Category: Violence Against Women Act

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Domestic Violence Violence Against Women Act

PR: Report: DV Programs May be Shortchanging Women

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Nasheia Conway

Email: nconway@saveservices.org

Report: “Domestic Violence Programs May Be Shortchanging Women”

WASHINGTON / December 13, 2017 – Stop Abusive and Violent Environments is today issuing a report that documents the ineffectiveness and unresponsiveness of the nation’s domestic violence programs, and reveals some of these policies may be harmful to women. SAVE calls upon Congressional lawmakers to assure that qualified persons are selected to draft the upcoming reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.

Current domestic violence laws were crafted by advocates who ascribe to the “power and control” model of domestic violence. The “patriarchal control” concept is inconsistent with research findings that women are often the initiators of partner violence (1), and cannot explain why rates of violence are higher among lesbian than heterosexual couples (2).

The power and control orientation has led to rigid domestic violence laws that foster mandatory arrest and no-drop prosecution policies, which are seen as unresponsive to the wishes and needs of women.

The report identifies 10 ways in which the nation’s domestic violence laws are shortchanging women:

  1. No proof of effectiveness
  2. Rigid arrest and prosecution policies place victims at risk
  3. Mandatory prosecution ignores women’s wishes
  4. Women lulled into a false sense of security
  5. Aggressive criminal justice measures ensnare women
  6. Heavy caseloads make it harder for victims to get help
  7. Female abusers can’t get needed help
  8. Shelters lack a therapeutic focus
  9. Children removed from homes
  10. Family dissolution

The report is supported by over 50 citations of scientific research studies, government surveys, and expert reports, and is available online (3).

Citations:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, Atlanta, Georgia. Tables 4.7 and 4.8. http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/pdf/NISVS_Report2010-a.pdf
  2. NISVS, 2010 Findings on Victimization by Sexual Orientation, Tables 6 and 7. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/nisvs_sofindings.pdf
  3. http://www.saveservices.org/reports/

 

SAVE (Stop Abusive and Violent Environments) is working for practical and effective solutions to domestic violence: www.saveservices.org

Categories
Discrimination Domestic Violence Press Release Research VAWA Inclusion Mandate Victim-Centered Investigations Victims Violence Against Women Act

PR: SAVE Encourages Domestic Violence Groups to Warn At-Risk Victims

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Teri Stoddard
Telephone: 301-801-0608
Email: tstoddard@saveservices.org

SAVE Encourages Domestic Violence Groups to Warn At-Risk Victims

WASHINGTON / October 29, 2013 – Stop Abusive and Violent Environments, a leading domestic violence advocacy group, is urging anti-abuse service organizations to update their websites and training materials so persons at high risk of partner violence are warned to take necessary protective measures.

SAVE has identified three risk factors that dramatically multiply a person’s chance of injury and death:

  1. Separated: Persons who are separated face a risk of partner violence that is 50 times higher than the rate of married individuals: Married: 0.9/1,000. Separated: 49.0/1,000.
  2. Mutual violence: A CDC survey found that injury is more than twice as likely when the violence is mutual — 28.4% — compared to unidirectional violence — 11.6%.
  3. Female-initiated violence: Female initiation of violence is the leading reason for the woman becoming injured by her partner, according to research by Dr. Sandra Stith.

A review of existing online Fact Sheets reveals some groups, such as the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, do warn persons about the first risk factor.

But SAVE’s analysis has failed to identify a single group that is warning persons about the risks of mutual or female-initiated violence. As a result, at-risk persons do not take special precautions to deter violence. And policymakers may be unaware of the need for programs designed to address these worrisome situations.

To date, SAVE has reviewed Fact Sheets produced by the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Futures Without Violence, New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, NY City Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence, and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. SAVE evaluated their statements according to 10 objective criteria of accuracy, balance, and completeness: http://www.saveservices.org/camp/truth/

In the future, SAVE plans to review the educational materials of other organizations

“SAVE applauds the work of domestic violence groups that warn persons about the risks of separating from an abusive partner,” notes SAVE spokesperson Sheryle Hutter. “But why aren’t these groups also highlighting the risks of mutual and female-initiated abuse?”

Each year, approximately 1,200 Americans were killed by their intimate partners.

Stop Abusive and Violent Environments is a victim-advocacy organization working for evidence-based solutions to domestic violence and sexual assault: www.saveservices.org

Categories
CAMP Discrimination Domestic Violence Press Release Research VAWA Inclusion Mandate Victims Violence Against Women Act

PR: Factual Missteps Are Slowing National Campaign to End Partner Abuse, SAVE Says

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Teri Stoddard
Telephone: 301-801-0608
Email: tstoddard@saveservices.org

Factual Missteps Are Slowing National Campaign to End Partner Abuse, SAVE Says

WASHINGTON / October 1, 2013 – Victim-advocacy group Stop Abusive and Violent Environments warns that factual errors and misrepresentations in public education efforts sponsored by domestic violence organizations may represent an obstacle in the on-going effort to rid the nation of domestic violence. SAVE issues the alert in conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is observed in October each year.

The Partner Abuse State of Knowledge (PASK) project, a summary of over 1,700 domestic violence research studies, concludes that mutual abuse among partners is commonplace, and men and women engage in partner aggression at similar rates: http://domesticviolenceresearch.org/

Despite the PASK findings, SAVE notes some domestic violence organizations continue to ignore the problem of mutual abuse and minimize female-initiated aggression: www.saveservices.org/camp/truth/. Some groups maintain that domestic violence is an expression of patriarchal power, a stance that ignores the plight of thousands of women caught in abusive same-sex relationships.

The biased statements undergird shelter policies that allow male victims to be turned away. The informational errors also result in female offenders not being referred for anger management classes, substance abuse treatment, or other services: http://www.saveservices.org/downloads/VAWA-Has-It-Delivered-on-Its-Promises-to-Women

“Domestic Violence Awareness Month is supposed to be about enhancing citizens’ understanding of domestic violence,” notes SAVE spokesperson Sheryle Hutter. “But groups that distort the truth are keeping us from ending the cycle of violence.”

Organizations receiving federal grants are prohibited from engaging in wasteful or fraudulent practices, according to the Department of Justice: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/financialguide/PDFs/OCFO_2012FinancialGuide.pdf Domestic violence services organizations are welcome to update their training materials and fact sheets based on SAVE’s Seven Key Facts About Domestic Violence: http://www.saveservices.org/key-facts/

Stop Abusive and Violent Environments is a victim-advocacy organization working for evidence-based solutions to domestic violence and sexual assault: www.saveservices.org

Categories
Accountability CAMP Domestic Violence Press Release Research VAWA Inclusion Mandate Victims Violence Against Women Act

PR: ‘Truth Team’ Will Promote Accurate Information and Inclusiveness by Abuse Agencies

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Teri Stoddard
Telephone: 301-801-0608
Email: tstoddard@saveservices.org

‘Truth Team’ Will Promote Accurate Information and Inclusiveness by Abuse Agencies

WASHINGTON / September 9, 2013 – SAVE, a non-profit victim advocacy organization, announces the launch of a new project called “Truth Team.” The project is designed to counter misinformation and assure compliance with the new federal inclusivity mandate of the Violence Against Women Act.

Truth Team will rely on findings from the Partner Abuse State of Knowledge (PASK) project, a summary of over 1,700 research studies on domestic violence which concludes men and women engage in partner aggression at approximately equal rates. (http://domesticviolenceresearch.org/)

The CDC National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey found 6.5% of men, compared to 6.3% of women, had experienced physical violence committed by a partner. (http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/pdf/NISVS_Report2010-a.pdf , Tables 4.7 and 4.8) The survey also found that each year, men are far more likely to experience psychological aggression: 18% of men compared to 14% of women. (Tables 4.9 and 4.10)

But 18 months after the release of this government study, SAVE notes that many domestic violence organizations still depict partner aggression in ways that are misleading and untruthful. Faulty information can give rise to policies that serve to exclude needy victims. These exclusionary practices often violate provisions added to the Violence Against Women Act during its recent reauthorization.

Truth Team will review agencies’ Fact Sheet, compare them against 10 objective criteria, and assign a letter grade. SAVE will then work with agencies to update their Fact Sheets to assure accuracy. Results of the assessment will be posted on the SAVE website and disseminated to the public.

“Domestic violence groups need to make sure the information they are providing to the public is accurate and honest,” notes SAVE spokesperson Sheryle Hutter. “Lawmakers and the public will no longer tolerate the exclusion of victims from our abuse shelters and service programs.”

More information about SAVE’s Truth Team can be seen at http://www.saveservices.org/camp/truth/

Stop Abusive and Violent Environments is a victim-advocacy organization working for evidence-based solutions to domestic violence and sexual assault: www.saveservices.org

Categories
Abuse Shelter Dating Violence Discrimination Domestic Violence Press Release Victims Violence Violence Against Women Act

PR: SAVE Applauds Growing Number of Inclusive Abuse Shelters

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Teri Stoddard
Telephone: 301-801-0608
Email: tstoddard@saveservices.org

SAVE Applauds Growing Number of Inclusive Abuse Shelters

WASHINGTON / April 16, 2013 – SAVE, a national victim-rights organization, welcomes the growing number of abuse shelters and other domestic violence service providers that now provide inclusive services. These services are required under the new VAWA Inclusion Mandate (1), a series of anti-discrimination provisions included in the newly reauthorized Violence Against Women Act.

The anti-bias measures were included in the Violence Against Women Act due to documented discriminatory practices against lesbian/gay (2), male (3), and other (4) victims of abuse. The Violence Against Women Act reauthorization, signed into law on March 7, 2013, now bans discrimination on the basis of “race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability.”

Stop Abusive and Violent Environments – SAVE – has compiled a listing of inclusive shelters that features over 50 domestic violence providers located around the country (5). Examples include:

1. Peaceful Paths, based in Gainesville, Fla., provides a crisis line, emergency shelter, advocacy, support groups, and transitional housing to LGBTQ, male, and female victims of partner abuse.

2. Located in Lebanon, New Hampshire, WISE offers a 24-hr crisis line, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, referrals to all victims – LGBTQ, female, or male.

3. First Step in Fostoria, Ohio, First Step offers a shelter for male victims of domestic violence and programs to build healthy relationships, learn parenting skills, manage stress effectively, and develop life skills.

Many shelters, such as South Valley Sanctuary in Murray, Utah, also offer their inclusive services in both English and Spanish. Some groups, such as the Domestic Violence Program of Asian Americans for Community Involvement in San Jose, Calif., target their services to specific ethnic groups.

“After years of exclusion, it’s thrilling to see so many shelters now expanding their services so no survivor of domestic violence becomes revictimized by the system,” notes SAVE spokesperson Sheryle Hutter. “And for shelters scrambling to come into line with the Inclusion Mandate, SAVE’s Inclusion Resource Center should be a great help.”

SAVE offers a range of resources to shelters working to assure compliance with the VAWA Inclusion Mandate, including an Inclusion Checklist, fact sheets, research summaries, and population-specific information (6). Domestic violence providers who wish to be considered for inclusion in the Listing of Inclusive Shelters should send a request to inclusivevawa@saveservices.org. There is no charge for the listing.

Stop Abusive and Violent Environments is a victim-advocacy organization working for evidence-based solutions to domestic violence and sexual assault: www.saveservices.org

  1. http://www.saveservices.org/inclusive-vawa/legal-provisions/
  2. http://www.avp.org/resources/avp-resources/136
  3. http://www.saveservices.org/downloads/Domestic-Violence-Programs-Discriminate-Against-Male-Victims
  4. Tricia Bent-Goodley. Perceptions of Domestic Violence: A Dialogue with African American Women. Health and Social Work, Vol. 29, No. 4. 2004.
  5. http://www.saveservices.org/inclusive-vawa/shelter-listings/
  6. http://www.saveservices.org/inclusive-vawa/resources/
Categories
Abuse Shelter Civil Rights Discrimination Domestic Violence Press Release Victims Violence Against Women Act

Press Release: SAVE Unveils the Inclusive-VAWA Resource Center

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Teri Stoddard
Telephone: 301-801-0608
Email: tstoddard@saveservices.org

SAVE Unveils the Inclusive-VAWA Resource Center

WASHINGTON / April 3, 2013 – Following Congressional approval of the VAWA Inclusion Mandate, victim advocacy group Stop Abusive and Violent Environments (SAVE) is unveiling a new Inclusive-VAWA Resource Center for abuse shelters and other domestic violence service providers. The VAWA Inclusion Mandate, which applies to all organizations receiving grants under the newly reauthorized Violence Against Women Act, bans discrimination on the basis of “race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability” (1).

The Inclusive-VAWA Resource Center features a variety of tools designed to help program directors comply with the new mandate. The Resource Center includes fact sheets, an inclusion checklist, special reports, a summary of legal requirements, and more. The fact sheets can be used by shelter managers to update information on websites and in training materials.

The Resource Center includes a sample Resolution for lawmakers who want to assure that under-served populations have equal access to services (2). These populations include African-Americans, American Indians, Asian-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Immigrants, LGBT, Male Victims, and Persons with Disabilities.

SAVE also offers a consulting service to help domestic violence and sexual assault programs implement the VAWA Inclusion Mandate. This service can include phone consultations, trainings, website updates, and development of brochures and training manuals.

SAVE is recognizing abuse shelters with inclusive policies by listing them in the Resource Center.

“It’s exciting to see people standing up for these under-served victims,” says SAVE spokeswoman Kim Konash, “Thanks to the new VAWA Inclusion Mandate, no victim will need to fear being ridiculed or turned away.”

The Inclusive-VAWA Resource Center can be visited here: www.saveservices.org/inclusive-vawa/resources/.

For more information, contact inclusivevawa@saveservices.org.

Stop Abusive and Violent Environments is a victim-advocacy organization working for evidence-based solutions to domestic violence and sexual assault: www.saveservices.org

  1.  http://www.saveservices.org/inclusive-vawa/legal-provisions/
  2.  http://www.saveservices.org/inclusive-vawa/resolution/
Categories
Abuse Shelter Civil Rights Discrimination Domestic Violence Press Release Research Victims Violence Against Women Act

PR: A Legacy of Bias: Lawmakers Urged to Enact Resolution on VAWA Inclusiveness

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Teri Stoddard
Telephone: 301-801-0608
Email: tstoddard@saveservices.org

A Legacy of Bias: Lawmakers Urged to Enact Resolution on VAWA Inclusiveness

WASHINGTON / March 25, 2013 – Following recent approval of the federal Violence Against Women Act, SAVE, a national victim-rights organization, is urging state lawmakers to enact a Resolution Regarding the Necessity of Inclusive Domestic Violence Programs (1).

The Resolution is an important first step in reversing years of bias and discrimination in the provision of domestic violence services.

The Violence Against Women Act reauthorization, approved by a bi-partisan vote and signed into law on March 7, 2013, bans discrimination on the basis of “race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability” (2).

The anti-bias measure was included in the law because of documented discriminatory practices against male (3), lesbian/gay (4), and African-American (5) victims of abuse. SAVE receives reports that such practices are widespread and continue to the present day.

The Resolution is featured in a SAVE’s Inclusive-VAWA Resource Center. The Resource Center offers an inclusion checklist, consultation services, fact sheets, and other information for lawmakers, service providers, and abuse victims (6).

“Many believe the civil rights movement of the 1960s ended the legacy of a shameful discriminatory past,” notes SAVE spokesperson Sheryle Hutter. “But every day in America, abuse shelters still promote harmful stereotypes and callously turn away victims from their doorsteps.”

Attorney General Eric Holder welcomed VAWA’s anti-discrimination provisions: “I applaud Congress for passing a bipartisan reauthorization that protects everyone – women and men, gay and straight, children and adults of all races, ethnicities, countries of origin, and tribal affiliations.” (7)

Stop Abusive and Violent Environments is a victim-advocacy organization working for evidence-based solutions to domestic violence and sexual assault: www.saveservices.org

  1. http://www.saveservices.org/inclusive-vawa/resolution/
  2. http://www.saveservices.org/inclusive-vawa/legal-provisions/
  3. http://www.saveservices.org/downloads/Domestic-Violence-Programs-Discriminate-Against-Male-Victims
  4. http://www.avp.org/resources/avp-resources/136
  5. Tricia Bent-Goodley. Perceptions of Domestic Violence: A Dialogue with African American Women. Health and Social Work, Vol. 29, No. 4. 2004.
  6. http://www.saveservices.org/inclusive-vawa/resources/
  7. http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2013/February/13-ag-253.html
Categories
Abuse Shelter Accountability Discrimination Domestic Violence Press Release Victims Violence Violence Against Women Act

Press Release: Lawmakers Urged to Swiftly Implement VAWA’s Inclusiveness Mandate

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Teri Stoddard
Telephone: 301-801-0608
Email: tstoddard@saveservices.org

Lawmakers Urged to Swiftly Implement VAWA’s Inclusiveness Mandate

WASHINGTON / March 12, 2013 – Following recent reauthorization of the federal Violence Against Women Act, SAVE, a leading victim-rights organization, is calling on state lawmakers to move swiftly to implement the inclusiveness mandate of the new federal law.

Lawmakers need to establish independent commissions to review the policies and practices of abuse shelters, police departments, and prosecutors, and then pass appropriate laws designed to weed out all traces of bias, SAVE says.

Discriminatory practices have been documented on a wide scale against male (1), lesbian/gay (2), and immigrant (3) victims of abuse. The new federal law features numerous provisions designed to bring a halt to discriminatory practices. SAVE, which advocates for all victims of domestic violence, has developed a summary of the new federal requirements (4).

“The VAWA debate over the last year has exposed a disturbing pattern of prejudice and bias in our nation’s approach to curbing partner abuse,” notes SAVE spokesperson Sheryle Hutter. “We thank the members of Congress who stood up to say, ‘No victim of domestic violence should be re-victimized by shameful discriminatory practices.’”

Within hours of the bill’s passage in the House of Representatives, Attorney General Eric Holder released this statement: “I applaud Congress for passing a bipartisan reauthorization that protects everyone – women and men, gay and straight, children and adults of all races, ethnicities, countries of origin, and tribal affiliations.” (5)

Stop Abusive and Violent Environments is a victim-advocacy organization working for evidence-based solutions to domestic violence and sexual assault: www.saveservices.org

  1. http://www.saveservices.org/downloads/Domestic-Violence-Programs-Discriminate-Against-Male-Victims
  2. http://www.cuav.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/5670_2008NCAVPDVReport.pdf
  3. http://www.vawnet.org/applied-research-papers/print-document.php?doc_id=384
  4. http://www.saveservices.org/vawa-reauthorization/inclusive-vawa/
  5. http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2013/February/13-ag-253.html
Categories
Civil Rights Discrimination Domestic Violence Press Release Violence Violence Against Women Act

PR: SAVE Praises Attorney General Eric Holder for Visionary Statement on VAWA Inclusion

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Teri Stoddard
Telephone: 301-801-0608
Email: tstoddard@saveservices.org

SAVE Praises Attorney General Eric Holder for Visionary Statement on VAWA Inclusion

WASHINGTON / March 7, 2013 – SAVE, a leading victim-rights organization, is applauding United States Attorney General Eric Holder for his statement advocating for the inclusiveness of programs funded by the Violence Against Women Act.

Within hours of the bill’s passage in the House of Representatives, Attorney General Eric Holder released this statement: “I applaud Congress for passing a bipartisan reauthorization that protects everyone – women and men, gay and straight, children and adults of all races, ethnicities, countries of origin, and tribal affiliations.” (1)

The recently passed bill contains numerous non-discrimination provisions designed to assure all victims are helped by the new law.

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) likewise noted, “Today’s passage of the Senate’s bipartisan Violence Against Women Act reauthorization is a victory for millions of women and men across the nation who are victims of sexual and domestic violence, and proof that the voice of the American people matters.” (2)

“Today, many Republicans are taking a stand for a more modern and inclusive GOP. Our leaders in Congress should be weary of leaving the LGBT community out of legislation that is intended to protect all Americans from domestic violence,” said Gregory Angelo, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans.

“The VAWA debate over the last year has exposed a disturbing pattern of prejudice and bias in our nation’s approach to curbing partner abuse,” notes SAVE spokesperson Sheryle Hutter. “We thank Attorney General Holder for his courage and foresight in advocating for all victims of domestic violence.”

Discriminatory practices have been documented on a wide scale against male (3), lesbian/gay (4), and immigrant (5) victims of abuse.

Stop Abusive and Violent Environments is a victim-advocacy organization working for evidence-based solutions to domestic violence and sexual assault: www.saveservices.org

  1. http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2013/February/13-ag-253.html
  2. http://ellison.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=967:rep-keith-ellison-violence-against-women-act-passage-a-victory-for-the-wellstone-legacy&catid=1:latest&Itemid=16
  3. http://www.saveservices.org/downloads/Domestic-Violence-Programs-Discriminate-Against-Male-Victims
  4. http://www.cuav.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/5670_2008NCAVPDVReport.pdf
  5. http://www.vawnet.org/applied-research-papers/print-document.php?doc_id=384
Categories
Bills Civil Rights Discrimination Domestic Violence Press Release Victims Violence Violence Against Women Act

Press Release: SAVE Applauds New Inclusion Mandate of Violence Against Women Act

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Teri Stoddard
Telephone: 301-801-0608
Email: tstoddard@saveservices.org

SAVE Applauds New Inclusion Mandate of Violence Against Women Act

WASHINGTON / March 1, 2013 – SAVE, a leading victim-rights organization, is applauding the recent passage of the Violence Against Women Act which includes a new mandate for inclusive services. Following spirited debates that spanned a full year, the VAWA reauthorization bill was approved yesterday in the House of Representatives by a vote of 286-138.

Within hours of its passage, Attorney General Eric Holder released this statement: “I applaud Congress for passing a bipartisan reauthorization that protects everyone – women and men, gay and straight, children and adults of all races, ethnicities, countries of origin, and tribal affiliations.” (1)

Sen. Patrick Leahy, lead author of the Senate VAWA bill, has repeatedly emphasized the necessity for the law to help all victims: “A victim is a victim is a victim. And violence is violence is violence.” (2)

A press release from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence echoes the same theme: “This bipartisan legislation improves VAWA programs and strengthens protections for all victims of violence” (emphasis in the original).

And the Independent Women’s Forum called on the Violence Against Women Act to be refocused “to include all victims rather than singling out specific groups for special protection based on gender, sexual orientation, or other group status.” (3)

“Through all the debates of the past year, members of Congress agreed on one thing – a need to bring an end to the discriminatory practices of VAWA programs,” explains SAVE spokesperson Sheryle Hutter. “Discrimination on any basis is wrong, and we thank the leaders in Congress who had the courage to stop this shameful practice.”

Reports have documented widespread bias against heterosexual male (4) and lesbian/gay victims of abuse.

Stop Abusive and Violent Environments is a victim-advocacy organization working for evidence-based solutions to domestic violence and sexual assault: www.saveservices.org  

  1. http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2013/February/13-ag-253.html
  2. http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/02/13/leahy-slams-republican-opposition-to-violence-against-women-act-a-victim-is-a-victim/
  3. http://www.iwf.org/publications/2790645/The-Violence-Against-Women-Act
  4. http://www.saveservices.org/downloads/Domestic-Violence-Programs-Discriminate-Against-Male-Victims