Volume 12. Issue 1. January 2015 

In This Issue
Welcome
Greetings From Executive Director

 

2014 Directors' Retreat

On December 4th, 2014 NYSCADV held its annual Directors' Retreat in Albany. The discussion focused on several important topics related to funding and challenges faced by programs across the state. The retreat began with a review of how federal and state grants that support domestic violence services are administered in New York State, and an analysis of how state agencies coordinate their roles as funding administrators. Directors identified challenges programs face related to funding/award processes, monitoring, and oversight, as well as the overall adequacy of the current funding structure for domestic violence services across the state. Finally, attendees processed and built upon the concerns of programs related to protecting the confidentiality of individuals seeking domestic violence services, and developed action plans to address these concerns. It was a very powerful day, and the action steps identified by programs will be used to move the conversation forward with state agencies.       

 

Around The State
NYSCADV 2015 Membership Drive

 

Since our inception in 1978, the herstory of the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV) parallels the herstories of programs and organizations throughout the domestic violence movement: the struggles for adequate funding, defining our vision, incorporating new vision and theories, fighting for legal rights and entitlements, and striving for inclusiveness and diversity within the movement. We take pride in our record of meeting challenges from inside and outside the organization in a way that consistently, steadily, painfully, and exuberantly works to eradicate intimate partner violence. We also take great pride in the support that we receive from our member programs.  

 

Membership informs the work that we do. When advocates from member programs across the state reach out to us with questions about legislative changes; how to navigate the system with a client who has a complicated case; or how to strategize around ways to engage men, they are providing us with the groundwork so essential to crafting statewide responses that truly meet the needs of programs. NYSCADV is the collective voice of domestic violence programs throughout the state, and your agency's commitment to membership will go far in supporting those efforts. Because of this, I urge you to join with other domestic violence programs from all across our great state in supporting the work of this vital organization.

 

Get Involved:

Membership provides opportunities to connect, network and collaborate with advocates throughout the state via member participation on committees, in round-table discussions, and attendance at conferences and trainings as well as our Annual Membership Meeting. 

 

 

Keep Informed:

We welcome the energy, strength, experience, and knowledge that all members bring to our coalition. The more members we have engaged and working with us, the stronger our voice becomes, and the more we can achieve.   

 

 

Stay Connected:

NYSCADV offers opportunities for members to share with and learn from each other. Our movement is stronger because of our collective efforts and the unique roles we play. Working together we can end domestic violence in our communities.
 

Visit our new website for 2015 membership levels!

  
New NYSCADV Website

We are excited to announce the launch of the new NYSCADV website! Please take a few minutes to explore it. The new website is an ongoing project designed to be a resource for domestic violence services providers and survivors in New York State. As we continue to grow, the website will become a living document, full of news and information that's valuable to our membership and the survivors they serve. Exciting new features include: an employment opportunities page where job openings from member programs across the state are posted, links to NYSCADV social media pages, and a news blog where information impacting our work will be updated regularly. Two other features that are in the final stages of development and will be rolled out of the next few months include a Spanish language site and a member portal that will house publications and information vital to the work our members do. We welcome your feedback about the website and would love to hear any ideas you have. You can submit them using the Contact Us form on the site. 

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness & 

Prevention Month

 

Now in its fifth year, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) provides us with another great opportunity to raise awareness and education about an important issue affecting teenagers across New York State and the nation. This month is an important time to talk about healthy and unhealthy relationships, warning signs, and what we can do to prevent dating abuse from happening in the first place with innovative prevention strategies.

 

With more than 1 in 3 female adolescents and 1 in 4 male adolescents experiencing abuse in a relationship and with teens engaging in coercive and abusive relationships at higher rates than ever before, we are confronted with not only a state wide issue, but a national epidemic.

 

As adults, it is our responsibility to provide leadership and guidance for adolescents in our communities and in our sphere of influence, and perhaps more importantly, take leadership and guidance from adolescents themselves to understand the challenges that today's teens face. As a community, we must provide safe, open and nurturing environments to give those teens that may need assistance, the ability to speak up. If we can educate our youth in the early stages of development about healthy and respectful relationships, perhaps that may make a difference later in their lives.

 

 

TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF 

TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH 

Some ideas for activities this month:

  • "It's Time to Talk Day" on February 3rd. This is a great way to get everyone in the community talking about dating violence and how to have healthy relationships with lots of ideas and strategies to support the effort. Visit the  It's Time to Talk Day website for ideas and strategies to support the campaign.
  • Valentines' Day poses a rare opportunity to connect to an international campaign, One Billion Rising, on February 14th. To learn more about connecting to an event near you and to download a tool kit, visit the One Billion Rising website.
  • Hold a Flash Mob - Get a dance studio involved to choreograph and "train" community members (include teens and adults). Have talking points ready for all the media attention you will receive.
  • Post "28 Facts About TDV." Use your website or other social media to post 28 Facts about TDV throughout the month - one fact per day.
  • Encourage youth activism! Support students and young people to create a school-wide or community campaign on their own.
  • Have a poster or slogan contest! Ask teens to create a TDV app. Invite students to submit poetry, plays, songs, or artwork. Give the winner a prize that benefits their school, like software, an iPad or other equipment. Honor winners at an event.
  • Engage school personnel: coaches, counselors, teachers and administrators need to have their awareness raised, too.
  • Engage parents and other adult influences: send home brochures, flyers, post information on the school district website with links to helpful resources. Show a film. Invite parents to a "How to Talk to your Teen about Dating" workshop. Hold it at various dates and times throughout the month to ensure that parents can attend. Consider inviting parents and their teens together. Give teens talking points to talk to their parents, as well. 
 
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 
You can use the #NYTDVAM tag on your social media posts to highlight all of the great working going on in your program! 
And stay
 tuned in to our Facebook and Twitter pages throughout the month. We will be posting tips, resources and stats, and highlighting all of the great work that's being done across the state and nation to prevent teen dating violence. 

 

TDVAM RESOURCES 

Here is a list of just a few of the tools, resources and campaigns NYSCADV encourages programs to look to for guidance on engaging teens and the adults who have influence in their lives:

 

NYSCADV Toolkit

The NYSCADV Prevention Project Toolkit contains exercises, activities, primers, information and resources designed to help individuals and groups think about what would prevent domestic violence from happening in their communities. Tools and resources are chosen carefully, based on lessons learned and successes from local domestic violence programs throughout the state. Tools and techniques promoted in the toolkit support groups and individuals to go through their own process of discovery and decision-making to determine the role they wish to play in changing their communities. 

 

OPDV - ICanDoSomethingNY

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) has developed a new campaign, #ICanDoSomethingNY, featuring a 3-minute video in which teens describe some common behaviors that could be abusive. The young actors then present activities teens could organize in their schools and communities during February, or even all year long. Use this along with the Resource Card which can be printed and hung in the classroom all year long! They will also be following the hashtags #ICanDoSomethingNY, #tdvcandyhearts, #orange4love, and #DontDoNothing, and will highlight what teens are doing on the OPDV Facebook page.
 
 

Start Strong

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is an excellent time to speak with schools about implementing a school wide policy on teen dating violence. This comprehensive template from Start Strong may fit the bill. Start Strong also has great ideas and resources for engaging parents and other adult influences. 

 

Center for Healthy Teen Relationships

The Center for Healthy Teen Relationships is a new and innovative campaign from the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence that engages youth and focuses on gender equity. The Center promotes healthy relationship skills as a way to prevent adolescent relationship abuse and sexual assault by engaging and educating young people, parents/caregivers, and adult influences, promoting positive social norms, and policy to create sustainability. 

 

Stand 4 Respect

The Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence has created some great tools in collaboration with the ICADV Youth Council. The Stand 4 Respect campaign is youth informed and supports adults to talk with young people about relationships and encourages other teens to take action. It also voices teens' points of view to adults who can make changes that impact teens.

 

preventIPV.org

This searchable collection of resources generated in the field includes training tools, campaigns, promising programs, evidence, policies, and other materials that can be adapted in your community to advance the prevention of intimate partner violence. 

Governor Cuomo's Sexual Assault Prevention And Response Policy Adopted By SUNY 

In late 2014 the SUNY Board of Trustees passed a resolution to implement Governor Cuomo's proposed Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Policy. The policy establishes a comprehensive system-wide uniform set of practices to combat sexual assaults on SUNY campuses. It is designed to protect the safety and rights of all of New York' college and university students and provides protections, options, support and assistance to victims and survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. In his 2015 State of the State address, Governor Cuomo proposed that all private and public colleges and universities in New York State be required to adopt the policy. Follow this link to read the full SUNY sexual violence prevention and response policy.   

 

New Debt Collection Regulations

New York State's Department of Financial Services has announced new regulations governing third party debt collectors and debt buyers that will increase protections for the rights of consumers that are unfairly harassed and often defrauded by unscrupulous debt collectors.

 

Governor Andrew Cuomo said, "Here in New York we will not tolerate debt collectors who wrongfully take advantage of consumers. That's why we're rolling out tough new regulations that protect borrowers and help crack down on illegitimate debt collection practices. These new tools and disclosures will protect New Yorkers across the state, and I am pleased that our administration is leading the way on this issue."


Follow this link for more details about the new debt collection regulations.

New York Immigrant Assistance Consortium 

 

New York government representatives, community organizations, legal service providers, business leaders and immigrant leaders announced a multi-level coordination plan to help New York immigrants fully benefit from President Obama's historic announcement of administrative relief for five million immigrants in the United States. The cornerstone of the plan is the creation of an unprecedented public-private partnership - the New York Immigrant Assistance Consortium - to serve as the statewide coordinating body for this effort. The consortium aims to create a coordinated strategy to reach, educate, and assist every New Yorker eligible for administrative relief. Follow this link to read more about the New York Immigrant Assistance Consortium.


New York City Court Approves Use Of Electronic Signatures In Domestic Violence Cases

 

A Queens judge recently ruled to allow electronic signatures by victims in a domestic violence case. Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said Wednesday the judge's ruling "eliminates the need for the victims to travel around the city to sign documents." He said it also allows victims to sign documents before their batterers are released from jail and attempt to contact them. Follow this link to read more about the ruling. 

Around The Nation
Black Lives Matter

Jane Doe, Inc recently published a fantastic article about the responsibility of the domestic violence movement in the current context of deep seated and widespread racial injustice. Here's an excerpt from the article:

"The injustice, violence and death experienced by people of color will continue unabated unless there is a radical shift that acknowledges that these incidents are not about one racist cop or one grand jury. We know that there are law enforcement officers and others working hard to do the right thing every day. The problem, however, is pervasive and systemic, so the change needed is much deeper. The historical roots of racism continue to bear fruit today in every facet of our society. Denying or minimizing this reality condemns us to the status quo where not all lives matter equally, where people live in fear, where certain types of violence are met with impunity, where white people benefit from the privilege, resources and structure that undergirds institutionalized racism."


 

 

Super Bowl Public Service Announcement  

A powerful new NO MORE public service announcement will be running during the Super Bowl this Sunday! The ad will run in front of approximately 150 million Americans. Follow this link to watch the new NO MORE public service announcement.      


The courts and the federal government agree, having repeatedly found that the Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination against survivors of domestic violence because of its "disparate impact" on women. But now, the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to decide a case that will determine the future of this key legal protection. The court is considering whether the Fair Housing Act prohibits policies that have a discriminatory effect, regardless of whether they were adopted with the intent to discriminate, in Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs v. the Inclusive Communities Project, Inc. Follow this link to read the full article "Supreme Court Decision Could Be Crucial to Protecting Domestic Violence Survivors" 

Social Security Cost Of Living Adjustments

 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a modest 1.7% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2015.  Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 64 million Americans will see a slight increase. The monthly SSI federal benefit rate for an individual will increase from the previous level of $721 to $733 and the monthly rate for a couple will increase from $1,082 to $1,100.  The New York supplement will remain at $87 for individuals and $104 for couples living alone; the living with others supplements remain at $23 and $46, respectively. Follow this link for details on other related SSA COLAs.

 

Technology Corner
Federal Trade Commission Bans Notorious Revenge Porn Operator From Posting Photos Without Consent

The Federal Trade Commission is banning Craig Brittain, founder of the notorious revenge porn site IsAnybodyDown, from publishing any more nude photos or videos of people without first receiving their explicit consent. As part of a settlement with the commission, Brittain will also have to destroy all images and personal information that he collected during the course of operating IsAnybodyDown. While several states have begun to implement bans, in many areas of the US it still remains difficult for victims to get their photos and information removed from revenge porn websites. Revenge porn exists in a legal gray area that makes it fairly challenging to prosecute, in large part because the complainants often don't own the photographs that they're featured in. The settlement will be open for public comment for the next 30 days, after which there will be a vote to finalize it. Follow this link to read the full article " FTC bans notorious revenge porn operator from posting nude photos without consent." 

 

"Super Cookies" Track You, Even In Privacy Mode

A software developer in London has discovered a string of code that can carry over from your regular session into private mode, rendering privacy mode somewhat useless. Follow this link to read the full article "'Super cookies' track you, even in privacy mode  

Resources
VAWA Criminal Jurisdiction Over Non-Indians: 
NCAI Launches Technical Assistance Website
 
The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 included historic provisions that reaffirm tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians in certain domestic violence cases. When this provision takes effect nationwide on March 7, 2015, Indian tribes will be able to prosecute non-Indians who abuse Indian women on tribal lands for the first time since the Oliphant v. Suquamish decision. Importantly, there  are a number of due process requirements that must first be met. NCAI has developed a website to assist tribes as they implement the new law.

 

National Crime Victims Week Resource Guide

National Crime Victims Week is April 19-25. The 2015 NCVRW Online Resource Guide is a user-friendly package that contains everything you need to host and promote National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) in your community. This year's theme "Engaging Communities Empowering Victims" emphasizes the role of the entire community, individually and collectively, as we support victims of crime and empower them to direct their own recovery. Follow this link to view the NCVW resource guide.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

 

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $53,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. Follow this link for more information and to find a VITA program in your area. 

Technology And Abuse In Later Life: Toolkit

Technology is an invaluable resource and a vital part of our lives. For older survivors of abuse, technology can provide useful resources to find information and assistance. Yet, abusers can misuse technology to stalk and intimidate victims. The National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life designed this toolkit to provide information about common technologies, including assistive technology, and to identify ways older adults can safeguard themselves from those who misuse technology to control, harass, stalk, and/or threaten them. Follow this link to view the Technology And Abuse In Later Life Toolkit. 
Domestic Violence Evidence Project

The Domestic Violence Evidence Project (DVEP) is designed to help state coalitions, local domestic violence programs, researchers, and other allied individuals and organizations better respond to the growing emphasis on identifying and integrating evidence-based practice into their work. An online resource center to house a conceptual framework, theory of change and comprehensive evidence reviews, and profiles of innovative programs and practices related to the project's initial focus area of domestic violence core services. The project also explores the evidence related to intimate partner violence prevention and reducing abusive behavior. Follow this link to view the resources available from the DVEP.
Vera Releases Cultivating Evaluation Capacity Guide

In the newly released Cultivating Evaluation Capacity: A Guide for Programs Addressing Sexual and Domestic Violence, Vera's Center on Victimization and Safety helps programs that serve survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence assess their evaluation capacity and identify areas of strength, as well as areas for improvement. 

In addition to the publication, Vera has created a new resource hub on its website to provide domestic and sexual violence service providers with access to featured webinars that explore a number of topics addressed in the guide, including assessing evaluation readiness, developing logic models, budgeting for evaluations, and partnering with evaluators, and to provide an inside look at how organizations have applied these lessons in the field. Follow this link to view the Cultivating Evaluation Capacity Guide. 

National Latin@Network TA & Training Opportunity  

National Latin@ Network is now accepting applications from organizations that desire training and technical assistance to engage Latino mend and boys in the movement to end gender based violence. If selected, organizations will receive at no cost: material to work directly with men; customization for all Te Invito tools; personalized social media training; and capacity building for community engagement. Ten organizations will be chosen to receive this technical assistance at no cost. To apply, fill out the Te Invito questionnaire. 
White House Announces Human Trafficking Resources
 

The Blue Campaign

The unified voice for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's efforts to combat human trafficking. The Blue Campaign offers comprehensive anti-human trafficking resources available for public distribution . 

 

U.S. Department of Education Releases: Human Trafficking in America's Schools

A groundbreaking guide for educators on identifying and preventing child trafficking in schools. Download here:  http://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/human-trafficking-americas-schools   

  

Participate in #WhatIWouldMiss Campaign

The #WhatIWouldMiss campaign is a public-private partnership to raise awareness about human trafficking among high school students through a peer-to-peer social media competition, organized by President Lincoln's Cottage, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Department of Education. The goals of the campaign are to increase youth engagement in preventing and ending human trafficking, generate youth-informed and youth-friendly prevention and intervention messages, share effective prevention messages on a broad scale, and raise public awareness about human trafficking. The winning submission will attend the third annual Students Opposing Slavery International Summit in Washington, DC. Deadline is February 27, 2015. Visit the WhatIWouldMiss website for more information and to apply. 

Funding
National Girls Initiative Innovation Awards

The National Girls Initiative (NGI), operated through a collaboration between the American Institutes for Research (AIR) and The National Crittenton Foundation (TNCF) with funding from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking applications for the National Girls Initiative (NGI) Innovation Awards.

The goal of the National Girls Initiative (NGI) Innovation Awards is to address the needs of girls and young women in, or at risk of entering, the juvenile justice system. Funds will be used to support girls' alliances, coalitions, and other collaborative efforts to advance changes in policies and programs designed to meet the unique needs of girls in one or more of the following priority areas:

  • Collaboration with State Juvenile Justice Specialists, State Advisory Groups, local governments, and Tribal Councils.
  • Reduction in the arrest and detention of girls.
  • Implementation of gender-specific, culturally-responsive, trauma-informed, strength-based and developmentally appropriate approaches for the delivery of services to girls in a variety of settings.

Intent to apply must be submitted by February 4. Visit the Innovation Awards webpage to view the RFA. 

 
OVW Transitional Housing Assistance Grant Program 

The OVW Transitional Housing Assistance Grant Program for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Stalking or Sexual Assault Program (Transitional Housing Assistance Program) focuses on a holistic, victim-centered approach to providing transitional housing services that move survivors into permanent housing. Follow this link to view the OVW Transitional Housing Assistance Program website. 

OVC Announces Professional Development Scholarships


 

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has awarded an additional $35,000 for Professional Development Scholarships to attend our 2015 International Conference on Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Campus Responses in New Orleans. Applications must be received 60 days before the event.  For our conference, the deadline is Friday, February 6, 2015. For more information follow this link: https://www.ovcttac.gov/views/HowWeCanHelp/dspPDScholarship.cfm

New Leadership New York Summer Institute


 
This is a unique opportunity for undergraduate women offered by the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, University at Albany, State University of New York. The goals of NLNY are to strengthen policy knowledge and skills of undergraduate women, and invite them to become advocates for positive social change. This intensive week-long summer institute encourages leadership through action, and urges participants upon graduation from the program to develop and lead a campus/community project by offering competitive mini grant awards. The Institute will be held from Wednesday, May 27, 2015 through Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at the University at Albany campus. For more information on the institute visit the Center for Women in Government website. 

Webinars & Trainings
(descriptions are taken directly from the host's event announcements)

The National Resource Center On Domestic Violence, 2nd Chance, WISE, And Voices Of Men  

 

Engaging Men: Triumphs, Troubles and Tools 
February 4, 2015

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM EST   

 

This webinar will serve as a virtual workshop designed to generate dialogue about the current proliferation of "engaging men" work. What are the benefits of men's expanding involvement? How is this shift impacting community-based work? What are the unintended consequences of men's expanding involvement and leadership? Follow this link to register for the Engaging Men: Triumphs, Troubles and Tools webinar. 

Good Shepherd Services 

 

Relationship Conflict or Relationship Abuse? Differential Assessment and Response Workshop 
February 5, 2015

9:30 AM - 4:30 PM EST  

 

Relationships where there is domestic/intimate partner abuse are different in some key ways from relationships where there is high conflict and volatility. Both kinds of relationships may be unhealthy and even dangerous, but differentiating between the two is important. Power dynamics, patterns, and coping skills used within these relationships are different, and therefore our responses to these relationships as providers must also differentiate. How do we know which is which? What are the differences? How do we make an assessment, and how does that assessment impact our response and intervention? This workshop will compare healthy, high-conflict, and abusive relationships along several key areas of assessment. Tools and options for intervention and response will be explored in order to promote safety, accountability, and best practice. Follow this link to register for the Relationship Conflict or Relationship Abuse? Differential Assessment and Response workshop


The Northwest Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse  

 

Nothing's Neutral, Part 2: Feminist Programs Welcoming Survivors of All Genders 

 February 10, 2015

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM EST  

 

A gender neutral analysis of intimate partner violence, abuse, sexual assault, rape and stalking will not result in more support for LGBTQ survivors.  Instead, a robust gender analysis is needed.  This webinar will advance our call to action for feminist-centered anti-violence programs to welcome all survivors with meaningful support, debunk barriers to gender-integrated services, and build on understandings of sexism's role in gender violence. This webinar will make a call for men who have survived rape, sexual abuse, domestic violence, stalking and similar harms to build common cause with feminist anti-violence programs and to seek movement leadership from women and gender-queer people. Follow this link to register for the Nothing's Neutral, Part 2: Feminist Programs Welcoming Survivors of All Genders webinar.

Violence Intervention Program

Rising for Justice in East Harlem

February 14, 2015


 

On Saturday, February 14, 2015, Violence Intervention Program, Inc, the Office of NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and the Silberman School of Social Work will team up for Rising for Justice in East Harlem - a community-based action to combat sexual assault and rape and make our schools and neighborhoods as safe as possible. We invite you to join us during this international day of awareness around the issues of violence against women and girls. Follow this link to register to join Rising For Justice in East Harlem . 

The Northwest Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse 

 

Moving Beyond the Wheel: Understanding Domestic Violence in LGBTQ Communities
February 17, 2015
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM EST

 

This webinar will center the importance of building awareness of the context of LGBTQ people's lives as a key component in supporting creative, effective advocacy with LGBTQ survivors. Through story sharing and examples, we will expand our understanding of the strengths, vulnerabilities and barriers LGBTQ survivors face in navigating systems and communities, as well as addressing the unique considerations for safety planning and advocacy rooted in the lived experiences of LGBTQ survivors. Follow this link to register for the Moving Beyond the Wheel: Understanding Violence in LGBTQ Communities  webinar. 

Battered Women's Justice Project 

 

Immigrant Crime Visas: Law Enforcement's Tool to Strengthen Community Policing
February 18, 2015

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM EST 

 

Congress created the U visa as a tool to strengthen the ability of law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies to detection, investigation, prosecution and sentencing of crimes against immigrants, a population that traditionally under-reports crimes of which they are victims. The U visa offers temporary immigration benefits to victims of qualifying criminal activities, and to their qualifying family members. Please join Leslye Orloff, Director of the National Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project (NIWAP) and Officer Michael LaRiviere, for this webinar, which will describe the elements of the U visa, guidelines regarding completing a U visa certification form, and the U visa's benefits to the law enforcement community and to survivors of certain qualifying violent crimes and their families. Participants will also learn about effective practices to build collaborations with law enforcement and how to utilize these relationships to promote community safety, overcome challenges and obtain U visa certification.

The Full Frame Initiative and Transforming Communities  

 

How Do Survivors of Domestic Violence Define Success for Themselves?
February 19, 2015

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EST

 

Transforming Communities: Technical Assistance, Training and Resource Center (TC-TAT) is pleased to co-host a webinar with the Full Frame Initiative (FFI). FFI set out to understand how people who have experienced domestic violence and others in the domestic violence field define success for survivors. FFI conducted 46 workshops with survivors and practitioners in mainstream, culturally specific and under served communities and 12 interviews with policy makers and funders, across California. The findings call into question some of the most basic assumptions about the domestic violence field.  Follow this link to register for the "How Do Survivors of Domestic Violence Define Success for Themselves?" webinar.  

Battered Women's Justice Project 

 

Boy, What We've Learned: 13 Years of Monitoring Pretrial Defendants on GPS in Denver City and County 
February 27, 2015

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EST

 

This webinar provides an overview of the pretrial process for defendants arrested for domestic violence related charges in Denver. From the initial arrest through the pretrial process, players from the prosecution, defense, victim advocates, and pretrial services all share information. Presenters will discuss specifically how this collaboration assists in the accurate assessment of the defendant's pretrial risk and how GPS technology is utilized on high-risk defendants. Denver's use of both the CPAT and ODARA risk assessment tools in the pretrial process will be discussed. Presenters will discuss the supervision of domestic violence related defendants with the use of GPS technology including victim contact and responding to high-risk alerts. Follow this link to register for the "Boy, What We've Learned: 13 Years of Monitoring Pretrial Defendants on GPS in Denver City and County" webinar. 

Fordham University Law School  


Building Bridges: Interdisciplinary Collaboration to Address Under-Recognized Harms

March 2 - 3, 2015  

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST

 

The Fordham Forum on Domestic Violence will bring together legal services attorneys, private practitioners and members of the judiciary and academia to learn and discuss cutting edge issues arising in our work with survivors. This two-day conference is appropriate for newly admitted and experienced attorneys and is approved for a maximum of 12 transitional and non-transitional credit hours. Fordham Law School's financial aid policy for accredited CLE programs is applicable to this conference. Follow this link to register for the "Building Bridges: Interdisciplinary Collaboration to Address Under-Recognized Harms" forum. 

Employment Opportunities
(descriptions are taken directly from the host's employment announcements)

New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence  

Operations Coordinator 

 

The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence is seeking a full time Operations Coordinator. The position is based in Albany, NY.

 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY: The Operations Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the day-to-day operations of the organization.

 

DUTIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

 

Finance & Administration Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate Human Resource requirements of agency in conjunction with the Director of Finance. 
  • Ensure agency compliance with required labor and human resources postings, and reporting and filing as needed.
  • Coordinate all agency equipment and supply purchases, adhere to agency procurement policies, and maintain equipment inventory.
  • Coordinate assigned AR & AP tasks following accounting and audit standards and procedures.
  • Prepare budgets as requested for trainings, conferences, and events.
  • Research training and meeting venues, identify vendors, and request bids and quotes as needed.
  • Track training/meeting registration and payments.
  • Purchase and maintain inventory of general office supplies and invoice/receipt files.
  • Coordinate filing and document retention system for projects and agency.
  • Ensure safety and cleanliness of agency office space, coordinate facility maintenance operations, and schedule service calls as needed.
  • Provide additional administrative support for Executive Director as requested.

 

Agency and Project Responsibilities:
  • Serve as first point of contact for agency and provide service to guests and vendors.
  • Answer and direct main office telephone line and provide technical assistance as needed.
  • Process incoming and outgoing mail.
  • Maintain office equipment and schedule maintenance as required.
  • Monitor general email account and provide technical assistance as needed.
  • Coordinate agency travel reservations (rental car, hotel, train, and airline) as requested.
  • Research meeting/training/event space and serve as liaison with venue staff.
  • Coordinate staff needs for events (i.e., audio/video requirements and room set-up).
  • Manage Banquet Event Orders, and Function Contracts as needed.
  • Maintain event registration databases.
  • Serve as liaison with programs and individuals seeking information regarding events.
  • Prepare and collate materials for technical assistance and training packets.
  • Create flyers, program agendas, and materials as requested.
  • Assist with implementing policy, training, and technical assistance projects.
  • Conduct project needs assessments and produce reports.
  • Provide ongoing technical assistance to member programs and allied professionals.
  • Provide individual and systems advocacy as opportunities arise or as requested.
  • Create project materials and compile resources to support the goals of assigned projects.
  • Conduct project evaluation tasks and assist with reports.
  • Review and analyze local, statewide, and national policy issues.
  • Perform administrative tasks for assigned projects as necessary.
  • Participate in activities and meetings as assigned.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPECTATIONS:

  • Highly organized, self-motivated professional who has a Bachelor's Degree and/or 3-5 years of experience in operations and office management.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, planning and project coordination, and problem-solving expertise.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in Windows operating system, MS Office, databases, and non-profit programming required.
  • Ability to multi-task and maintain attention to detail.
  • Ability to remain tactful and courteous while working under pressure.
  • Commitment to nonviolence and ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
  • Ability to maintain an independent workload, and work collaboratively and professionally with all staff, consultants, board members, allies, funders, and members.
  • Personal qualities of integrity and credibility and commitment to NYSCADV's Mission.
  • Ability to comply with the agency Ethics, Standards of Conduct, and Confidentiality policies.
  • Ability to express oneself verbally and through written communications in order to convey factual information to agencies, organizations, and individuals.
  • Knowledge of domestic violence advocacy highly preferred.
  • Valid driver's license, access to own transportation, willingness and ability to travel.

ABOUT NYSCADV:

The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to create and support the social change necessary to prevent and confront all forms of domestic violence. As a statewide membership organization, we achieve our mission through activism, education, and leadership development, promotion of sound policy and practice, and broad-based collaboration integrating anti-oppression principles in all our work.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for 3 professional references to: nyscadvjobs@nyscadv.org No phone calls please. Review of applications will begin immediately and the position will remain open until filled.

 

The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence is an Equal Employment Opportunity Organization.

 

New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence

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