Presidential Proclamation: Domestic Violence Awareness Month

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release September 30, 2013

NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH, 2013

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) nearly 20 years ago, our Nation's response to domestic violence has greatly improved. What was too often seen as a private matter best hidden behind closed doors is now an established issue of national concern. We have changed our laws, transformed our culture, and improved support services for survivors. We have seen a significant drop in domestic violence homicides and improved training for police, prosecutors, and advocates. Yet we must do more to provide protection and justice for survivors and to prevent violence from occurring. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we stand with domestic abuse survivors, celebrate our Nation's progress in combatting these despicable crimes, and resolve to carry on until domestic violence is no more.

Although we have made substantial progress in reducing domestic violence, one in four women and one in seven men in the United States still suffer serious physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner at least once during their lifetimes. Every day, three women lose their lives in this country as a result of domestic violence. Millions of Americans live in daily, silent fear within their own homes.

My Administration remains devoted to halting this devastating violence. To lead by example, last year I directed Federal agencies to develop policies to assist victims of domestic violence in the Federal workforce. Earlier this year, Vice President Biden announced new grants for initiatives that aim to reduce domestic violence homicides across our country.

This past spring, I signed the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. The Act provides law enforcement with better resources to investigate cases of rape, gives colleges more tools to educate students about dating violence and sexual assault, and empowers tribal courts to prosecute those who commit domestic violence on tribal lands, regardless of whether the aggressor is a member of the tribe. In addition, VAWA will continue to allow relief for immigrant victims of domestic violence, and LGBT victims will receive care and assistance.

Thanks to the landmark Affordable Care Act, insurance companies will be prohibited from denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions, and new health plans must cover domestic violence screening and counseling with no copayments or cost sharing. Millions will have the chance to sign up for affordable care through the new Health Insurance Marketplace by visiting www.HealthCare.gov beginning October 1.

Ending violence in the home is a national imperative that requires vigilance and dedication from every sector of our society. We must continue to stand alongside advocates, victim service providers, law enforcement, and our criminal justice system as they hold offenders accountable and provide care and support to survivors. But our efforts must extend beyond the criminal justice system to include housing and economic advocacy for survivors. We must work with young people to stop violence before it starts. We must also reach out to friends and loved ones who have suffered from domestic violence, and we must tell them they are not alone. I encourage victims, their loved ones, and concerned citizens to learn more by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE, or by visiting www.TheHotline.org.

This October, let us honor National Domestic Violence Awareness Month by promoting peace in our own families, homes, and communities. Let us renew our commitment to end domestic violence -- in every city, every town, and every corner of America.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2013 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I call on all Americans to speak out against domestic violence and support local efforts to assist victims of these crimes in finding the help and healing they need.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA

Charity Golf Classic to Benefit Open Arms

Bodie Electric, Inc. and LaRiche Toyota-Subaru have announced plans for the 2013 Charity Golf Classic, scheduled for Friday, September 6, 2013.  This year’s event will be held at Red Hawk Run Golf Club in Findlay.  Registration and breakfast begin at 8:00 AM with a shotgun start scheduled for 9:00 AM.  Proceeds from the annual golf outing will benefit Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services. 

Team registration is currently taking place and will be limited to 27 foursomes.  Registration costs include breakfast, green fees, cart, lunch and door prizes.  The LaRiche Family of Dealerships is offering two Hole in One contests, featuring a $15,000 prize in cash or credit toward a new car.  Deadline for registration is August 30.  Opportunities are available for Hole Sponsorships and the donation of raffle prizes for the event.  To register a team or for more information regarding becoming an event sponsor, please contact Bodie Electric, Inc. at 419.435.3672.

Ohio Makes Strides with House Bill 108

For the first time in Ohio's history a $1 million appropriation for rape crisis centers has  been included in Ohio's state budget for fiscal years 2014 and 2015.  

High profile cases in Ohio and across the nation have shown the critical need for rape crisis centers that  provide compassionate support for survivors of sexual violence and work to prevent sexual assault before it happens.  

HB 108 includes:

Adding a rape crisis representative to the State Victims Assistance Advisory Council.

• Requires each person who registers as a sex offender or child-victim offender to pay a one-time $100 fee, and authorizes an additional fine for the commission of a sexually oriented or child-victim oriented offense.
• Creates a General Revenue Fund appropriation line item for Rape Crisis Centers, with an appropriation of $1 million in each fiscal year.

In 2012, Open Arms served 513 individuals through our rape crisis program including emergency room accompaniment, legal assistance, individual support, crisis calls, and prevention presentations in the community.

Ohio House Approves Human Trafficking Legislation

Columbus (AP) - Ohio lawmakers have approved a measure that increases penalties for human trafficking offenders and adds protections for victims.

The Ohio House unanimously endorsed the legislation Wednesday. 

The bill says minors or developmentally disabled people should be considered victims of human trafficking if they're recruited or held captive to engage in sexual activities.

House Speaker William Batchelder says that legislation gives authorities the tools they need to crack down on traffickers.

Among several other provisions, it requires offenders convicted of solicitation to register as sex offenders if the people they tried to lure are under 18 years old.

The crime of soliciting a minor who is younger than 18 or is developmentally disabled would increase from a misdemeanor to a felony offense.

The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.

6/27/13; THE COURIER, Findlay, Ohio

GOLFING FOR A CAUSE

NWO Health Partners and Hitchings Insurance Agency present the 4th Annual Charity Golf Outing.  The event will be held on Friday, July 19, 2013 at Sycamore Springs golf course, 11492 T.R. 25, Arlington.  Proceeds from the event will benefit Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services.

Registration begins at 7:00 a.m., with a shotgun start at 8:00 a.m.  The event includes 18 holes with cart, a scramble format, beverages, snacks and contests.  An awards ceremony and lunch will take place following golf. 

For information on forming a team or sponsoring the event, contact Andy Noel at 419-427-3105 or anoel@nwoortho.com.

TAKE BACK THE NIGHT AT UNIVERSITY OF FINDLAY

On March 21^st and 22^nd, the Phi Alpha Honor Society and Social Work Club of the University of Findlay will be hosting a “Take Back the Night Event” on campus. “Take Back the Night” began in 1976 as a rally to bring attention to sexual/domestic violence against women and has expanded across the U. S. and internationally.  The event will be a first for the UF campus to host.

TBTN at University of Findlay will encompass two days beginning with Thursday the 21^st. There will be the Survivor Silhouettes from BGSU on display in the AMU, along with the Clothesline Project from Open Arms Domestic Violence Shelter. There will be informational tables set up in the AMU for both days from Open Arms, Cosiano Health Center, and others. Phi Alpha and Social Work Club will also provide t-shirts for survivors of rape/domestic violence to make their own Clothesline Project for display.

On Thursday night, at 7pm, there will be an event in the Virginia Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion, with a speaker, testimonials, and a march around campus. This event is one of the highlights of Take Back the Night events across the country.

The events are open to students, faculty, and the public. This event is important to bring attention to the ongoing and increasing problem of violence against women. Take Back the Night rallies provide a supportive environment for survivors, their families, and education to the public.

Open Arms Receives Donation from Monsanto Fund

Robert and Debra Christy of Alvada have been selected as winners in America's Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund. Grow Communities gives farmers the opportunity to win a $2,500 donation to their favorite local charity. The Christy's selected Open Arms to receive a $2,500 donation. Pictured are a Monsanto Fund Representative, Robert and Debra Christy, and Ashley Ritz-Executive Director of Open Arms.

V-DAY: A Global Movement to End Violence Against Women

ONE BILLION RISING in the Media TONIGHT: - Wednesday, 13 Feb: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno – Anne Hathaway - Wednesday, 13 Feb: Piers Morgan Tonight – Jane Fonda - Wednesday, 13 Feb: The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell – Rosario Dawson TOMORROW: - Thursday, 14 Feb: Democracy Now – Eve Ensler Calling In Live From Congo - Thursday, 14 Feb: CNN International – Thandie Newton Live from London WATCH: - Katie Couric Rises Up for “One Billion Rising” on Katie! > - V-Board Member Thandie Newton with Jon Snow on Channel 4 > - V-Board Member Kerry Washington on Katie! > Your One Billion Rising Event Check-List RISERS are you ready? We know there are a lot of details to remember so we wanted to send you a quick One Billion Rising Check-List to help you make sure you have your bases covered! ONE BILLION RISING Check List: LOCATION: Make sure your Rising is on the Map so people can find it and attend VOLUNTEERS: Do you have a great group of volunteers to help you? PERMITS: Do you have permits from venue and police, if needed? AUDIO/VISUAL: Do you have a sound system? Device to play “Break The Chain”? Equipment to project video? Download the videos & music PROMOTION: Do you have banners and flyers and picket posters? PERFORMANCE: Have you asked someone to read Eve Ensler's newest Monologue "Rising"? Download PLEDGE: Have you taken the One Billion Rising Pledge & found a way to make sure everyone at your event does too? SHOW THE WORLD: We want you to document this historic day! Ensure you have people in the crowd videoing, photographing, recording your event.  Then post on facebook, twitter, youtube, instagram and Google+ so that the world can see what you are doing to end violence against women! LIVE STREAM: We’ve got a simple "How to"  that will give you all the details to get your event is seen round the world! #1BillionRising: Get #1BillionRising Trending! Join our #1BillionRising online flash mob on Thunderclap! And please ask your friends and followers to join us too MEDIA: Have you reached out to engage the Media? Follow these easy Media Tips ATTIRE: Have you told your crowds to wear Red & Black? Dress in One Billion Rising colors to let people know you are part of a movement!!  STRIKE: Moment of Solidarity! Choose a time during the day to take a moment, join together with your colleagues, fellow students, family members, and friends, and leave your workplaces, schools, and homes and be together as one V-MEN: Have you made every effort to get men involved! Invite them to the event, to dance and stand in solidarity.  Spread the word with the The Man Prayer, Jarvis Green Interview, and multiple ‘I Am Rising’ videos from men across the planet   unsubscribe

Teen Dating Violence Prevention & Awareness Month

February is Teen Dating Violence Prevention & Awareness Month.  This national effort raises awareness about abuse in teen and 20-something relationships and promotes programs that prevent dating violence during the month of February.
Read more about Teen DV Month.   

To show your support of this effort, wear Orange on February 11 for TDVPA Month.  For more information, check out these online resources:
  

http://www.loveisrespect.org

http://vetoviolence.cdc.gov/datingmatters/

http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/intimatepartnerviolence/teen_dating_violence.html

 

FLAG CITY CORVETTE CLUB

On January 12, the Flag City Corvette Club presented a $14,000 check to Open Arms at their annual awards banquet.  The funds were raised at last summer's Car Tunes on Main event, as well as several fundraisers held throughout the year.

The Flag City Corvette Club, a long time supporter and friend to Open Arms, participates in a number of activities such as 50/50 raffles, drag racing, and Car Tunes on Main.

Flag City Corvette members also provide products from the Open Arms wish list all throughout the year.

The Flag City Corvette Club has a long history, and there has always been some type of corvette club around the Findlay area. During the 1970's and into the late 1990's,  Tri-County Vette Club from Fostoria and Flag City Corvettes, sponsored by Harrington Chevrolet, participated in many activities in the surrounding area.

On October 11, 1998, the new Flag City Corvette Club was re-formed. The club, sponsored by LaRiche Chevrolet-Cadillac, held its first meeting on this date with 31 members present. Today, Flag City Corvettes has over 100 members and over 70 beautiful Corvettes represented. People from Findlay and surrounding areas continue to join the club so it will remain active and vibrant for future Corvette lovers.

Please check out their website and see all the activities and fun they offer. This club is a great place to build new and lasting friendships, help those in our community and enjoy the beauty of a Corvette.

(*Pictured: Kenny Young: FCC; Ashley Ritz and Jodi DeVore: Open Arms; Tom Cooper: FCC President)