love!
Right down to my core.
Love causes my body to, shake and tremble.
I’m not quick…I’m not nimble
Love smacks my face! Head bounces on the floor.
I can’t dodge the swings.
I scream, STOP! No More!

Love takes aim, yells God’s name in vain,
and with a swift swing of the wrist! Lights out…I can’t SEE.
And they got the fuckin’ nerve to say, “You should leave.”
I say, “I can’t!“
They ask, “Why!?“
I reply, “I’m in love.”
So I go back…and let love darken my other eye.

Fresh mornin’ brew.
“Heyyy, boo. How many lumps for you?” [POW!] 1 [BANG!] 2
Love is in the air.
Wherever you are, I wanna be there.
I’m lost! Without you, what would I do!
Love rears it’s hand again and plunges with maximum force.
The pain is too much to bear.
Can’t inhale lost all sense…of SMELL.

I’m a beast…in the kitchen. Love staid fed.
3 squares and anything in between…[including late nite smacks].
I don’t recall, the satisfaction…of my own cooking.
Delicious, multiple flavors [POW! BOOM! BANG!] exploding on my tongue.
I forgot what that feels like, since love slapped the TASTE out my mouth.

At one time, I heard everything clear as a bell.
Then love had to repeat itself, and sometimes yell.
Now! Now I can’t HEAR anything at all,
cause repeatedly, repeatedly love beat my eardrum and slammed me into the wall.
Love kicked and tripped me, but I, I refuse to fall!

I heard love. I’ve touched, seen, smelt, even tasted love.
“I’ve had enough!”
Last time, I told love…and I prayed to Jesus and God, “Never again!“
Apparently they didn’t get the message or they thought I was jokin’.
I pulled a Nine from behind my back [click clack].
Listen to me, love! Now that I have your attention.
There one thing I have to say, before I send you on your way.
“I need you…
to believe me…
just as I, believed you.
I…
I love…
I love you, too.”

[BANG! BANG!]

(c) 2010 1LOVE/Bad Boy #1
1LOVE Poet Society

Domestic Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), but domestic violence is an yearly…on going…constant problem suffered by females AND MALES.

I comprised the Domestic Violence sections with info from notable web sites. I included the links to the original source. I hope the info is useful to you or someone you know. Or even a friend of a friend…or a friend of a friend of a friend etc etc etc…

Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior perpetrated by an intimate partner against another. It is an epidemic affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, nationality or educational background. Violence against women is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior, and thus is part of a systematic pattern of dominance and control. Domestic violence results in physical injury, psychological trauma, and sometimes death. The consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and truly last a lifetime. [Info source: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PDF)]

“Domestic violence should not happen to anybody. Ever. Period. But it does – and when it does, there is help. Maybe you have lived with abuse, maybe it happened just once; maybe you work or live next to someone who is being abused right now”. [Info source: Introduction - Domestic Violence]

Maybe one day we will finally stop, end, demolish…THUMP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!

1LOVE/BAD BOY #1

Domestic Violence Awareness Project

Info resource: The Domestic Violence Awareness Project

The Domestic Violence Awareness Project…

In 1995, the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) convened several national domestic violence organizations – the Family Violence Prevention Fund, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline and later the National Network to End Domestic Violence – to launch a new effort to support domestic violence programs’ awareness and education efforts for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), observed annually in October. The collaborative effort became the Domestic Violence Awareness Project (DVAP).

Today, the DVAP is a diverse and unique partnership of local, tribal, state and national domestic violence organizations and networks. The DVAP collaborates to collect, develop and distribute resources and ideas relevant to advocates’ ongoing public and prevention awareness and education efforts not only in preparation for DVAM, but also throughout the year.

The work of the DVAP strives to creatively bring to life its statement of purpose:
The Domestic Violence Awareness Project (DVAP) supports the rights of all individuals, especially women and girls, to live in peace and dignity. Violence and all other forms of oppression against all communities and families must be eliminated. The purpose of the DVAP is to support and promote the national, tribal, territorial, state and local advocacy networks in their ongoing public education efforts through public awareness campaigns, strategies, materials, resources, capacity-building and technical assistance.

These strategies include campaigns that address the victimization of women throughout their lifespan. The voices, leadership and expertise of women who have been battered are acknowledged as critical and necessary components of these campaigns. To change belief systems and practices that support violence and abuse that disproportionately affects women, and other marginalized people, the DVAP recognizes and promotes the participation of the entire community in building social intolerance towards domestic violence. We will use our diverse and collective voice to promote safe, respectful, and equitable relationships; increase survivor’s access to support systems that are culturally and linguistically appropriate; and foster programming that is responsive to the needs of the LGBTQ community, as well as survivors of abuse in later life.