Domestic violence can affect the workplace

"Domestic violence may seem like a concern of the home rather than the office, but chances are it affects your workplace.

One in four women employees has been the target of domestic violence, according to a recent survey by Liz Claiborne Inc., victim assistance agency Safe Horizon and the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence.

Corporate executives, however, estimated that only 6 percent of their full-time employees were victims of domestic violence. While they often recognized the effects of domestic violence the workplace, only 13 percent of executives thought their company should address the problem.

Violence in the home has ramifications in the office, such as increased absenteeism, tardiness and diminished performance, said Scott Millstein, interim CEO of Safe Horizon." |Read more|

Southeast Valley cities battle Domestic Violence

"Thousands of domestic violence calls each year keep Southeast Valley police and prosecutors busy helping victims and holding abusers accountable.

Most of the crimes are assaults, threats, criminal damage, disorderly conduct and orders of protection violations but often escalate to more serious injuries and death.

Four lives have been lost to domestic violence in the East Valley this year.

"It touches every part of society," Tempe police Detective David Larson said. "The goal is to keep it from happening over and over."
Many of the culprits are repeat offenders. Two weeks ago, however, the state domestic violence "three strikes" law got stronger.

The law, enacted in 2005, made an offender's third misdemeanor in five years a felony. The law extends the criminal history to seven years. The domestic violence aggravated charge is a Class 5 felony requiring four months in jail for the first offense and eight months thereafter." |Read more|

Stopping "Domestic Violence" Is A Must

"Domestic violence claimed the lives of four women in Franklin County during a three-month period last year.

So far this year, thankfully, there haven't been any deaths due to domestic violence. But the lack of high-profile incidents doesn't mean domestic violence is on the decline locally.

High-profile murder-suicides are just the tip of the iceberg, according to Barbara Channing, executive director of Women In Need. Between July 1, 2006, and June 30 this year, WIN worked with more than 1,300 victims and "significant others," providing more than 7,500 hours of counseling, advocacy and support.

The number of Protection from Abuse orders granted in the county is running ahead of last year: 100 were issued for all of last year, compared to 99 so far this year.

Education is the key to helping people understand violence and its effects, according to WIN, which has a variety of educational events and observances planned for this month, designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

But equally important is having law enforcement and court systems that treat domestic violence seriously and make it a priority to help protect victims from further abuse." |Read more|

Vigil Shines Light on Domestic Violence

"More than 100 people took part in a candlelight vigil in Sanford to expose the problem of domestic violence.

The rally was held Wednesday night in conjuction with the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

People affected in some way by abuse shared emotional stories and demanded stiffer laws for violators." |Read more|

Plea for schools to back domestic violence campaign

"SCHOOLS in Banburyshire are being urged to back a campaign to raise awareness of domestic violence.
The Daventry and South Northants Domestic Violence Forum has invited all secondary schools in its area to get involved in a poster competition.

Youngsters aged between 14 and 18 have been invited to take part.

The National Violence Awareness Week will take place in November and to mark the event the Forum will be organising a poster campaign.

They have asked students to design poster designs that can be put up around Daventry and South Northants detailing the work of the Forum and giving important contact details.

First, second and third place prizes are on offer for those youngsters who choose to get involved and the closing date is Monday November 5.

A police spokesperson said: "We have invited the school students to design posters which will then be used as part of the National Violence Awareness Week.

"It will help promote the work of the South Northants Domestic Violence Forum during the week as well as start discussions in schools about the issues around domestic violence."" |Read more|

Verizon Wireless Technology Helps Domestic Violence Survivors Rebuild Lives

"Continuing its commitment to domestic violence prevention and awareness, Verizon Wireless recently donated more than 100 wireless phones and free airtime to Manhattan-based Sanctuary for Families and Safe Horizon, two non-profit agencies providing life-saving services to victims of domestic violence and their families.

The donations were made possible through the company's HopeLine(R) phone recycling program, which collects old, no-longer-used cell phones at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores throughout the New York Metro area. The phones are refurbished, recycled or sold and the proceeds are donated to domestic violence advocacy groups in the form of cash grants and prepaid wireless phones for victims. Phones that cannot be refurbished are disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.

Other local agencies receiving recent HopeLine phone donations include Victims Intervention Program in the Bronx and Seamen's Society on Staten Island." |Read more|

Victim speaks out to help stop Domestic Violence

"She doesn't have a pulpit, fame or a national spotlight to shine on her pain.
Ladonna Wilkerson and her 4-year-old son, Austin Tyler Hayslip, were victims of domestic violence. They were both shot by the boy's father. Wilkerson survived, but her son did not.

She's one of the real faces of domestic violence. The everyday woman whose smile masks a terrible secret. Hers is chilling. Wilkerson, 34, a Medicaid investigator, and her 4-year-old son, Austin Tyler Hayslip, were shot by the man who asked to marry her.

She lives in agony at home.

Victims of abuse and their advocates are counting on public interest surrounding the alleged attack on national evangelist Juanita Bynum to build momentum for their fight against partner abuse during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is October.

Bynum declared herself to be the new "face of domestic violence" after she was allegedly beaten, choked and stomped to the ground by her estranged husband in August.

Wilkerson says there are many other faces of domestic violence too, who hope their lives will inspire others to recognize abuse and end dangerous relationships.

"Everyone who has been through a situation like that has a story," Wilkerson said. "We have got to do something to stop this."

The Partnership Against Domestic Violence will sponsor two events in the metro area this month to honor the memories of victims who have been hurt or killed by loved ones.

The organization is sponsoring the Silent No More candlelight vigil at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site Visitors Center on Auburn Avenue. The names of more than 90 victims and those by-standers caught in the cross-fire of domestic violence will be read.

The partnership also will gather for the Domestic Violence Speak-Out on Oct. 25 in Gwinnett County.

Wilkerson plans to share her chilling testimony at both events, which are free and open to the public. Her son was shot to death Sept. 21, 2004, as he stood outside with his mother at the Dougherty County Pre-K building.

Wilkerson's estranged boyfriend, a police officer who had taken an oath to protect and serve, said he was angry because Wilkerson planned to move to metro Atlanta with their son. He shot his girlfriend, shot her son and then killed himself, police said at the time.

Like Bynum, who filed for divorce in Gwinnett County last week and is moving forward with plans for domestic violence ministry, Wilkerson has found a way to cope with the pain.

She lectures and has developed a nonprofit organization to help other victims move forward with their lives." |Read more|

Domestic abuse victims suffer silently, alone

"Too often, victims of domestic violence are shamed into silence. Before her death, I doubt if friends of 21-year-old Jwonda Thurston, a pregnant Chicago woman who police say was killed by her boyfriend last March, knew she was a domestic violence victim.

When it comes to prominent people, domestic violence is often construed as a "big misunderstanding," as was the case when Joseph Terry, a producer for the Oprah Winfrey show, was arrested in July for allegedly "grabbing" his ex-wife's arm and "pulling her hair."

As columnist Sandra Kobrin noted recently, the public is more outraged by Michael Vick's alleged mistreatment of dogs than we are when professional athletes abuse their spouses and girlfriends.

I also doubt that the relationship between Christopher and Kimberly Vaughn was as loving as has been portrayed. Vaughn is about to go on trial for allegedly murdering his wife and three young children in the family's SUV last summer.

More often than not, domestic violence victims suffer alone.

That's why Andrea Brown's story, which originally appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times on Aug. 19, is important. She fought back. In breaking the silence, she has shown other victims how to fight back, too.

Brown is the Metra engineer who was allegedly stalked and terrorized by her ex-husband for more than a year." |Read more|

Domestic Violence Awareness

Look for the signs that your partner may be an abuser before it is too late. Some of the signs are as follows:


Profile of an abuser

Psychologists have studied certain personality characteristics of individuals who batter their partner. These include:

* Blames others for problems/feelings
* Close mindedness
* Cruelty to animals and/or children
* Hypersensitivity
* Isolation of victim
* Jealousy
* Manipulation through guilt
* Minimization of violence
* Objectification of women
* "Playful" use of force during sex
* Quick Involvement
* Rigid sex roles
* Threats of violence
* Tight control of finances
* Unrealistic expectations
* Verbally abusive

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

By Fleet and Family Support Center

"Many people believe that Domestic Violence only involves physical contact (i.e. hitting, choking, etc.) or use of a weapon. While these are the ones we hear about most often, emotional and verbal abuse occurs more often but are not reported. It is unfortunate that couples do not seek help when emotional and verbal abuses are occurring as these can eventually escalate to physical abuse. Also, many people believe that only men are abusers. This is not true, men and women are both victims of Domestic Violence.

Some examples of verbal and emotional abuse include name calling, yelling, shouting, making threats to harm, or making threats to take children away. Other things an abuser may do to gain control is breaking things, throwing things, threatening to leave or threatening suicide.

In cases of Domestic Violence the abuser is trying to gain or exert control over their spouse, partner or family. One of the first things an abuser does is to isolate their victim from friends and family. The military, in some cases, makes this easier for an abuser with frequent moves to new areas and overseas bases.

The couple is not the only victims in a Domestic Violence incident. Children are affected also. If children are present then in addition to any law enforcement involvement a report is made to Children Protective Services and the abuse can be charged with child abuse as well as Domestic Violence.

The Navy now offers a restricted reporting process for victims of Domestic Violence. You can talk to victim advocate, a counselor, seek medical attention and NOT trigger an investigation or command notification. There are certain restrictions on this but you can get all the details by contacting the Fleet and Family Support Center or Family Advocacy Center.

If you, or someone you know, is, or may be, the victims of Domestic Violence seek help."

Awareness of Domestic Violence is Crucial

"The Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) works year round to help victims of domestic violence and raise awareness. DVCC does this through community outreach and educational programs, advocacy, a Web site (dvccct.org) and a toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-888-774-2900.

In its own words DVCC -- which serves both Weston and Westport as well as Darien, Norwalk, New Canaan, Stamford and Wilton -- is "a safe place to escape and heal."

Each town served by DVCC has a local task force. The Domestic Violence Task Forces in Weston and Westport have a number of events planned in October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

According to the Weston Task Force, domestic violence is Weston's No. 1 violent crime. The Weston Police Department said they've had 11 domestic violence incidents between Sept. 1, 2006, and Aug. 31, 2007.

"Domestic violence occurs when someone is intentionally being emotionally, verbally, sexually or physically hurt by an intimate partner or family member. But because domestic violence affects all members of a family, domestic violence education also addresses anger management, and bullying issues among younger children, as well as dating violence and the need for control among teens," according to a press release issued by the Weston Task Force." |Read more|

Employers play a role in Preventing Domestic Violence

"The traumatic impact of domestic violence is well-documented and hundreds of groups have made it their goal to eliminate violence in the home.

But because domestic violence often follows victims from their homes - putting co-workers at risk and increasing liabilities for their employers - the crime has also become a major human resources concern for businesses.

Aside from the obvious concerns about the well-being of their employees, businesses are also looking at ways to attack domestic violence because it often spills over to the workplace through harassing phone calls and visits, and sometimes even violent acts.

Carol Gundlach, executive director of the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said domestic violence presents several problems."

Know the warning Signs of Domestic Violence

"Domestic violence is sadly common in Marion County. From 2003 to 2006, there were 14 domestic violence deaths.

It didn't happen here, but the Monday night shooting death in Oviedo of 19-year-old Tiffany Barwick of Ocala is a grim reminder that such violence knows no boundaries, geographic or otherwise.

"It's a community problem," said Monica Bryant, family violence prevention coordinator with the Marion County Children's Alliance. "It may not be in your home today, but it might be tomorrow. It may be your sister. It could be your mother. It could be your father, because men are abused, too, but the majority are women."

Those who work with victims say there are warning signs that indicate one's partner may be a batterer and there are steps victims can take to protect themselves. There also is help available to get out of a violent situation.

There are a number of signs to look for that indicate someone has a battering personality.

# Jealousy and controlling behavior are among those signs. Often, a batterer forms a quick attachment or blames others for problems. He or she may be verbally abusive.

# An abuser may have unrealistic expectations, or try to isolate his or her partner from others. They blame their feelings on others. They may be hypersensitive, becoming easily insulted, or be cruel to children or animals.

# Other signs may include the "playful" use of force in sex, rigid sex roles, and "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" changing moods.

# One should be concerned if one's partner makes threats of violence, if any force is used during an argument, if the person breaks or strikes objects and if there are instances of battering in past relationships."
|Read more|

Rally Against Domestic Violence

"King County Executive Ron Sims and other local officials will take part in a noon rally Monday at Seattle City Hall Plaza to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The one-hour gathering is being sponsored by the county's Domestic Violence Council. City Hall is at Fourth Avenue and James Street in downtown Seattle."

Study Aims to Document Domestic Violence Patterns

By KETAKI GOKHALE
India-West Staff Reporter

The Asian Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence, in collaboration with the University of Michigan School of Social Work, has launched a research project on the degree to which South Asian American women seek help in domestic violence situations, and the effectiveness of criminal justice interventions in these instances.

The study, funded by the National Institute of Justice, will issue a recommendation on how local law enforcement agencies can improve their domestic violence investigations in South Asian households. The recommendation will be based on 220 confidential interviews with battered South Asian women.

March Against Domestic Violence

"Hundreds of women dressed in wedding gowns hit the streets of Upper Manhattan and the Bronx Wednesday, for the seventh annual March Against Domestic Violence.

Participants said they marched to raise awareness of domestic violence and let victims know there is a place to turn for help.

“We have to bring it more out to light so that people are not embarrassed to come out,” said Julie Ann Dominguez of Latinas Against Domestic Violence. “You'd be surprised that domestic violence does not see economic, color, race, it could happen to anybody. So the more that we bring it out to the public, the more people might come out.”

Many were dressed in wedding gowns in tribute to Gladys Ricart, who was killed in 1999 by her ex-boyfriend on the day she was to be married to another man." |Read more|

October is Time to Battle against Domestic Violence

"Domestic violence causes far more pain than the visible marks of bruises and scars. It is devastating to be abused by someone that you love and think loves you in return."

Dianne Feinstein,

(U.S. Senator, California)

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. What we must never forget is that across our country, domestic violence traumatizes victims, endangers children, harms families, and threatens communities. According to the most recent report from the Department of Justice, there is an average of 700,000 incidents of domestic violence reported each year. Approximately one-third of women who are murdered each year are killed by their current or former husband or partner. Children who are subjected to domestic violence too often grow up to inflict violence on others, creating a cycle of violence that must be stopped.

For centuries no one talked about it, no one admitted to witnessing it no one did anything to prevent it. I recently read a very frightening statistic. During the Vietnam War 58,000 American soldiers were killed.

As with those who have died in other conflicts, memorials are put up in their honor. But during the same period, between 30,000 and 54,000 American women were killed in their homes. Why was this war against women allowed to continue?

Violence by male partners is the single largest cause of injury to women - more than muggings and car accidents combined. Yet violence against women has remained largely unreported. However, thanks largely to the activities of voluntary women's organizations; today that is changing.

Domestic abuse knows no social economic class, race, age or geographical boundaries. Every women and child in every area of the world can be a victim. It is the most graphic symptom of the imbalance of power in the relationship between men and women. We must continue to renew our commitment to prevent and punish the perpetrators of this despicable crime and bring hope and healing to those affected by it.

In some communities across our country, law enforcement, medical, and legal services for domestic violence victims are fragmented, requiring victims to travel to several different places to receive the help and treatment they need. Comprehensive service centers for domestic violence victims and their dependents enable health and justice professionals to better serve those in need." |Read more|

Play Takes on subject of Domestic Violence

"There will be people who have been directly affected by abuse that will come to this play and relate to it, says director Kurt Gerard Heinlein.

He hopes others, who have no connection to abuse, will also relate and realize violence affects us all.



"A Lie of the Mind," a play by Sam Shepard, opens at 7:30 tonight at the Balcony Theatre in Craig Hall at Missouri State University.

The play won the New York Drama Critics Award for Best Play of the Year in the 1985-1986 season.

"It surrounds the idea of domestic violence, but it's not about domestic violence itself. It's about the after-effects or consequences of abuse. What people have to do emotionally, mentally to survive domestic violence," he says." |Read more|

New Strategies recommended to respond to Domestic Violence

"The fight is on to save lives. The newly-formed Kern County Domestic Violence Advisory Council has finished a review of the murders and suicides related to domestic abuse, their analysis calls for seven courses of action.

The Domestic Violence Death Review Team looked at related deaths from 1999 through 2004. They reviewed 23 cases, with a total of 32 domestic violence fatalities -- that included both murder and suicide.

Team chairman Sheriff's Commander Christopher Speer says the goal of the review is "..to examine how we can do things better as a community in our response to the impacts of domestic violence."" |Read more|

The Month of October is "Domestic Violence Awareness" Month

Speak out against domestic violence. I hope B.B. now realize that no amount of money is worth living with an abusive husband.
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Actress and Author Robin Givens Lends Star Power to California's Statewide Domestic Violence Awareness Day

"Robin Givens will be the keynote speaker at the Second Annual Californians
Uniting to End Domestic Violence Statewide Day of Awareness, on October 2nd
at the State Capitol building. October is Domestic Violence Awareness
Month; this gathering kicks off a month's worth of community events focused
on domestic violence education and prevention. The California Partnership
to End Domestic Violence (CPEDV) is joining forces with community,
government and business leaders to raise public awareness about the
prevalence and cost of domestic violence, and what can be done to stop it." |Read more|