Panel Will Focus on Effort to Reduce Domestic and Sexual Violence, Improve Victim Services, and Hold Offenders Accountable
RICHMOND –Governor Bob McDonnell has declared October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the Commonwealth, and issued Executive Order #25 establishing the Domestic Violence Prevention and Response Advisory Board. The Board will advise the Governor on ways to prevent domestic violence, improve services to victims, and reduce the social stigma too often encountered by victims of domestic violence, encouraging previously silent victims to seek help.
Speaking about the proclamation and the Advisory Board, Governor McDonnell noted, “As a prosecutor, legislator, and Attorney General, I witnessed first-hand the impact that domestic violence has on its victims, their families, and our communities. That is why I made a campaign promise to create the Domestic Violence Prevention and Response Advisory Board to produce positive recommendations and engage in an ongoing dialogue in an effort to reduce domestic violence crimes in Virginia. Recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month will also help draw attention to this important issue. I will continue to do everything I can to ensure that Virginians remain safe and secure in their homes and neighborhoods.”
*Full texts of the Executive Order and Proclamation are below:
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER TWENTY FIVE (2010)
ESTABLISHING THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE ADVISORY BOARD
Importance of the Issue
The preservation of peace in our communities and the protection of all citizens of the Commonwealth from violence are fundamental priorities of government. Unfortunately, every year thousands of Virginians suffer the indignity of domestic violence and experience emotional, physical, psychological and financial harm as a result of such crimes. Victimization strikes people of all ages and abilities, as well as all economic, racial, and social backgrounds. Furthermore, the physical and emotional trauma suffered by victims of domestic and sexual violence, often compounded by silence and stigma surrounding the crime, calls for special attention in our prevention and response efforts.
According to the Virginia Department of State Police, 4,487 forcible sex offenses, including rape, sodomy, and assault with an object, were reported in 2009 in jurisdictions throughout the Commonwealth. These acts of violence resulted in 4,779 victims. Tragically, over 61 percent of these victims were under the age of 17.
Unfortunately, these numbers do not reflect the complete picture relating to acts of sexual and domestic violence in Virginia because many victims do not report the incident to law enforcement.
Domestic and sexual violence impacts all segments of our society and is on the rise in certain areas.
In April 2010, the U.S. Department of Education, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Secret Service released a report indicating that the incidents of college campus violence have drastically increased in the past 20 years. One in five women who attend college will be the victim of a sexual assault during her four years on campus. The Commonwealth’s institutions of higher education, as demonstrated by recent events, are not immune from these acts of campus violence.
To make Virginia’s citizens, families, and communities safe, it is appropriate that the Commonwealth dedicate resources to prevent, combat, and reduce domestic violence in Virginia.
Establishment of the Advisory Board
While many localities have taken necessary steps to address domestic violence in their communities, public policymakers must continuously strive to improve the services and support for Virginia’s domestic violence victims and survivors. Statewide collaboration is essential in order to provide services to victims; to create programs aimed at preventing and responding to such tragedies; and to hold offenders accountable.
Accordingly, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor, under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, including but not limited to Section 2.2-134 of the Code of Virginia, and subject always to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby establish the Governor’s Domestic Violence Prevention and Response Advisory Board. This Board will continue the dialogue with state and local agencies, as well as involve stakeholders, to make recommendations for changes to our laws, policies, and procedures to enhance Virginia’s response to domestic violence at all levels.
This Advisory Board will promote ongoing collaboration among relevant state and local agencies, as well as private sector and community partners involved in domestic violence prevention, enforcement and response efforts.
Composition of the Advisory Board
The Governor’s Domestic Violence Prevention and Response Advisory Board shall operate under the direction of the Secretary of Public Safety. Recognizing that these efforts will require the work of individuals across a broad spectrum of professions and expertise, the Advisory Board shall consist of designees from the following agencies and organizations:
Office of the Attorney General;
Supreme Court of Virginia;
Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Services Council;
Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys;
Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police;
Virginia Sheriffs’ Association;
Virginia Department for the Aging;
Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services;
Virginia Department of Corrections;
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services;
Virginia Department of Education;
Virginia Department of Health;
Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development;
Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice;
Virginia Department of Social Services;
Virginia Department of State Police;
Virginia State Crime Commission;
Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia;
Virginia Center on Aging;
Virginia Poverty Law Center;
Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund;
Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance;
Virginia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, Inc.;
Virginia Coalition Against Campus Sexual Assault;
Virginia Chapter of the International Association of Forensic Nurses;
Virginia Network for Victims and Witnesses of Crime, Inc.; and
Representatives from the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates
Other members may be added at the discretion of the Secretary of Public Safety.
Staff support to the Advisory Board shall be provided by the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Secretary of Public Safety, the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, the Virginia Department of Social Services, and such other agencies as the Governor may designate. All Cabinet Secretariats and executive branch agencies shall cooperate fully with the Advisory Board and render such assistance as may be requested.
Duties of the Advisory Board
The Advisory Board’s responsibilities shall include the following:
· Assess means of improving services to children who have experienced, witnessed, or been exposed to the effects of domestic violence.
· Work in conjunction with the Virginia State Crime Commission and the Office of the Attorney General, to complete a comprehensive review of Virginia’s protective order laws and processes, and make recommendations for clarifying the protective order process and enhancing the enforcement of protective orders.
· Review the recommendations set forth in previous relevant reports and studies, and develop strategies for implementing sound recommendations from these sources. This assessment should include prioritizing initiatives, developing a timeline for achieving goals, and designating duties to accomplish the Advisory Board’s stated purpose of preventing and responding to domestic violence.
· Develop recommendations for enhancing services and community response to victims of domestic violence who are traditionally underserved.
· Investigate ways to make Virginia’s college campuses safer and reduce incidents of violence of all kinds.
· Make any other recommendations as may be appropriate.
·
The Advisory Board shall submit to the Governor its findings and recommendations on matters potentially impacting the development of the Executive Budget no later than September 15, 2011. The Board shall submit a final report of its activities, findings and recommendations no later than October 1, 2011. Should the Advisory Board be extended beyond a year, this pattern of reporting shall continue for the duration of the Board.
An estimated 200 hours of staff time will be required to support the work of the Commission.
Necessary funding to support the Commission and its staff shall be provided from federal funds, private contributions, and state funds appropriated for the same purposes as the Advisory Board, as authorized by Section 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, as well as any other private sources of funding that may be identified. Estimated direct costs for this Commission are $5,000.00 per year.
Effective Date of the Executive Order
This Executive Order supersedes and rescinds Executive Order 93 (2009) issued on September 28, 2009, by Governor Timothy M. Kaine. This Executive Order shall become effective upon its signing and shall remain in full force and effect until one year from its signing, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.
Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 1st day of October, 2010.
Robert F. McDonnell, Governor
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, the crime of domestic violence violates an individual’s privacy and dignity, as well as their security and humanity, and whereas, these crimes involve the use of physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, and economic control and abuse; and
WHEREAS, the problems of domestic violence are not confined to any group or groups of people, but cut across all segments of society; and
WHEREAS, there were more than 63,000 calls to domestic and sexual violence hotlines across Virginia in 2009; and
WHEREAS, more than 6,500 adults and children received almost 255,000 nights of emergency or temporary shelter due to domestic violence; and,
WHEREAS, more than 62,000 emergency, preliminary, and final protective orders were issued by magistrates and courts across the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence agencies throughout Virginia provide vital services to victims, including crisis hotlines, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, intervention, and programs for children and teenagers; and
WHEREAS, in addition to psychological and physical trauma caused by domestic violence, families and businesses across Virginia suffer serious economic loss due to medical expenses, police and court costs, shelters and foster care; and absenteeism; and
WHEREAS, public officials and all citizens of the Commonwealth must continuously strive to improve the services and support for Virginia’s domestic violence victims and survivors; and
WHEREAS, national surveys find that most Americans hold significant misperceptions about domestic violence, indicating a serious need to increase public awareness of such issues; and
WHEREAS, during October, citizens of our Commonwealth are encouraged to remember domestic violence victims and their families, promote the programs and organizations that serve them, and participate in community awareness efforts;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize October 2010 as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.
Wear a purple ribbon or pin all month to show your support to end interpersonal violence against women. Tell anyone who asks what the purple ribbon stands for and how they can support efforts to end violence.
The roots of the Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the “Day of Unity” established in 1981. This day established by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence helped unify the efforts of advocates across the nation who worked to end violence against women. The Day of Unity spread to a week of activities hosted by local, state, and national groups. In 1987, the week grew to a month of dedicated observance. While the range of activities has diversified, the common theme is to mourn those who have died because of domestic violence, celebrate those who survived and working to end violence together. Each year, the Day of Unity is celebrated the first Monday of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
What is 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.
Domestic Violence in our Community:
During the 2008 fiscal year, the YWCA of Richmond provided 9,502 nights of shelter to 225 women and children.
- Each year 1.5 million women are raped or physically assaulted by an intimate partner. (U.S. Department of Justice, 2000)
- In 2004, about 1 in 250 households included a member victimized by an intimate partner, such as a spouse, ex-spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend. (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2004)
- Intimate partner violence results in nearly 2 million injuries and 1,300 deaths nationwide every year. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003)
- Fifty to 70 percent of men who abuse women also abuse children. (National Coalition of Domestic Violence, 1999)
- Children exposed to domestic violence at home have a significant risk of ever-increasing harm to their physical, emotional and social development and they tend not to do as well in school. (UNICEF and The Body Shop, 2006)
Where to get help
The Richmond YWCA has a 24-hour hotline for free crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling and support www.ywcarichmond.org 804-643-0888
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE [7233] or TTY 1-800-787-3224 help is available to callers 24 hours a day,
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.
http://dvam.vawnet.org – provides more information.
During an attack (from the YWCA website)
- Call the police as soon as your partner becomes abusive – dial 911. Tell the person who answers the phone that you are being beaten and that you need immediate help. Give them your name and address.
- Try not to let the batterer trap you in the kitchen (too many potential weapons) or the bathroom (too many hard surfaces).
- Do not threaten him with a weapon – it can easily be turned against you.
- Try to proceed with your escape plan.
Upcoming events in Fredericksburg – Show your support and learn how to help
Check www.rcasa.org/events for more information
October 12 – Stop by RCDV’s candlelight vigil at St. Episcopal Church in King George and support DV awareness. Visit RCASA’s table and see what services for survivors we have.
October 16 – Visit RCASA’s booth at the Caroline County Harvest Festival.
October 27-29 – RCASA is collaborating with SAVE and RCDV on The Red Flag Campaign – a campus focused campaign implemented in Virginia by the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance to highlight safety in interpersonal relationships.
October 27 – Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault, in collaboration with the University of Mary Washington and Student Anti-Violence Educators (SAVE) is hosting a movie showing of Girl with the Dragon Tattoo at the Dodd Auditorium. 6pm Following the movie showing a discussion group will be led by Dr. Zukor, Chris Kilmartin, and Carol Olson
October 28 – SAVE is taking safety to your medical health as well, stop by the UMW Flu Shot Clinic and pick up information on safe dating and sexual assault prevention.
Upcoming events in Richmond – Show your support and learn how to help
October 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 Community Chest Night at Capital Ale House. Sponsored by Capital Ale House at any Capital Ale House in Richmond Area any Thursday in October from 5pm-10pm. Bring this flier http://www.capitalalehouse.com/documents/SafeHarbor.pdf and the Capital Ale House will donate 25% of your food sales to Safe Harbor. Join us for a good time AND a good cause. Contact Mary Maupai for more information at 804-249-9470x 12.
Hosted by the Richmond Police Department Community Partnership for Domestic Violence Awareness, the Journey For Justice event is to help raise awareness about domestic violence.
The 3rd annual Journey For Justice event begins Thursday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. at Byrd Park with a candle light vigil to mourn those who have died as a result of domestic violence.
The Domestic Violence Forum will be held on Friday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. at Cedar Street Baptist Church, 2301 Cedar St.
The Journey For Justice 5k Walk will be held on Saturday, Oct. 9 at the Byrd Park Roundhouse, 2800 Trafford Rd., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information about these events, contact Richmond Police Sgt. Carol Adams at 804.646.4105.
October 9 1st Annual Empowerment Tour Sponsored by Lyrically Inspired, Inc. 7:30pm at Byrd Theatre, 2908 West Cary Street, Richmond. This show will be comprised of spoken word, fashion and theatre as an avenue to bring awareness to the epidemic of domestic violence. Nationally renowned spoken word artists will empower attendees with words while fashions from featured designers such as Michael Taylor Couture will grace the stage. An ongoing theatrical performance will tie both the words of empowerment and sophisticated style together in order to educate the audience about the epidemic of domestic violence and to empower them as well. This show will be hosted by Poet from Washington, D.C.’s radio station WPCG 95.5 accompanied by DJ Lonnie B of Power 92.1. For more information contact Stacie Vecchietti at 804-249-9470 15.
October 13 Henrico County DV Awareness Month Proclamation Sponsored by The Henrico Board of Supervisors 7pm Board Room within the Administration Building, Henrico County Government Center, 4301 East Parham Rd. Richmond. At the Henrico Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board will be presenting the county proclamation designating October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We want to PACK THE HOUSE to make sure our local representatives get the message that domestic violence is an issue that the community is deeply vested in, so bring your friends and family members. For more information contact Angela Verdery at 804-249-9470 16.
October 16, 2010 At the University of Richmond from 2pm-5pm a free workshop entitled “What Have We Learned? A Reality-Based Approach to Addressing Domestic Violence Through the Law.” Professor Diane Rosenfeld, Lecturer at Harvard Law School, discusses with other experts progressive legal initiatives to better and more realistically address the persistent social problem of domestic violence. This program is sponsored by the University Of Richmond Journal Of Law and the Public Interest and the University of Richmond School of Law’s 16th Annual Austin Owen Lecture. For more information, see UR or call (804) 289-8740 (option 3).
October 17 Hands On Day, Sponsored by Hands On Greater Richmond. 10am at Safe Harbor. HandsOn Greater Richmond is sponsoring this impressive day-long effort that includes over 40 different service projects (of which Safe Harbor is one) and as many as 1000 community volunteers. Up to 15 of these volunteers will be working at the house to continue the painting, maintenance, and cleaning that have begun over the past few months. If you are interested in participating, you can sign up via the HandsOn Greater Richmond website. For more information contact Stacie Vecchietti at 804-249-9470 x15.
October 19th – 23rd Clothesline Project, Sponsored by Safe Harbor. Will be hanging in display throughout the week. The Clothesline Project is a visual display of shirts with graphic messages and illustrations that have been designed by women survivors of violence or by someone who love a woman who has been killed. The purpose of the Project is to increase awareness of the impact of violence against women, to celebrate a woman’s strength to survive and to provide another avenue for her to courageously break the silence that often surrounds her experience. For more information contact Stacie Vecchietti at 804-249-9470 x15.
October 23 Resource Event for Allied Professionals and Community Members Sponsored by The Henrico Police Division of Police and Safe Harbor. 9am-12pm Henrico Training Center, 7701 E. Parham Road, Richmond. The Henrico Police Division of Police and Safe Harbor are partnering to host a resource fair for all agencies, organizations, and individuals who interact with survivors of intimate partner violence and/or their children. Each participant will have an opportunity to share throughout the course of the morning about the resources that they provide to survivors and/or their children. For more information contact Stacie Vecchietti at 804-249-9470 x15.
October 29th The YWCA of Richmond is hosting the 14th annual Remember My Name Memorial to commemorate the lives of individuals in our community who have died from domestic violence. The memorial will be held on October 29th at 7 pm at the Monument Heights Baptist Church. This nondenominational service commemorates those in the Greater Richmond and surrounding areas who have lost their lives due to domestic violence. During the ceremony, families, friends and community leaders will have the opportunity to speak on behalf of the victims or give testimonies about how domestic violence has affected their lives. This event is free and open to the public. For information about submitting a name to the memorial or general information about Remember My Name, please contact Lauren Rosati at 804-643-6761, ext. 116 or lrosati@ywcarichmond.org.
Check out The Action Alliance (http://www.vadv.org/secProjects/DVAMcalendar.html) for more events in neighboring counties and cities.
Today starts Hispanic Heritage month and I thought I would put out some thoughts and facts toward serving the Latino community in regards to sexual and domestic violence.
The Latino population is growing across our nation. By July 2050, the projected Latino population of the United States is expected to be 132.8 million, or 30% of the total population by that date. Nearly one in three US residents will be Latinos. (U.S. Census Bureau. “An Older and More Diverse Nation by Midcentury” 2008).
According to USDoJ, (2004 stats report) one in six females age 13 and older are victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assaults. If we then look at the U.S. Census projections, along with Latina population projections, and the one-in-six victimization estimate, by the year 2050, the number of Latinas who have experienced some form of sexual violence could reach 10.8 million.
Considering: the levels of underreporting generally and then, perhaps more so) within this population, the various types of crimes committed against Latinos and Latinas as people of color and immigrants in particular (with the idea that the current trends of violence will continue), and with the anticipated Latino population growth there will logically be more victims of (all kinds of) crime.
While the Latino population grows across the nation, there become a rapidly increasing number of underserved Latina/o victims of sexual and domestic violence in the United States. This is due in part to limited funds, the lack of bilingual staff, Spanish language resources, and effective outreach programs. Many communities lack the resources and bilingual victim advocates who can address the needs of Spanish-speaking victims. Limited funds have kept many victim service agencies in a state of overextension, with the demand exceeding limited service capabilities. The majority of staff and volunteers do their best with what resources are available to meet the immediate service and needs of victims. Without a consolidated national effort to support and upgrade the bilingual human resource and program effectiveness of sexual assault agencies, many more individuals, families, and communities across the nation will continue to suffer the devastating impact of ongoing sexual violence, and sexual assault trauma and re-victimization.
Issues and barriers that impact the Latino/Hispanic communities.
Some barriers specific to the Latino community living in rural areas: poverty, lack of public transportation systems, shortages of health care providers, under-insurance or lack of health insurance, and decreased access to many resources (such as advanced education, job opportunities and adequate child care). These barriers make it more difficult to escape abusive relationships. In addition, rural health care providers may be acquainted with or related to their patients and their families, creating a barrier to disclosing abuse confidentially and thus further isolating these women. Geographical isolation and cultural values, including strong allegiance to the land, kinship ties and traditional gender roles also increase the challenges faced by rural women when they attempt to end the abuse in their live. The increased availability of weapons (such as firearms and knives) common in rural households also increases both the risks and lethality of sexual violence and domestic attacks upon rural women.
Additional barriers faced by the Latino community are: language barriers (not all Latinos speak the same language, some speak Portuguese and there are many South American dialects in the Latino community), fear of deportation (if the survivor is not a legal resident), fear of the legal system, and cultural issues (emphasis is placed on virginity in many Hispanic/Latino communities meaning that a woman or girl who loses her virginity to rape, incest, or molestation is seen as a “promiscuous” woman).
The Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance reports
- 18% of Hispanic women/Latinas and nearly 23% of Hispanic men/Latinos in Virginia reported experiencing a sexual assault in their lifetimes. Prevalence of Sexual Assault in Virginia, Virginia Department of Health, April 2003.
- Married Hispanics/Latinas are less likely than other women to immediately define their experiences of forced sex as rape and terminate their relationships; some view sex as a marital obligation. Bergen, R. K. 1996, Wife Rape.
- 6% of victims served by Virginia’s Sexual and Domestic Violence Agencies in 2003 were Latino.
This year is the 20th anniversary of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act Month. This month is a time for all of us to reflect on and celebrate successes in addressing challenges that affect the safety of our campus community.
This year’s theme is: Coming Together to Strengthen Campus Communities. This theme embodies the collaborative efforts local rape crisis have with local campus communities. While we often think of campus communities as an enclosed and safe environment, we recognize that no campus is immune from the same crime problems that face the rest of the nation.
RAINN.org puts out the following statistics:
· Nationally, 1 in 4 college women will be sexually assaulted during her academic career
· 21% to 53% of college students have experienced at least once incident of dating violence
· 13% of college women have been stalked since the school year began (2000 National College
· Along with health problems, academic issues, and arrests, 1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle crashes each year
In 2005, Security on Campus, Inc. (a national non-profit group dedicated to promoting campus safety) established National Campus Safety Awareness Month increase awareness about these campus safety challenges in hopes of reducing victimization and creating campus environments that do not tolerate any crimes but which do create a climate of support for those who are victims of sexually based crimes.
The Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault is a local rape crisis center in central Virgina that works to create a safer and more supportive campus for all campus community members. RCASA offers: The Red Flag Campaign, Take Back the Night Events, The White Ribbon Campaign and other events. RCASA collaborates with Student Anti-Violence Educators (SAVE) at local colleges/universities.
Honor National Campus Safety Awareness Month and commit to programs that will raise awareness of crucial safety topics.
Pledge to raising aware about rights of crime victims on campus.
Provide information and support to students surrounding safety issues.
Commit to support victims of crime and holding offenders accountable.
Commit to creating an ongoing climate of support for those who have been victimized.
- DV Funding at VDSS: $138,750 cut in 2011 & 2012;
- SV Funding at DCJS: $67,500 cut in 2011 & 2012;
- Homeless Funding at DCHD: $400,000 in 2011 & 2012;
- Child Advocacy Centers: $100,000 in 2011 & 2012.
- This is GOOD news in that our requested fee increase which was intended to expand services was not used to restore a funding cut. Therefore the Action Alliance can still ask for an increase in the fee in the future to provide expanded services, such as those for children and youth.
- The downside is that we don’t have dedicated funding for children and youth services. It also means that domestic violence funding was not completely restored to its 2009 levels.
Holding the domestic violence and shelter funding cuts to below 10% is a significant feat in a budget year like this. Everyone of you who made a call, wrote a letter, had a visit, spread the news, or got media attention is a part of this success! So thank you to everyone who responded to the action alerts put out by the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance and spoke up on behalf of Virginia’s domestic violence programs and the persons they serve.
- NOW-Virginia
- Virginia Interfaith Center
- The Farm Team
- Voices for Virginia’s Children
- Virginia Organizing Project, which held a Bake Sale for the Budget.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 18, 2010
Contact: Kristi VanAudenhove, kvanaudenhove@vsdvalliance.org, 804/377-0335
(Richmond, Virginia) On Wednesday, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, proposed severe cuts to state domestic violence programs that will end services to thousands of Virginians whose lives depend on the shelter and services these programs provide. Governor McDonnell asked the General Assembly to cut more than $3.5 million in funding[1] that supports domestic violence shelters and services to victims and their children across the Commonwealth. These cuts would be in addition to across the board cuts of 10% proposed in the Governor Kaine’s introduced budget. If adopted, Governor McDonnell’s recommendations will bring the total cuts to 50% of state funding – which translates to an average cut of $100,000 for each community Domestic Violence Program across the Commonwealth.
Kristi VanAudenhove and Jeanine Beiber, co-directors of the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance released the following statement in response to the Governor’s proposed cuts:
At a time when the need for domestic violence shelter and services is expanding, in part because of added economic stress on families, these programs should rank higher than rest stop convenience or overseas offices for state economic development bureaucrats. Domestic violence programs are a public safety issue and a “jobs” issue and they should be prioritized as such.
Speaking to members of the General Assembly just one month ago, Candy Phillips, Executive Director of the First Step domestic violence program in Harrisonburg said: I implore you: please do not cut funding any further to domestic violence shelters in Virginia. In the 15 years that I have worked at First Step I have never seen things this bad. Calls are increasing, our emergency shelter is staying full and we’re witnessing more severe acts of violence.
Individuals who cannot access shelter from violence or related services aren’t merely inconvenienced. When asked “What would you have done if the shelter had not existed?” 22% of service recipients surveyed[2] indicated that they would have been homeless, 21% reported that they would have been compelled to return to their abusers and 10% believed that they would be dead at the hands of their abuser.
Survey respondents said:
I would have been living in my car with an 18-month old worrying about my life.
I was close to ending my own life. I felt safe here.
Sarah Meacham, Executive Director of Avalon: A Center for Women and Children, serving the greater Williamsburg area shared her response to these cuts: A significant decrease in funding, like the one proposed by Governor McDonnell, will not only result in a loss of agency jobs and reduction in services available to victims who need it the most, it will force women and children to have nowhere to turn during the most difficult period in their lives. We are experiencing a tremendous increase in demand for emergency shelter and supportive services—a 76% increase over last year alone. Our clients are real women with real children, not just budget items to be dropped.
In addition to compelling evidence that cuts to domestic violence jeopardize public safety, cuts to these programs are also a “jobs” issue. There is a direct impact on Virginia’s economy when domestic violence services are unavailable; the inability to access services affects employee productivity, results in increased absenteeism and health care costs, and can impact the safety of workplaces.
Virginia’s long-term commitment to funding these programs is an important part of the Commonwealth’s commitment to public safety, an area the Governor protected from significant reductions. Without the availability of shelter programs and other services, Virginia families and children face the prospect of lives in which they have no safe haven from violence, and law enforcement has no way to intervene to prevent violence before it results in injury or death.
We urge member agencies of the Action Alliance and concerned citizens to contact their legislators as well as the Governor’s office to share their concern about this change of direction in Virginia’s commitment to public safety.
We look forward to the opportunity to work with the Governor, with whom we have worked closely in the past as Attorney General and member of the House of Delegates, to find ways to continue to fund domestic violence programs in a manner that will alleviate the devastating consequences that will result with the acceptance of this week’s proposals and accord these programs the budget priority they deserve.
The Virginia Sexual and Domestic Action Alliance is a not-for-profit agency representing 53 community domestic violence programs across the Commonwealth that annually provide services to more than 12,000 adults and 4,000 children. For more information, visit the Action Alliance web-site: http://www.vsdvalliance.org.
[1] McDonnell proposes to eliminate funding that was first appropriated by the General Assembly in response to the fact that 1 out of 2 victims calling and requesting safe shelter could not be sheltered by Domestic Violence Programs because the agencies did not have space available. The Assembly initially used federal funds to support a substantial increase in bed space—along with the crisis and support services necessary for victims and their children filling those beds. Governor Kaine proposed replacing these federal funds with state funds – funds McDonnell now proposes to cut completely along with the needed services they provide.
[2] Virginia’s Domestic Violence Programs provide safety and support to thousands of victims of domestic violence each year. In an effort to ensure quality services, in 2009 the Domestic Violence Programs implemented a statewide outcome evaluation effort supported by the Family Violence Prevention and Services office of the US Department of Health and Human Services. 697 individuals who have received shelter and services from Domestic Violence Programs have completed anonymous surveys evaluating those services. It is a testament to the value of these services that 85% reported that as a result of the services they could live more safely. In response to the question, “What would you have done if the shelter had not existed?” 22% indicated that they would have been homeless, 21% reported that they would have been compelled to return to their abusers and 10% believed that they would be dead at the hands of their abuser.
How you can help
There is still time to ACT to influence the outcome of the final budget. Following are some steps that you can take:
- Contact Governor McDonnell and request that he restore $3.8 million to Virginia’s domestic violence programs as a public safety priority and to continue the commitment that he made to domestic violence programs as Attorney General and as a candidate for governor. You can reach the Governor @ 804-786-2211.
- Contact your state Senator and Delegate and request that they restore $3.8 million in the state’s budget to Virginia’s domestic violence programs. If you do not know who your state Senator or Delegate is, go to: http://conview.state.va.us/whosmy.nsf/main?openform. For Senator Capitol office phone numbers: http://sov.state.va.us/SenatorDB.nsf/$$Viewtemplate+for+WMembershipHome?OpenForm
For Delegate Capitol office phone numbers: http://dela.state.va.us/dela/MemBios.nsf/MWebsiteTL?OpenView
- Contact anyone you know who is concerned about the safety of domestic violence survivors and their children, and ask them to also contact Governor McDonnell, their Senators, and their Delegates.
- Spread the word: write a letter to the editor of your local paper or the Richmond Times Dispatch; post your concerns as well as these action steps on facebook, twitter, or your personal blog.
- Contact your local domestic violence program and ask how you can support their action steps in your community.
If you have any questions or concerns about this information, please free to contact the Action Alliance Co-Directors, Jeanine Beiber or Kristi VanAudenhove at directors@vsdvalliiance.org or 804-377-0335. Thank you for your support!
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March 2- Event with distinguished Guatemalan speaker Norma Cruz visiting the Virginia Commonwealth University campus
Stop Femicide Now! Guatemalan human rights advocate Norma Cruz will be speaking at Virginia Commonwealth University on Violence Against Women in Guatemala.
The program will be held March 2, 2010 from 1:00 to 3:15 pm at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St.
The event is free and open to all, no pre-registration is required.
Ms. Cruz is an internationally recognized advocate and activist for women who are victims of domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking, and illegal adoptions. She is one of eight women worldwide to receive the “Women of Courage” award from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in March 2009. Her work was born out of her personal struggle and has grown to provide legal, psychosocial, physical and political support for women survivors in a country where violence against women is prevalent and tolerated.
Sponsors: VCU Institute for Women’s Health, La Milpa: Guatemala Interest Group, Highland Support Project Club, Guatemala Human Rights Commission (GHRC), VCU School of Social Work, and the VCU Office of International Education.
The event is part of an east coast speaker’s tour hosted by the Guatemala Human Rights Commission with a goal of educating and informing a diverse audience in the U.S. on violence against women and impunity in Guatemala.
For more information visit: www.womenshealth.vcu.edu or http://www.stopfemicide.com or http://www.ghrc-usa.org Or call 827-1200 with questions
For Immediate Release
January 28, 2010
Contact: Kate McCord, Public Awareness Manager
Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance
(804) 377-0335 x2119
kmccord@vsdvalliance.org
Red Flag Campaign Featured in Designing for the Greater Good; New Book Showcases Best in Cause-Related Marketing and Nonprofit Design
(Richmond, Virginia), January 28, 2010 – In an age when non-profit organizations are struggling
harder than ever to have their messages heard, the value of branding and design has become
increasingly essential to their survival. This week, a first-of-its-kind book, Designing for the Greater
Good, was released to offer readers insights into great nonprofit branding campaigns in 24 inspiring
case studies and hundreds of illustrated examples.
The Red Flag Campaign, a project of the Action Alliance in collaboration with Richmond-based Another Limited Rebellion design firm, was among the outstanding campaigns selected for inclusion in this prestigious collection.
About The Red Flag Campaign
The Red Flag Campaign (www.TheRedFlagCampaign.org) is a national public awareness campaign
designed to address dating violence and promote the prevention of dating violence on college
campuses. The Campaign is a project of the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance,
and was created in partnership with Another Limited Rebellion, college students, college personnel,
and community victim advocates. The Campaign is funded by a generous grant from the Verizon
Foundation, along with support from the Macy’s Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
About Designing for the Greater Good
Created as a comprehensive resource for designers, creative professionals, marketers, corporate
communications departments and nonprofit leaders, Designing for the Greater Good is based on
authors Peleg Top and Jonathan Cleveland’s nearly 40 years of combined experience working with
nonprofits and corporate communications departments across the country.
“After nearly a decade of studying cause marketing campaigns, I know that strong design is absolutely
critical to success,” commented David Hessekiel, president, Cause Marketing Forum. “As a unique
showcase of campaigns that stand out from the crowd, Designing for the Greater Good is a valuable
addition to the cause marketing literature. This collection of work, often created in spite of low budgets
and organizational impediments, should be an inspiration to creatives, nonprofit and corporate
marketers alike.”
“Successful design for nonprofit organizations relies on a true partnership, where the designer is
connected to the cause and the organization has accurately portrayed its culture and clientele. When
these elements come together, a powerful brand connection is made,” said author Jonathan Cleveland.
More information on Designing for the Greater Good (Harper Design, an imprint of Harper Collins) is available at http://www.designingforthegreatergood.com.
More information about The Red Flag Campaign is available at http://www.TheRedFlagCampaign.org or at 804.377.0335.
For information on how to support the Red Flag Campaign or how to get one started at your local school or college, contact the Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance at 804-377-0335.
Carol Olson
Jenn
The V Word 