Search

The V Word

Advocating to end sexual and domestic violence

Open Search
Tag

United States

Address Confidentiality Program

The Office of the Attorney General has extended the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP).  ACP is a confidential mail-forwarding service for domestic violence victims who have recently relocated to a location unknown to their abuser.

The goal of the ACP is to help domestic violence victims keep their new address confidential. The ACP is not retroactive and cannot provide absolute protection.  The ACP is only one piece of a victim’s overall safety plan.  Each ACP participant should seek counseling through a crisis center and shelter services for an overall safety plan.

To apply for participation in the ACP, the victim must complete an application through our local domestic violence program. Below is a brochure with more details.  http://www.oag.state.va.us/KEY_ISSUES/DOMESTIC_VIOLENCE/DV_Confidentiality_Program_Brochure.pdf

2

Happy Juneteenth Folks

Happy Juneteenth everyone.  And how many people even know what that is?  Juneteenth commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States.  According to various reports, In 1865, it was around the teens of June that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas to finally tell Texas that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation (and if you remember your history, that was January 1, 1863).

Apparently, the Emancipation Proclamation had little impact at the time in Texas.  This has been prescribed to be the result of not enough Union troops to enforce the new laws.  It wasn’t until after the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the resulting arrival of General Granger’s regiment, that the Union Army was able to enforce anti-slavery laws.  And so, finally General Order 3 was enforced.  Does anyone know what that order said?  

“The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer.”      

So, finally a couple years after the proclamation, slavery ended everywhere in America.  And the concept of free labor began.  (And yet, we are still working on our definition of free labor.)   Herein ends Carol’s history lesson on Juneteenth.  So get on with your celebration!

Oh how does this relate to my focus on anti-violence on this blog?  Isn’t it obvious?  Post in the comments, why you think it is or isn’t.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related articles
0

Off to get my retreat on

It’s time for the Action Alliance’s Annual Retreat. In honor of its being 30 years old, the theme is: our history, our present and our future as a movement with the theme of “yesterday.today.tomorrow.” There will be workshops, networking, and self-care opportunities over today, tomorrow and Thursday. The conference is at a new site this year, JMU in Harrisonburg. The keynote speaker this year is Connie Burk from the Northwest Network in Seattle, WA.

Tonight is the Catalyst Awards dinner and socializing with all our comrades to end violence. Tomorrow I give two presentations with my staff, how exciting!

First is my presentation on Art in Response to Violence. Then Megan J. joins me for a presentation on Working with Adult Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse. In between I get to hear great presentations from others. I’ll be tweeting!


0

Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

February marks the second annual Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Teen Dating Violence received national attention during the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act in 2005.  The goal of this month is to shine a light on abuse in teen relationships and focus our energy towards prevention efforts.

 

Two years ago 19-year-old Siobhan Russell was found brutally stabbed to death by her 17-year-old boyfriend in Oak Hill, Virginia. In 2010, Siobhan’s abuser was arrested and sentenced to 40 years in prison. After living through this horrific event, Siobhan’s mother was determined to do all that she could to prevent other acts of abuse and violence. She now runs an organization to raise awareness about teen dating violence, where she speaks to communities about the warning signs of dating violence. She is an example for us all.

February is National Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month and it is critical that we take this time to remember that domestic violence is not just a problem for adults. One in three adolescents in the US will be a victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse from a dating partner. Nearly 80% of girls who have been physically abused in their intimate relationships continue to date their abuser. And two-thirds of teens who are in an abusive relationship never tell anyone about the abuse. It’s time to shine a light on this issue.

Recognizing abuse in a relationship can be difficult, especially for teens. There are many types of abuse that young people may believe are normal in a relationship. Even though teen relationships may be different from adult relationships, teens can experience the same types of abuse. Teens also face unique obstacles if they decide to get help. They may not have money, transportation or a safe place to go. They may also concerns about confidentiality with many adults obligated to make reports to police, parents and/or child protective services.

But, teens have a right to safe and healthy relationships. Your community, should take the lead in raising awareness and preventing teen dating violence. There are many ways that you can take part:

  • Encourage legislators to introduce laws that require teen dating violence education in the classroom. Teens spend the majority of their time in school or at school-related activities and without laws in place to protect them, domestic and sexual violence among teens will continue to cause upheaval at home and at school. Encourage school leaders to step up if legislators will not and offer to pay the often small fees (less than $100) for effective dating violence prevention curricula.
  • Know the laws in your state. Unfortunately, Virginia rates F on the national dating violence grade, [available online at http://www.breakthecycle.org/content/teen-dating-violence-state-law-report-cards%5D

    • 

  •  Take the time to educate yourself and others about teen dating violence. The following websites offer information about teen dating violence and what you can do to help:

Like Siobhan’s mother, you can make a difference.

6

Stalking Assistance Programs in Virginia: The Haven

The Haven
This Virginian 24-hour shelter details Virginia stalking legislation and the emergency options available to a victim.  Their phone number is 1-800-22-HAVEN.

The Haven Shelter & Services, Inc. is committed to preventing and eliminating all types of domestic violence and sexual assault within our service area, which includes Westmoreland, Richmond, Essex, Lancaster and Northumberland Counties. The primary focus of The Haven’s mission is to provide advocacy and shelter for identified victims of partner abuse and sexual assault as well as to provide support services to victims and their families. To greater further its mission, The Haven seeks to enhance public awareness of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking through community outreach and education.

0

Stalking is a Crime in Virginia

Stalking is a crime.

In Virginia, stalking is defined as repeated conduct which places a person, or his or her family, in reasonable fear of death, sexual assault, or bodily injury.

The stalking law went into effect on July 1, 1992.

In 1998, the penalties associated with convictions were increased. A first conviction carries a penalty of not more than one year in jail and a $2,500 fine (Class 1 misdemeanor).  The penalty for a third or subsequent conviction within five years is not more than five years in prisonand a $2,500 fine (Class 6 felony).

Stalking is a unique crime, because stalkers are obsessed with controlling their victims’ actions and feelings. Stalkers will frequently threaten and harass, and in many instances will actually physically injure their victims. Stalking is a crime that can be committed against anyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or geographic location.

Facts:

• 1.4 million people are stalked annually.

• Only one half of stalking cases are reported to authorities, and 25% receive a restraining order.•

1 in 20 women will be stalked in their lifetimes.

• 79% of women know their stalkers; 50% were in anintimate relationship with their stalker; 80% of theserelationships were abusive.

*Statistics supplied by the National Institute of Justice

CODE OF VIRGINIA18.2 – 60.3

STALKING PENALTY

A. Any person who on more than one occasion engages in conduct directed at another person with the intent to place, or with the knowledge that the conduct places, that other person in reasonable fear of death, criminal sexual assault, or bodily injury to that other person or to that other person’s family or household member shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

B. A third or subsequent conviction occurring within five years of a conviction for an offense under this section or for a similar offense under the law of any otherjurisdiction shall be a Class 6 felony.

C. A person may be convicted under this section irrespective of the jurisdiction or jurisdictions within the Commonwealth wherein the conduct described in subsection A occurred, if the person engaged in that conduct on at least one occasion in the jurisdiction where the person is tried. Evidence of any such conduct which occurred outside the Commonwealth may be admissible, if relevant, in any prosecution under thissection provided that the prosecution is based upon conduct occurring within the Commonwealth.

The Code of Virginia also provides that:

•Upon conviction for stalking, the court must issue an order prohibiting contact between the defendant and the victim or the victim’s family or household member. (18.2-60.3D)

• The Department of Corrections, sheriff or regional jail director must notify, prior to release of an inmate, any victim of the offense who, in writing, requests notice,or any person designated in writing by the victim, provided the inmate was sentenced to a term of incarceration of at least forty-eight hours. The responsibleagency above must also give notice, if an inmate escapes. (18.2-60.3E)

• Persons subject to protective orders may not purchase or transport any firearms. (18.2-308.1:4)

0

National Stalking Awareness Month

January is National Stalking Awareness Month

Do you know what constitutes stalking?  Stalking is a behavior in which an individual willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly engages in a knowing course of conduct directed at a specific person which reasonably and seriously alarms, torments, or terrorizes the person.  Stalking creates fear.

Many people do not realize the clear link between sexual assault and stalking.  The Stalking Resource Center has done research that clearly and methodically developed the link between the two crimes. They have found in their research and victim testimony the stalking behaviors utilized by offenders.  What has been found is that offenders routinely engage in following, surveillance, information gathering and voyeurism prior to a sexual assault. After an assault, the rapist frequently threatens the victim, attempts to frame the incident (e.g. thinks and talks about the incident as if it were consensual), and maintains social contact.

Thirty-one percent of women stalked by a current or former intimate partner are also sexually assaulted by that partner. The Stalking Resource Center has found that the typical offender/rapist, (stranger and non-stranger), premeditates and plans his attack and uses multiple strategies to make the victim vulnerable such as alcohol or increasing levels of violence. FBI research with incarcerated offenders revealed that the offenders picked victims based on observation (voyeurism) and stalked several women at a time waiting for an opportunity to commit a sexual assault.

The Bureau of Justice Statistics completed the Largest Study of Stalking Conducted to Date.  They recently released a supplemental report to the National Crime Victimization Survey focused on Stalking Victimization in the United States. This study confirms that stalking is pervasive, that women are at higher risk of being stalked, and there is a dangerous intersection between stalking and more violent crimes.

 What to Do if You are Stalked 

 

Get Help. Report to law enforcement and file criminal charges and/or obtain a protective order.  Request that law enforcement agencies log your complaint each time you call and Request a copy of your report.

Tell your stalker to stop. Have a registered letter to the stalker stating that he/she must stop the behavior immediately.

Tell someone. Do not attempt to deal with the situation alone. Tell a friend or family member about the stalking and document the stalker’s behavior. List date, time, place, what happened, any witnesses, and give a copy of the information to a friend or relative for safekeeping.

Develop a support system. Keep in touch with friends who are supportive and understanding. Give friends, co-workers, relatives, and neighbors a description of the stalker. Ask them to watch for the stalker, document everything they see, and give a written account to you.

Never underestimate the stalker’s potential for violence. Take all threats seriously. Not all threats are verbal; some nonverbal threats may be the sending of unwanted notes, cards, or gifts.

Do not attempt to communicate with the stalker at all. The stalker may misinterpret this communication as a form of encouragement.

 

Screen your calls: Have emergency numbers readily available. Remember to keep your cell phone charged and to have it with you at all times.

If you are being followed, go to a safe area, DO NOT DRIVE HOME. Drive to the nearest police station or a busy place. Use your horn to attract attention.

0

Highlighting Anti-Violence Agencies in Virginia: YWCA in Richmond, VA

ywca of richmond

Services for survivors of sexual and domestic violence in Richmond, VA are available through the YWCA of Richmond.  The YWCA has been serving and supporting women for over 100 years, since 1887. 

They provide services for victims of domestic violence – primary services are crisis intervention, education, advocacy, case management, safety planning, and counseling.  These services are offered to every client–both in residential (safehouse) and community programs.

They provide services for victims of sexual violence – free comprehensive crisis services for victims of sexual assault (over 12 years of age) and their families. The YWCA Sexual Violence Program is the only certified sexual violence program serving the Greater Richmond area.  These services include:  (a) individual and group counseling, (b) access to a 24-hour hotline, (c) 24-hour hospital accompaniment, (d) court accompaniment, (e) emergency shelter, if needed, and (f) referrals to other services, as needed.

The YWCA also has a Child Development Center – The YWCA Child Development Center’s purpose is to provide an environment that encourages social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth and development of the child as a whole.

0

Highlighting Sister Anti-Violence Agencies: Project Hope at Quin Rivers

Website Facebook Page
Company Overview:
Project Hope’s goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for adult and child victims to establish a violence-free life; hold perpetrators accountable for their violence; and create community norms that do not tolerate violence.
Mission:
Working to eliminate domestic and sexual violence in our homes and communities.
Products:
PROJECT HOPE of Quin Rivers Inc. offers the following services to child and adult victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

-INDIVIDUAL & GROUP SUPPORT COUNSELING for victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence

-CRISIS INTERVENTION (safety planning, assistance with emergency food, clothing, and shelter)

-COURT and HOSPITAL ADVOCACY for victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence

-ACCOMPANIMENT to court, hospital, magistrate’s office and/or sheriff’s office for victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence

-SAFETY ENHANCEMENT (free alarms systems for victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence with active protective orders; emergency 911 cell phones)

-REFERRALS to various community resources (housing, social -services, medical/mental health, legal)

-PUBLIC EDUCATION on the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence for community groups, organizations, and agencies

-TEEN DATING AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAM provides education and prevention activities to raise awareness for teens about domestic violence, sexual assault, and sexual harassment through classroom and youth groups

-POWER PALS SUMMER DAY CAMP offers skill-building activities for children between the ages of 6 and 12 who have witnessed or been direct victims of domestic and/or sexual violence

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑