We fight for our children before we fight for ourselves.” ~ Domestic Violence Survivor (DV Services Study, 2011)

In the month of motherhood celebration, thousands of mothers and mothers-to-be across the country will spend Mother’s Day in a domestic violence shelter. Findings from a multi-state study of shelter residents indicate that more than three in four domestic violence survivors (78 percent) have children under the age of 18; sixty-eight percent have minor children with them while staying at the shelter. In addition to a safe place to sleep at night, survivors who are mothers have a number of other child-related needs such as children’s counseling, safety planning, childcare and schooling, among others (DV Census Project and DV Services Study). Domestic violence programs striving to meet these needs often seek support in developing fundraising strategies to sustain these important services. In response, the NRCDV has compiled information about creative Mother’s Day campaigns and events organized by domestic violence programs and organizations across the country to raise both funds and awareness in celebration of the courageous mothers who seek refuge in their shelters. The initiatives described below are intended as a source of inspiration for advocates in planning their own activities.

Seventy-eight percent of domestic violence shelter residents have children under the age of 18 and 68% percent have minor children with them while staying in the shelter. (Shelter Study, 2008)

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FOCUS ON NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH

Join the conversation: Connect. Respect. Prevent Sexual Violence.

The 2012 Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) campaign promotes positive expressions of sexuality and healthy behaviors. Using new tools and resources, advocates and preventionists can address some of the root causes of sexual violence. The focus is on building a healthy future, not just ending sexual violence. We strive for relationships that are consensual, respectful and informed. By starting the conversation, this dialogue can incorporate new partners and strategies to prevent sexual violence. This April, it’s time to talk about healthy sexuality. This year’s day of action is Tuesday, April 3. Join us in taking a stand by starting the conversation on Twitter (#Tweetaboutit).

To learn more about SAAM, new resources, and the current campaign visit: www.nsvrc.org/saam/.

April is also National Child Abuse Prevention Month. In time to promote the goals of both SAAM and NCAPM, The National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Exploitation has just released their updated The National Plan to Prevent the Sexual Exploitation of Children (March 2012). The purpose of this plan is to help assure all children have childhoods free from sexual abuse and exploitation in both physical and digital environments and have opportunities to develop into healthy adults capable of having healthy relationships.

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The 2012 Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) Campaign centers on the theme of healthy sexuality, letting everyone know “It’s time…to talk about it.” Healthy sexuality means having the knowledge and power to express sexuality in ways that enrich our lives (NSVRC, 2012). It means more than sex. Healthy sexuality includes building safe relationships, developing skills to communicate, positive and respectful behaviors and interactions, awareness of media and cultural messages, and it is always free from violence and coercion (NSVRC, 2012).

Sexuality can be viewed as an ongoing journey, something that grows and changes throughout our lives (NSVRC, 2012). It is important that information and resources on developing healthy sexuality be available to all people, from children to people in later life. Healthy sexuality relates directly to our work to prevent and respond to sexual violence. The ongoing process of active and informed consent is a key part of healthy sexuality and safe sexual relationships. Educating communities about consent and providing models for negotiating consent in relationships can enrich our lives in many areas.
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As veterans return from war zones in greater numbers, the NRCDV has seen an increase in requests from advocates who struggle to address the added complications that wartime experiences can bring to intimate relationships. Coming across the emotional journey of veteran Scott Ostrom through a striking photo blog, staff at the NRCDV felt moved to use this story to restart the conversation about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) among war veterans, and specifically highlight how this impacts the work of domestic violence advocates. Returning home to the U.S. with a severe case of post-traumatic stress disorder, 27 year-old Scott “has struggled with daily life, from finding and keeping employment to maintaining healthy relationships.” PTSD and TBI are not new issues to domestic violence advocates, especially as these relate to victims and survivors, who are at great risk for psychological trauma and head injuries. What has been emerging is an increased understanding of the implications to the domestic violence field of PTSD and TBI among veterans who return home to their partners and families. Scott’s story is being referenced here not as an example of domestic violence but rather as a powerful illustration of the toll PTSD can take on one’s life and relationships.

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FOCUS ON TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAM), a national effort to raise awareness about abuse in teen and 20-something relationships and promote programs that prevent dating violence. For more information about TDVAM, visit TeenDVMonth.org, coordinated by Break the Cycle.

According to data from the 2010 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), half of women experiencing intimate partner abuse for the first time are between the ages of 18 to 24, and 22% are between the ages of 11 and 17 (CDC, 2011).

This February, VAWnet is pleased to announce newly updated resources on preventing and responding to teen dating violence:

• Special Collection: Preventing and Responding to Teen Dating Violence (Updated December 2011) includes information related to young people, parents and caretakers, men and boys, teachers and school-based professionals, health care professionals, and domestic and sexual violence service providers.
• Online Toolkit: Runaway & Homeless Youth and Relationship Violence Tookit (Updated August 2011) was developed by and for advocates, from the runaway and homeless youth and domestic violence and sexual assault fields, to help programs better address relationship violence among youth who have run away from home, are living on the streets, or are homeless.

Featured campaigns emphasizing healthy relationships:

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When news stories on the allegations of former Penn State University Assistant Football Coach Jerry Sandusky sexually abusing children broke, many local rape crisis centers in Pennsylvania and across the country faced an increase in calls for services. Stories like this often attract media attention and responding can be overwhelming. In highly public cases of sexual violence, respect and care for the victims should be the primary concern for advocates in the affected community. These cases can be challenging and tiring for all rape crisis centers, but there are several points that can be useful in the future. Partners from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) shared some ideas about their response to Penn State and lessons learned for the future.

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