Break the Silence: The Victims' Voice

This video is the most compelling that I've seen.  

When these women speak, I feel their pain.  

I remember their pain.    

 
Domestic Violence: Why Doesn't She Just Leave? by GoodLifeMedia

#NOMORE #16daysofactivism #rise4justice

Revenge Porn Article

My latest article on wikinut - 

Revenge Porn: A Hurtful and Humiliating Ploy, but Does it Constitute Criminal Behavior?

Examines the emerging social problem of revenge porn and analyzes critical factors that precipitate a specific response by law enforcement. 

 

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Beginning with the International Day to End Violence Against Women on 11/25/13, we are asking everyone to take part in 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.  Orange is the color that symbolizes this campaign, so please get out there and #orangeurworld in #16days!  Tell everyone #Iwearorangebecause I am standing up against gender-based violence.

Beyond Advocacy and Awareness

A Movement to End Violence against Women in the USA

"The Avon Foundation for Women, in partnership with numerous advocacy organizations and corporate sponsors, has transformed the National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Campaign into the largest coordinated women’s movement for social change in United States history."

 For more information, read the full article on Wikinut.

Sample Letter to Send to Your Elected Officials

If we want change, we need to respectfully ask for change.  Here is a sample letter you can send to your elected government officials.  Keep in mind that you should use your own "wording" to make it sound a bit more personal.  Feel free to send email or "snail" mail, using the resources below to locate your federal and state representatives. 

 

  
   Federal:  Who is my Representative?

  

       State:  State Legislature Websites

 

Today’s Date

Your Street Address

City, State   Zip Code

Dear Title. Name: (ex. Dear Senator Smith:)

I am among a growing number of citizens who feel that women are not being adequately served within the criminal justice and family court systems.  Perhaps you are familiar with the Joyful Heart Foundation’s NO MORE campaign to end violence against women, in light of a recent study funded by the Avon Foundation for Women.  It clearly shows that our history of focusing on the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault is failing to protect our nation’s women and children.  The reccomendation is to begin holding abusers accountable for their actions, as well as encouraging bystanders to speak out and seek help.

 

We believe this movement has great potential, but we also realize that legal reform is necessary to empower victims, rather than condemn them to suffer more trauma and loss.  In our personal experiences, we are finding inadequate legal and financial representation for women escaping abuse.  This, in addition to untrained law enforcement and judicial powers, is placing victims and entire families in a dire imbalance of justice; one that often results in death.  Finally, we are concerned with the inconsistent liberties taken by District Attorney Offices to avoid prosecution of offenders.  The message being sent throughout the chain of our protective public servants is, “these cases are more trouble than they are worth to us.”  Victims hear that message loud and clear, and they often choose to suffer in silence.  

This is not acceptable in a civilized society; furthermore, the violence puts our communities at risk and our nation in peril.  The time to make the changes is now.  I do hope you agree, and I will be closely following your work in these areas of policy reform.

Respectfully,

[Your Signature]

Your Typed Name

Be an Agent of Change

The only way we can end violence and save our families is by speaking out against injustice. We have the power to be an agent of change. Please sign and spread the word about these petitions. Do it for our future generations. Thank you!

1. The Stop Abuse Campaign wants to triumph over the stigma around intimate partner violence  
2. Survivors in Action issues a Call To Action For Domestic Violence and Stalking Reform
3. Susan Knisely wants to Stop Law Enforcement Domestic Violence 
4. Citizens want the obama administration to pass the Rebecca Sedwick ActTo force social media sites to end Cyber Bullying and harassment of women 
5. Molly Marion wants to raise awareness on domestic violence and help end the abuse Creating a legacy of hope by enhancing victims' safety and holding offenders accountable
6. Phillip Inkel asks THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE to Investigate fraud and racketeering in Child Protection and Court services