Success at Stop Violence Against Women Day 2011
Concerned individuals and organizations from across the state gathered for Stop Violence Against Women Day at the State Capitol on February 3rd to express their concerns to legislators about proposed funding changes that could affect services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. We would like to thank speakers, Rosa de-Kelley, Shannon Lecoeuvre and Cri$tyle who shared their stories at the press conference. On behalf of the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence
, the Georgia Commision on Family Violence, the Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault, Men Stopping Violence and Raksha , we
would like to thank the following sponsors who helped make the day a success:
Canterbury Press Erin Ashford Photography Verizon Wireless Einstein Brothers Bagels
Riverdale's Floral Boutique Duck's Cosmic Kitchen Krispy Kreme Donuts Dior
Designers for a Cause (DFAC)
Smith ACE Hardware San Francisco Coffee Fox's Pizza Den, LaGrange
 
Image credit: www.erinashford.com
Legislative Advocacy: Your Help is Essential for Systems Change
Legislative advocacy is a vital component to having a “full-circle” approach to the issue of domestic violence. Advocates touch lives daily on an individual basis by advocating on behalf of victims, but often systemic and legislative problems cause barriers for victims’ safety and well-being. Working towards social change through legislative advocacy is a way you can feel empowered against the systemic difficulties that advocates and survivors face.
In an effort to encourage you to act during this legislative session, GCADV would like to share with you a brief history of how small changes in laws have proven vital in changing the long-term outcomes of “herstory.”
One of the most interesting ways in which laws have influenced the improved treatment of women began in ancient Rome around 753 B.C.E. At that time, wife-beating was approved under The Laws of Chastisement because men were legally responsible for their wife’s actions. The law stipulated that a husband could beat his wife with a stick or switch as long as it was no larger than the base of his thumb. The common saying often heard today as, “The Rule of Thumb,” was actually an innovative law at the time that put some boundaries around what was acceptable.
Over time, English Common Law adopted and spread this law throughout its colonies. Although it took hundreds of years to continue limiting the ways in which husbands were legally sanctioned to beat their wives, the laws around wife-beating gradually became more restrictive in many states throughout the US. In 1994, the Violence Against Women Act was passed giving solidarity and federal funding for addressing this issue, therefore showing the power of small legislative actions leading to large changes for victims.
Although the systems meant to protect individuals from domestic violence are not perfect, legislative advocacy is a step towards making a difference for many more survivors. Legislative advocacy enables advocates to build a far reaching legacy in this movement of ending violence against women.
We need your help now to keep our funding for the vital services provided to victims. For a step by step guide on how to make a difference NOW through legislative advocacy, click here.
Image credit: www.erinashford.com
"Keep It" Teen: Community Partnership Formed During Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
The women of the Rho Xi Zeta Chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, Start Strong Atlanta and the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence
came together this month to work on a public service announcement project in recognition of Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month. Start Strong volunteers Kamry Williams and Nija Nelson gave some important tips through their PSA including how to tell if you are in an unhealthy relationship, what do do if your friend is in an abusive relationship and where to get help.
This project was influenced by part of a larger initiative of Start Strong Atlanta called the, "Keep It PSA Contest," that encourages teens 13-19 to tell how they "keep it" (real, happy, fun, healthy) in their relationships. To get involved in this PSA project, view teen PSA's or learn how Start Strong works with teens, please click here.
A Teen Speaks Out About Relationship Abuse
1 in 3 teenagers experiences relationship abuse. Relationship abuse crosses all racial, economic and cultural backgrounds. Unfortunately, I know a bit about this sort of abuse, and I want to let you know that you are not alone if you are someone that is being abused. That’s important. It can be hard letting anyone know about the “real” relationship you and your boyfriend have because the abuse can get even worse. Economic abuse, or abuse with money, can cause a lot of issues in a relationship, even if you’re a teen. Here’s my story…
Okay, so I started hanging out with this guy when I was 14. He was 15, hot, a grade older than me, had a job, and was...(MORE)
Going Back to Go Forward: A Brief History of Women of Color in Georgia’s DV Movement
I first learned about the proverb of Sankofa when I studied abroad in Ghana, West Africa in the Summer of 2007. Sankofa, which literally translates to “go back and take,” is a vital component of Ghanaian culture, emphasizing the importance of learning from the past, especially in an effort to make positive progress for the future. Sankofa is often represented by an Adrinka Symbol, shown here, or depicted as a bird reaching its head backwards.
As an intern at the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence and a fairly new member of the Movement, I have continuously been amazed by the great number of strong, determined advocates who are fighting to end domestic violence in Georgia. I have also continuously been amazed by how advocates against domestic violence still struggle to make domestic violence seen as a public policy priority and a public funding priority.
As much as we struggle today to secure funding for services for victims and raise awareness of the seriousness of domestic violence, I have often wondered how domestic violence advocates from the beginning of the Movement in Georgia were able to accomplish so much. After all, this issue was rarely even talked about in the early 1970s and there were no formal shelters in most states until the early 1980s. Who were these courageous women and men who broke the silence and began the movement to end domestic violence in Georgia? What hurdles did they overcome? How did we get where we are today?
In the spirit of Sankofa, I decided to do some digging around to see what I could find on the issue. Luckily, I was able to uncover some insightful information from the Women’s Collection at the Georgia State University Library, as well as some documents here at the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence. However, because the Movement has been so grassroots in nature, the history of what has been accomplished and how it was accomplished is often best told through personal stories and narratives rather than looking through the limited number of documents that have surfaced over the years.
In honor of Black History Month, I decided to compile some information on the history of women of color within the movement to end domestic violence, both nationally and here in Georgia. Many of you may be able to tell this story more accurately than I can, and for those individuals I hope this brief history provides a moment of remembrance and reflection on the past. For those of us who are new to the Movement or may not be aware of the history of the Movement, I have put together a few key facts on the history of women of color in the Movement in Georgia.
..(MORE)
Contributed by Jenny Aszman, GCADV Graduate Intern
Attend Concert at the Masquerade to Help GSU Students Raise Funds for GCADV
If you love music and helping other people, come support the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence by attending a concert at The Masquerade on March 11th and March 29th. Blue, an organization founded by seven Georgia State University Students, will be working to raise funds for GCADV. Blue's goal is to raise $800 through this project.
Each concert starts at 7:00 PM. Nee Deep is playing March 11th and Cold War Kids are playing March 29th. Tickets are $10-12, and donations are taken inside of the venue. If you cannot attend the concerts, but would like to support this GSU project designed to raise much needed funds for GCADV, please contact Zettie Young at zettieyoung@yahoo.com or donate directly online to GCADV with the code GSU to support GCADV and while helping Blue reach their philanthropic project goals.
National News: (NNEDV) White House Budget Proposal Supports Lifesaving Programs for Victims
February 17, 2011
NNEDV commended President Barack Obama for his 2012 budget proposal. The fiscally-responsible plan increases funding for programs that prevent and end violence against women and girls.
“During a time of tough budget decisions, we applaud President Obama and Vice President Biden for their support of lifesaving programs for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating abuse, and stalking,” said Sue Else, NNEDV’s president. “Victim advocates across the country are excited that the Obama Administration so clearly demonstrates its leadership on these issues.”
An NNEDV survey revealed that during one 24-hour period in 2010, more than 70,000 victims received lifesaving services at domestic violence programs nationwide. Unfortunately, during that same 24-hour period more than 9,500 requests for services went unmet largely due to lack of funding. The president’s proposed investment in these programs will help local domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers respond to more victims who are fleeing abuse.
The president’s budget proposal increases funding for cost-effective programs by $175 million, an investment that will save lives and taxpayers’ money...(MORE)
Source: http://nnedv.org/news/national/789-white-house-budget-proposal-supports-lifesaving-programs-for-victims-of-domestic-and-sexual-violence.html
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