Engagement & Collaboration Content Topic Results

Trauma-Informed Environments for Young People

ckeene — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 15:41:48 +0000

Trauma-Informed Environments for Young People ckeene Wed, 10/23/2024 - 11:41

Published

November 14, 2024

New Resources Added

October 23, 2024

Author(s)

Kara Cook

Casey Keene

When we operate from the understanding that trauma is a common human experience, everyone benefits. Assuming the presence of trauma means we work from a place of compassion that honors the many ways it shapes us and our interactions with one another. It also opens the door for acknowledging our strengths in navigating these challenges and embracing the hope and possibility in our inherent resilience.

This Special Collection explores how to build and sustain trauma-informed, asset-based environments for children and youth with an emphasis on promoting the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), or the conditions in the places where children and youth are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and grow. Being trauma-informed is about nurturing welcoming, safe, and healthy environments where youth are. That’s why this collection organizes resources and tools with those environments in mind: at home, in the community, in healthcare, at school, in our systems designed to help, and in the workplace.

Access the accompanying Fact Sheet on Trauma-Informed Environments for Young People (November 2024) from the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence.

Being a Man: Preventing Gender Based Violence

ckeene — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 00:13:38 +0000

Being a Man: Preventing Gender Based Violence ckeene Tue, 08/09/2016 - 20:13

Published

January 19, 2024

Author(s)

Justin Carter

What does it really mean to “be a man”? No need to do any research or enroll in any philosophy courses because I’ll tell you what it means. It means to be like Batman. Of course, you’re thinking, what does this fictional character have to do with masculinity? Well, let’s think about it. Batman never shows emotion except anger towards criminals and cold shoulders towards Robin. Batman is highly intelligent and strong, even without superpowers. Then, when he’s not being the Caped Crusader, he’s Bruce Wayne. A billionaire genius who, to the public, seems to only care about money and how many women he can have on his arm while he buys the next hotel. Whether he’s being Batman or Bruce Wayne, he is powerful.

Let’s be honest, a lot of us men want to be Batman. A lot of us would even settle for being just Bruce Wayne. But have you ever thought about why? Well, it’s simple really – in today’s society we are conditioned to be like Batman, who society tells us is the epitome of what it means to be a man. Be strong, not just physically but mentally. Don’t show any emotion, because emotion symbolizes weakness (unless it’s pride or anger, of course). Take care of yourself and your family because that’s the only thing that matters. Make sure you have lots of women, because somehow that makes you more attractive? Also, make sure you have money because money is an automatic win over everything. You don’t necessarily have to have all these things at once, but just one thing that makes you seem more “manly.” Or should I say, less like a woman…

It makes sense, right? If being a man means not showing emotion, and to show emotions means to be weak, then who are we calling weak? We as men collectively cut off our emotions to distance ourselves from the experiences of women. As men, we collectively put ourselves into a box. In this box, we have certain rules for what it means to be a man. Do not cry or openly show emotion, don’t express weakness or fear, be athletic, tough, make decisions on your own, demonstrate power and control (especially over women), and view women as property or objects. So much for being Batman huh? But that’s just it. We aren’t Batman. We are David, Mark, Leo, Donte, and Justin. We are more than one-dimensional characters in a comic book. However, this “man box” is trapping us to be more one-dimensional and collectively, we as men are allowing this to happen. Instead of a box, I think this is more of a cage.

Being in a box means being trapped, with no way out. Not being able to see the light as men. However, that’s simply not true. We see what it could be like to be outside of the cages through the holes. We see what other men are doing to break free from the cage and live healthy, respectable lives. However, as soon as we try to reach our fingers out of this cage, society (our “master”) slams our hands and fingers back inside. Always reminding us that being outside of this cage means you aren’t a man, you’re more like a woman or gay. These notions of masculinity are extremely harmful to not just ourselves but the women and girls in our lives as well. We as men are collectively taught to see women as having less value and to view them as property and the objects of men. This is the equation that equals violence against women. Overwhelmingly it is men who hurt women. However, through work with men and boys, we can end violence against women. Men are also confined by this violence. Taking into account that 80% of victims know the person who raped them, it becomes virtually impossible for women to distinguish “safe guys” from men who are dangerous and therefore a “potential rapist” or abuser. The result is a society with its guard up. Relationships with men are approached with fear and mistrust. Intimacy is limited by the constant threat of violence.

Men are not born violent. Some become violent as a result of destructive beliefs and expectations about what it means to be a man. We must recognize the ways that dominant stories of masculinities have infiltrated our lives. In order to do so, we must discover and acknowledge that our understanding of masculinity is often manipulated directly and deliberately by corporations that value profit over people. We as men can choose to not perpetrate acts of violence and challenge those men who do. We can also challenge ideals and attitudes that support violence against women. How? Well, my friends, you have come to the right place! As you read through this collection, you will understand the why and the how of engaging men in efforts to end gender-based violence.

Preventing and Responding to Domestic & Sexual Violence in Later Life

ckeene — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 17:36:08 +0000

Preventing and Responding to Domestic & Sexual Violence in Later Life ckeene Wed, 08/10/2016 - 13:36

Published

October 12, 2023

This special collection brings together selected materials from many different organizations related to preventing and responding to elder abuse and abuse in later life. By focusing specifically on domestic and sexual violence (DV/SV) in later life, these resource materials highlight the complexities of older adults' DV/SV experiences and emphasize collaborative and multi-pronged approaches to addressing DV/SV in later life. Accordingly, the materials on these pages have been organized by their relevance to key audiences.

This special collection was developed by the Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse (MINCAVA) in July 2010 and revised by the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL) and the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence in 2023.

Faith, Spirituality, Religion & Domestic Violence

ckeene — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 18:50:17 +0000

Faith, Spirituality, Religion & Domestic Violence ckeene Thu, 08/11/2016 - 14:50

Published

June 01, 2023

Author(s)

Patty Branco

“Survivors of abuse deserve the best of what both faith leaders and advocates bring to the table.” – Rev. Dr. Anne Marie Hunter

Faith and spirituality can be important to grieving and healing for domestic violence survivors. Both faith leaders* and domestic violence advocates can play an integral role in supporting these processes. Each holds unique and valuable perspectives, resources, and backgrounds. Both are well positioned to impact positive outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. Both can shift ideologies that perpetuate harm to those that foster well-being. They can dismantle systemic oppression to allow communities to thrive. Together, faith leaders and domestic violence advocates can create meaningful change. They can support survivors who wish to utilize healing resources that are rooted in their faith and spirituality.

This collection embraces the understanding that religion is a layer of one’s cultural identity. Culturally affirming victim-defined advocacy must center spirituality for survivors. Acknowledging, respecting, and understanding religion is critical to creating a holistic response. Advocates and faith leaders can embrace this unique resource for survival, healing, and resilience.

This collection includes resources for both domestic violence advocates and faith leaders. It fosters collaboration and promotes the development of meaningful partnerships. In this collection, readers will find helpful information and key resources that address:

the historical context and connections between domestic violence and religion,
culturally affirming, faith-centered approaches to support healing and accountability, and
the important role of spiritual activism in movement building for social change.

* The term faith leader (used here synonymously with "religious leader") is inclusive of all faith communities (federally recognized religious groups and not). Faith leaders are not only necessarily officially ordained.

Legislative Advocacy for Nonprofit Organizations

berdman — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 18:11:22 +0000

Legislative Advocacy for Nonprofit Organizations berdman Wed, 06/21/2017 - 14:11

Published

July 01, 2017

Author(s)

Breckan Erdman Winters

Rosie Hidalgo

Shaina Goodman

Legislative action has long played an important role in the movement to end gender-based violence, often as a critical component of the grassroots activism of survivors, advocates, and other people committed to mobilizing to end gender-based violence (ICADV 2009). In order to have widespread impact and improve the laws, policies and systems that affect victims of gender-based violence, engaging in advocacy with legislators and policymakers at the local, state, and national level is essential.

Legislators and policy makers rely on hearing from constituents and community members about ways that laws can be improved to better address domestic and sexual violence. Through legislative advocacy and “lobbying,” domestic and sexual violence organizations can work to “improve policies that are responsive to the needs and realities of survivors as well as their children and families” by connecting legislators to the needs and lived experiences of survivors in their communities (National Latin@ Network). Lobbying is recognized as “a key way that nonprofits can advance their mission, amplify the voices of their supporters, educate policymakers, and protect their values" (Bolder Advocacy). As Nayantara Mehta writes, “Getting involved in the legislative process and having a say in policy discussions is not just an appropriate role for nonprofits; it is vital. If nonprofits are not speaking on behalf of their often-vulnerable communities, chances are nobody else is either.” (Mehta 2009).

Nonetheless, domestic and sexual violence organizations may hesitate to participate in legislative advocacy due to concerns about or limited understanding of the restrictions on 501(c)(3) nonprofits’ lobbying activities. While some activities, such as endorsing or opposing particular candidates for public office, are strictly prohibited, Congress specifically created rules that permit nonprofit organizations to engage in lobbying, as long as it does not constitute a “substantial part” of the organization’s activities. Additionally, nonprofits can also participate in other advocacy focused on influencing public policy, described in more detail below.

This collection is designed to provide assistance to nonprofit organizations interested in participating in legislative advocacy. Resources include materials describing the specific federal regulations limiting lobbying activities of 501(c)(3) nonprofits; details on the ways in which these organizations can participate in lobbying activities; specific information on legislative advocacy for domestic and sexual violence organizations; and useful advocacy tools and tips.

Please note that this collection is intended to provide general information on these topics and does not constitute legal advice.

Housing and Domestic Violence

ckeene — Fri, 12 May 2017 19:43:15 +0000

Housing and Domestic Violence ckeene Fri, 05/12/2017 - 15:43

Published

May 23, 2017

Survivors of violence face real barriers when trying to access safe housing – barriers caused by the power and control dynamics of abuse, a need for safety and confidentiality, economic instability, the effects of trauma, and the lack of affordable housing in communities. Nobody should have to choose between staying in an unsafe home and having no home at all.

This collection offers a doorway to the resources available through Safe Housing Partnerships, a project of the federal Domestic Violence and Housing Technical Assistance Consortium. The Consortium is an innovative, collaborative approach to providing training, technical assistance, and resource development at the critical intersection of domestic and sexual violence, homelessness, and housing.

The resources and tools included here are provided to advance your work at the critical intersection of domestic violence, sexual assault, homelessness, and housing.

Reproductive Justice & Violence Against Women: Understanding the Intersections

ckeene — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 00:40:12 +0000

Reproductive Justice & Violence Against Women: Understanding the Intersections ckeene Thu, 08/11/2016 - 20:40

Published

February 28, 2017

Author(s)

Amanda Manes

Reproductive justice is a framework and movement that links reproductive health and rights with social justice. The term was claimed and coined by women of color as a result of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development hosted in Cairo, and the reproductive justice movement emphasizes that a woman's reproductive health is not only based on individual choice but also a variety of factors and conditions within one's experiences, family, and community. While many women see abortion rights as their main issue – and it is indeed important – many women, and in particular women of color and low income women, often have difficulty accessing contraception, comprehensive sex education, sexually transmitted infection prevention and care, alternative birth options, adequate prenatal and pregnancy care, domestic violence assistance, adequate wages to support families, safe homes, and so much more. Even the right to parent is often threatened. Reproductive justice addresses all of these critical issues (Loretta J. Ross, SisterSong, 2006).

The reproductive justice analysis also understands that women, and particularly women of color and their communities, experience reproductive oppression. Reproductive oppression is "the controlling and exploiting of women, girls, and individuals through our bodies, sexuality, labor, and reproduction (both biological and social) by families, communities, institutions and society" (Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice, 2005 and Loretta J. Ross, SisterSong, 2006). This reproductive oppression cannot be separated out from the other oppressions individuals and communities experience, just as a person's reproductive health experiences cannot be separated from mental, social, economic, familial, communal, or environmental well-being (Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice, 2005 and Loretta J. Ross, SisterSong, 2006).

This intersectional paradigm at the core of reproductive justice acknowledges that systems of oppression simultaneously discriminate based on race, gender, sexuality, class, ability, age, immigration status, language, and other factors. These intersecting forms of oppression and discrimination have historically resulted in power, privilege, and resources for a select few and limited access to power and resources for a large majority, including women of color, women in poverty, women as an overall group, and others. Reproductive justice aims to bring about the complete physical, mental, spiritual, political, social and economic well-being of women and girls, based on the full achievement and protection of not only women’s reproductive rights, but their human rights.

This collection includes select resources that detail the history of the reproductive justice movement, provide comprehensive information on reproductive justice and social change, and lift up the work of organizations that are advancing a reproductive justice agenda. Also included are resources on the intersection of domestic and sexual violence and reproductive justice, and information on federal and state policies surrounding the issue.

This is an update to a collection that was originally developed by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, and the Women of Color Network. We would like to thank SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Health Collective, especially Loretta Ross, and the Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice for their years of dedication to and development of reproductive justice as a framework and movement and for all of their resources that are part of this collection.

Building Credit and Assets: Helping Survivors Recover from Economic Abuse

ckeene — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 12:54:29 +0000

Building Credit and Assets: Helping Survivors Recover from Economic Abuse ckeene Fri, 08/12/2016 - 08:54

Published

March 01, 2016

In many cases of domestic violence, financial abuse is one of many tactics used by an abusive partner to exert power and control in the relationship. It might include controlling how money is spent, withholding money or giving an allowance, not allowing a partner to work or earn money, stealing their partner’s identity or credit, ruining their partner’s credit, depleting available assets, and more.

Financial abuse can have an immediate impact on a survivor’s life – further isolating her, undermining her autonomy – and can also have long-term and far-reaching consequences, often trapping a survivor in poverty and interfering with her future economic stability.

As advocates, we know that poverty increases risk and vulnerability for those living in it; and it is therefore critical that we have at least a foundational understanding of how money and finances work. For example, a low credit score equals increased risk to a potential lender and consequently, higher interest rates and costs to the borrower. This means that survivors often pay more because of bad credit, despite being among the least able to afford that. In addition, the world of credit has drastically and rapidly changed over the years, both in terms of access and use. Understanding and devoting resources to credit building and repair is critical to survivor’s long-term security.

Additionally, access to traditional Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) and non-traditional Match Savings accounts can offer survivors the opportunity they need to jumpstart their personal asset building and begin to recover from the impacts of financial abuse. While many domestic violence programs or service providers may not have the infrastructure to actually provide these and other economic opportunities, understanding how they work is a key component of advocacy.

One of the most exciting endeavors in the economic justice field is combining the world of micro-lending and credit building. Small no- or low-interest loans for the sole purpose of credit repair coupled with thoughtful re-payment policies is quickly and dramatically changing the economic status of many survivors and their families.

The goal of this special collection is to help advocates better understand these important topics, how they intersect with each other, and how they can be leveraged to better support survivors.

Special thanks to Kim Pentico, Director of the Economic Justice Program at the National Network to End Domestic Violence, for her assistance in framing this updated collection, and to Anna Melbin, Founder of Catalyst Consulting and Training, for originally developing the Asset Building and IDA portion of this collection in partnership with the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence.

Intimate Partner Homicide Prevention

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 17:13:44 +0000

Intimate Partner Homicide Prevention admin Wed, 07/27/2016 - 13:13

Published

January 01, 2016

Author(s)

Patty Branco

Casey Keene

The most tragic consequence of domestic violence is undoubtedly the death of one or both intimate partners, and in some cases, their children or family and friends of the victim. Intimate partner homicide is the final assertion of power and control in an abusive relationship and, paradoxically, an acknowledgment of the abuser’s loss of control (Websdale, 1999).

Although intimate partner homicide has declined over the past decades (especially among male victims), the available research shows that women are more likely to be killed by an intimate partner (husband, boyfriend, same-sex partner, or ex) than by anyone else (Catalano, 2013). Female murder victims are almost 6 times more likely than male murder victims to be killed by an intimate partner (Cooper & Smith, 2011). This collection offers resources to support the expansion of services and systems’ responses that are critically important to the prevention and continued decline of intimate partner homicides.

Much is known about the risk factors that increase the danger that victim will be killed by her intimate partner. The predominant risk factor for intimate partner homicide is prior physical abuse, particularly physical assaults that have recently escalated in frequency and severity (Block, 2003). Other risk factors identified in the research include stalking, estrangement (physical leaving, legal separation, etc.); strangulation (choking) during an assault; threats to kill; prior use of or access to weapons, especially firearms; forced sex; controlling, possessive, jealous behavior; drug and/or alcohol abuse; and, to lesser degrees, the presence in the household of children who are not the batterer’s biological offspring; and unemployment of the batterer (Roehl, O’Sullivan, Webster, & Campbell, 2005 & Campbell et al., 2003a).

Sadly, leaving an abusive relationship doesn’t necessarily end the violence, and therefore leaving isn’t always the safest choice for victims. In fact, “the extant research literature shows that women experience an increased risk of lethal violence when they leave intimate relationships with men” (Websdale, 1999). It is essential that helping professionals become familiar with lethality risk factors so that they can best minimize these risks and support the informed choices of domestic violence survivors.

This collection provides:

national and statewide homicide statistics that help illustrate the scope of the problem;
an overview of tools and strategies for assessing danger or the risk of lethality in domestic violence cases;
recommendations and approaches for utilizing the fatality review process to prevent intimate partner homicide;
materials describing various systems’ responses to domestic violence and efforts to prevent homicide;
resources to assist advocates in helping to frame the issue through media response and community mobilization; and
resources addressing the grief and trauma experienced by loved ones of those whose lives are lost to domestic violence.

This resource was developed by the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence. Special thanks to the Battered Women's Justice Project, Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence for their contributions.

Navigating the Civil Legal System: Resources for Survivors of Domestic Violence, Their Advocates, and Legal Professionals

ckeene — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 17:56:45 +0000

Navigating the Civil Legal System: Resources for Survivors of Domestic Violence, Their Advocates, and Legal Professionals ckeene Fri, 08/12/2016 - 13:56

Published

December 01, 2015

Survivors of domestic violence can face a number of legal issues that either directly stem from, or are affected by, the actions of those who use abuse and violence. These issues can include obtaining protection orders against an abuser; filing for divorce; seeking custody of and/or visitation with minor children; and filing for child support. This collection of resources is divided, in part, by these topics and is specifically focused on those legal issues most commonly arising in family court.

Please note that the focus of this resource collection is civil legal issues rather than criminal legal matters.* The collection includes both national and state legal resources for advocates and legal professionals working with survivors of domestic violence, as well as survivors who either may be representing themselves in protection order and family law proceedings or who are seeking legal referrals. In addition, this collection includes a number of directories to assist in locating legal services for survivors in specific states, including legal aid organizations, paid attorneys, and volunteer attorneys, as well as information on how state laws and court procedures differ.

While many survivors of domestic violence choose to pursue legal remedies to address abuse and related issues, and there are often positive benefits associated with obtaining legal help, there are many survivors who wish to avoid the legal system for a number of reasons and instead pursue other avenues of support. Listed below are just a few of the considerations that might be important to individual survivors:

Legal representation is expensive, and there are often associated and sometimes unanticipated costs.
Though evidence suggests economic benefits to society associated with providing legal services to domestic violence survivors, and that the benefits to be gained by subsidizing more legal services can often justify their costs, low- or no-cost legal representation is not always guaranteed (Supporting Survivors: The Economic Benefits of Providing Civil Legal Assistance to Survivors of Domestic Violence, 2015).
Pursuing legal remedies requires a great deal of time for case preparation, meetings with attorneys, and court hearings, thereby adding another layer of challenges to a survivor’s life.
It can prove intimidating, and even dangerous, to bring a legal action against or face an abuser in court.
Life-changing decisions such as custody of minor children are often ultimately left to the determination of a judge; the potential exists for a decision to be made that might not be ideal, or even favorable, to the survivor or her children.
Significantly, many survivors may face discrimination from the legal system itself, particularly survivors of color, LGBT survivors, survivors with disabilities, and survivors with limited English proficiency.
Because of laws regarding tribal and state jurisdiction, Native survivors may not even be able to access appropriate and necessary legal remedies.

Such barriers and discrimination may substantially, and understandably, dissuade survivors from engaging with the civil legal system.

Survivors are strongly encouraged to seek advice and support from a domestic violence advocate or other trusted source before pursuing legal action against an abusive partner. Also, in the event a survivor decides not to pursue legal action, there are a number of alternative types of support available to her/him. For more information on the specific types of support that exist for survivors, please contact your state domestic violence coalition.

Please note that there are a number of legal issues that can and often do intersect with domestic violence, including housing, economics and finance, immigration, and criminal legal issues. This collection does not cover those topics. While some of the material included here addresses immigration status as it relates to other legal issues in immigrant survivors’ lives, information on representing survivors in immigration proceedings is outside of the scope of this resource collection. For more information on the myriad issues affecting immigrant survivors of domestic violence, please access the VAWnet Special Collection, Immigrant Women and Domestic Violence.

Please note that the resources found below are for informational purposes only and do not contain legal advice.

* For more information on the intersection of criminal legal matters and domestic violence, please visit the Battered Women’s Justice Project.