Education is Key to Violence Prevention

I was taken aback when reading the New York Times column posted on the Women's Fund Facebook page last week. The article highlighted a group of 14- and 15-year-old boys' "draft" of girls in their Maryland community. I won't go into the details, but you can read the column by clicking here. What may be viewed by some as innocent adolescent behavior may also foreshadow long-term issues with respect for women, which can lead to dating violence and domestic abuse. Objectifying women and girls diminishes a girl or woman's self-confidence and self-worth. It can have lasting impact on how she views relationships, and lead the offender (in this case, boys), to believe it is acceptable to treat others in this way.

The Indianapolis Star recently featured a program conducted at Westlane Middle School in Washington Township. Start Strong: Building Healthy Teen Relationships Initiative was implemented in all seventh-grade health classes last year, and will be spread to two more middle schools next year. A nationwide initiative, Start Strong is targeted to 11- to 14-year-olds, promoting healthy relationships as a way to prevent teen dating violence and abuse. The program is not only targeted to the students, but also engages educators, parents and caregivers, and policymakers. Start Strong Indianapolis reports:

• 11.6% of Indiana high school youth reported being hit, slapped, or physically hurt by their boyfriend/girlfriend.
• As many as 13.2% of females and 5.3% of males reported being physically forced into sexual intercourse.

These numbers are too high. Start Strong Indianapolis is partnering with Clarian Health to reach 4,000 students through engaging curriculum co-taught by peer advocates; to team with parents, healthcare providers, caregivers, coaches, and other youth serving organizations; and, to work with the Department of Education to enhance current policies through Indiana schools to address sexual harassment, bullying and violence.

Women's Fund is proud to be part of the solution, helping prevent domestic violence before it starts. Women's Fund has supported the Ruth Lilly Health Education Center's Healthy Relationships program for all 5th and 7th grade IPS students over three years. We are glad other groups are partnering together to champion and make violence prevention efforts a priority. These dedicated efforts will have long-term impact on the students involved and on the health and well-being of our community.

If you mentor a young person, I encourage you to keep communication lines open and make an effort to model and encourage healthy relationship behavior.

Challenging what we know

Today's blog post is contributed by Raquel Richardson, OPTIONS Alumna, Class 6. We thank Raquel for sharing her perspective on a recent OPTIONS Alumnae event, a discussion of the novel Push, by Sapphire, inspiration for recent Academy Award Best Picture nominee, Precious.

By Raquel Richardson

Principal
Silver Square :: Marketing + Design

We know the sun will come up tomorrow. We know the leaves turn colors in the fall. We know the earth is round. We know the truth – until we don’t. Our world has a funny way of keeping us off balance and adding in those little idiosyncrasies that make us pause and take note, challenging what we know.

Then we are exposed to a story like Push, by Sapphire, which later turned into the award-winning movie Precious. Most of us go about our day thinking children are cared for, mother’s take care of their children, teachers hold our kids accountable and on and on. Then we realize, that’s not the truth.

Our latest OPTIONS Alumnae event conversed about the challenges, stereotypes, personal experiences, parenting fears and more in our discussion of this story. Anita Carpenter from the Indiana Coalition Against Sexual Assault joined us to help facilitate the evening, and act as a mentor to us in our ability to find answers we could relate to, and ways in which we can take our talents and steps to ensure fewer and fewer children walk in a life like Precious.

Anita introduced us to a couple new ways to help teach our children to deal with uncomfortable situations:

1. Bystander Intervention. We can teach our children, and practice ourselves, to speak up when we witness others doing something they shouldn’t. Using simple phrases such as "that isn’t appropriate" or "we don’t allow that kind of language in our house" are effective and simple ways we can interrupt a situation;


2. Go tell a Mommy. My childhood advice when I felt like I needed to tell someone of authority something was to go talk to a police officer. That’s not realistic today. When a child is out at a mall, out with their friends or find themselves in a situation where they are lost or scared for any reason, they are told to go tell a Mommy. A Mommy will find an answer and take care of you.

Discussing this story, hearing comments from my peers and learning of the real-life cases Anita has experienced, brought a whole new awareness for me. It’s good to expand your personal comfort zone on topics you would otherwise not bring to your dinner table. Likewise, it’s good to hear how we can help. Thanks to other volunteers at the coalition, you can assist children in schools or on-call in hospitals once properly trained on these topics. If this is a personal cause of passion for you, take advantage of the training and help one child at a time never have to relate to Precious’s story.

Follow Raquel on Twitter @silversquare or join Silver Square's fan page www.facebook.com/graybox.

National Crime Victims' Rights Week

April 18-24 is National Crime Victims' Rights Week, a time focused on recognizing the rights of crime victims and raising awareness on ways to help victims.

Turning Point Domestic Violence Services in Columbus, Prevail Inc. in Hamilton County, and The Julian Center in Marion County are a few examples of central Indiana organizations helping victims of domestic violence. These organizations provide services ranging from shelter to counseling to legal services. One vital program Women's Fund has funded is the Grants to Encourage Arrests program, a partnership between Marion County law enforcement and The Julian Center. This program pairs an Outreach Advocate with a victim of domestic violence and is important to ensuring victims know their legal rights and can access services through comprehensive on-scene support provided by the advocate (see our blog post on this topic).

One story recently receiving national attention is that of Michelle Corrao, Director of Community Relations at Prevail. Corrao was awarded the Special Courage Award by US Attorney General Eric Holder and is the first Indiana resident to receive the award. A victim of a a violent crime, she has turned her tragic circumstances into a personal mission to help other victims and raise awareness. Through her work with Prevail the past seven years, she has been instrumental in working with the Prosecutor’s office to set up a Sexual Assault Response Team (SANE) in Hamilton County, among many other accomplishments.

Thanks to courageous women such as Corrao and important programs like Grants to Encourage Arrests, domestic violence victims can access help with professionals who are attuned to their needs and challenges. It is important not only to provide these services to victims but to stop violence before it starts. With preventative measures such as Heather's Law recently signed in Indiana, we are making positive strides. However, there is much more to be done, which is why Women's Fund is currently focused on domestic violence through our grantmaking. And, we hope others will join us in this effort.

New Law Designed to Prevent Teen Violence

Over the years, Central Indiana has experienced an increase in teen girls who are in more violent relationships. In 2005, 13.5% of Indiana high school girls reported they had experienced dating violence (had been hit, slapped or physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend) in the last 12 months. This translates to approximately 5,000 Indianapolis area girls, ages 15-18, who experienced dating violence in one year alone.

As advocates for the prevention of teen violence and keeping our community's children safe, Women’s Fund was pleased to learn that on Monday, Governor Mitch Daniels signed “Heather’s Law” – a bill enabling schools to address dating violence through education programs and policies for girls and boys in grades 6 through 12. This was a great collaboration between many partners who developed Heather’s Law, demonstrating the importance of addressing this issue and reinforcing the importance of partnering to create change.

Violence among dating teenagers permeates many high schools and homes and cuts across every socioeconomic group. Teen violence is not new; however, it is a silent matter most adults do not recognize or accept easily, and therefore is not easily discussed and addressed. Teen violence proliferates from adult violence, often causing young children to repeat actions – or become victims of abuse. In fact, children witness 75% of all domestic violence incidents, and are, in turn, 1,500% more likely to become victims themselves.

Education is key. Heather’s Law has reinforced the importance of education and helping children – many of whom are in relationships for the first time and therefore don’t know and understand what constitutes healthy relationships. Women’s Fund has long supported community efforts that prevent violence, including funding a program through Ruth Lilly Heath Education Center designed to teach every IPS 5th and 7th grade student about healthy relationships annually for three years. In its final year, this program has become a national model and students have demonstrated increased knowledge of healthy relationships. This program, along with Heather's Law, are critical steps to reducing and ending violence among teens, and ultimately stopping its demonstrative cycle.

As a community, we must find a way to protect more young people from violence. While Heather’s Law requires the schools to take action, I believe it is the responsibility of everyone to take an active role in educating and supporting young children. It should be our role as adults to serve as mentors and positive role models so our children recognize abusive behavior and feel empowered to get help. What will you do to make a difference?

Inspired by a Victim of Child Abuse

Last week I attended a kick-off event for Child Abuse Prevention Month, hosted in partnership by Prevent Child Abuse America, Prevent Child Abuse Indiana and The Villages. Throughout the event, child advocates spoke about the importance of child abuse prevention and the devastating cycle of domestic violence. Statistics shared were stark. Each year, more than 20,000 Hoosier children are abused and neglected – that equates to 56 children being harmed every day and one child each week losing his or her young life to child abuse.

After hearing from Ebony, a young victim of child abuse and neglect, I realized we are all responsible for keeping Indiana’s children safe and secure. We are all responsible for treasuring, protecting, nurturing and teaching our children.

Walking away from the event I felt empowered to do something – to do something that could positively impact the life of a child. As I drove back to the office I thought about some of the programs Women’s Fund recently shared in a meeting with the Indianapolis Star – programs they fund that significantly impact the success of our city’s children. Programs such as Project Home Indy, which provides shelter for homeless pregnant teens; Juvenile Justice Program through Peace Learning Center, which teaches girls at Indianapolis Juvenile Correctional Facility conflict resolution skills; and a program through Ruth Lilly Health Education Center that teaches all IPS 5th and 7th graders healthy relationships.

Indirectly, as an OPTIONS alumnae and donor to Women’s Fund, I am doing something to make a difference. My contribution is impacting programs that Women’s Fund supports. Their grants focused on insufficient income, inadequate caregiving choices and domestic abuse in the home are truly helping create a better life for women and children in our community. As I look for opportunities to do more, I will look to Women’s Fund to help me make a strategic, smart decision so I can continue to help girls like Ebony succeed. As an expert resource regarding issues impacting women and girls in central Indiana I have no doubt Women’s Fund will steer me in the right direction so I can continue making a difference for young girls in our community.

Healthy Relationships: Among Many Ways to be Healthy

Recently we posted a question to our Women's Fund Facebook fans: "What makes you feel fit and healthy?" It was awesome to see the diverse responses of many of our fans (click here to see). It is so important to keep our health top-of-mind. Many things can come between us and good health; it depends on our eating habits, exercise, strong relationships, mental fitness, and more. I'm glad that there are campaigns to help us think about certain aspects of our health, such as breast or heart health. For example, February 5th was "Go Red for Women" day, where people wore red to raise awareness for women's heart health.

Last week, I had an opportunity to go to the Ruth Lilly Health Education Center, along with OPTIONS Alumnae member Melissa Averitt. Women's Fund provided a transformational grant of $150,000 in 2006 for the center to provide healthy relationships programming to all Indianapolis Public Schools 5th and 7th graders twice per year over three years. This is truly an amazing program focusing on an important area of overall health and well-being. We hope that this program will help break the cycle of domestic violence.

Melissa interviewed President Julian Peebles, Program Director Diana Ruschhaupt, and IPS School 39 5th grade teacher Aksa Shami, who shared the impact this program has made on students. Click here to learn more about "STOP: Know What's Right" for 5th graders and here to learn more about "STOP: No Excuse for Abuse" for 7th graders.

We heard that teachers strongly believe in the program, students are enjoying it, and Ruth Lilly Health Education Center receives requests for the program to be expanded to other schools (they need more funding to do so). Because of this program, students have an awareness of what constitutes a healthy relationship and what doesn't. And, the innovative way the center delivers the program holds their interest. Rick, an IPS middle school teacher, told Diana "With the use of technology, music, statistics, and real-life scenarios, the instructors' interactive program allows the class to explore and think critically about the subject matter."

I love that Women's Fund supports of this important program for girls and boys in IPS Schools. And, I appreciate the great work of Ruth Lilly Health Education Center to provide high-quality programs for youth in our community.

‘Tis the Season for Joy; Not Pain

I recently read an article about the increased rate of domestic violence during the holidays, which really breaks my heart. The holidays are supposed to be filled with fun with family and friends, not a time for living in fear of violence. I can’t help wonder if holiday stress, stretched finances and increased alcohol consumption at holiday parties affect relationships and individual attitudes. I must confess I have found myself fighting back my own road rage recently – only to remind myself that the holidays are a time for cheer and joy, not frustration.

“Holiday stress” is no excuse for abuse (nothing is). If you – or someone you know, are in an abusive situation, it’s important to get help. Talk to a friend, stay at a relative’s house or take advantage of the many local resources we have available. Below are three places I’ve become more familiar with through working with Women’s Fund.

• The Julian Center – provides shelter, counseling and education for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and other life crisis.
• Prevail, Inc. – provides support and programs to victims of domestic violence in Hamilton and surrounding counties. They also staff a 24-hour crisis line: 317.776.3472. Their mission is to provide advocacy, awareness, support services and education to victims of crime and individuals and families in crisis.
• Turning Point Domestic Violence Services – provides support to women, men and children who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. They have a 22-bed emergency shelter, the provide education, prevention and training programs; and they have a 24-help line: 1.800.221.6311.

No matter the reason; no matter the season; I truly believe there is no excuse for abuse! I’m glad to know Women’s Fund is supporting these organizations so victims of abuse can find help – and hope.

Lessons for a Lifetime

Power of Girls participants had a great time last Saturday at this ninth event hosted through a partnership between Women's Fund, The Julian Center, and Indianapolis Power & Light (for more information, click here to go to Ann Murtlow's recent blog post, or here to go to our website).

What did participants learn at Power of Girls? How were they impacted? So many of the "take aways" from this program go well beyond the day of the event... and even the responses we received that day are pretty powerful! Here are reflections from both girl and adult attendees:

"What one thing sticks in your mind from the Healthy Relationships session?

• "How, when I was in two abusive relationships that the cycle would go again and again, and how I can recognize the signs." - Local 13-year-old girl

"Do you feel that your participation today has made a difference in the life of your daughter?"

• "I think the participation in today's event has made my daughter more aware of women's needs in the community and the lessons learned in the healthy relationships seminar will make a strong difference in her life; it will open doors for healthy relationships now and in the future." - Mother attending with her 14-year-old

"What was the most valuable part of the day for you?"

• "Seeing my daughter be a part of the process to learn of needs and experience the process of allocating donations." - Mother attending with her 15-year-old

"Do you feel you made a difference in the lives of others today? How?"

• "Just seeing the happiness and joy of the mothers and children (at the Julian Center) made you feel like you accomplished something great." - Ninth grade girl

Do you know someone who could benefit from this meaningful program focused on learning about healthy relationships, needs of the central Indiana community, and philanthropy? Our next event will be in 2010; contact me at abigailc@cicf.org if you would like us to send you information!

Power of Girls: A Life-Changing Experience

Power of Girls is a one-of-a-kind program providing a unique opportunity to learn lessons that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Since March 2004, Women’s Fund of Central Indiana has partnered with Indianapolis Power & Light Company and the Julian Center to host eight Power of Girls events. Power of Girls IX will be held Saturday, November 7, 2009. Over the course of a six hour period, participants:

• Learn what constitutes healthy relationships, recognize the signs of abusive ones, and learn how to get out of a destructive relationship before it’s too late.
• Learn about all forms of philanthropy and how to help.
• Hear a summary of current research about problems faced by women in our community and how Women’s Fund is helping in a very special way.
• Understand what the Julian Center does, how it is funded and the cost of providing its services.
• Hear how the Julian Center is changing the lives of many women in our community that simply have no where else to go.
• Meet and do a project with shelter residents and tour the facility.
• (Girl participants) Grant approximately $3000 to the Julian Center for purposes that they decide based on what they've learned about the Center during the day.
• (Adult participants) Watch girls present the grant and explain their rationale for choosing particular services or programs to support.

There are several things that make this event so special:

1. It targets teenage girls, ages 13 to 16, at a critical time in their journey toward relationship building and teaches them some very valuable and practical lessons about healthy and not‐so‐healthy relationships.
2. 17 adult/girl couples participate, making this an intimate and interactive session.
3. Although a girl can attend with her mom, she may also attend with an aunt, grandmother or other special woman in her life.

The cost per couple is $250. While this may sound pricey, I assure you this program provides tremendous value and an unforgettable experience ; the fee is also tax deductible. For full details and to register, please download the brochure by clicking here or calling 317.634.2423. Spaces are limited and are first-come, first-served, so register soon.

I can’t recommend this program highly enough. I attended with my daughter in 2004 and I encourage you to participate with your daughter or special teenage girl. You won’t regret it – in fact, it just may change your life… and hers.

Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence: Educating Children

Hi - it's Jennifer ... We have read a lot lately on the front page of The Indianapolis Star about extreme domestic violence; it seems like idyllic families and neighborhoods have been shattered by unimaginable violence. It makes me feel fortunate to be a part of a family where everyone treats each other with kindness and respect ... and, when my children don't, they learn through reasonable and appropriate consequences.

The domestic violence statistics continue to be staggering. The only thing new to me lately is the attention the most recent violence has received in the media. Unfortunately, domestic violence occurs every day all across this city; families of every socio-economic background experience violence in their homes. Why?

We know children imitate their parents in all we do ... the good and the bad. Our actions speak louder than our words. What if our words and our actions are loud and harmful? If a child grows up in a home where people scream, yell, hit, isolate, degrade, punish, etc. how will they know this isn't okay. If the only behaviors modeled are negative, children will expect to be treated this way in other relationship and will also use these same actions in how they communicate.

I am really proud of a $150,000 grant Women's Fund gave to the Ruth Lilly Health Education Center (RLHEC) two years ago for them to provide three-years of healthy relationships programming to 5th and 7th graders in IPS. The partnership with IPS is important because they do not have funding available to access this sort of programming. RLHEC created a curriculum to help the students learn to recognize appropriate behaviors and what to do if they are currently in or someday are part of an unhealthy relationship. Over a period of three school years, RLHEC will deliver this program to each 5th grader and each 7th grader one time a year; in year three the seventh graders will be having a great follow-up lesson.

It is the hope of Women's Fund that this programming will help break the cycle of violence. Every time a child has the opportunity to learn a positive behavior or a better way to respond to someone else's negative behavior, they have one more chance at a better life.

If you or someone you know is in danger, please seek help. The best place to start is by calling 2-1-1.

Thank you for your interest in and support of Women's Fund.