November 25 marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. There are
a variety of resources for information on the topic of violence against women that can help you increase
awareness and take action.
Violence against women takes many forms; domestic violence, trafficking, female genital mutilation and violence during conflict, but the list doesn’t end there. The price paid for this violence is astonishing. According to the United Nations, the cost of intimate partner violence in the United States alone exceeds US$5.8 billion per year: US$4.1 billion is for direct medical and health care services, while productivity losses account for nearly US$1.8 billion. They also note that in Uganda, where Zonta International supported a project aimed at the elimination of burns violence against women, the cost of domestic violence was estimated at US$2.5 million in 2007.
UN Women’s statistics state that in Australia, violence against women and children costs an estimated US$11.38 billion per year. The Council of Europe’s website for their Campaign To Combat Violence Against Women, Including Domestic Violence, suggests that one-fifth to one quarter of all women have experienced physical violence at least once during their adult lives, and more than one-tenth have suffered sexual violence involving the use of force. These staggering statistics make it clear that efforts need to continue in the fight to end violence against women.
Resources for information on violence against women:
Council of Europe
United Nations
World Health Organization
UN Women
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Keep Rape Out of Politics and Politics Out of Rape – By Anne Seymour and Dean Kilpatrick, Ph.D.
It simply boggles our minds and breaks our hearts that rape has been far too casually leveraged within the realm of politics in our country.
For the millions of women, men and children in America who are victims of rape and sexual assault, the psychic wounds of victimization seldom heal. Every time rape is dismissively discussed by people who have no clue about this crime and its tragic effects, the potential for survivors’ wounds to reopen is huge.
NEW RULES: If politicians insist on merging rape with politics, they must first commit to visit a rape crisis center. They must spend a day on the hotline, listening to survivors who are simply terrified, whose lives have been irrevocably altered, who fear reporting these horrific crimes because they also fear they won’t be believed and will be blamed, who are shocked at the thought of being exposed to life-threatening diseases and getting pregnant. Then they must spend time with victim advocates who, despite severe budget cutbacks that have decimated their programs, help rape victims try to make sense of a senseless, violent crime over which they had no control, and try to help them cope with the devastating psychological, physical, financial, spiritual and social impact of sexual assault. They must then make an actual effort to distinguish that along with their right to freely comment on rape goes the responsibility to recognize that their comments will emotionally shatter many of the millions of women, men and children who have been victimized by a crime that too many politicians simply don’t understand.
Don’t parse the definition of “rape.” When you insist that only some rapes are “forcible,” you infer that other rapes are what? Voluntary? That’s just uninformed and insensitive. Face it: rape is rape, regardless of however else you may want to characterize it.
Don’t compare rape to bad weather or making lemonade out of lemons, or any other comment that only demonstrates your ignorance about the violent crime of rape. That’s just stupid, and it makes you look stupid.
Don’t proclaim that anyone’s God has any “intent” related to rape or its distressing consequences. That may be your opinion, but please know, convincingly and clearly, that your words risk further hurting victims whose spirituality doesn’t include a Higher Being who sanctions rape or its catastrophic and personal impact on them.
Don’t say your words were “taken out of context” or “misunderstood.” It’s not your words that were twisted, but your attitude. We get you. We understand you. What we don’t get or understand is your ignorance, and your lack of initiative to learn about rape.
And if you insist on merging rape with politics, we offer one important exception.
Why not do it in a way the actually helps and doesn’t harm rape and sexual assault survivors?
Why not pass S. 1925, the real Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act when Congress comes back after the election? VAWA, after all, received overwhelming bi-partisan support for its initial passage in 1994, and for its reauthorizations in 2000 and 2005. 2012 marks the first year that VAWA failed to receive bipartisan support from the Senate Judiciary Committee, not to mention the U.S. Congress as a whole. This is a national shame.
We and countless other crime victim advocates would welcome the “positive politicizing of rape” with the immediate passage of VAWA. Just as we’d welcome individual and collective efforts across our nation that attempt to come to real terms with a real violent crime that has real, painful consequences for its victims.
For additional information about efforts to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act in the U.S. Congress, visit http://4vawa.org/ .
Anne Seymour has been a national crime victim advocate for 30 years.
Dr. Dean Kilpatrick is a Distinguished University Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina, and Director of the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center.
For the millions of women, men and children in America who are victims of rape and sexual assault, the psychic wounds of victimization seldom heal. Every time rape is dismissively discussed by people who have no clue about this crime and its tragic effects, the potential for survivors’ wounds to reopen is huge.
NEW RULES: If politicians insist on merging rape with politics, they must first commit to visit a rape crisis center. They must spend a day on the hotline, listening to survivors who are simply terrified, whose lives have been irrevocably altered, who fear reporting these horrific crimes because they also fear they won’t be believed and will be blamed, who are shocked at the thought of being exposed to life-threatening diseases and getting pregnant. Then they must spend time with victim advocates who, despite severe budget cutbacks that have decimated their programs, help rape victims try to make sense of a senseless, violent crime over which they had no control, and try to help them cope with the devastating psychological, physical, financial, spiritual and social impact of sexual assault. They must then make an actual effort to distinguish that along with their right to freely comment on rape goes the responsibility to recognize that their comments will emotionally shatter many of the millions of women, men and children who have been victimized by a crime that too many politicians simply don’t understand.
Don’t parse the definition of “rape.” When you insist that only some rapes are “forcible,” you infer that other rapes are what? Voluntary? That’s just uninformed and insensitive. Face it: rape is rape, regardless of however else you may want to characterize it.
Don’t compare rape to bad weather or making lemonade out of lemons, or any other comment that only demonstrates your ignorance about the violent crime of rape. That’s just stupid, and it makes you look stupid.
Don’t proclaim that anyone’s God has any “intent” related to rape or its distressing consequences. That may be your opinion, but please know, convincingly and clearly, that your words risk further hurting victims whose spirituality doesn’t include a Higher Being who sanctions rape or its catastrophic and personal impact on them.
Don’t say your words were “taken out of context” or “misunderstood.” It’s not your words that were twisted, but your attitude. We get you. We understand you. What we don’t get or understand is your ignorance, and your lack of initiative to learn about rape.
And if you insist on merging rape with politics, we offer one important exception.
Why not do it in a way the actually helps and doesn’t harm rape and sexual assault survivors?
Why not pass S. 1925, the real Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act when Congress comes back after the election? VAWA, after all, received overwhelming bi-partisan support for its initial passage in 1994, and for its reauthorizations in 2000 and 2005. 2012 marks the first year that VAWA failed to receive bipartisan support from the Senate Judiciary Committee, not to mention the U.S. Congress as a whole. This is a national shame.
We and countless other crime victim advocates would welcome the “positive politicizing of rape” with the immediate passage of VAWA. Just as we’d welcome individual and collective efforts across our nation that attempt to come to real terms with a real violent crime that has real, painful consequences for its victims.
For additional information about efforts to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act in the U.S. Congress, visit http://4vawa.org/ .
Anne Seymour has been a national crime victim advocate for 30 years.
Dr. Dean Kilpatrick is a Distinguished University Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina, and Director of the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Open Arms Annual Meeting to Feature Beth Holloway
Open Arms is proud to announce that this year's featured speaker for our Annual Meeting will be Beth Holloway, mother of Natalee Holloway. The event will be held on Monday, October 22, 7PM, at Parkview Christian Church in Findlay.
Join Beth as she shares her journey through a mother's worst nightmare. When her daughter vanished in Aruba in 2005, Beth's world changed forever. Now she tours the nation raising awareness with her inspiring story.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
SEEKING WALKERS & VOLUNTEERS FOR WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES®
We are seeking individual walkers, business & organization teams and volunteers for the event. Sign up is available online at www.openarmsfindlay.org. The event will kick off with an opening ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Dave Glass, vice president and director of broadcast at the Findlay Publishing Company, will emcee. The walk is scheduled to begin at 12:15 p.m. at Riverside Park’s Band Shell, with registration starting at 10:30 a.m.
This is a family-friendly event with a free Kids Zone provided by Something Special Learning Center. The Kids Zone will feature Face Painting by Mercy, arts and crafts tables, an inflatable bounce house and Spongebob himself will be there! Food vendors, massage stations and sponsor areas will be set up throughout Riverside Park.
To register as a walker, a team or as a volunteer, visit www.openarmsfindlay.org or call Jodi DeVore at Open Arms, 419.420.9261.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Open Arms Receives Grant from Community Foundation
Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services has been awarded a grant of $16,836 from the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation. The funds are made available from the Howard and Carolyn Marvin Fund and the George Countryman Fund.
The funds will be used to hire an additional staff member for the Harmony House Visitation and Exchange program. This staff member will function as a Children’s Coordinator for the program and will ensure that children using supervised visitation and exchange services complete an orientation process prior to beginning visitations or exchanges. The Children’s Coordinator will guarantee that the transitions between children and parents go smoothly while also providing ongoing case management. In 2011, the Harmony House program provided 1,063 visitations and 432 exchanges to 177 adults and 135 children.
The Findlay-Hancock Community Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Hancock County are through collaborative leadership, responsible grant making, and development of philanthropic giving. Established in 1992 as an outgrowth of a one-time gift from L. Dale Dorney, the Community Foundation has granted more then $20 million to fund projects that support our community. Visit www.commuity-foundation.com or call 419-425-1100 to learn more about how the Community Foundation is helping our community.
The funds will be used to hire an additional staff member for the Harmony House Visitation and Exchange program. This staff member will function as a Children’s Coordinator for the program and will ensure that children using supervised visitation and exchange services complete an orientation process prior to beginning visitations or exchanges. The Children’s Coordinator will guarantee that the transitions between children and parents go smoothly while also providing ongoing case management. In 2011, the Harmony House program provided 1,063 visitations and 432 exchanges to 177 adults and 135 children.
The Findlay-Hancock Community Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Hancock County are through collaborative leadership, responsible grant making, and development of philanthropic giving. Established in 1992 as an outgrowth of a one-time gift from L. Dale Dorney, the Community Foundation has granted more then $20 million to fund projects that support our community. Visit www.commuity-foundation.com or call 419-425-1100 to learn more about how the Community Foundation is helping our community.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
UF PRODUCTION TO BENEFIT OPEN ARMS
The University of Findlay’s Alpha Psi Omega, an honorary theatre fraternity, have teamed up with UNITED to present two productions of The Vagina Monologues, March 23 & 24, 2012 at 8:00 PM at the Powell-Grimm Theatre. Tickets are $5.00 per person and are currently available at the University of Findlay Box Office, 419-434-5335.
This controversial work, created and originally performed by Eve Ensler, debuted off-off-Broadway in 1996 and soon rode a wave of national acclaim. Now, the intimacy of Ensler's original show has been lovingly brought to the screen and theater's nationwide. The productions of The Vagina Monologues raise funds and awareness in an effort to end violence against women and girls. The event beneficiary for the 2012 celebration will be Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services.
Directly following the event, there will be a reception and a Survivors Victims Exhibit. For more information about the productions or to order tickets, contact the University of Findlay Box Office at 434-5335.
This controversial work, created and originally performed by Eve Ensler, debuted off-off-Broadway in 1996 and soon rode a wave of national acclaim. Now, the intimacy of Ensler's original show has been lovingly brought to the screen and theater's nationwide. The productions of The Vagina Monologues raise funds and awareness in an effort to end violence against women and girls. The event beneficiary for the 2012 celebration will be Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services.
Directly following the event, there will be a reception and a Survivors Victims Exhibit. For more information about the productions or to order tickets, contact the University of Findlay Box Office at 434-5335.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
Presidential Proclamation
National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, 2012
NATIONAL TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH, 2012
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
In America, an alarming number of young people experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse as part of a controlling or violent dating relationship. The consequences of dating violence -- spanning impaired development to physical harm -- pose a threat to the health and well-being of teens across our Nation, and it is essential we come together to break the cycle of violence that burdens too many of our sons and daughters. This month, we recommit to providing critical support and services for victims of dating violence and empowering teens with the tools to cultivate healthy, respectful relationships.
Though we have made substantial progress in the fight to reduce violence against women, dating violence remains a reality for millions of young people. In a 12 month period, one in 10 high school students nationwide reported they were physically hurt on purpose by their boyfriend or girlfriend, and still more experienced verbal or emotional abuse like shaming, bullying, or threats. Depression, substance abuse, and health complications are among the long-term impacts that may follow in the wake of an abusive relationship. Tragically, dating violence can also lead to other forms of violence, including sexual assault. These outcomes are unacceptable, and we must do more to prevent dating violence and ensure the health and safety of our Nation's youth.
The path toward a future free of dating violence begins with awareness. As part of my Administration's ongoing commitment to engaging individuals and communities in this important work, Vice President Joe Biden launched the 1is2many initiative last September. In concert with awareness programs occurring across Federal agencies, the initiative calls on young men and women to take action against dating violence and sexual assault and help advance public understanding of the realities of abuse. The National Dating Abuse Helpline offers information and support to individuals struggling with unhealthy relationships. For immediate and confidential advice and referrals, I encourage concerned teens and their loved ones to contact the Helpline at 1-866-331-9474, text "loveis" to 77054, or visit: www.LoveIsRespect.org. Additional resources are available at: www.CDC.gov/features/datingviolence.
My Administration continues to promote new and proven strategies to target teen dating violence. Last November, we announced the winners of the Apps Against Abuse technology challenge, concluding a national competition to develop innovative new tools that will empower young Americans and help prevent dating violence and sexual assault. As we move forward, we will continue to collaborate with both public and private partners to bring new violence prevention strategies to individuals and communities across our Nation. To learn more, visit: www.WhiteHouse.gov/1is2many.
Reducing violence against teens and young adults is an important task for all of us. This month, we renew our commitment to breaking the silence about dating abuse and fostering a culture of respect in our neighborhoods, our schools, and our homes.
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 February 2012 as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. I call upon all Americans to support efforts in their communities and schools, and in their own families, to empower young people to develop healthy relationships throughout their lives and to engage in activities that prevent and respond to teen dating violence.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA
Friday, January 6, 2012
PRODUCTION TO BENEFIT OPEN ARMS
The V-Day celebration will be held from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM in the University of Findlay Student Union. Awareness displays, a Clothesline Project Tree and information related to domestic violence and sexual assault will be on display.
Alpha Psi Omega will also be producing two performances of The Vagina Monologues. The shows will be held on March 23 & 24 at 8PM in the John and Hester Powell Grimm Theatre. Tickets are $5.00 each and are available to the public on January 9. The phone number for the Box Office is 419.434.5335.
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