MADISON (WMSN) -- Domestic violence-related deaths were up more than 50% in 2009, compared to 2008. According to The Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 46 domestic violence cases resulted in 59 deaths in 2009, that's up from 36 deaths in 2008.
In Dane County, Domestic Abuse Intervention Services says there were seven domestic violence related murders and three attempted homicides in 09' compared to five homicides in 2008. "It's not only that our numbers have gone up, but we are hearing from the clients we serve say the severity of violence they experience has gotten worse," says Shannon Barry with Domestic Abuse Intervention Services.
Locally, Rock County has experienced similar increases. YWCA Rock County is seeing increases in needs, particularly clients seeking shelter, walk-ins, and in the severity of abuse. Plus, advocates are realizing it's now harder for women to make calls or escape with any belongings because their abusers are home more as a result of layoffs and unemployment.
"Leaving an abuser is the most dangerous time for a victim of domestic abuse," says Marilyn Harris, program director for YWCA Rock County's Anti-Violence programming. "It’s important to have a detailed safety plan to get out. Don’t tell the abuser you’re leaving or where you’re going. But do tell a trusted friend, someone who can check up on you when you enact your plan.
Know where you’re going, whether it’s a shelter, a hotel or a friend’s house. Gather and store things such as marriage papers, birth certificates, extra keys and emergency phone numbers.
Be flexible."
“It’s a process to get ready, and then it’s leaving when there’s an opportune moment,” Harris says. “If the time’s not right, you’re going to need to pull back.”
LEARN ABOUT ABUSE
Resources are available to learn about reporting domestic violence or finding help for those in abusive situations and for offenders.
Most advocacy Web sites warn readers to only search the Web for help from a safe computer. Sites also urge readers to call 911 if they are in immediate danger.
-- YWCA Rock County. In Janesville, call (608) 752-2583. In Beloit, call (608) 365-1119. Visit www.ywca.org. Click on the “Find YWs” link, the “local associations” link and the state of Wisconsin on the map.
-- The Domestic Violence Intervention Program provides programming for offenders. Call (608) 757-5677. Visit www.co.rock.wi.us and click on the deferred prosecution link.
1.11.2010
8.21.2009
CA Governor slashes all funding for domestic violence shelters.
Playwright Eve Ensler's reaction:
The Terminator is Back
Source: www.huffingtonpost.com
What governor - once an actor, then a Terminator, married to a major women's leader - has the chutzpah to wipe out 100 percent of the domestic violence budget of California, the biggest state in the country, with a single grope of his veto pen? What same governor does this as the state economy is plummeting and violence is escalating? When the STAND Hotline, that serves Contra Costa County, fielded more than 12,500 calls for help in the first seven months of 2009, triple the number in a normal year (if violence is ever normal)?
In a state where over the past six months at least five men, desperate from losing their jobs, have murdered their families and themselves? What other governor is willing to sacrifice the lives of his constituent daughters and mothers in order to protect oil corporations from paying taxes on their multi-billion-dollar profits - fair taxes that could easily fund these same programs?
I try to imagine what the governor thinks as he draws his veto pen through 40 years of women's struggle and work, how he sleeps knowing women across his state who are exposed to brutality will be left without escape, shelter or even a friendly voice at the end of a hotline. How he justifies women having to choose between becoming homeless or staying in the midst of danger. Then I am reminded he is the Terminator - no pity, no remorse, no fear.
Fortunately, other governors do feel pity and remorse. They know that having muscle isn't what makes a man, but it is compassion and wisdom and respect for women and girls. In New Mexico, Governor Bill Richardson has not only preserved funds for domestic violence programs, but has made a sincere and deep commitment to ending violence against women in his state. Schwarzenegger has always had contempt for the vulnerable, or maybe it's just his own inner girlie man he despises. But now he has gone too far.
This cut is reckless and dangerous. It could begin a wave of cuts throughout the country. It sends a message to perpetrators. It basically says no one is watching, no one is coming. All bets are off. Having just spent months in the Democratic Republic of Congo, I can tell you that this climate of free-for-all spreads violence like a California wildfire.Governor, too many hours in your cigar smoking corporate oil drilling boy's tent has made you think that you can get away with this. We've got your number. Unlike you we don't act alone. There are thousands of us, we are organized, and we won't be stopped by one muscle-bound veto.
Don't terminate. Reinstate the funds. Don't annihilate. Alleviate the suffering.
The Terminator is Back
Source: www.huffingtonpost.com
What governor - once an actor, then a Terminator, married to a major women's leader - has the chutzpah to wipe out 100 percent of the domestic violence budget of California, the biggest state in the country, with a single grope of his veto pen? What same governor does this as the state economy is plummeting and violence is escalating? When the STAND Hotline, that serves Contra Costa County, fielded more than 12,500 calls for help in the first seven months of 2009, triple the number in a normal year (if violence is ever normal)?
In a state where over the past six months at least five men, desperate from losing their jobs, have murdered their families and themselves? What other governor is willing to sacrifice the lives of his constituent daughters and mothers in order to protect oil corporations from paying taxes on their multi-billion-dollar profits - fair taxes that could easily fund these same programs?
I try to imagine what the governor thinks as he draws his veto pen through 40 years of women's struggle and work, how he sleeps knowing women across his state who are exposed to brutality will be left without escape, shelter or even a friendly voice at the end of a hotline. How he justifies women having to choose between becoming homeless or staying in the midst of danger. Then I am reminded he is the Terminator - no pity, no remorse, no fear.
Fortunately, other governors do feel pity and remorse. They know that having muscle isn't what makes a man, but it is compassion and wisdom and respect for women and girls. In New Mexico, Governor Bill Richardson has not only preserved funds for domestic violence programs, but has made a sincere and deep commitment to ending violence against women in his state. Schwarzenegger has always had contempt for the vulnerable, or maybe it's just his own inner girlie man he despises. But now he has gone too far.
This cut is reckless and dangerous. It could begin a wave of cuts throughout the country. It sends a message to perpetrators. It basically says no one is watching, no one is coming. All bets are off. Having just spent months in the Democratic Republic of Congo, I can tell you that this climate of free-for-all spreads violence like a California wildfire.Governor, too many hours in your cigar smoking corporate oil drilling boy's tent has made you think that you can get away with this. We've got your number. Unlike you we don't act alone. There are thousands of us, we are organized, and we won't be stopped by one muscle-bound veto.
Don't terminate. Reinstate the funds. Don't annihilate. Alleviate the suffering.
6.11.2009
heinous shooting death at the
national holocaust museum
statement of lorraine cole, ph.d. - ceo, ywca usa
Washington, DC (June 10, 2009) - A White supremacist and anti-Semite opened fire in the National Holocaust Museum here in our nation’s capital city, taking the life of a security guard and threatening the lives of those who were bearing witness to human acts of hate, intolerance and genocide. We are outraged and saddened by this horrific act and convey our heartfelt condolences to the family of the victim of the attack.
As an organization dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women, the YWCA believes there is absolutely no place in our society for racism and bigotry against anyone because of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
This crime is a painful reminder of why we all must work collectively to break the ongoing cycle of hatred and intolerance that undermines our society.
A critical step in this effort is updating our federal hate crimes laws to ensure communities have the resources and abilities to investigate and prosecute those who perpetrate hate crimes. For too long, the US Congress has fallen short in updating federal hate crimes laws. Their inaction has lasted far too long – and one more life has been lost in the shadow of hate.
The YWCA calls on Congress to swiftly pass the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act to help prevent and prosecute these heinous crimes.
YWCA USA is a national not-for-profit membership organization that provides social service, advocacy, education and leadership development. It is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Established in the United States in 1858, the YWCA is the oldest and largest national women’s organization, and celebrating its 150th anniversary. Through its nearly 300 affiliated local YWCAs and its headquarters in Washington, D.C., the YWCA serves 2.5 million women and girls each year. Globally, the YWCA USA is a member of World YWCA, which has affiliates in 103 countries that serve 25 million women and girls worldwide.
national holocaust museum
statement of lorraine cole, ph.d. - ceo, ywca usa
Washington, DC (June 10, 2009) - A White supremacist and anti-Semite opened fire in the National Holocaust Museum here in our nation’s capital city, taking the life of a security guard and threatening the lives of those who were bearing witness to human acts of hate, intolerance and genocide. We are outraged and saddened by this horrific act and convey our heartfelt condolences to the family of the victim of the attack.
As an organization dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women, the YWCA believes there is absolutely no place in our society for racism and bigotry against anyone because of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
This crime is a painful reminder of why we all must work collectively to break the ongoing cycle of hatred and intolerance that undermines our society.
A critical step in this effort is updating our federal hate crimes laws to ensure communities have the resources and abilities to investigate and prosecute those who perpetrate hate crimes. For too long, the US Congress has fallen short in updating federal hate crimes laws. Their inaction has lasted far too long – and one more life has been lost in the shadow of hate.
The YWCA calls on Congress to swiftly pass the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act to help prevent and prosecute these heinous crimes.
YWCA USA is a national not-for-profit membership organization that provides social service, advocacy, education and leadership development. It is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Established in the United States in 1858, the YWCA is the oldest and largest national women’s organization, and celebrating its 150th anniversary. Through its nearly 300 affiliated local YWCAs and its headquarters in Washington, D.C., the YWCA serves 2.5 million women and girls each year. Globally, the YWCA USA is a member of World YWCA, which has affiliates in 103 countries that serve 25 million women and girls worldwide.
6.01.2009
violent death of dr. george tiller a heinous tragedy
statement of lorraine cole, ph.d. - ceo, ywca usa
The killing of Dr. George Tiller is shocking and tragic. The issue of abortion is, indeed, one of the most controversial and polarizing issues of our time, with strong convictions at both extremes. But no extent of opposing ideology on such matters justifies any means of violent protest.
Dr. Tiller, 67, was shot and killed on Sunday in the foyer of Reformation Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas, as he was serving as an usher and handing out the church bulletin. Having provided abortion services to women for over 30 years, his clinic had been bombed previously and an abortion opponent shot him in both arms 16 years ago.Our thoughts and sympathies are with Dr. Tiller’s family and clinic staff. Go here to send your own note of sympathy.
YWCA USA is a national not-for-profit membership organization that provides social services, advocacy, education and leadership development. It is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Established in the United States in 1858, the YWCA is the oldest and largest national women’s organization, and celebrating its 150th anniversary. Through its nearly 300 affiliated local YWCAs and its headquarters in Washington, D.C., the YWCA serves 2.5 million women and girls each year. Globally, the YWCA USA is a member of World YWCA, which has affiliates in 103 countries that serve 25 million women and girls worldwide. Visit www.ywca.org.
statement of lorraine cole, ph.d. - ceo, ywca usa
The killing of Dr. George Tiller is shocking and tragic. The issue of abortion is, indeed, one of the most controversial and polarizing issues of our time, with strong convictions at both extremes. But no extent of opposing ideology on such matters justifies any means of violent protest.
Dr. Tiller, 67, was shot and killed on Sunday in the foyer of Reformation Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas, as he was serving as an usher and handing out the church bulletin. Having provided abortion services to women for over 30 years, his clinic had been bombed previously and an abortion opponent shot him in both arms 16 years ago.Our thoughts and sympathies are with Dr. Tiller’s family and clinic staff. Go here to send your own note of sympathy.
YWCA USA is a national not-for-profit membership organization that provides social services, advocacy, education and leadership development. It is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Established in the United States in 1858, the YWCA is the oldest and largest national women’s organization, and celebrating its 150th anniversary. Through its nearly 300 affiliated local YWCAs and its headquarters in Washington, D.C., the YWCA serves 2.5 million women and girls each year. Globally, the YWCA USA is a member of World YWCA, which has affiliates in 103 countries that serve 25 million women and girls worldwide. Visit www.ywca.org.
5.28.2009
Nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the
Supreme Court a Landmark First
Statement of Lorraine Cole, ph.d. - ceo, ywca usa
President Obama’s nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to replace Justice Souter on the Supreme Court is a historic landmark for the nation, for women and people of color. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, she would be the first Hispanic woman to serve on the highest court in the land.
Judge Sotomayor has diverse legal experience, serving at almost every level of the judicial system – local prosecutor, corporate litigator,federal trial court judge, federal appellate court judge – as well as a law professor. She has participated in over 3,000 decisions and authored nearly 400 legal opinions. If confirmed, she would bring more federal judicial experience to the Supreme Court than any justice in 100 years and more overall judicial experience than anyone confirmed for the Court in the past 70 years.
President Obama has said upholding constitutional values requires more than just the intellectual ability to apply a legal rule to a set of facts, but also a common sense understanding of how laws affect the realities of people’s lives. Toward that end, Judge Sotomayor’s perspectives are enhanced by her life experiences, having been born into a Puerto Rican immigrant family, growing up in modest economic circumstances in a Bronx public housing project, and being reared by a single mother after her father died when she was nine. She took advantage of every educational opportunity, worked very hard and excelled academically, graduating as class valedictorian from high school, summa cum laude from Princeton University and a law review editor at Yale Law School. The United States Supreme Court is a major force in shaping the social and racial justice landscape of the nation. Its rulings can override state laws and affect everycitizen in the country. Throughout history, landmark legislation affecting basic civilrights and women’s rights have been decided by the nine members of the SupremeCourt, each of whom holds a lifetime appointment.
For 150 years, the YWCA has worked to create a nation that promotes justice for all of its citizens, having been partof every phase of the civil rights movement and every wave of the women’smovement. Thus, the YWCA will be paying close attention to the confirmation proceedings of Judge Sotomayor, which, hopefully, will be completed before Congress recesses for the summer.
The YWCA USA is a national not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to social service, advocacy, education, leadership development, and racial justice. Its mission is the elimination of racism and empowerment of women. Established in the United States in 1858, the YWCA is the oldest and largest national women’s organization, and celebrating its 150th anniversary. Through its nearly 300 affiliated local YWCAs and its headquarters in Washington, D.C., the YWCA serves 2.5 million women and girls each year. Globally, the YWCA USA is a member of World YWCA, which has affiliates in 122 countries that serve 25 million women and girls worldwide.
Supreme Court a Landmark First
Statement of Lorraine Cole, ph.d. - ceo, ywca usa
President Obama’s nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to replace Justice Souter on the Supreme Court is a historic landmark for the nation, for women and people of color. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, she would be the first Hispanic woman to serve on the highest court in the land.
Judge Sotomayor has diverse legal experience, serving at almost every level of the judicial system – local prosecutor, corporate litigator,federal trial court judge, federal appellate court judge – as well as a law professor. She has participated in over 3,000 decisions and authored nearly 400 legal opinions. If confirmed, she would bring more federal judicial experience to the Supreme Court than any justice in 100 years and more overall judicial experience than anyone confirmed for the Court in the past 70 years.
President Obama has said upholding constitutional values requires more than just the intellectual ability to apply a legal rule to a set of facts, but also a common sense understanding of how laws affect the realities of people’s lives. Toward that end, Judge Sotomayor’s perspectives are enhanced by her life experiences, having been born into a Puerto Rican immigrant family, growing up in modest economic circumstances in a Bronx public housing project, and being reared by a single mother after her father died when she was nine. She took advantage of every educational opportunity, worked very hard and excelled academically, graduating as class valedictorian from high school, summa cum laude from Princeton University and a law review editor at Yale Law School. The United States Supreme Court is a major force in shaping the social and racial justice landscape of the nation. Its rulings can override state laws and affect everycitizen in the country. Throughout history, landmark legislation affecting basic civilrights and women’s rights have been decided by the nine members of the SupremeCourt, each of whom holds a lifetime appointment.
For 150 years, the YWCA has worked to create a nation that promotes justice for all of its citizens, having been partof every phase of the civil rights movement and every wave of the women’smovement. Thus, the YWCA will be paying close attention to the confirmation proceedings of Judge Sotomayor, which, hopefully, will be completed before Congress recesses for the summer.
The YWCA USA is a national not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to social service, advocacy, education, leadership development, and racial justice. Its mission is the elimination of racism and empowerment of women. Established in the United States in 1858, the YWCA is the oldest and largest national women’s organization, and celebrating its 150th anniversary. Through its nearly 300 affiliated local YWCAs and its headquarters in Washington, D.C., the YWCA serves 2.5 million women and girls each year. Globally, the YWCA USA is a member of World YWCA, which has affiliates in 122 countries that serve 25 million women and girls worldwide.
2.09.2009
Sheriff Arpaio's Lunchtime March of the Shackled Immigrants
Wednesday, February 4 at 1:00 p.m. Sheriff Joe Arpaio paraded hundreds of detained immigrants in shackles through the streets of Phoenix, Arizona to a "tent city" where they will be held indefinitely. In true Arpaio form, his office sent a press release to the media inviting them to this event, proving that he's more interested in drawing attention to himself than actually doing his job. In reference to the electric fencing around the tent city, Arpaio said, "This is a population of criminals more adept perhaps at escape. But this is a fence they won't want to scale because they risk receiving quite a shock-literally."Arpaio is a relentlessly self-promoting caricature of a sheriff (ever closer to "I'm not a real sheriff, I just play one on TV" territory), not an actual law enforcement official. The march is yet another stunt to distract people from his incompetent, lawsuit-riddled folly of a department. He claims that placing immigrants in the "tent city" is a form of cost-cutting. However, that seems out of character given that investigations by the East Valley Tribune and the Goldwater Institute found that the sheriff office's budget has nearly doubled since 2001. In the meantime, criminals have the run of Maricopa County. The sheriff has 40,000 outstanding felony warrants in his jurisdiction and 2,700 lawsuits filed against him. Arpaio's newest scandal will by no means improve the safety of his community but no doubt get him more publicity. The images that this march will provoke are shocking: horrific shots of people chained, marching through public streets at lunchtime. Perhaps it's a ploy to increase the ratings of Sheriff Joe's new reality show, which is in its seventh week.
Are you tired of his antics yet?
Here's what you can do:
1. Request that the Department of Justice investigate Arpaio's abuses.
2. Forward this email to all of your family and friends, post it on Facebook, and circulate it as far and wide as you can. Send a clear message to Arpaio and his thugs that we will not stand for these kinds of abuses in our nation.
Arizona Republic: Arpaio to Move Illegal-immigrant Inmates Hundreds to be relocated to segregated area of Tent City; sheriff says plan will cut costs. February 4, 2009 By JJ Hensley and Yvonne Wingett http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/02/04/20090204arpaiojail0204.html
Sheriff Arpaio Chains Together Immigrants and Forces March February 4, 2009 By Dan Weisshttp://imagine2050.newcomm.org/2009/02/04/sheriff-arpaio-chains-together-immigrants-and-forces-march
Stop Arizona. Stop Arpaio. Stop the Circus. February 4, 2009 By Rev. David L. Ostendorf http://capwiz.com/stopthehate/utr/1/NSXWJTDRXM/AQITJTDVCW/2876677636
Are you tired of his antics yet?
Here's what you can do:
1. Request that the Department of Justice investigate Arpaio's abuses.
2. Forward this email to all of your family and friends, post it on Facebook, and circulate it as far and wide as you can. Send a clear message to Arpaio and his thugs that we will not stand for these kinds of abuses in our nation.
Arizona Republic: Arpaio to Move Illegal-immigrant Inmates Hundreds to be relocated to segregated area of Tent City; sheriff says plan will cut costs. February 4, 2009 By JJ Hensley and Yvonne Wingett http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/02/04/20090204arpaiojail0204.html
Sheriff Arpaio Chains Together Immigrants and Forces March February 4, 2009 By Dan Weisshttp://imagine2050.newcomm.org/2009/02/04/sheriff-arpaio-chains-together-immigrants-and-forces-march
Stop Arizona. Stop Arpaio. Stop the Circus. February 4, 2009 By Rev. David L. Ostendorf http://capwiz.com/stopthehate/utr/1/NSXWJTDRXM/AQITJTDVCW/2876677636
1.21.2009
Why Be Concerned With Diversity?
I recently heard about a blog posting asking why Janesville and its leaders should be concerned with diversity. There are ways to answer that some could dismiss as "liberal" abstractions about equality and justice (although I'd subscribe to most of them). My reply to that blogger would be along more practical lines:
1. Diversity is inevitable. The events of January 20th do not represent an anomaly or mistake.
2. Without new, varied and innovative inputs, most any system, species or community will become static and decline, ultimately heading towards extinction (e.g. hemophilia, guillotines, and WW1, if you're European royalty). Okay, that's a bit abstract, but objectively pretty much true.
3. Most times, people who feel excluded develop resentments against the dominant majority. These resentments can be real or imagined (how do you quickly answer someone who claims that because of his neighborhood, his street is the last to be plowed? It doesn't matter whether he's right or wrong). Dangerous infections of attitude result, which are passed down generations, and become more and more difficult to treat throughout a population.
3a. The infected attitudes in the excluded enclaves cost the entire
community: more crime and policing, infrastructure and property degradation, and the image/reputation of the community (both within and without).
4. By reaching out to minorities and the disadvantaged in tangible ways, community leaders can invite equity interest. Respect, pride and investment flow both ways. The absence of those attributes from either side equals returning to point three above. When people believe the community cares about them, they care about the community, and they contribute in tangible ways.
Dave Haldiman, Guest Columnist
Janesville
1. Diversity is inevitable. The events of January 20th do not represent an anomaly or mistake.
2. Without new, varied and innovative inputs, most any system, species or community will become static and decline, ultimately heading towards extinction (e.g. hemophilia, guillotines, and WW1, if you're European royalty). Okay, that's a bit abstract, but objectively pretty much true.
3. Most times, people who feel excluded develop resentments against the dominant majority. These resentments can be real or imagined (how do you quickly answer someone who claims that because of his neighborhood, his street is the last to be plowed? It doesn't matter whether he's right or wrong). Dangerous infections of attitude result, which are passed down generations, and become more and more difficult to treat throughout a population.
3a. The infected attitudes in the excluded enclaves cost the entire
community: more crime and policing, infrastructure and property degradation, and the image/reputation of the community (both within and without).
4. By reaching out to minorities and the disadvantaged in tangible ways, community leaders can invite equity interest. Respect, pride and investment flow both ways. The absence of those attributes from either side equals returning to point three above. When people believe the community cares about them, they care about the community, and they contribute in tangible ways.
Dave Haldiman, Guest Columnist
Janesville
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