|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Message from Acting Director Mary Beth Buchanan
Domestic violence continues to invade the public and private lives
of women, men, and children, impacting families, friends, co-workers,
and communities. These behaviors--whether physical, sexual,
emotional, economic, or psychological—continue to occur in
all homes regardless of education, income-level, or geography.
I encourage all individuals and groups to use October, designated
as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to help raise awareness. Domestic
violence is not only a personal tragedy, it is a serious crime
that negatively affects women, men, children, neighborhoods and
communities. We must join together to address the causes
of this crime so that each and every home can be a place of peace
and safety.
The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) continues to make vital
contributions to help those negatively impacted by domestic violence. In
recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, OVW has launched
a powerful public service announcement (PSA), airing this month,
to continue to raise awareness and increase education. This
PSA, entitled “End It Now,” will target men, women,
children, and the general public. Our goals at OVW are to
encourage prevention and facilitate a greater public dialogue.
On August 28, 2007, I attended the grand opening of the New Orleans
Family Justice Center. OVW made $3 million available to help
create this support center, where victims can find the services
they need in one central location. Through programs like
the Family Justice Center communities are being transformed.
Let us take the opportunity this month to speak out and help others
who have been impacted by domestic violence. I urge you to
actively participate and show your support for Domestic Violence
Awareness Month by getting involved with your state or local domestic
violence program. At OVW we believe, “working
together to end the violence” is the first step. We
are all agents of change, whether we work locally in the community
or as part of a large government agency. Thank you for doing
your part to raise awareness.
Resources
|
A Message on Teen Dating Violence From the Acting Director - February 2007
Twenty percent of teenage girls and
young women have experienced some form of dating violence. Female
victims of teen dating violence are also at greater risk for many
other issues, such as substance abuse, sexual activity, pregnancy,
and suicide. The seriousness of dating violence among teens will
be observed this year during the week of February 5-9 for the second
National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week.
Teen dating violence includes physical abuse as well as sexual,
verbal, and emotional abuse. The potential for violent behavior
in an abusive relationship often escalates as the relationship
becomes more serious. Victims may remain in abusive relationships
for many reasons, including fear of the perpetrator, self-blame,
loyalty, love for the perpetrator, social stigma, or lack of understanding. Teen
dating violence crosses all gender, racial and socioeconomic lines.
Although the dynamics are similar to those for adult domestic violence,
teens generally have less experience with relationships, so may
be less likely to recognize abuse. Some of the signs of abuse,
such as jealousy or possessiveness, may be confused as signs of
love.
The keys to preventing dating violence are education and early
detection. Many schools are instituting programs to prevent
and address dating violence, and there are multiple campaigns and
resources available from across the country. One resource,
developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was
launched in 2006 called the “Choose Respect” campaign. It
is an initiative to help adolescents form healthy relationships
and prevent dating abuse. It includes a variety of materials
such as posters, online games, television and radio spots, activity
ideas, and quizzes that inspire youth to choose respect. The Office
on Violence Against Women (OVW) has begun to collaborate with the
CDC on this important initiative, and believes that choosing respect
can be the beginning of a long road to healthy relationships that
will translate into adulthood.
Combating teen dating violence is a priority for OVW, and was emphasized
when President Bush signed the Violence Against Women Act of 2005
through new grant programs and amendments to existing criminal
provisions. In 2006, OVW convened roundtable discussions in partnership
with the Department of Education and the Office of Justice Programs
to discuss efforts to address teen dating violence.
Through these, and many future efforts, we can educate teens and
others about the seriousness of teen dating violence in the hopes
that early detection will be able to prevent these crimes from
occurring. During this National Teen Dating Violence Awareness
and Prevention Week, and throughout the entire year, it is crucial
to raise awareness about such an important issue that greatly touches
the lives of so many teens.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|