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Volume 10. Issue 8. August 14, 2013
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Greeting from our Executive Director, Connie Neal!
For many survivors, struggles with economic issues are difficult and complex barriers to safety. On September 23-25, NYSCADV will be participating in the 2013 Financial Empowerment Symposium in Northbrook, Illinois which will be hosted by The Allstate Foundation and The National Network to End Domestic Violence. This Symposium is the only opportunity of its kind dedicated to training domestic violence advocates and community leaders in proactively addressing the financial empowerment and financial literacy of survivors. Symposium workshops are geared toward strengthening the capacity of communities that provide services to help survivors build financial independence and live their lives free from abuse.
The good news is that one representative each from two of NYSCADV's member programs may attend this Symposium free of charge.
Also, the Allstate Foundation will cover the cost of airfare and hotel accommodations for two nights: Monday September 23rd and Tuesday September 24th (ground transportation to and from the airport, baggage fees, parking, and meals not provided during the Symposium and other costs associated with participation will not be reimbursed).
This year's Symposium will feature topics including:
- Integrating Economic Justice
- Overview of Budget Peer-Coaching
- Complicated Credit
- Asset Building
- Domestic Violence, Poverty & Race
- Fundraising for Economic Justice Work
- Affordable Care Act
- Tax Credit Programs & Other Resources
Financial Empowerment Symposium At-A-Glance
Monday, September 23rd
- Travel day for all participants
- 6:00pm - 8:00pm Welcome Reception
Tuesday, September 24th
- 8:30am - 5:00pm Symposium
- 7:00pm - 9:00pm Evening Reception & Dinner
Wednesday, September 25th
- 8:30am - 3:00pm Symposium
- Participant return flights starting at 5:00pm
Eligibility to Attend to Symposium
In order to be eligible for this training opportunity, your program must be a current member of NYSCADV, in good standing. Only programs that have not sent a representative to the Financial Empowerment Symposium in the past are eligible. Please note that participants need to commit to attending all Symposium activities and will not be able to make flight reservations that conflict with the program time frame.
How to Apply
If you would like to attend the Symposium, please send a note to me at cneal@nyscadv.org indicating your interest. Also, include a brief (one or two paragraph) response to the following question:
"How would participation in the Symposium assist your program in supporting the economic justice needs of survivors in your community?"
Note that applications are due by MONDAY, AUGUST 19th! Selected participants will immediately receive information on registration and travel arrangements.
This is a great opportunity to engage in economic justice work with advocates from state coalitions and domestic violence programs from around the country. Together, I look forward to strengthening our network of resources for survivors in New York State.
All the best,
Connie
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NYSCADV Legislative Update
Since our last update, three bills that effect victims of domestic violence have been signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo:
Chapter 119. Passed as A.6899 Hennessey/S.4345 Gallivan
AN ACT to amend the executive law, in relation to eligibility of and awards to certain family members for crime scene clean-up.
Signed into law on July 12, 2013. Effective 8/11/13.
Chapter 261. Passed as S.4344 Gallivan/A.6900 Englebright
AN ACT to amend the executive law, in relation to the definition of relocation expenses for the purposes of crime victim services.
Signed into law in July 31, 2013. Effective 8/30/13.
Chapter 202, passed as A.6381a Crespo/S.4443a Parker
AN ACT to amend the public service law and the general business law, in relation to providing new telephone numbers without charge for certain victims of domestic violence.
Signed into law on July 31, 2013. Effective 7/31/13.
Stay tuned for the NYSCADV 2013 Legislative Session update which will describe this and other legislation in more detail, including implications for advocates.
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Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Only seven weeks until October 1st - the start of the 2013 Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)! To help your programs plan and prepare, the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence has a website dedicated to this awareness event. To get information on awareness project highlights, campaign ideas, ways to engage the media, as well as access to artwork and training resources, visit http://www.nrcdv.org/dvam/home.
Shine the Light on Domestic Violence
Additionally, the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) has released information regarding their 6th annual Shine the Light on Domestic Violence campaign. For more information visit http://www.opdv.ny.gov/public_awareness/campaigns/shinethelight/shinethelight13.html
The following is a message from OPDV to the local domestic violence service providers throughout New York State:
As a local service provider, you are in a unique position to know your specific area or county - which structures are landmarks, which ones have been illuminated in the past, who to contact, media to notify - and we hope you will consider adding this to the activities you are already planning for DVAM. This is a low- or no-cost way for people in the community to show their support for ending violence against women.
Shine the Light Toolkit
Every year, OPDV provides free tools and resources that can be used to help participants "Shine the Light on Domestic Violence" by going purple in October. There are several new items this year including OPDV's free downloadable 2013 Shine the Light Toolkit
The Toolkit includes:
- How to Go Purple Flyer
- Poster: "Why is everything purple?"
- "Shine the Light on Domestic Violence" Brochure
- "Shine the Light on Domestic Violence" Wallet cards
- "Shine the Light on Domestic Violence" Talking Points
- Web Banner
- How to Light a Structure Purple
- Attention Book Clubs
- Sample Press Release
- "Shine the Light on Domestic Violence: How to go Purple" webinar
Participation can be as simple as wearing purple and telling people why or as bold as lighting an office building purple. This year, the day all New Yorkers are encouraged to wear purple is Wednesday, October 16. See a brief summary of the 2012 campaign, a photo gallery and a list of participants. Will you be included for 2013?
Facebook Status
Do you have a newsletter or a Facebook page? Even posting a status about purple or putting a blurb in your newsletter counts as "Shining the Light." Consider posting the following, editing as appropriate for your use (and let OPDV know you did it so they can acknowledge you):
"This October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, show you care about ending domestic violence by going purple! Shine a purple light on a building, hold an awareness event or wear a purple ribbon. All New Yorkers are being asked to wear purple on Wednesday, October 16. And tell people why. Send names and photos to opdvpurple@opdv.ny.gov to be included on their list of participants. For more information visit www.opdv.ny.gov/public_awareness/campaigns/shinethelight/shinethelight13.html "
Tell OPDV What You're Planning
Participants will be acknowledged on OPDV's website and in press materials.
As soon as you know how you will be participating, either fill out the short survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PurpleParticipants2013 or send a send a note to opdvpurple@opdv.ny.gov. The name of your organization will be included in OPDV's materials and posts of photos on Facebook.
Together we can make a difference in the lives of countless New Yorkers affected by domestic violence.
Shine the Light on Domestic Violence and Turn New York State Purple!
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The following legislative update is from our National partner, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV):
In-district Activity: August Recess
Members of Congress are in their districts from now until September 9. This is a great time to tell them about victims' needs your communities. In particular, tell your Members of Congress that:
- Domestic violence programs are saving lives in their states and districts;
- Funding cuts are forcing programs to turn away victims;
- Congress must replace sequestration with a plan that meets the needs of the nation's most vulnerable; and
- Congress must invest in VAWA, FVPSA and VOCA to ensure that victims have somewhere to turn when fleeing life-threatening violence.
Talk to your Members of Congress in their offices, on the streets, at parades or town hall meetings. Invite them to your programs. Write a letter to the editor or an op ed. Use this time to tell Congress that victims' lives matter and programs need funding to help victims!
For more information on how to lobby your congressional representatives, use this In District Guide.
(If you engage with Members of Congress over the break, please send feedback to policy@nyscadv.org.)
FY 13 VOCA
Originally, the Department of Justice planned to sequester 5% of the VOCA cap for FY 2013. This would have cut the FY 13 VOCA fund by $13 million from FY 12. However, we have confirmed that the FY 13 VOCA cap will NOT BE SUBJECT TO THE SEQUESTRATION cut. (The balance of the fund, according to OMB, will be sequestered but this will not impact the amount distributed). This means that, most likely, the FY 13 VOCA cap will be $730 million - a $25 million increase over FY 12. We should know relatively soon how this will impact the state victim assistance grants, but we can feel quite confident that VOCA funding distributed to states this year will be an increase over last year!
Senate FY 2014 Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) Appropriations Bill
On July 18th, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed the FY 2014 CJS appropriations bill, which covers the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). The great news in this bill is that VAWA Services Training Officers Prosecutors (STOP)Grant was increased by $4 million.This is due to your incredible advocacy! The Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) Grant was also increased by $2 million. The Senate bill cut the Legal Assistance for Victims Grant Program, but we are hopeful that it can be restored in the final bill.
We are very excited that VOCA was increased to $765 million. The Senate Appropriations Committee also directed the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) to spend $25 million of discretionary funding to support goals outlined in Vision 21. This money will not come out of the state victim assistance grants.
Appropriations
This chart covers the updates for the ongoing FY 14 funding process: http://www.nnedv.org/downloads/Policy/CampaignAppropsChart2014.pdf.
The FY 14 funding bills are still not complete and it is looking very likely that Congress will have to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government in late September. The House and the Senate have vastly different budgets which they cannot seem to resolve. Recently, a key appropriator said:
"The House has declined to proceed on the implementation of the very budget it adopted just three months ago. Thus, I believe that the House has made its choice: sequestration - and its unrealistic and ill-conceived discretionary cuts - must be brought to an end."
It is now our job to convince Congress that sequestration has got to go and that the plan to replace it must meet the needs of the nation's most vulnerable.
Firearms
There will likely be renewed Congressional action in September to address firearms legislation. The recent Senate confirmation of a new, permanent director for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is an important victory for the gun safety community and demonstrates that we are gaining traction and continuing to keep this issue at the forefront of the legislative agenda. Watch this space for more information and next steps once Congress returns to session in September.
VAWA Housing/HEARTH Act
HEARTH Act: Almost 200 local programs and coalitions have completed our survey on HEARTH Act (housing/homelessness funding) implementation! We are finding very interesting results that will shape our advocacy and technical assistance on these issues. If you or your local programs have not completed the yet, please do so by August 15. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/P2FWZBL
Here are links to our previous housing comments:
http://www.nnedv.org/downloads/Policy/NNEDV_COC_Comments_Nov15.pdf
http://www.nnedv.org/downloads/Policy/NNEDV_ESG_Proposed_Rule_Comments_Feb2012.pdf
http://www.nnedv.org/downloads/Policy/NNEDV_HMIS_Comments_Feb2012.pdf
Military Sexual Assault
Senator Gillibrand's bill, the Military Justice Improvement Act (S.967), could become an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act if we can secure just 7 more co-sponsors.
See http://4vawa.org/4vawa/2013/7/10/ask-your-senators-to-take-a-strong-stand-and-support-justice-for-survivors for more information on the Senate targets for this bill.
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Privacy & Safety on Facebook: A Guide for Survivors of Abuse
Our national partner, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), announced the launch their newest publication, Privacy & Safety on Facebook: A Guide for Survivors of Abuse. This publication was written as part of a partnership between the NNEDV Safety Net Project and Facebook. It was released on August 1st.
Safety Net wrote the document and Facebook did some amazing design work and also helped to make sure that it received some great media coverage. One of the best quotes we've seen came from NBC:
"While the guide may be particularly helpful for survivors of domestic violence, dating abuse, cyber-stalking and the like, it is also the clearest, most informative guide to Facebook's privacy and safety features we've seen in quite some time."
To read NNEDV's announcement about the guide, visit http://nnedv.org/facebookprivacy. This link will direct you to a page that not only describes the guide, but also offers other information on safety, as well as the national hotline and information on the coalitions.
To go directly to the guide, visit https://fbcdn-dragon-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/851584_613437522011141_1298974833_n.pdf.
NNEDV is already in the process of communicating with Facebook about updating the guide, and will announce the update via email once the changes occur.
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VAWA 2013 Housing Protections & Recent HUD Notice
This year's VAWA re-authorization included changes that effect programs that are part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).In response to these changes, HUD issued a notice which was released in the federal register on Tuesday, August 6, 2013.
The notice is the first step in the regulatory process. Though most programs covered by VAWA housing protections are administered by HUD, there are two covered by the USDA (Rural Housing Properties) and the Treasury (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit [LIHTC]).
A few things to note:
- The law is effective upon enactment but not self-execu ting. While the law says the VAWA housing protections are in effective immediately upon passage (from March 7, 2013), the HUD notice says that the "regulated parties" (landlords, owners and managers) need additional guidance and regulation to fully implement the law. Victims are lawfully covered by the protections, but the landlords, owners and managers may not yet be expected to be in compliance with the law. Until the final rules governing the HUD programs (and the programs at the USDA and Treasury) are issued, it is admittedly a gray area of law. As advocates, you can and should be working with your local housing authorities and projects to train on the law and tell survivors about their rights under VAWA.
- The notice references the affirmative solicitation of comments for a number of provisions.With the help of our National Partner, NNEDV, who works closely with a group of housing experts, template comments on this notice will be developed for member programs to modify and submit (look for our template around the end of September). The following sections are open for comment:
- Bifurcation of lease: Reasonable time to find new housing or to establish eligibility under another covered housing program (page 11-12). VAWA 2013 allows the owner/manager/landlord to bifurcate the lease and allow the victim to establish eligibility for the unit. In the case where that is impossible, the owner/manager/landlord must provide the tenant reasonable time to find new housing or to establish eligibility under another covered housing program. We will probably recommend a process for these two options rather than concrete time frame. Your input is certainly welcome on this point.
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Emergency transfer policies (page 18-19 of notice): HUD (and the Treasury and USDA) must adopt a model emergency transfer plan for use by Public Housing Authorities, owners, managers or other housing providers participating in HUD covered programs. The model plan must allow tenants who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking to transfer to another available and safe dwelling under a covered housing program and must incorporate reasonable confidentiality measures to ensure that the public housing agency or owner or manager does not disclose the location of the new dwelling unit of a tenant to the perpetrator. The tenant has to request the transfer and 1) believe s/he is threatened with imminent harm from further violence if s/he remains in the unit or 2)if the tenant is the victim of sexual assault s/he was assaulted on the premises within the last 90 days. HUD is also required to establish policies and procedures for use of tenant protection vouchers in such situations. We plan to submit significant comments and recommendations on this section to help develop the strongest model policies. Your input is greatly appreciated on this section!
NNEDV plans to make recommendations about documentation, confidentiality and conflicting certification. NYSCADV would like to hear from you regarding your thoughts, questions, or concerns about this notice. Comments are due October 7, 2013.
For more information about the VAWA 2013 Housing Protections, visit http://nnedv.org/pages/3853-the-violence-against-women-act-reauthorization-of-2013-housing-protections-section-601.html
This 2010 final rule on VAWA housing is a useful reference as well: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2010-10-27/pdf/2010-26914.pdf
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Ensure True Zero Tolerance of Military Sexual Assault with Civilian Oversight
Debby Tucker and Christina Walsh from the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence (NCDSV) developed a petition that will be delivered to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.
This petition conveys that it's time for the Department of Defense to address the pervasive problem of sexual assault once and for all by changing the culture that has minimized this crisis for decades. Visit http://org.credoaction.com/petitions/ensure-true-zero-tolerance-of-military-sexual-assault-with-civilian-oversight to read more about why this petition is so vital and to sign the petition.The NCDSV's goal is to obtain 10,000 signatures before it is delivered to Secretary Hagel, and they only need 700 more signatures! Please share widely!
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End Sex Trafficking Act of 2013
On July 24, 2013, Congressman Ted Poe and several bi-partisan cosponsors in the House and Senators Cornyn and Klobuchar in the Senate filed the End Sex Trafficking Act of 2013--H.R. 2805/S. 1354. The bill strengthens and clarifies the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) to ensure that buyers of sex from minors and other sex trafficking victims are prosecuted for contributing to modern-day slavery. The text of the bill can be found at the following link: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113hr2805ih/pdf/BILLS-113hr2805ih.pdf.
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September is National Campus Safety Awareness Month
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The Affordable Care Act - Become a Champion for Coverage
In order to take advantage of the new, online Health Insurance Marketplace, millions of uninsured Americans need to know about it and sign up. Starting in October 2013, Americans who don't have insurance can choose from quality, affordable health insurance plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace for coverage that begins in 2014. The Marketplace:
- Gives the uninsured more plan choices
- Helps lower the costs of insurance for working families and small business
Because many public and private sector business are in unique positions to increase the awareness of The Marketplace throughout various communities, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched the Champions for Coverage initiative to provide a forum for public and private sector business to partner with HHS. For more information visit http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/blog/2013/08/steps-implement-marketplace.html
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Educational Opportunities and Conferences
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NYSCADV Training Opportunities
On July 25thwe announced a NYSCADV Training Series to be held in the Southern Tier Region and since then, we have received several requests to offer these trainings in other parts of the state. Please stay tuned for future announcements of this three day series coming to a region near you!
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Other Training Opportunities
Custody - Challenges for Battered Women: Research & Practice
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 - 11am- 12:30pm Central Time
Webinar presented by the Battered Women's Justice Project
Presenters: Lenore Walker, Ed.D., ABPP is currently a Professor at Nova Southeastern University in the Center for Psychological Studies where she is Coordinator of the Forensic Psychology Concentration. Becki Truscott Kondkar, J.D. is Deputy Director of Tulane Law School's Domestic Violence Clinic, where she teaches civil litigation skills and instructs third-year law students in their representation of victims of domestic violence.
Dr. Walker and Professor Kondkar will discuss the challenges confronted by battered women as they consider whether to seek a custody/parenting time order from a court. In making decisions about mediation, negotiation and/or litigation of custody issues, battered women must consider the risks posed by the batterer to the children during access, any risks both to the battered woman and children at exchange, whether these risks can be mitigated by supervised exchange or visitation, and whether a 3rd party, such as a friend or family member, can safety supervise or if supervision should be done at a center. Immediately after separation, battered women may want to see a temporary custody order in a civil protection order. But it may be that the batterer is not interested in custody of the children and poses no risk to them. In this case, seeking a custody order may not be necessary or can be sought at some time after the crises and emotions of separation have somewhat abated. Battered women need to know the law, the court system, the inclination of judges, the options for supervision (and the risks of supervision center staff judging her protective parenting negatively), the likelihood that a judge will respond swiftly to a batterer's violation of a custody order, the kinds of behavior that constitute "a change of circumstances" that may be the basis for a modification of a custody order, and the portability of a custody order within the state and across state lines - among other things.
Click here to register
Trans-National: TransLatin@s in the U.S.
Thursday, August 22, 2013 - 2:00pm (central) Webinar
Presenters: Bamby Salcedo, President & Arianna Inurritegui-Lint, East Coast Chair; TransLatin@ Coalition
During this webinar, presenters will discuss the barriers faced by Latin@ Transgender communities that reside in the U.S. They will also share information about the TransLatin@ Coalition and the work of this organization with and on behalf of the Latin@ transgender community in the U.S. Lastly, presenters will share recommendations to increase access to services and equality for Latin@ transgender individuals/communities.
Click here to register
Assessing Patterns of Coercive Control in Abusive Relationships
Join Casa de Esperanza for this 3-part webinar series entitled Assessing Patterns of Coercive Control in Abusive Relationships to gain a deeper understanding of dynamics of abuse in intimate relationships. Participants will learn concrete tools for determining the primary aggressor as well as other tips for increasing safety for survivors and responding to violence. Presented by the Northwest Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse.
Part 1: A Basic Skill for Domestic Violence Advocacy
Thursday, August 15, 2013 - 2:00pm (central) Webinar
Presenters: Connie Burk and Amarinthia Torres, Northwest Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse
This session offers an introduction to the Northwest Network's tool and analysis on assessing patterns of power and control in abusive relationships. Developed over 20 years of work with LGBT survivors of intimate partner violence, the Northwest Network's approach to assessment continues to be a fundamental consideration and practice for any organization hoping to create relevant, accessible support for ALL survivors. Click here to register
Part 2: Practical Skills and Implementation
Thursday, September 19, 2013 - 2:00pm (central) Webinar
Presenters: Kristin Tucker and Amarinthia Torres, Northwest Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse
This session expands from analysis and framing to skill-building, practical implications and program implementation. The Northwest Network's Assessment Tool will be introduced in detail, using advocacy stories and participant exercises. This session will also address the myriad considerations for implementation, including approach & intention, documentation, debriefing, etc. Click here to register
Part 3: Practice and Program Implementation
Thursday, October 17, 2013 - 2:00pm (central) Webinar
Presenters: Kristin Tucker and DeAnn Alcantara-Thompson, Northwest Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse
This session continues to offer opportunities to engage in skill building and practice with the Northwest Network's assessment tool. Using real-life examples role-play observation and hands-on exercises, participants will deepen their understanding and build capacity to conduct assessments. This session will also address the myriad considerations for implementation, including documentation, intake policy best practices and organizational considerations relevant for programs who are interested in increasing their competency in serving ALL survivors and integrating a broader practice of assessment into their service delivery. Click here to register
The National Center for Victims of Crime 2013 National Conference September 9-11 Arizona Grand Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. As in past years, this conference will emphasize a multidisciplinary approach to sharing promising practices, current research, and effective programs and policies that are victim-centered, practice-based, and research-informed. Our National Conference is a forum for law enforcement, victim service professionals, allied practitioners, policymakers, and researchers to share current developments and build new collaborations. Conference sessions will highlight practical information to better support services for the wide range of persons victimized by crimes of all types. Click here for more information and to register Use of Technology in Intimate Partner Stalking Advanced Training September 19-20 Little Rock, AR Joint event held by the National Network to End Domestic Violence and the Stalking Resource Center. Immediately following the September 17-19, 2013 conference, we will be holding 1.5-day advanced training on the Use of Technology in Intimate Partner Stalking. This hands-on skill building training is intended for criminal justice professionals only (including law enforcement, prosecutors, and community corrections officers). This training will provide essential information on the documentation, collection, and preservation of cell phone and computer evidence and will greatly enhance attendees' ability to investigate cases where technology is misused as a tool in stalking. In order to register for this training, you will have to have attended the foundation conference held immediately prior to this training or another foundational training provided by the SRC or NNEDV. Registration is free of charge. Attendees are responsible for covering all of their own travel costs. Please note that priority for registration for both events is given to grantees of the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women.
Click here for more information and to register Safe at Home: Seeking Solutions for Adult and Child Victims of Family Violence October 1, 2013 - 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM The Conference Center Niagara Falls Sponsored by: Niagara County Department of Mental Health, Trauma Treatment Specialty Services Division; Catholic Charities of Buffalo, Inc., Niagara County Services; Northeast Regional Child Advocacy Center; Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel.
Featuring Lundy Bancroft, Author, Domestic Abuse and Child Maltreatment Consultant & Robert Hugh Farley, M.S., Commanding officer (retired), Cook County Sheriff's Office.
Click here for more information Gender in the Military: Bridging Research to Practice October 9-11, 2013 RIT Conference Center, Rochester, NY Presented by the Laboratory of Interpersonal Violence & Victimization and the Susan B. Anthony Center for Women's Leadership at the University of Rochester, the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP) Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Roberts Wesleyan College, and the University of Buffalo School of Law
Gender issues have become increasingly visible in the military. There are growing numbers of military-involved women, policy changes to broaden their military career opportunities, and the removal of barriers to lesbian/gay/bisexual/queer persons serving openly in the military. Additionally, there has been increased attention to military sexual trauma and intimate partner violence among military service members. However, little interdisciplinary dialogue has focused on the role of gender and how gender-specific initiatives might inform policy. Social service and legal systems are beginning to explore what they can do. Click here for more information
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Preventing and Responding to Domestic Violence in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer (LGBTQ) Communities
VAWNET recently released a new Special Collection: Preventing and Responding to Domestic Violence in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer (LGBTQ) Communities by the Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse in partnership with the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (July 2013).
The select resources and research in this Special Collection illustrate the LGBTQ communities' experiences with domestic violence within the U.S. Resources especially relevant to these individuals, as well as straight allies and professionals, address the issue of domestic violence in LGBTQ communities, relationships, and the impact on society. Guidance for enhancing culturally specific practice and policy initiatives is provided.
This new resource complements the parallel collection, Sexual Violence in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, or Queer (LGBTIQ) Communities http://vawnet.org/special-collections/SVLGBTIQ.php and draws from the work of many leaders around the United States who focus specifically on the issue of domestic violence against LGBTQ communities. It specifically highlights the work on a national level that the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) http://www.avp.org/about-avp/coalitions-a-collaborations/82-national-coalition-of-anti-violence-programs, The Northwest Network http://nwnetwork.org/, The Network/La Red http://tnlr.org/, and FORGE http://forge-forward.org/anti-violence/ have done on behalf of these communities.
For the Special Collection, visit http://www.vawnet.org/Special-collections/DVLGBTQ.php
The Justice Reinvestment Initiative: Experiences from the States
This brief summarizes the efforts of states involved in the Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI), a program designed to identify and implement cost-efficient, evidence-based criminal justice reforms. To do so, jurisdictions use data analysis to identify criminal justice population and cost drivers and then develop policy options to reduce those drivers. The 17 states that have adopted the JRI model are projected to save $3.3 billion over 10 years. States plan to reinvest a share of these savings into high-performing public safety strategies.
http://www.urban.org/publications/412879.html
OJJDP Family Listening Sessions: Executive Summary
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has released "OJJDP Family Listening Sessions: Executive Summary." In 2011, OJJDP and the Campaign for Youth Justice convened four listening sessions involving families and youth who have had direct experiences with the juvenile justice system at the local or state levels. This report summarizes the participants' experiences and their recommendations for reform, and provides OJJDP, state juvenile justice agencies, and other stakeholders with a greater understanding of the challenges families face when their child becomes involved in the juvenile or criminal justice systems.
http://www.ojjdp.gov/pubs/241379.pdf
Evaluating Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Programs
The National Institute of Justice has released "Evaluating Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Programs," which explains how to use a toolkit that SANE program staff developed to evaluate how their program affects the prosecution of sexual assault cases in their community. It also offers ideas for using the findings to improve practice and enhance a program's positive impact on the reporting, investigation, and prosecution of sexual assault cases.
http://nij.gov/journals/272/sane-evaluation.htm
Faith and Communities in Action: A Resource Guide for Increasing Partnership Opportunities to Prevent Crime and Violence
The Bureau of Justice Assistance partnered with the U.S. Department of Justice's Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships to develop "Faith and Communities in Action: A Resource Guide for Increasing Partnership Opportunities to Prevent Crime and Violence." This guide is designed to provide useful information to faith and community-based organizations working on building capacity, improving partnerships, and effectively applying for and managing grants.
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/fbnp/pdfs/communityaction.pdf
It Gets Better
The U.S. Department of Education has posted a new online video as part of the international It Gets Better Project http://www.itgetsbetter.org/, which inspires hope for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth facing bullying in schools. The video offers personal stories from Department of Education staff who have been bullied, discusses ways to support students experiencing bullying, and highlights the importance of addressing this problem to effect change now to protect LGBT students. Check it out at http://www.ed.gov/blog/2013/06/it-gets-better/
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Urban Resource Institute
is seeking a Director of Domestic Violence Clinical Services. The Director of Domestic Violence Clinical Services, working under the direct supervision of the Vice President of Domestic Violence Programs, is responsible for oversight and growth of URI's domestic violence clinical services in shelter and special projects, including URI's Working Internship Network (WIN), People and Animals Living Safely (PALS) program and Family Justice Center (FJC) collaboration.
As a member of URI's Leadership Team, the Director of Domestic Violence Clinical Services will work with program leaders and other staff to develop and manage services that represent the best practices in the field of victimization.
Responsibilities
- Provide clinical and administrative oversight of the WIN, FJC and PALS programs
- Oversee all domestic violence clinical services to ensure appropriate service delivery, including group supervision of the social work supervisors, child therapists and other clinical staff
- Work with the Vice President and program leaders to ensure consistency, collaboration and complementary services between sites and programs
- Coordinate and supervise the development and implementation of domestic violence staff training
- Conduct assessment interviews of applicants for clinical positions and make recommendations for hiring
- Oversee the development and implementation of quality assurance protocols, including reviewing charts and audit reports
- Assist with grant proposals, reports and program evaluation
- Oversee community outreach initiatives and the development of a speakers' bureau
- Represent URI at city and statewide coalitions, task forces and committees to ensure the continuation of solid collaborative approaches
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Domestic Violence Programs
Qualifications
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) required
- Five or more years of clinical experience with adults or children required
- Three or more years of supervisory experience with clinical professionals
- Experience working with victims of domestic violence required
- Strong inter/intra agency collaborative skills
- Strong clinical skills, including assessment, intervention, referral and advocacy
- Experience with issues of trauma, violence prevention and victimization required
- Must have strong writing and public speaking skills with an ability to manage and organize multiple projects in a busy, pressured work environment
- Must be extremely comfortable working with Microsoft Office applications
- Experience in program development and implementation, a plus
- Bilingual English/Spanish, a plus
- Must be an articulate individual who can relate to people at all levels of the organization and work well on teams
- Project management skills and experience, especially in projects requiring significant resources and cross-functional involvement is a must
HOW TO APPLY
To apply send resume with cover letter via e-mail by August 31, 2013 to careers@urinyc.org. Please include the words "Director of Domestic Violence Services" in your email subject line.
The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV) is recruiting a full time Director of Training and Technical Assistance.
Responsibilities of the position include the following:
- Manage and implement assigned training and technical assistance programs
- Provide and coordinate a variety of local, regional, and statewide trainings on domestic violence and related topics for domestic violence program staff and allied professionals
- Respond to training requests, revise and/or develop curriculum and training materials, and serve as a liaison with sponsoring agencies and allied professionals
- Provide technical assistance with local domestic violence service providers and allied professionals including on-site support as well as telephone, internet, and email consultation
- Interact with member programs in a manner that promotes a collaborative environment
- Identify cross-training possibilities in collaboration with other service providers and allies
- Develop relationships with organizations who serve underserved communities
- Support the Executive Director in carrying out the organization's mission and goals
- Assist with grant writing and external agency reporting as requested
- Serve as agency representative to community advisory groups and committees as assigned
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as directed
Qualifications and expectations of the position include the following:
- Bachelors Degree and minimum of three years of experience in administering domestic violence, human service, or training and advocacy programs or equivalent combination of education and experience required
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, planning and project coordination, training expertise and experience, and proven ability to creatively problem-solve
- Proficiency in Windows, MS Office, databases, and non-profit programming required
- Proven ability to multi-task and maintain attention to detail required
- Personal qualities of integrity and credibility and commitment to NYSCADV's mission
- Commitment to nonviolence and diversity required
- Ability to maintain an independent workload, and work collaboratively and professionally with all NYSCADV staff, consultants, members, and funders required
- Ability and commitment to comply with Ethics, Standards of Conduct, and Confidentiality policies
- Knowledge of statewide domestic violence advocacy highly preferred
- Valid driver's license, access to own transportation, willingness and ability to travel required
To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for 3 professional references to: jobs@nyscadv.org No phone calls please.
The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence is an Equal Employment Opportunity Organization.
New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence is seeking a Public Policy Coordinator. This person will be responsible for assisting the Public Policy Director in legislative activities and implementing the Coalition's public policy plan. For more information visit: http://www.nhcadsv.org/jobs/internships/volunteer_opportunities.cfm
The New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women is recruiting an Executive Director. If you are a dynamic and confident leader with a proven record of success and are looking for an exciting new opportunity, the New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women invites you to become a candidate for the position of Executive Director. The NJCBW rests on a strong foundation with 31 member agencies in 21 counties across the state and an expert and experienced staff of domestic violence professionals.
A leader in the evolving issues in the field, the NJCBW has an active voice within the state and a substantial record of accomplishment in such key areas as advocacy, training, standard setting and social justice, as evidenced by our Economic Justice and Social Justice Initiatives which produced the Inclusion and Access Plan and, for People with Disabilities, the Barrier Reduction Plan.
The successful candidate will both preserve the best of what has been achieved and lead the NJCBW with a new vision for what is possible. Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director is the principal resource to the Board, the NJCBW staff, domestic violence programs, and all relevant governmental and community organizations. The Executive Director provides visionary leadership and directs the activities of the Coalition Office and staff. As the chief spokesperson for the NJCBW, the Executive Director must be a strong advocate who effectively communicates its mission and garners support to achieve the goals and objectives of the NJCBW.
Within this context, major responsibilities include:
- Develop and recommend policy to the Board of Trustees which is consistent with the mission and core values of the NJCBW and is designed to support its critical goals and objectives.
- In collaboration with appropriate internal and external resources, design the NJCBW public relations and marketing programs and direct their implementation.
- Manage the financial affairs of the NJCBW including the development of the budget and prudently allocate resources within those budget guidelines to maximize results.
- Oversee fundraising planning and implementation including; attract new funding sources; develop revenue generating strategies; grant writing; and administration of fundraising records and grant reporting.
- Facilitate the development of and direct a comprehensive offering of programmatic initiatives and activities which support and enhance the impact and public image of the NJCBW.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of all NJCBW programs against outcomes measures on a regular and continuing basis to ensure that they are meeting the needs and goals of the Coalition and its constituents.
- Serve as the public face of the NJCBW providing effective advocacy for all its positions/constituents and acting as the principal liaison to State of New Jersey officials, departments and agencies and their national counterparts.
- Provide staff support to the Board of Trustees
- Oversee the activities of the Coalition Office and staff.
- Supervise NJCBW staff in accordance with personnel policies adopted by the Board.
- In order to be successful in this position, we are seeking an individual who has the following qualifications:
- Masters degree in social work, marketing, public relations, education, communication, human relations, social services, business and/or law (additional managerial/supervisory experience may be substituted) plus a minimum of five years of successful senior level managerial/supervisory experience including grants management, public relations and fund development.
- A work history in a domestic violence program or agency serving victims of domestic violence and/or Coalition experience is preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to provide strong leadership based upon a commitment to the values and purpose of the organization.
- A history of leadership in change management that demonstrates an appreciation of the work that has gone before, the professionalism of others, and a vision for the future.
- Excellent communication skills both in the public arena and in the day-to-day management of issues and people. Demonstrates openness and respect.
- Commitment to issues of diversity, cultural competency and antiracism/antisexism and all other "isms."
- A proven track record of excellent fiscal management and fundraising skills.
- Ability to develop and sustain partnerships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
- Experience in or familiarity with the legislative process.
- Valid driver's license, access to a currently registered vehicle, and willingness to travel pursuant to the needs of the job.
Applications will be considered as they are received and will be welcomed until August 31, 2013. Please send your applications to Eleni Hoffman at hoffman@njcbw.org to be considered for this position. A receipt verification will be emailed to all applicants.
The salary will be competitive and commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. The anticipated start date is November 1, 2013.
The NJCBW is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To build a diverse workforce NJCBW encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and men.
The New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women is recruiting a Disaster Response Manager. The Response Manager is the New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women staff member acting as the primary point person for a two-year, federally funded Superstorm Sandy project. The primary purpose of the project and responsibility of the Manager is to build the capacity of both domestic violence and disaster response organizations to serve victims of domestic violence impacted by Superstorm Sandy in NJ. The Disaster Response Manager reports to the Director of Training and Member Services and will work in conjunction with the project partners on all relevant activities of the project.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage and coordinate all project activities in conjunction with the project partners, when appropriate;
- Attend all scheduled project meetings and accept assignments as needed to complete project deliverables;
- Assist in identifying disaster responders targeted by the project for training;
- In collaboration with the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH), participate in the development of project training curricula, public awareness materials; disaster policies and procedures for domestic violence programs; and project evaluation tools;
- Coordinate all project trainings for disaster response and domestic violence staff;
- Provide all trainings for disaster response and domestic violence staff;
- Engage the NJ media in the public awareness campaign developed by the NDVH and assist with the distribution of awareness materials;
- Provide technical assistance to organizations receiving project training;
- Implement all project evaluation measures;
- Complete all programmatic project reports;
- Other project related duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Master's Degree in social work, women's studies, communication or other related work; or Bachelor's Degree with additional relevant experience;
- Minimum of three years experience with project coordination/management;
- Minimum of five years training experience;
- Disaster response work a plus;
- Demonstrated ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds;
- Demonstrated knowledge of domestic violence with a feminist analysis of violence against women;
- Ability to travel statewide.
Applications will be considered as they are received and will be welcomed until a suitable candidate is found. Please send your application to Lynda Carson at carson@njcbw.org to be considered for this position. A receipt verification will be emailed to all applicants.
The salary will be competitive and commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.
The NJCBW is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To build a diverse workforce NJCBW encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and men.
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Communications
New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence

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