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Volume 10. Issue 10. December 20, 2013 |
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Greetings from Executive Director, Connie Neal!
NYSCADV staff have been busy connecting with our member programs through participating in Regional Meetings, responding to requests for technical assistance, joining in coalition-building activities, and offering several learning opportunities. Since our 2013 Annual Meeting on October 1st, highlights of NYSCADV's activities include:
- gathering with 55 directors from member programs at our Director's Retreat to discuss New York State's method of funding domestic violence services and confidentiality issues which may arise from this process;
- hosting Tech Safety experts from the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) to train approximately 80 domestic violence advocates in Buffalo, Syracuse, and New York City about domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the digital age; and
- exploring the use of expert testimony by domestic violence advocates with the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence (NCDSV)and state experts along with 30 advocates from member programs.
As the year winds down, we look forward to continuing to build connections with member programs in 2014, and working in partnership with our local, state, and national allies!
We wish you peace and joy during the holiday season!
All the best,
Connie
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NYSCADV & NNEDV staff at the
NYSCADV 2013 Annual Meeting in October.
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Sister Mary Nerney
On November 27th, Sister Mary Nerney, a pillar of the domestic violence advocacy community, succumbed to cancer. The following is a summary of the announcement sent by Lucia Rivieccio, Director of STEPS to End Family Violence:
Sister Mary was the founder of Greenhope Services for Women, the Incarcerated Mothers Program, and STEPS to End Family Violence. She was also a founding member of the Coalition for Women Prisoners at the Correctional Association of NY; co-chair of the Coalition's Violence Against Women Committee; a founding member of the East Harlem Human Services Consortium, serving as their Treasurer until recently; and an active member of the Harlem Community and Academic Partnership.
As the co-chair of the Coalition for Women Prisoners Violence Against Women Committee, Sister Mary worked tirelessly for the passage of the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act. Up until her diagnosis, she continued her beloved work visiting the women at Bedford Hills, providing support though group and individual counseling and assistance preparing for parole hearings and clemency requests.
A long-time educator and mentor to students of social justice, she was teaching from her bedside until the week before her death. Sr. Mary was a sister of the Congregation of Notre Dame and an active member and leader in the Catholic social justice movement. Click here to read more about Sister Mary Nerney.
Sister Mary has been integrally involved with NYSCADV in many ways, including serving as a member of the NYSCADV legislative committee for the last several years. She will be missed immensely.
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NYSCADV Policy Update
Several bills that NYSCDAV supports have passed recently:
Chapter 480 of the 2013 Laws of New York
Passed as A6547b Weinstein/S.5605 Robach
November 13, 2013 marked a significant victory for victims of domestic violence when Governor Cuomo signed into law legislation that ensures the proper implementation of orders of protection! Chapter 480 of the 2013 Laws of New York clarifies that protected parties cannot "violate" an order in place to protect them. This law is necessary to ensure that the intention of the legislature was upheld and that the value of an order of protection is not undermined. Please see attached memo of support for more information.
Chapter 526 of the 2013 Laws of New York
Passed as A.7400 Weinstein/S.5821 Robach
This law recognizes that economic abuse is a dynamic of domestic violence that creates significant barriers for victims to live a life free from the violence perpetrated against them. Housing, child care, transportation - to name a few daily needs - all require access to money. Many abusers prevent their victims from accessing these services by depleting their victim's income and savings or decimating their financial status by identity theft and forced debt. Additionally, documentation verifying identity or providing access to resources is required to navigate through our daily lives. Victims of domestic violence whose documents are held by their abuser cannot access services. Courts instituting their power to demand return of these documents is crucial for assisting victims with recovering their belongings. This law addresses both these issues and can help victims regain control over their finances. Please see attached memo of support for more information.
Chapter 548 of the 2013 Laws of New York
Passed as A.6552-B Morelle/S.4043-B Bonacic
This law improves the judicial response to domestic violence by increasing the number of City Court Judges in some New York State jurisdictions. Access to justice includes speedy and efficient processes. As city courts continue to take on more mandated responsibilities while at the same time meeting an increased demand for court services, judges are working under a crushing caseload. This law is a cost effective measure that is a significant step in improving justice in communities that rely on city courts. Please see attached memo of support for more information.
Click here for the most recent brief summary of the 2013 legislative session.
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Empire Justice Center Releases FAQ Resource for Victims with Limited English Proficiency
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OPDV Partners With Natalie Merchant in PSA and "Finding Safety & Support - The Video"
The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) held a press conference in Albany on October 23, 2013 to unveil "Finding Safety & Support - The Video" and their new public service announcement featuring musician Natalie Merchant. Gwen Wright, Executive Director at OPDV, Elizabeth Cronin, Director of NYS Office of Victim Services (OVS), and Tandra Lagrone, Executive Director of In Our Own Voices were joined on stage by Natalie Merchant. For more information and access to the videos, click here.
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'That's Abuse' Campaign - New York City
The New York City Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence (OCDV) kicked off the 'That's Abuse' campaign during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in NYC. 1,600 posters now adorn subways and bus shelters, aiming to encourage domestic violence victims to seek help before abuse escalates into physical violence. Video and radio spots will also be broadcast, and were created for free by the advertising company Bandujo. The $250,000 campaign is funded through the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, a nonprofit created by Mayor Bloomberg to raise funds for city-wide initiatives and will run through the end of the year. Follow the link for more information on the 'That's Abuse' campaign.
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Member Programs in the News
Unity House & Troy Police Department Further Collaboration to Combat Domestic Violence
The City of Troy Police Department was recently awarded a nearly $300,000 federal grant to combat domestic violence and ensure the enforcement of orders of protection. The city will partner with Unity House of Troy, Inc. and Rensselaer County Probation and use this funding to encourage arrests, enforce orders of protection, and increase victim safety. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that the funds will be used to train law enforcement, increase monitoring of offenders on probation, improve police policies, promote victim safety, and improve response to underserved populations. Click here for Senator Gillibrand's press release announcing this award.
The Mary Kay Foundation Announces $3 Million in Grants To Domestic Violence Shelters
Mary Kay awarded $3 million in grants to 150 domestic violence shelters in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each shelter will receive a $20,000 unrestricted grant to maintain critical services and programs for individuals who are survivors of domestic abuse. Eight programs in New York State received this award - Alternatives for Battered Women, Rochester, NY; DVRC of Saratoga County, Saratoga Springs, NY; Family & Children's Services of Niagara, Inc., Niagara Falls, NY; Liberty Resources, Inc., Oneida, NY; New York Asian Women's Center, New York, NY; Safe Homes of Orange County, Newburgh, NY; The Retreat Inc., Riverhead, NY; and the YWCA of Niagara, Inc., Lockport, NY. To read the press release, click here.
Westchester Family Justice Center Funding Renewed
The Westchester Family Justice Center's funding was renewed for 3 more years thanks to a $900,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. The Family Justice Center has been in operation since 2010 and offers information and services to victims of domestic, dating, sexual and stalking violence through a network of other organizations including county Probation, the county District Attorney's Office, Hope's Door, My Sister's Place, Victims Assistance Services of WestCOP, Pace Women's Justice Center, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, Empire Justice Center and the county Department of Social Services. The Center, located in the White Plains county court complex, is staffed by six people and has served over 1,500 domestic violence survivors and trained nearly 1,600 medical providers and police officers. Click here for Senator Gillibrand's press release announcing this award.
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Human Trafficking Intervention Courts Launched Statewide
A statewide system of eleven specialized courts known as Human Trafficking Intervention Courts is now in operation. This trailblazing new program targets cases involving individuals charged with prostitution-related offenses in an effort to identify and assist sex trafficking victims, opening the door for thousands across the state to escape a life of abuse and torture. For more information, click here.
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Class Action Lawsuit Benefits Tens of Thousands of Low-Income Households Across New York State.
Please read the press release from our allies at Empire Justice regarding the result of a federal class action lawsuit filed against the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).
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January is Stalking Awareness Month
January 2014 marks the 10th anniversary of the first National Stalking Awareness Month. Visit the stalking awareness month's webpage hosted by the Stalking Resource Center of the National Center for Victims of Crime in partnership with the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. There you will find a wealth of resources such as videos, fact sheets, guides, posters, artwork for buttons and magnets, events ideas, and media tools.
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Supporting Workplaces in Providing an Effective Response to Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking
Read the OVW Directors Blog to learn more about the Department of Justice's (DOJ) new policy on addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the workplace.
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National Domestic Violence Hotline Visited by Biden & Hargitay/Unveils New Online Chat Service
On Wednesday October 30th, to help commemorate National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Vice President Joe Biden and Mariska Hargitay of the Joyful Heart Foundation's "No More" campaign toured the National Domestic Violence Hotline Office in Austin, TX. Founded in 1996, two years after Congress approved the Biden sponsored VAWA, the hotline answers 22,000 calls a month. However, capacity issues still cause them to miss almost 4,300 calls a month. In order to help shore the gap, the hotline unveiled an online chat service available Monday - Friday between 10:00am and 8:00pm eastern time funded by a $250,000 Verizon donation. Click here for more information.
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The U.S. Administration For Children & Families Award $12.6 Million To Help Families Save Money
The Assets for Independence (AFI) program, funded by HHS' Administration for Children and Families' Office of Community Services Americans, will be awarding 45 grants to community based organizations working to help individuals and families achieve financial security. The grants use already existing community resources to give qualified participants access to savings accounts called Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). For each dollar a participant deposits into their IDA, they receive a match of $1 to $8 from federal and private resources. Participants also receive financial education to aid them on their path to financial self-sufficiency. You can visit the AFI website to get more information on the AFI program or to see the current list of grantees.
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Justice Department Selects Four Courts to Identify Promising Practices in Custody and Visitation Decisions in Domestic Violence Cases
The Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), in partnership with the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ), announced the selection of four courts to participate in the Family Court Enhancement Project (FCEP) to improve custody and visitation decision-making for families who have experienced domestic violence. The four courts selected are: Circuit Court of Cook County in Chicago, IL.; Family Court of the State of DE; Hennepin County Family Justice Center in Minneapolis, MN.; and Multnomah County Family Court in Portland, OR. Read OVW's press release for more information.
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Vera House's "Are You Safe?" Video Series
Vera House has released a set of videos providing information accessible to everyone, Deaf included, about domestic and sexual violence. Project EMERGE, a partnership between Vera House, ARISE, and other community partners, has worked to create inclusive programming that provides comprehensive services to people with disabilities and Deaf people who are survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The "Are You Safe?" videos are some of the first in the United States to present information on domestic and sexual violence accessible to everyone.
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NO MORE Toolkit
While Domestic Violence Awareness Month has now come and gone, raising awareness does not end! The NO MORE campaign, made up of national, state, and local domestic and sexual assault organizations across the country, spotlights domestic violence and sexual assault in a whole new way, using a unifying symbol to express support for ending the violence. The NO MORE Toolkit is free to be used by anyone. Organizations and corporations both large and small can embrace this symbol as their own. You can help raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault year-round by using and sharing the tools in (fliers, FAQ sheets, postcards, posters and more) with your community to Say NO MORE!
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Northwest Network Releases Toolkits For Advocates, Friends & Families Of LGBTSurvivors
The Northwest Network, an organization founded by and for LGBT survivors of domestic violence, has just released two new toolkits: "It Takes A Village, People!" based on their work with LGBTQ survivors' friend and family, and "Proceed! LGBTQ Domestic Violence Legal Toolkit for Advocates". The toolkits are free, and can be ordered on the Northwest Network's website!
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The Washing Machine Story
These videos by the Washington Coalition Against Domestic Violence tell a story demonstrating the importance of survivor-centered advocacy and the key role advocates play (with the support of supervisors and directors) in listening to and providing meaningful support to survivors. Please visit our sister coalition's YouTube page to view the English and Spanish videos!
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National Dating Abuse Hotline Data Released
The National Domestic Violence Hotline recently released data from the National Dating Abuse Hotline for the first half of 2013. Both New York State and National reports are available for download.
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Groundbreaking Federal Report on Women and Trauma-Informed Approaches
The Federal Partners Committee on Women and Trauma has released a new report, Trauma-Informed Approaches: Federal Activities and Initiatives, which documents the projects, programs, and initiatives of more than 36 federal offices departments and agencies. The report, developed with support from SAMHSA's National Center for Trauma-Informed Care, demonstrates trauma-informed approaches in a wide variety of settings and systems, and encourages governmental and nongovernmental agencies alike to apply a cross-sector, interagency, intersystem realization, recognition, and response to trauma.
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National Resource Center on Domestic Violence Releases New Paper on Parental Alienation Syndrome
Parental Alienation Syndrome and Parental Alienation: A Research Review by Joan S. Meier provides an overview of Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) and Parental Alienation (PA), pinpoints issues for advocates working with victims, and offers strategies to enhance the courts' treatment of related issues. PAS and PA are regularly cited in legal and legislative contexts addressing the rights of parents in custody and visitation proceedings. These claims have in particular permeated custody cases where domestic violence is alleged, using it as justification to reject mothers' requests to limit fathers' access to their children.
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Legal Momentum's National Judicial Education Program's Newest Curriculum
Legal Momentum has released a new model curriculum " Raped or Seduced; How Language Helps Shape Our Response to Sexual Violence," for judges, advocates, media, and others interested in changing the way they speak and write about sexual violence. While the curriculum was originally designed for judges, it is accessible to multidisciplinary audiences, including attorneys, military personnel, health care professionals, probation officers, victim advocates, and law enforcement officers, many of whom have also benefited from the curriculum. The curriculum includes a PowerPoint with Suggested Commentary that can be adapted as needed, and a Faculty Manual with handouts and exercises that participants can use to begin developing their communication skills in accurate and accountable way.
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Managing the Media After Tragedy
National Public Radio's "On the Media" podcast recently featured a story entitled "Managing the Media After Tragedy" about the intersection between crime victims and the news media.
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Online Bullying Study
The Associated Press and National Opinion Research Center have released the "Digital Abuse Study: Experiences of Teens and Young Adults" which contains some very encouraging findings about online bullying and help-seeking behaviors of youth.
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Criminal Victimization 2012
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), violent and property crime rates increased in 2012 for second consecutive year and the increase was driven by simple assaults and crime not reported to police. For more information, visit the BJS website.
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Children's Exposure to Violence and the Intersection Between Delinquency and Victimization
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) released its fifth publication in OJJDP's series on the National Survey of Children's Exposure to Violence, which gathered data on the incidence and prevalence of childhood exposure to violence across all ages, settings, and timeframes. This bulletin presents findings about the association between delinquency and victimization among children and youth ages 10-17 in the study. The study findings have implications for practitioners in the adolescent development and intervention fields, as well as victim assistance professionals. Read the report for more information.
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"No More Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault" Survey Of Attitudes and Experiences of Teens and Adults
This national survey explores attitudes toward and experience with dating abuse, partner violence, and sexual assault among teens and adults. The results show that the overwhelming majority of Americans know victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, but they do not talk about the issues with their children or friends, or take steps to help victims. The findings underscore the urgent need for increased awareness, conversation and education around domestic violence and sexual assault, with an emphasis on what bystanders can do to prevent violence and help victims before it is too late. Please read the press release for more information.
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Digital Abuse Study: Experiences of Teens and Young Adults
MTV and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research released the results of a new survey exploring the pervasiveness of digital abuse among teens and young adults, how it is affecting America's youth and how they're responding to it. Read the press release for more information.
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Runaway and Homeless Youth
November was Runaway and Homeless Youth Awareness Month and VAWNet provided some resources for domestic violence programs to respond to this issue, which is relevant all year round. Click here to read the VAWnet blog.
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Mobilizing Men for Violence Prevention Survey
This survey is being conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Michigan School of Social Work, the University of Washington, Tacoma Social Work Program and the University of Kansas. Researchers are interested in hearing from men that have participated in some kind of event to learn about violence against women. This event could also be focused on men and women working together to solve the problem of violence against women. Researchers are also interested in hearing from men who have been involved in preventing gender-based violence for any length of time. Click here for more information and to participate in this study.
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For Immigrant Women, Domestic Violence Creates a Double Shadow
The Washington Post recently published an interesting article about the impact of domestic violence on immigrant women.
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5 Ways Sexual Assault is Really About Entitlement
Salon.com does a great job explaining why rape isn't caused by drinking. It's fostered by a culture that tells some men they can act with impunity. Visit the Salon.com website to read this opinion/editorial.
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Educational Opportunities
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13th Annual Q&A for Advocates National Institute
Conference - February 27 - 28, 2014, 9:00 AM - 5:30PM
Georgetown Campus of South Seattle Community College
6737 Corson Ave S., Seattle, WA 98108
Hosted by the Northwest Network
Q&A (Queers & Allies/Questions & Answers) Institute is a one-of-a-kind training and consultation project available to domestic violence advocates and others who work with bisexual, trans, lesbian, and gay survivors of abuse. Through this project, the Northwest Network brings together advocates from across the country to develop assessment skills, share specialized info, and integrate queer generated theories about domestic violence into work with survivors! Click here for more information and to register.
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PREA Auditor Certification Training
Webinar with ongoing access
The National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD) was awarded a cooperative agreement with the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to implement the National PREA Resource Center (PRC). The PRC's aim is to provide assistance to those responsible for state and local adult prisons and jails, juvenile facilities, community corrections, lockups, tribal organizations, and inmates and their families in their efforts to eliminate sexual abuse in confinement. If you are interested in becoming a PREA Auditor, go to the PREA auditor explanation page.
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Opportunities Within NYSCADV Member Programs
Hope's Door, Inc.
Domestic Violence Counselor and Advocate (Bilingual Spanish)
- Promote safety, independence and healing for survivors of domestic violence and dating abuse.
- Provide emotional support, counseling, support group, information, referral, advocacy, and hotline services.
- Facilitate intakes, assessments, case plans, safety plans and danger assessments.
$28,000 to $43,160
BA/BS Required. MA/MSW a +.
1-5 years relevant experience.
E-MAIL RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO
Dianne DeFilippis, Director of Administration
Hope's Door, Inc. - Box 203, 39 Washington Avenue, Pleasantville, NY 10570
DDeFilippis@HopesDoorNY.org
Catholic Charities of Fulton And Montgomery Counties Domestic Violence/Crime Victims Services
Shelter Manager/Advocate
Responsible for maintaining and managing a 9 bed safe house for victims of domestic violence.
Provide advocacy for victims in order to live free of violence and abuse. Perform specific duties such as transportation, grocery shopping, weekly shelter meetings, ensuring shelter rules etc. Candidate must have excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. The position requires flexibility and ability to be self motivated. After hours on call shifts are required. Click here for more information.
The New York City Anti-Violence Project
Community-Based Counselor/Advocate, Bronx
The Community-Based Counselor Advocate (CBCA) provides direct services, including individual and group counseling, safety planning, crisis intervention, advocacy, referrals, accompaniment, and economic empowerment services to LGBTQ and HIV-affected survivors of hate violence, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence on-site at our community partners in the Bronx and at AVP offices. CBCA will conduct outreach and training, and be involved in coalition and collaborative work addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ and HIV-affected survivors of violence, particularly Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming people (TGNC) and people of color. Click here for more information.
Opportunities Within Other New York State Programs
New Destiny Housing Corporation
Project Home Director
New Destiny Housing Corporation, a New York City not-for-profit that provides housing and services to low-income domestic violence survivors and others at risk of homelessness, seeks a full-time director for Project HOME-a new program to be launched in 2014. Project HOME will link domestic violence survivors at 3 Family Justice Centers (FJCs) with apartments in low-income tax credit (LIHTC) housing and other affordable housing and provide services to empower them to retain permanent housing. It will also provide information and skill-building workshops to FJC clients to increase their ability to obtain housing. For more information, click here.
Her Justice
Intake Specialist
Her Justice seeks a full-time intake specialist who is a self-motivated and self-directed team-player. The applicant should hold a bachelor's degree and possess outstanding organizational, interpersonal, communication, writing and computer skills. The position will report to the Her Justice pro bono manager. Click here for more information.
Opportunities Within National Programs
Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Lay Legal Advocate
The AzCADV is hiring a Lay Legal Advocate to provide telephone based lay legal advocacy and domestic violence specific information, referrals and resources to callers of the AzCADV Legal Advocacy Hotline. Lay Legal Advocates uphold the mission, vision and guiding principles of AzCADV. Visit their website for more information.
Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project
Several Openings
The Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project (DVRP) is a non-profit organization in Washington, DC. Our mission is to address, prevent, and end domestic violence and sexual assault in Asian/Pacific Islander communities while empowering survivors to rebuild their lives after abuse. They are currently hiring for three positions:
- Survivor Services Program Manager
- Bilingual Case Manager (Vietnamese or Chinese Language) (Full-Time)
- Bilingual Case Manager (Urdu or Arabic Language)
Please visit their website for more information.
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Communications
New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
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