Tuesday, September 7, 2010

CCADV 2010 Summer Newsletter



SUMMER 2010
CCADV Selling Domestic Violence Tie
In an effort to engage men and boys in our Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign, the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) has designated Tuesday, October 26th as Purple Tie Tuesday. Purple Tie Tuesday is a call to action for all men who are dedicated to stopping domestic violence. CCADV is asking men and boys across Connecticut to wear a purple tie on this day to demonstrate their support and commitment to ending domestic violence. Purple Tie
A high quality and well known men's clothier is supporting us and taking a stand against domestic violence by creating a tie specifically for this day. By purchasing these unique silk ties, you will support CCADV and its eighteen member programs while raising awareness within your community and across the state. To order your tie(s), simply go to http://www.ctcadv.org/ and click on the "click here to order your purple tie." To receive them in time for October 26th, all orders must be received by September 9, 2010.
Even if it's as simple as wearing a tie, it is crucial to engage men in this work. Studies have shown a small percentage of men are actually violent. However, they continuously perpetrate violence against women and other men. Engaging men plays an important role in ending the violence to which they bear witness. By taking a stand, men can show their family members, co-workers, and friends that they have the power to be positive role models. They have the power to intervene when they witness violence. Men can work as allies with women to prevent domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
"I believe men want to do something about the problem of domestic violence," says Erika Tindill, executive director of CCADV. "Unless we engage communities as a whole, and ask for everyone's support, the cycle of violence will continue across generations."
Governor M. Jodi Rell Holds Bill Signing Ceremony
In a legislative session defined by Connecticut's budget crisis, CCADV achieved a tremendous victory by enhancing state funding for domestic violence services. This and many other accomplishments were the result of months of advocacy by Coalition members and the dedicated work of the Speaker's Task Force on Domestic Violence. On July 8, 2010, Governor M. Jodi Rell held a bill signing ceremony at CCADV to enact House Bill No. 5246, House Bill No. 5315, and House Bill No. 5497 into law. The Governor was joined by CCADV executive director Erika Tindill and Mr. Alvin Notice, who each remarked on the successful passage of legislation designed to support victims of domestic violence and create greater accountability for domestic violence perpetrators.
Public Act 10-91 (formerly House Bill No. 5315) requires local or regional boards of education to provide in-service training to teachers, administrators and pupil personnel on variety of subjects, including teen dating violence and domestic violence. Public Act 10-137 (formerly House Bill No. 5246) provides additional rental protections for victims of domestic violence and it defines the distribution of Marriage License Surcharge funds. Public Act 10-144 (formerly House Bill No. 5497) allows the Family Unit of the Court Support Services Division of the Judicial Branch to communicate with other service providers and state agencies to provide for the effective treatment of domestic violence perpetrators; it eliminates the look back period for persistent offenders; it allows for the development of three new docket courts and a electronic monitoring pilot program and; it provides additional employment protections for victims.
Governor Rell is joined by state legislators, Alvin Notice and CCADV director Erika Tindill as she signs copies of the new domestic violence laws.
CCADV Working with Local Author
Allan G. Johnson

Recently, executive director Erika Tindill was approached by Connecticut author Allan G. Johnson to discuss his latest book, The First Thing and the Last. This is a touching story that explores the tragic yet prevalent issue of domestic violence. In the book, main character, Katherine Stuart, barely escapes being murdered in her Boston home by her abusive husband. She kindly gets an offer to stay with a women she has never met, Lucy, at her Vermont family farm. Lucy reads Katherine's story and reaches out to her because it rekindles memories of her own hidden past. Not wanting to face her family, Katherine accepts the offer. The two women develop an extraordinary bond in the hopes of overcoming the trauma they have both experienced.
In a seven year period the book was rejected by almost 60 commercial publisher's because of their fear of opening the public's eyes to the increasingly existent problem of domestic violence. The novel's "taboo" theme of domestic violence seemed too risky. In the end, independent literary publisher Plain View Press, was brave enough to take on the book. With the support of CCADV, Allan G. Johnson will be continuing his book tour throughout the fall at various libraries, universities and booksellers throughout the state. If you are interested in listening to him speak about his novel you can find a calendar of scheduled dates by visiting his website at www.agjohnson.us.
"The First Thing and the Last is a must-read for anyone working to end domestic and sexual violence and for those interested in educating themselves about the issue. Allan Johnson has deftly woven the issues of intimate-partner violence, trauma, and healing into a compelling novel that challenges the reader to question their own beliefs and assumptions about family violence. The First Thing and the Last firmly establishes Johnson as ally in the fight to end violence against women." Erika Tindill Executive Director

Lilith Fair Supports CCADV

It's been more than ten years since Sarah McLachlan and Lilith Fair toured the country but when they arrived in Hartford on August 1, 2010, fans were there in full force. Each year that Lilith Fair has been on tour, they have chosen a local charity to be the recipient of one dollar for every ticket they sell. "I have a moral and social responsibility as a human being to give back what I can," says Sarah McLachlan, who co-founded the tour with Terry McBride, Marty Diamond and Dan Fraser. This year, CCADV was chosen as the local charity. In the past, Interval House, the Prudence Crandall Center and the Network Against Domestic Violence have benefitted from Lilith Fair.
Linda Blozie and Sara McLachlan at check presentation press conference.
Voces Unidas

Voces Unidas is a project of CCADV that hopes to spread the word about domestic violence within the Latino community. Dedicated Latina advocates from around the state come together once a month to discuss and develop programs that educate and demonstrate the impact of domestic violence within the Latino community. Their latest creation "La Voz" is the stories of Latina women who have experienced violence in their relationships. Similar to the Silent Witness Project, La Voz is a display of fifteen three foot silhouettes of women, each with their own personal story. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, you can see La Voz at the University of Bridgeport. The members of Voces Unidas are also available to provide training on working with Latinos. Please check out their Facebook page at Voces Unidas.
Upcoming Events
September 11-12: Visit CCADV at the Women's Expo

October 1: Walk In Our Footsteps

New Haven Green
11:00am-2:00pm

October 26: Purple Tie Tuesday

Volume 10 Issue 3
In This Issue
Gov. Rell Signs DV Bills
The First Thing and the Last
Lilith Fair

Men Can Teach Boys about Domestic Violence

Men can help boys learn not to be violent by:
Teaching them early:
It's never too soon to talk to boys about violence. Talk with them about what it means to be fair, share and treat others with respect. Teach them ways to express their anger without using violence. When they get mad, tell them they can walk it off, talk it out, or take a time out. Give them examples of what you might say or do in situations that could turn violent.
Listening to them:
What are they saying? Listen to how they talk about girls. Ask them if they have ever seen abusive behavior in their friends. Are they worried about any of their friends who are being hurt in their relationships? Are any of theirs friends hurting anyone else?
Being there for them:
If it comes down to one thing you can do, this is it. Just being with boys is crucial. The time doesn't have to be spent in activities, but they want a male presence around them, even if few words are exchanged.
Being a role model: Any man who spends time with boys will have the greatest impact when they "walk the walk." Boys will learn what respect means by observing how you treat other people. They are watching what you say and do and they will take their cues from you, both good and bad. Let them know how you define a healthy relationship.


IF YOU BELIEVE IN OUR CAUSE...
DONATE

The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) is working to create a Connecticut where domestic violence no longer exists. If you share this vision, please consider making a donation to CCADV. Your support will help us continue our efforts to raise awareness about this pervasive problem and provide resources to domestic violence advocates across your community.

Make a tax deductible contribution to CCADV by check to:
Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence
90 Pitkin Street
East Hartford, CT 06108
Join Our Mailing List
Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV)


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