Patty Branco Content Topic Results

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)

“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.

Disaster and Emergency Preparedness and Response

ckeene — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 22:29:18 +0000

Disaster and Emergency Preparedness and Response ckeene Thu, 08/11/2016 - 18:29

Published

March 23, 2020

Author(s)

Patty Branco

Although the body of research on post-disaster violence is limited, the available information from recent experiences has demonstrated that gender violence is a critical issue facing communities affected by disasters. Concerns about injuries, infectious diseases and the provision of basic needs often take precedence over the surveillance of violence in the aftermath of a disaster (World Health Organization, 2005). However, the data that is available underscore that women, in particular, become especially vulnerable to sexual and domestic violence in the chaos and social breakdown that follows a disaster (Chew & Ramdas, 2005). For instance, the acute affordable housing shortage in the Gulf region following Katrina heightened women’s exposure to sexual violence -- many women and girls have had to “share accommodations with extended family members, acquaintances, or even in some cases, known former abusers, simply to have a place to call home” and “the resulting overcrowding has led to abuse specifically linked to the Katrina experience” (Jones-DeWeever, 2008, p. 2).

At the same time, disasters can also have a distinctly challenging impact on those individuals already traumatized by violence. Clearly, “natural and man-made disasters can greatly impact the health and well being of crime victims and the response they receive” (for example, the chaos that follows a disaster creates additional obstacles to survivors in reporting crimes, pursuing justice, and receiving support or assistance) (West, 2006, p. 6). In particular, survivors of violent crime can have a particularly hard time coping in the aftermath of a disaster because the shock, fear, anxiety, sudden loss of safety and the collapse of traditional support systems can trigger feelings and reactions from earlier traumas.

NRCDV has compiled resources that may offer helpful guidance for domestic violence programs preparing for and responding to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). A wealth of information and recommendations have been developed and made widely available by the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Futures Without Violence, National Health Center for the Homeless Council and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that can be adapted and used by community-based domestic violence programs.

About This Collection

This collection highlights the disproportionate vulnerability of women and children to domestic and sexual violence in disaster and emergency situations, and organizes information to help increase the safety and well being of those at higher risk for violence (or re-traumatization) during and after a major disaster or crisis. Note that the terms “disaster” and “emergency” are being used broadly to refer to major traumatic events and crisis situations that are either natural (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc.) or human-caused (e.g., massacres, terrorist attacks, etc.).

Included in this collection are selected materials and resources -- many gender-informed -- that can be used by domestic and sexual violence organizations to increase their preparedness for and response to major disasters and emergencies. Also included is information developed for victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence who are concurrently coping with trauma and stress after a natural disaster or major crisis. Special attention has been given to the issues faced by children in these situations. Links to several films and documentaries are offered as a tribute to the victims and survivors of those events as well as tools that advocates and activists may use in their educational and awareness programming. A list of organizations working directly or indirectly with disaster and emergency preparedness and response is included, including international and national relief efforts aiming at responding primarily to the needs of domestic and sexual violence survivors in the aftermath of a disaster.

This special collection was developed by the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence in consultation with the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Program Office of the Department of Health and Human Services.

A Final Note

It is important to note that despite the many challenges that women face in disaster situations, they have been -- everywhere -- playing crucial roles in the rebuilding of their communities. As Jones-DeWeever (2008, p. 5) reports about the women of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast:

They have been on the ground, from the very beginning, doing everything from trudging through the post-Katrina sludge, lending their sweat to the rescue and clean-up efforts, to organizing family, friends, and neighbors to push through seemingly impossible odds to make sure their communities were saved, and not erased from existence. They have done their part. They now deserve, at the very least, to have their voices heard, their needs addressed, and to be assured that future disasters will not replicate many of the horrors that they have in fact endured. Through their voices, we hope to learn, take those lessons to heart, and then properly plan for those disasters yet to come.

Preventing and Responding to Teen Dating Violence

ckeene — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 18:02:45 +0000

Preventing and Responding to Teen Dating Violence ckeene Wed, 08/10/2016 - 14:02

Published

January 30, 2019

Author(s)

Patty Branco

This special collection emphasizes collaborative and multi-level approaches to the prevention of and response to teen dating violence (TDV). It draws on the work of many organizations and organizes the resources on TDV prevention and responses by different populations. The first section of this special collection provides general information about teen dating violence. The next six sections include TDV information related to: 1) young people, 2) bystanders, 3) parents and caregivers, 4) men and boys, 5) teachers and school-based professionals, 6) health care professionals, 7) pregnancy prevention programs, and 8) domestic violence and sexual violence service providers. The final section presents documents on TDV-related laws and legislation. The special collection concludes with examples of national programs that address TDV and a list of national and statewide organizations and programs.

While most available materials on TDV focus on prevention and response to young people in high schools, it is important to acknowledge that TDV prevention also includes outreach to younger teens in middle schools and older college students, as well as youth who are not represented in our system of education (runaways, homeless youth, etc.). Fortunately, there is a growing number of materials across age groups, which is reflected throughout the collection. This special collection will be updated regularly, and new documents will be added as they become available. We welcome your comments, suggestions, and information about documents for this special collection.

This infographic from One Love draws upon leading national studies to highlight the scope of violence in intimate relationships:

Responding to the Needs of Immigrant Survivors of Domestic Violence

ckeene — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 17:33:29 +0000

Responding to the Needs of Immigrant Survivors of Domestic Violence ckeene Thu, 08/11/2016 - 13:33

Published

October 01, 2018

Author(s)

Patty Branco

Sheetal Rana

The term “immigrant" refers to individuals who come to one country from another country in order to live there permanently or for an extended period of time. Immigrants are very diverse, from varied socio-cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds. They include individuals and families who have lived in the U.S. for a short period of time, as well as those who have lived in the country for many years. They have different histories and biographies, including their experiences in their country of origin, on their journey from their home country, of the immigration process, and of living in the United States. Many immigrants are U.S. citizens or possess different types of legal immigration status, and some may be undocumented. This diversity among immigrant communities also extends to their experiences of domestic violence.

While there are differences in domestic violence experienced by immigrant survivors, there may be commonalities, such as patterns of abuse tied to the survivors’ experiences as an immigrant, as well as challenges and barriers to seeking help. Similarly, domestic violence service providers may face common challenges in offering services to immigrant survivors. These challenges and barriers could be linked to a limited understanding of issues related to the survivors’ immigration status, eligibility for public assistance, different cultural practices, English language proficiency, etc. It is also essential to note the importance of using a strengths-based approach, recognizing the courage, strength, resilience, and perseverance of immigrants who have sought to establish a new life for themselves and their children in the United States. This special collection explores the complex experiences of immigrant survivors and includes resources to support their path to safety and justice. It also includes resources that help domestic violence service providers respond effectively and appropriately to immigrant survivors.

It is important to note here that several documents included in this Special Collection focus on laws and regulations related to maintaining legal immigration status, public assistance, and related matters. These laws and regulations change over time and thus some of the documents included here may be dated or may become dated. For up-to-date resources on laws and regulations, please also consult the expert organizations listed at the end of this collection. This collection will be updated with new resources as they become available, and we welcome your comments and suggestions via VAWnet’s online contact form.

This collection was originally developed in 2009 by Sheetal Rana with the Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse, updated by Patty Branco on October 2018, and complements the related collections, Immigrant Women and Sexual Violence and Human Trafficking. Special thanks to Rosie Hidalgo and Heidi Notario for their valuable contributions.

Holiday Toolbox

berdman — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 15:14:27 +0000

Holiday Toolbox berdman Mon, 11/04/2019 - 10:14

Published

November 01, 2016

New Resources Added

November 13, 2019

Author(s)

Ivonne Ortiz

Kenya Fairley

Patty Branco

Welcome to our Holiday Toolbox! NRCDV has released information to the field, including Technical Assistance (TA) Guidance documents, as part of our Domestic Violence and the Holidays Series in preparation for the time period beginning the week of Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day (“the holidays”). These were developed to 1) respond to the common misperception that domestic violence increases during the holidays, and 2) provide support during a time that may be stressful for survivors of domestic violence and the programs that serve them.

Available research linking reports of domestic violence to the holiday season is limited and inconclusive. In fact, data available from the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) shows a decline in the number of calls received during the holidays, including on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day (see Effect of the Holidays on Calls to the National Domestic Violence Hotline). Whether or not domestic violence programs experience shifts in the number of survivors accessing services during the holidays, there are unique opportunities and challenges to consider as victim advocates provide services to survivors and their families during this time.

The resources included in this Toolbox highlight trauma-informed strategies to support programs in promoting healing, wellness and safety during the holiday season, while taking into consideration the diverse needs of survivors and the advocates that serve them. Each TA Guidance document provides best practice information and resources related to: positive visioning, promoting wellness and managing stress, cultural sensitivity, responding to the food-related needs of survivors in shelter, considerations for working with survivors from specific populations, and understanding the available research.

The Toolbox features holiday call data from the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and a social media section offering messaging to engage audiences around supporting survivors during the holidays via Twitter, Facebook and other channels.

These tools are offered to inspire and support community-based programs in their efforts to develop innovative, trauma-informed, culturally inclusive practices that are responsive to the unique needs of both survivors and advocates.

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.

NRCDV Access Initiative: Documenting Our Progress Towards Greater Accessibility

berdman — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 15:11:23 +0000

NRCDV Access Initiative: Documenting Our Progress Towards Greater Accessibility berdman Wed, 11/13/2019 - 10:11

Published

January 01, 2013

Author(s)

Patty Branco

Casey Keene

Be the change we wish to see in the world. That is just what the staff of the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) had in mind when we launched the “Access Initiative” in 2006. The Initiative represented NRCDV’s organizational commitment –as an employer, service provider, and community member—to individuals with disabilities and accessibility in general.

“The Access Initiative not only made me a better TA Provider, but also a better person.” - NRCDV staff member, 2013

The “ALL Are Welcome Here” poster was created by the Pennsylvania Cross-Systems Advocacy Coalition, supported by Grant No. 2007-FW-AX-K009, awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S Department of Justice. The NRCDV has reproduced this poster with permission, and free copies (in both English and Spanish) are available to the public free of charge upon request. To request copies of this poster, please contact the NRCDV at 1-800-537-2238 or nrcdvTA@nrcdv.org. Several NRCDV staff display this poster in their workspace as a symbol of their commitment to make our organization accessible to all.

De vuelta a lo básico: Colaborando con sobrevivientes y comunidades para promover la equidad en la salud en las intersecciones de la violencia sexual y de pareja íntima

ckeene — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 19:14:53 +0000

De vuelta a lo básico: Colaborando con sobrevivientes y comunidades para promover la equidad en la salud en las intersecciones de la violencia sexual y de pareja íntima ckeene Wed, 01/05/2022 - 14:14

General Material

NRCDV Publications

Published Date

December, 2021

New Resources Added

January 05, 2022

Publisher(s)

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV)

National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

Author(s)

Breckan Erdman Winters

Jennifer Grove

Mo Lewis

Louie Marven

Este recurso hace conexiones entre la equidad en la salud y nuestro trabajo para prevenir la violencia sexual y de pareja íntima. Centra las historias de los sobrevivientes en las intersecciones del racismo sistémico, la violencia y la opresión. En él se estudian formas de crear capacidad individual y a nivel organizativo para hacer frente a la desigualdad en materia de salud. Y, ofrece un llamado a la acción para aquellos quienes están dispuestos a comprometerse con la equidad de la salud en su trabajo de prevención de la violencia de género.

This document was co-authored by staff of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center and National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, with significant input, guidance, and leadership from Black and women of color survivors and advocates.

Associated Links

De vuelta a lo básico: Colaborando con sobrevivientes y comunidades para promov…

En Inglés: Back to Basics: Partnering with Survivors and Communities to Promote…

Material Categories

Prevention Programming

Racial Justice

Communities of Color

Domestic Violence

Health / Public Health

Race

Sexual Violence

Back to Basics: Partnering with Survivors and Communities to Promote Health Equity at the Intersections of Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence

berdman — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 13:53:46 +0000

Back to Basics: Partnering with Survivors and Communities to Promote Health Equity at the Intersections of Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence berdman Wed, 09/08/2021 - 09:53

General Material

NRCDV Publications

Published Date

September, 2021

Publisher(s)

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV)

National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

Author(s)

Breckan Erdman Winters

Jennifer Grove

Mo Lewis

Louie Marven

For many, the COVID-19 pandemic has been an eye-opening and life-changing experience. It has also changed the way we work and live in society. It has magnified systemic racial and gender inequities, urging us to do our movement work in bold and innovative ways. We, as advocates and activists dedicated to ending gender-based violence, must work together for health equity and racial justice. It is clearer than ever that this is key to fostering healthy and thriving communities.

This paper makes connections between health equity and our work to prevent sexual and intimate partner violence. It centers the stories of survivors at the intersections of systemic racism, violence, and oppression. It explores ways to build both individual and organizational capacity to address health inequity. And, it offers a call to action for those ready to commit to health equity in their gender-based violence prevention work.

Associated Links

Back to Basics: Partnering with Survivors and Communities to Promote Health Equ…

TAQ: How can domestic and sexual violence advocates center health equity for Bl…

A Health Equity Approach to Preventing Sexual Violence

Toward Community Health and Justice: Themes and Summaries from the 2017 Prevent…

In Spanish: De vuelta a lo básico: Colaborando con sobrevivientes y comunidades…

Material Categories

Prevention Programming

Racial Justice

Communities of Color

Domestic Violence

Health / Public Health

Race

Sexual Violence

List of Black-Led Health Equity Organizations

berdman — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 13:19:22 +0000

List of Black-Led Health Equity Organizations berdman Thu, 04/06/2023 - 09:19

General Material

NRCDV Publications

Published Date

September, 2021

Publisher(s)

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV)

Author(s)

Patty Branco

“We dream of a world where health equity is a reality for Black women and girls. And we can create that world when we center those most impacted in our violence prevention work.” – Patty Branco, Senior Technical Assistance and Resource Specialist with the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence

#1Thing you can do to center health equity and racial justice in your work is to learn from, partner with, and amplify the work of these Black-led organizations. This list (organized in alphabetical order) is not exhaustive, but it is a starting point. This list was compiled by Patty Branco for the Technical Assistance Question of the Month, How can domestic and sexual violence advocates center health equity for Black women in our work?