July 2011
Intimate Partner Violence has a profound impact on the
health of victims. In the recently released National Prevention Strategy, the federal government recommended providing
individuals and families with the knowledge, skills, and tools to make safe
choices that prevent violence and injuries with strategies including
school-based programs to prevent teen dating violence and intimate partner
violence prevention efforts. July is a good time to start brainstorming how you
can integrate programs in your community, school, or curriculum that address
intimate partner violence. Read our online fact
sheets to learn more about domestic violence and take a look at our online catalog of materials
to support your campus activities. Let me know what you’re planning on
your campus by sending me an email: healthintern1@futureswithoutviolence.
Also, feel free to email me with any questions or to talk
more about campus strategies to help raise awareness of domestic violence. If
you would like to subscribe to this listserv, click here
and be sure to check the box for “Student Health Network.”
Thanks,
Michelle Dalida
Graduate Health Intern
Futures Without Violence, formerly Family Violence
Prevention Fund
healthintern1@futureswithoutviolence.org
FEATURED NEWS
Futures Without
Violence Shapes New National Prevention Strategy
The United States Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin
released the first ever National Prevention Strategy, a provision of last
year’s health care reform legislation dedicated to improving American’s health
and well-being and containing health care costs. The strategy included key
recommendations put forward by Futures Without Violence, home to the National
Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence, on the importance of
addressing domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and children’s exposure
to violence as a necessary component of improving health.
Futures Without Violence President Esta Soler testified
during a national meeting at the Department of Health and Human Services in
October during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month on the impact of
violence and abuse on health and earlier this year Futures Without Violence
Public Policy and Advocacy Director Kiersten Stewart was asked to testify at a
public hearing in Washington, D.C. on the initial set of recommendations put
forward for the Strategy.
“We are pleased to see the National Prevention Strategy
include addressing domestic and sexual violence and children’s exposure to
violence as a critical element in our nation’s effort to improve the health and
well-being of American families,” said Soler. “But now our real work begins ---
seeing to it that this strategy is turned into action and that the government
funds and implements the programs necessary to accomplish these goals.”
On average, one in four women in America will experience
domestic violence and more than 15 million children witness this abuse
annually. Close to 500 women, girls and boys are sexually assaulted in this
country daily. Injuries associated with violence and abuse cost our nation more
than $8 billion annually and one estimate suggests that violence and abuse
could account for up to 1/3 of health care costs when chronic health conditions
are included. Review the National Prevention Strategy.
[Source:
futureswithoutviolence.org]
EVENTS AND
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Webinar: Addressing
the Myths of False Reporting of Rape
The Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault is hosting
this webinar which is presented by Matt Atkinson of Oklahoma Coalition Against
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. This workshop examines the tactics used
to disparage victims’ reports, and will offer critical rebuttal of the flawed
research and methods favored by skeptics. It will also offer tips on how to
respond to critics and skeptics during community outreach dialogues. The
webinar is on Wednesday, July 6 at 12-1:30pm MST and registration is $10. For
more information and to register, click here.
[Source: ncdsv.org]
Webinar:
Supporting Survivors of Exonerations
The National Center for Victims of Crime is hosting this
free webinar presented by Monica Urbaniak, LMFT-S, sexual assault therapist for
the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center. Ms.Urbaniak will share her experience working with survivors in cases that result
in DNA (and other) exonerations and provide tips and tools for providing
support throughout the post-conviction and exoneration process. The webinar is
on July 7 at 1pm ET. For more information and to register, click here.
[Source: ncvc.org]
Webinar:
Advocating for Sexual Assault Survivors in Housing Issues
The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault is hosting
this free webinar presented by their Staff Attorney Chris Kaiser. He will
discuss how sexual assault disrupts many aspects of a survivor’s life,
including her or his living situation. This webinar will highlight commonly
encountered housing issues, important state and federal housing laws, as well
as non-legal strategies to assist survivors. The webinar will be held on July 20
from 11am-12pm Central. To register, click here.
[Source: taasa.memberlodge.org]
Conference: Asian
& Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence 2011 National Summit
The Asian & Pacific Islander Institute is hosting
their National Summit on “From Gender Violence to Gender Democracy: What Will
It Take?” The goal of the conference is to engage advocates serving Asians,
Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, their organizations, and allies to
build the architecture of gender democracy by addressing violence against women
and sexism. Registration for this conference has been extended to July 4. The
conference will be held in San Francisco from July 24-26. For more information
and to register, click here.
[Source: apiidv.org]
CURRENT NEWS AND
RESEARCH FINDINGS
Yount KM,
DiFirolamo AM, Ramakrishnan U. Impacts of domestic violence on child growth and
nutrition: A conceptual review of the pathways of influence. Social Science and Medicine.
2011;72(9):1534-1554.
Abstract: Domestic violence against
women is a global problem, and young children are disproportionate witnesses.
Children's exposure to domestic violence (CEDV) predicts poorer health and development,
but its effects on nutrition and growth are understudied. We propose a
conceptual framework for the pathways by which domestic
violence against mothers may impair child growth
and nutrition, prenatally and during the first 36 months of life. We synthesize
literatures from multiple disciplines and critically review the evidence for
each pathway. Our review exposes gaps in knowledge and opportunities for
research. The framework also identifies interim strategies to mitigate the
effects of CEDV on child growth and nutrition. Given the global burden of child
malnutrition and its long-term effects on human-capital formation, improving
child growth and nutrition may be another reason to prevent domestic violence and its
cascading after-effects.
[Source: Web of Knowledge]
Rhatigan DL,
Stewart C, Moore TM. Effects of Gender and Confrontation on Attributions of
Female-Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence. Sex Roles. 2011;64(11-12):875-887.
Abstract: The present
study examined the effects of perpetrator gender, victim confrontation,
observer gender, and observer exposure to violence
on attributions of blame and responsibility for partner violence.
Data were collected from 728 college-aged students enrolled at two southeastern
universities in the United States. Results demonstrated gendered biases among
both male and female respondents. Men and women attributed less responsibility
and blame to female perpetrators than male perpetrators, especially if the perpetrator
was provoked. Moreover, exposure to violence was
important for predicting attributions, and some of the evidence for observer
effects were reduced to non-significance once these variables were added to the
model.
[Source: Web of Knowledge]
Chibber KS,
Krishnan S. Confronting Intimate Partner Violence: A Global Health Priority. Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine.
2011;78(3):449-457.
Abstract: Intimate
partner violence physical, psychological, or
sexual abuse of women perpetrated by intimate partners is one of the most
common forms of violence against women, and is
associated with adverse women's reproductive and maternal health outcomes. We
review the opportunities for addressing intimate partner violence
by the health system, examine promising approaches, and outline future
challenges for developing effective health-systems responses to violence. Evidence shows that women seldom approach
support services in response to violence, but do
seek health care at some point in their lives. In fact, women's utilization of
reproductive-health services in particular has been increasing globally. These
services have a broad reach and represent an important opportunity to engage in
violence prevention. Although health systems based
responses to intimate partner violence have
emerged, rigorous evaluations to guide program planning and policy efforts to
reduce violence are limited. Programs in the
United States have expanded from improving individual provider prevention
practices to instituting system-wide changes to ensure sustainability of these
practices. Developing-country program responses, though limited, have been
system-wide and multi-sectoral right from the start. Our review highlights 3
challenges for developing and expanding health-systems responses to violence. First, interventions should focus on creating
a supportive environment within the health system and strengthening linkages
across health care and allied sectors. Second, rigorous evaluations of health
sector based interventions are needed for a sound evidence base to guide
programmatic and policy decisions. Finally, research is needed to identify the
entry points for engaging men on violence
prevention, and to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of such
interventions.
[Source: Web of Knowledge]
Gartland D,
Hemphill SA, Hegarty K, Brown SJ. Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy
and the First Year Postpartum in an Australian Pregnancy Cohort Study. Maternal and Child Health Journal.
2011;15(5):570-578.
Abstract: To assess
intimate partner violence (IPV) in a longitudinal
cohort study during and after pregnancy, and examine social and economic
factors encouraging or inhibiting violence.
Nulliparous women were recruited from 6 public hospitals in Melbourne,
Australia. Self-administered questionnaires included standardised measures
assessing fear of an intimate partner at enrolment, 6 and 12 months postpartum;
and period prevalence of physical and emotional abuse in the first 12 months
postpartum. 1,507 women completed baseline data (mean gestation 15 weeks).
Response fractions at 3, 6 and 12 months postpartum were 95, 93 and 90%,
respectively. 5.1 and 5.4% of women reported fear in pregnancy and the first
year postpartum, respectively. 17% experienced physical and/or emotional abuse
in the first year postpartum. Most women who reported fear of an intimate
partner in the first year after the index birth reported fear before and/or
during pregnancy. Women working in early pregnancy who qualified for paid
maternity leave had significantly reduced odds of reporting combined physical
and emotional IPV in the first 12 months postpartum compared with women not
working (Adj. OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.08-0.55). Women working but not eligible for
paid leave had reduced odds compared with women not working (Adj. OR 0.49, 95%
CI 0.24-1.00). Models adjusted for maternal age, relationship status, income
and education level. Few first time mothers reported fear for the first time
after childbirth suggesting that IPV more commonly commences prior to the first
birth. Paid maternity leave may have broader social benefits beyond immediate
financial benefits to women and families.
[Source: Web of Knowledge]
Savas N, Agridag
G. The Relationship Between Women’s Mental Health and Domestic Violence in
Semirural Areas: A Study in Turkey.
Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health. 2011;23(3):399-407.
Abstract: The authors
examine the relationship between emotional disorders and domestic
violence (DV) in 395 women of different
ethnicities in Turkey. PRIME MD (Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders)
was used for diagnosis. This is a cross-sectional and epidemiological research.
Results showed that the prevalence of emotional disorders, anxiety, and
somatoform disorders was 22.8%, 24.8%, and 16.9%, respectively. The mean DV
score was 2.98 +/- 1.32 over 10.00. DV scores were higher when women did not
want to get married or did not have their family's blessing for marriage.
Observed scores were also high for civil marriage cases, or when women had a
job, had low income, or were afraid of their husbands (P < .05). The number
of comorbid diagnoses increased with increase in DV scores (P < .001). Mean
DV scores were higher for women diagnosed with major depression, partial
remission or recurrence of major depression, panic disorder, and common anxiety
(P < .05). The authors recommend that if physicians suspect any emotional
disorders in women in primary care, they should evaluate for DV.
[Source: Web of Knowledge]
FUNDING LINKS-SCHOLARSHIPS-RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Funding
Opportunity: Family Violence Prevention and Service Discretionary Grants:
National and Special Issue Resource Centers
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Family
and Youth Services Bureau is offering this funding opportunity to support a
nationwide network composed of National Resource Centers, Special Issues
Resource Centers, and Culturally Specific Special Issue Resource Centers
focused on the intervention and prevention of family violence, domestic
violence, and dating violence. The network will consist of one National
Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV), one National Indian Resource
Center Addressing Domestic Violence and Safety for Indian Women(NIRC), three
Culturally Specific Special Issue Resource Centers (CSIRC), and at least four
Special Issue Resource Centers (SIRC). These Resource Centers will provide
information, resources, training, and technical assistance to improve the
capacity of individuals, organizations, governmental agencies, local
communities, Tribes, and tribal organizations to prevent family violence,
domestic violence, and dating violence and to provide effective intervention
services. The due date for this application is July 15. For more information
and to apply, click here.
[Source: ncdsv.org]
Call for
Workshops: Nuestras Voces/Our Voices- National Bilingual Sexual Assault
Conference
Arte Sana Victim Advocacy SIN Fronteras is looking for
workshop proposals for their Nuestras Voces (Our Voices) 2011 National
Conference. Native and fluent Spanish-speaking trainers and direct service
victim advocates who have implemented effective programs in Spanish are
encouraged to submit workshop proposals. The submission deadline is July 8. For
more information, click here.
[Source: arte-sana.com]
Call for
Abstracts: Unity Through Diversity: Living at the Intersections- National
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender People of Color Health Summit
Unity Through Diversity is now accepting abstract
applications for their 2011 National LGBT People of Color Health Summit. The
focus of this conference is Living at the
Intersections. As a result of the complex
interplay among the intersections of different identities and communities of
LGBT People of Color, particular attention and respect must be paid to the
multiplicities that exist in people’s lives. The deadline for abstracts is July
13. To apply, click here.
[Source:
unitythroughdiversity.com]
Call for Posters: 16th
Annual Conference on Violence, Abuse & Trauma: Linking Research, Policy and
Practice
The Institute on Violence,
Abuse and Trauma is hosting their 16th Annual conference and are
seeking poster proposals. Topic tracks span intimate partner violence,
child maltreatment, children exposed to violence, at risk youth, criminal
justice issues, sexual assault, people with disabilities, treatment of victims
and offenders, elder abuse, trauma, and more. For more information and to
submit a proposal, click here.
[Source: ivatcenters.org]
JOB AND INTERNSHIP LISTINGS
Summer Intern-Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence
Resource Project-Washington, DC
The intern will provide
assistance to DVRP’s Advocates Program, Community Outreach Program, and the
Board of Directors. For more information and to apply for this program, click here.
[Source:washingtonpost.com/wl/jobs]
Bilingual Clinician-Domestic Violence Center of Howard
County-Columbia, MD
The bilingual therapist will
provide individual and group therapy to clients impacted by domestic violence
and/or sexual assault. For more information and to apply, click here.
[Source: idealist.org]
Domestic Violence Shelter Supervisor-Catholic Charities
Community Services- Phoenix, AZ
The Domestic Violence Shelter
Supervisor will provide direct supervision to the shelter staff and to perform
related administrative duties. For more information and to apply, click here.
[Source: careerbuilder.com]
Advocate- Domestic Violence Intervention Services- Tulsa,
OK
An advocate is needed to
perform intakes, handle the crisis line, and oversee client care. This position
is for nights and weekends only. For more information and to apply, click here.
[Source: indeed.org]
Public Education Coordinator/Medical Advocate-Domestic
Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry- Carlisle, PA
The Coordinator will oversee
development and delivery of domestic violence education/prevention programs for
schools, community groups and professional organizations. To learn more about
this position and to apply, click here.
[Source: indeed.org]
Domestic Violence Family Counselor-The Providence House-
Shreveport, LA
The Domestic Violence Counselor
is responsible for providing for counseling and empowering battered women and
their children to make choices that result in safe, independent and
violence-free lives. For more information on this position, click here.
[Source: careerbuilder.com]
