August 2011
August is
National Immunization Awareness Month. Children who are exposed to intimate
partner violence (IPV) are at increased risk for under-immunization. Moreover
studies have demonstrated that children of mothers who disclose IPV tend to be less
likely to be fully immunized at two years of age. Also, mothers who experienced
IPV were significantly less likely to regularly report their children to a
pediatric provider. Health care professionals can improve the rate of
immunization in children by assessing parents for intimate partner violence as
part of routine care.
There are different ways you can help bring awareness to
domestic violence not only this month, but all year long. Find out what you can
do at your school, clinic, and community by reading the features below. Read
our online fact
sheets to learn more about the issue 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 for August and beyond 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
Futures Without Violence, formerly Family Violence
Prevention Fund
Graduate Health Intern
healthintern1@futureswithoutviolence.org
FEATURED NEWS
Historic Victory
in Domestic Violence Screening
Advocates scored a historic victory today when U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sebelius announced guidelines
for complete insurance coverage – without co-pays – of DV screening and
counseling as part of women’s health care. The new guidelines were developed by
the Institute of Medicine and will become the minimum standard for insurance
companies that sell new or updated policies. New health plans will need to
include these services without cost sharing for insurance policies starting next
August 1, 2012. Read
the official press release.
“With nearly one quarter of women experiencing violence
or abuse at some point in their lifetimes and millions of children affected,
the prevalence data clearly argues for this population to receive early
assessment and counseling,” said Lisa James, Director of the National Health
Resource Center on Domestic Violence at Futures Without Violence, formerly
Family Violence Prevention Fund.
Victims of domestic violence are at increased risk for
heart disease, stroke and chronic pain. Abused women and girls are at
significantly higher risk for unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted
infections, including HIV and poor pregnancy outcomes. Children who witness
family violence are more likely to experience a number of long term health
problems.
Today’s announcement is a significant step to ensuring
that our health care system and providers will be partners in identifying and
helping victims of violence.
“We are thrilled at today’s announcement, which will
undoubtedly help to improve the health and lives of abused women,” said Esta
Soler, Founder and President, Futures Without Violence. “We also want to thank
Senator Mikulski and Representatives Schakowsky and Slaughter for their
leadership that has led to this day.”
U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) introduced the Women’s
Health amendment to the Affordable Care Act that gave HHS the authority to
study what should be covered; HHS turned to the Institute of Medicine for
recommendations on which HHS is expected to make a final determination in
August. Rep. Janice Schakowsky (D-IL) organized a letter from advocates and
colleagues urging the IOM to make a positive recommendation regarding intimate
partner violence screening. Finally, Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Rep.
Charles Bass (R-NH) are the lead sponsors of H.R. 1578, Violence Against Women
Health Initiative Act of 2011, modeled after the health programs in the
Violence Against Women Act of 2005 that provides training for health care
providers on how to identify and treat victims of domestic violence and
intimate partner violence.
[Source: futureswithoutviolence.org]
EVENTS AND
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Webinar- For
Advocates and Imams: Resources and Roadblocks for Muslim Battered Women
The Faith Trust Institute is hosting this webinar on
August 9 from 2-3pm EST. Presented Salma Abugideiri, LPC will discuss topics
such as an overview of domestic violence in Muslim communities, distinguishing
cultural traditions from religious teaching, faith as a resource for survivors
and perpetrators, and best practices for advocates working with women of faith.
This informative webinar will help attendees better understand the
intersections of cultural context, religious beliefs, and domestic violence. To
register for this webinar, click here.
[Souce: ncdsv.org]
Webinar- Awareness
to Action: What Adults Can Do to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse
Stop It Now! is hosting a free webinar on August 10 at
11am EST. Presenters Yvonne Cournoyer of the Stop It Now! program director and
Sarita Hudson Stop It Now! director of public engagement will discuss tips and
ideas on how to keep children safe from sexual abuse. They will present Stop It Now!’s unique approach to prevention, research on what U.S. adults think about
child sexual abuse, and practical steps you
can take to prevent abuse before a child is harmed. To register for this
webinar, click here.
[Source: stopitnow.org]
Webinar: Working
with Men and Boys to Prevent Intimate Partner Violence: Lessons Learned from
DELTA Programs
PreventConnect is hosting this webinar on August 19 at
11am PST. Host David Lee of the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault
will discuss how working with men and boys is a growing strategy for primary
prevention of intimate partner violence. Several DELTA programs will also share
experiences in developing, implementing and evaluating local prevention
programs. Join this session to learn from practitioners in the field about the
challenges, opportunities and resources to create change in communities. For
more information and to register, click here.
[Source: preventconnect.org]
Conference- 3rd
Annual Rape Prevention and Education Institute
The Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual
Violence will host this conference from
August 24-26 in Nashville, Tennessee. This three-day prevention based
conference will provide training opportunities, networking, and information to
advocates working in the sexual assault prevention field. For more
information and to register, click here.
[Source: ncdsv.org]
Event: Shop for a
Cause
Macy’s is hosting Shop For A Cause to help support the
D.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence keep families throughout the District
of Columbia safe. Purchase a $5 Shopping Pass for exclusive saving in every
Macy’s store and online at macys.com on Saturday, August 27. One hundred
percent of the proceeds will go the D.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Please note: a minimum of two tickets need to be purchased if purchasing
online. To purchase tickets, please click here.
[Source:dccadv.org]
Conference-
Partner For Peace: Culture, Socialization of Youth, and Gender Violence
The Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual
Violence is hosting this conference on August 30-31 in Detroit. This provocative, two-day
institute will offer thoughtful perspectives and dialogue about the nature and
prevalence of gender violence and the role of culture and society. Gender
violence devastates all communities and in communities of color, this violence
is exacerbated by institutionalized racism, stark economic conditions and
poverty. For more information and to register for this conference, click here.
[Source: mcadsv.org]
Conference-Strategies
for Addressing Domestic Violence
The Kentucky Domestic Violence Association will host this
training institute on September 2 from 9am-5pm in Hazard, Kentucky. Participants will discuss the biological and
social factors influencing health decisions through a women’s life and much
more. For more information and to register, click here.
[Source: kdva.org]
CURRENT NEWS AND
RESEARCH FINDINGS
Kapur NA, Windish
DM. Optimal Methods to Screen Men and Women for Intimate Partner Violence:
Results From an Internal Medicine Residency Continuity Clinic. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. 2011;
(26)12: 2335-2352.
Abstract: Contradictory data exist regarding
optimal methods and instruments for intimate partner violence (IPV) screening
in primary care settings. The purpose of this study was to determine the
optimal method and screening instrument for IPV among men and women in a
primary-care resident clinic. We conducted a cross-sectional study at an urban,
academic, internal medicine residency continuity clinic in Connecticut among
English or Spanish speaking adult patients. One group of patients ( n = 340)
received a self-administered questionnaire (SAQ) containing the partner
violence screen (PVS) and the Hurt, Insulted, Threatened or Screamed at
Questionnaire (HITS). A second group (n = 126) was screened with PVS and HITS
by their primary care providers during face-to-face (FTF) clinical encounters.
Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the association
between IPV prevalence and screening method (SAQ or FTF) after adjusting for
socio-demographic effects. The overall IPV prevalence was 17.3% using the SAQ
and 9.0% with FTF screening (p = .008). Patients receiving the SAQ were more
likely to report IPV than those who were screened FTF (adjusted odds ratio
[AOR]: 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-5.6). This effect persisted for
women, who had a higher odds of IPV when screened through a SAQ than when
screened FTF (AOR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.4-8.6). Men did not differ in reporting IPV
between methods: 11% with SAQ versus 9.4% FTF (p = .69). In internal medicine
residency continuity clinics, a SAQ for IPV may result in higher disclosure and
completion rates among female patients compared to FTF screening. Unique
screening instruments and methods may be needed for men.
[Source: Web of Knowledge]
McWhirter PT.
Differential Therapeutic Outcomes of Community-Based Group Interventions for
Women and Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence. Journal of Interpersonal Violence/ 2011; (26)12: 2457-2482.
Abstract: Two community-based group therapies,
emotion focused versus goal oriented, are compared among women exposed to
intimate partner violence (n = 46) and their children ( n = 48) aged between 6
and 12 years. A series of repeated measures analyses are employed to evaluate
the effects of time from baseline to postintervention following random
assignment. Main and treatment effects for women provide support for the
relative effectiveness in increasing quality of social support in the
emotion-focused intervention and in the reduction of both family conflict and
alcohol use for the goal-oriented intervention.[Source: Web of Knowledge]
Connor-Smith JK,
Henning K, Moore S, Holdford R. Risk Assessments by Female Victims of Intimate
Partner Violence: Predictors of Risk Perceptions and Comparison to an Actuarial
Measure. Journal of Interpersonal
Violence. 2011; (26)12: 2517-2550.
Abstract: Recent studies support the validity of
both structured risk assessment tools and victim perceptions as predictors of
risk for repeat intimate partner violence (IPV). Combining structured risk
assessments and victim risk assessments leads to better predictions of repeat
violence than either alone, suggesting that the two forms of assessment provide
unique and complementary information. However, very little is known about
elements involved in women's risk assessments. The present study explores
predictors of women's risk assessment and differences in factors linked to
victim and actuarial risk assessments in a large sample of women (N = 728)
shortly after the arrest of their male partner for IPV. In multivariate
analyses, women's risk assessments were strongly related to past relationship
violence and their partner's substance abuse but weakly related to demographic
factors, family constellation, and the partner's criminal history. Women who
perceived high risk but had a low risk score on an actuarial measure were more
likely to report the presence of dynamic risk factors, such as escalating
violence and violence during separations, along with a history of emotional and
psychological abuse. Qualitative findings paralleled quantitative findings,
with women's stated reasons for expecting high or low risk indicating that
women were attending to IPV history and dynamic factors. Implications for risk
assessment and safety planning are discussed.
[Source: Web of Knowledge]
Todahl J, Walters
E. Universal Screening for Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic
Review. Journal of Marital and
Family Therapy. 2011; (37)3: 355-369.
Abstract: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is known
to be prevalent among therapy-seeking populations. Yet, despite a growing
understanding of the dynamics of IPV and of the acceptability of screening,
universal screening practices have not been systematically adopted in family
therapy settings. A rapidly growing body of research data-almost entirely
conducted in medical settings-has investigated attitudes and practices
regarding universal screening for IPV. This article is a systematic review of
the IPV universal screening research literature. The review summarizes
literature related to IPV screening rates and practices, factors associated
with provider screening practice, the role of training and institutional
support on screening practice, impact of screening on disclosure rates, client
beliefs and preferences for screening, and key safety considerations and
screening competencies. Implications for family therapy and recommendations for
further inquiry and screening model development are provided.
[Source: Web of Knowledge]
Roth L, Sheeder J,
Teal SB. Predictors of intimate partner violence in women seeking medication
abortion. Contraception. 2011; (84)1:
76-80.
Abstract: Background: High rates of intimate
partner violence (IPV) have been reported among women seeking surgical
abortion. Women seeking medication abortion differ from surgical abortion
patients on many measures. The rate of IPV among medication abortion patients
is unknown.
Study Design: The Modified Abuse Assessment Questionnaire was administered to
1128 women at enrollment into a prospective, multicenter medication abortion
trial. Results: Twenty-three percent of subjects reported ever experiencing
IPV. Women reporting IPV were significantly more likely to be white and less
likely to be married. They were more likely to have had previous spontaneous
and induced abortions, and were more likely to incorrectly estimate their
gestational age (GA). Conclusion: The rate of IPV in this study was similar to
the background US rate. Few demographic variables are predictive of IPV among
women seeking medication abortion. Gynecologic variables associated with IPV
are consistent with less control over reproductive health.
[Source: Web of Knowledge]
DeBoard-Lucas RL,
Grych JH. Children’s Perceptions of Intimate Partner Violence: Causes,
Consequences, and Coping. Journal of
Family Violence. 2011; (26)5:343-354.
Abstract: Children's appraisals of conflictual and
aggressive parental interactions mediate their effect on children's adjustment.
Previous studies have relied almost exclusively on self-report questionnaires
to assess appraisals; consequently we know little about perceptions that occur
naturally when children witness interparental aggression. This study employed a
semi-structured interview to assess the thoughts and feelings of 34 children
(ages 7-12) whose mothers were receiving services at domestic violence
agencies, and mothers reported on interparental aggression that took place in
the home. Children's thoughts centered on consequences and efforts to
understand why fights occurred. They generally viewed their mother's partner as
responsible for violence, though a significant number viewed both parents as
playing a role. Sadness and anger were more common than anxiety, and children
often attempted to stop or withdraw from fights or both. When asked why family
violence occurs, most focused on perpetrators' lack of control of anger or
personal characteristics, but approximately one-third viewed victims as
provoking aggression. These findings support the idea that children actively
attempt to understand the causes and consequences of interparental violence and
suggest that their perceptions and interpretations are important for
understanding the development of beliefs regarding the use of violence in close
relationships.
[Source: Web of Knowledge]
Walker R, Shannon
L, Logan TK. Sleep Loss and Partner Violence Victimization. Journal of Interpersonal Violence.
2011;(26)10: 2004-2024.
Abstract: Intimate partner violence victimization
has been associated with serious health problems among women, including many
disorders that involve sleep disturbances. However, there has been only limited
examination of sleep duration among women with victimization experiences. A
total of 756 women with a domestic violence order (DVO) against a male intimate
partner were interviewed about their health, mental health, substance use, and
partner violence victimization. Face-to-face interviews were conducted from
February 2001 to November 2003 for data collection in three rural and one urban
county representing different jurisdictional settings. Because the current
analyses focused on understanding intimate partner victimization in the past
year and associations with sleep disturbance, 147 participants were excluded
for reporting a relationship with the DVO partner for less than 6 months in the
past year. The final sample for this article was 609. The women reported an
average of a little above 5.5 hours of sleep per night. For women in the
current study, significant predictors of sleep disturbance included race,
number of children, number of other symptoms of depression in the past 2 weeks
excluding sleep criteria, number of other symptoms of PTSD in the past 2 weeks
excluding sleep criteria, number of chronic physical health problems, and
severity of physical violence by the DVO partner in the past year. Addressing
short sleep duration among partner victims in health care settings might
enhance safety planning and prevent the development of health/mental health
problems that can arise from victimization.[Source: Web of Knowledge]
FUNDING LINKS-SCHOLARSHIPS-RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Call for Proposals- Edmonton Sexual Violence in
Marginalized Communities Conference
The Sexual Assault Centre of
Edmonton is seeking proposals for their upcoming conference to be held October
17-18 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are seeking presenters to speak about
their work on any topic related to their conference theme that can fill session
time ranging from 60-90 minutes. The proposal deadline is August 15. For more information
about this opportunity, click here.
[Source:ncdsv.org]
Call for Programs- 1st SCOPE Annual
International Conference 2011
The School and College
Organization for Prevention Educators (SCOPE) is looking for program proposals
for its conference to be held October 21-23 at Orlando, Florida. Topic of
interest for program proposals include
relationship/domestic/intimate partner violence, and sexual assault. The deadline for this opportunity is August
31. For more information on the conference and the call for programs, click here.
[Source:wearescope.org]
JOB AND INTERNSHIP LISTINGS
Internship:
Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project- Washington, DC
The Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource
Project is searching for a fall intern for the Advocates Program, Community
Outreach Program, and assistance to the Board of directors. For more
information and to apply, click here.
[Source: washingtonpost.com]
Domestic Violence
Program Advocate- Seattle,WA
This part-time position provides direct services to and
advocacy on behalf of survivors of domestic violence; group facilitation;
outreach and education to the Jewish community, youth and to secular domestic
violence agencies. This job is being offered by Project DVORA. For more
information and to apply, click here.
[Source: idealist.org]
Domestic Violence
Supervisor-Chicago, IL
The supervisor plans, directs and coordinate the daily
operation of the Domestic Violence program of the Healthcare Alternative
Systems, Inc. The incumbent supervises and coordinates the daily operations of
the staff and their duties and develop and maintain service integration with
available resources. For more information and to apply, click here.
[Source: npo.net]
Prevention
Educator- Stamford, CT
PeaceWorks is the prevention education platform of the
DVCC based in Stamford, CT. They are seeking to recruit an individual to
deliver prevention programming within the classroom for children in grades K-5.
For more information and to apply, click here.
[Source: idealist.org]
Women’s Advocate-
Cleveland, OH
The Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy Center is
looking for a candidate to provide advocacy and direct service to victims of
domestic violence residing in an emergency shelter. For more information and to
apply, click here.
[Source: careerboard.com]
Supervising Social
Worker- New York, NY
The Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter program offers a
comprehensive range of services including counseling, advocacy, intervention,
and support to meet the needs of victims and their families. The supervising
social worker is responsible for assisting the director with program
development, and providing direct supervision to case managers. For more
information and to apply, click here.
[Source: socialservice.com]
