In This Issue:
January: a call for continued awareness,a month for reflection and action
A Recap of 2010: Our work over the past year
January: a call for continued awareness
A month for reflection and action
From a Birmingham jail in the spring of 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote: “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
As we commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this month, we are reminded of his passion and work to create change in this country and around the world, to move toward more peaceful coexistence and equality among all peoples, and how we as community members, as humans, are all connected- that what affects one person in our community affects the rest of us as a whole.
In the work that we do at Domestic Violence Resource Center, this work for which you advocate and support, we are all reminded still how true is the need for peace and equality in relationships today, and how the affects of intimate partner violence ripple throughout the community.
Through our programs such as safe and confidential emergency shelter, free and bilingual counseling services for adults and families, legal advocacy, and education/outreach, we attempt to address the issues of violence through Prevention, Intervention, and Empowerment. We continually work toward creation of safe and healthy relationships and a community free of violence.
Also acknowledged in January is the existence of stalking as a community-wide issue. 2004 was the first year awareness of this issue was specifically attributed to the month of January, and awareness campaigns have taken place ever since. 2011 marks a year for even greater consciousness of the issue, as President Obama recently became the first President to make a proclamation stating January as National Stalking Awareness Month (you can read the full Proclamation here).
The idea originated from the need to create more concentrated awareness in society about the seriousness and prevalence of stalking, in the hopes that the better we know how to recognize it and name stalking for what it is, the more readily we as community members would speak out, seek support where needed, and prove that such behaviors will not be tolerated, let alone ignored.
Education and action go hand in hand. Not just being aware of how to address it, but actually acting, is what will change stalking behaviors and our society’s perception of it.
What should someone do that fears they are being stalked?
Anyone, victims themselves or friends and family of victims, can call our Crisis Line 24/7 to talk to advocates about what options exist: 503-649-8620, or toll-free 866-469-8600.
Do you know what myths exist around stalking? Learn about the truths behind common misconceptions around stalking here.
What are the processes around protection, and involvement of the justice system? You can read more here about what options are available and learn about our programs for victims of stalking.
The National Center for Victims of Crime offers resources online both for people who fear they may be being stalked, and for friends who may know someone being stalked.
Learn much more in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Special Report on “Stalking Victimization in the United States”.
More information and resources can be found at the National Stalking Awareness Month’s website: http://stalkingawarenessmonth.org/
A Recap of 2010
Our work over the last twelve months
We don’t want to end before we THANK YOU for all the support over this last year. Here is a brief snapshot into the work of advocates at Domestic Violence Resource Center and the thousands of survivors who’ve sought services over the past year. In 2010:
Monika’s House Shelter provided emergency shelter for 137 adults, as well as 128 children.
Crisis Line advocates answered 5,950 calls on the crisis line, 148 of those calls were regarding stalking situations
Our Clinical Services Programs and Protective Order Advocacy Programs worked with:
• 3,008 adult survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault
• 139 adult survivors of stalking
• 179 teen survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault
• 1 teen survivor of stalking
• 357 children
Thank you for the many ways you’ve shown support for survivors of domestic violence this past year, and for joining together to help build safer and healthier relationships in our community. Truly, we cannot do the work we do without your support, so THANK YOU!
If you’re interested in supporting Domestic Violence Resource Center and the needs at Monika’s House this month, check out our website to see what household items are needed and consider making an in-kind donation.
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Thank you for your interest in our work to empower all individuals in the Washington County area to have safe and healthy relationships.
Questions or concerns? (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Sincerely,
Christie Costello
Community Outreach Coordinator
Domestic Violence Resource Center
503-926-3245
