Did the President’s PSA at the Grammys have the Right Message?

The message at this year’s Grammys was loud and clear – stop violence against women. We watched as President Obama made his proclamation to end violence against women, and challenged artists to encourage their supporters to do the same. The President spoke the truth, 1 in 5 women will be victims of rape or attempted rape, and 1 in 4 women will face violence or abuse at the hands of an intimate partner.  He claimed violence against women is not OK, and launched the White House #Itsonus campaign – because in fact, it is on us all to stop the violence.  

In many songs and videos, violence against women is not only condoned but celebrated.  Following the President’s speech, Target aired a 3-minute music video ad of Imagine Dragons’ “Shot” about shooting everything they love. The President’s words were addressed to an audience that included Grammy nominees, Chris Brown, and R. Kelly.  What kind of message is being sent by saying we needed to stop the violence, while rewarding those personally involved with the violence. Violence against women is celebrated in many artists’ songs and videos. Songs and videos may demonstrate violence and the degradation of women, but these albums sell millions of downloads every day. When asking these artists to help stop the violence, what are we asking them to do?  

It is time to stop violence against women, and it is time to change the stigma associated with rape and abuse. Still assault against an intimate partner is not prosecuted as harshly as assault against another associate or a stranger.  Somehow we still see domestic violence as only a family problem, but violence against women is a social and a public health issue. The President is right that in one way #Itsonus, but in another way, it is on him and on every elected official. It is on us to keep up the pressure, to make sure the Violence Against Women Act is reauthorized next year, to make sure campuses receive needed fund to keep students safe from assault, and to make sure state and local laws support adequate shelter and permanent housing for survivors of domestic violence. It IS on us – AND our elected officials – AND on popular culture heroes like musicians and athletes - to change the conversation to help eliminate violence against women.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

This month, amidst chocolate hearts, flowers and love letters, we celebrated teen dating violence awareness month with waves of awareness campaigns spreading the same message - dating violence can happen in adolescent relationships.  President Obama declared February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, proclaiming, “Healthy relationships are built on respect, trust, and equality. Our commitment to these values demands that we stand up against dating abuse and all forms of intimate partner violence. During National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, we are called to act.” It is our responsibility to speak up and stop ignoring violence that happens daily.

Adolescence is a tough time.  Bullying through the internet and social media, maintaining good grades, and participating in equal, healthy relationships can affect teenagers.  Teen dating violence happens quite frequently ; in 2011, in New York City, 10.4% of male and female high school students reported being hit, slapped, or physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend/girlfriend within the past year. (NYC High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2011); 1 in 3 teens is affected by teen dating violence.

Campaigns spreading teen dating violence awareness are key to its prevention and elimination.   This Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, CADV RAPP students and Coordinators, shared why teen dating violence awareness is important, through different activities. We posted photos of cutout hearts proclaiming why we support teen dating violence awareness. RAPP students came to the Center’s main office to enjoy pizza while showing off their artistic talents decorating cloth squares that were sewn together into make a giant quilt of teen dating violence awareness. In workshops around the City, RAPP students adorned post-it notes with messages about teen dating violence and why they think violence needs to stop.

While RAPP students and Coordinators campaign to end teen dating violence all year round, designating a particular month to promote awareness helps spotlight the issue.  It is life changing for so many teens to tale the lessons of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and live them all year long.  

NYC’s LINC Program Impacts DV Survivors

Message from CEO Judy Kahan

This past November the City released a new assisted housing program called Living in Communities (LINC) – a stabilized rent subsidy program for New Yorkers who are homeless, including the people we serve – domestic violence survivors. Since 2010 there has not been any funding program to assist domestic violence survivors to find housing.  Without this assistance to find and keep a new home, independent of their batterers, what is a survivor to do? Without assistance, the choice can be between being battered and being homeless.

I spoke with Ebony Williams, one of CADV’s Housing Specialists, about this new program and how LINC affects our clients.

Judy: Can you tell me what a Housing Specialist does at the Center Against Domestic Violence?

Ebony: We work with families staying at our shelters to find them permanent housing before their time spent at the shelter reaches 180 days. During their stay we apply through HRA for assisted housing, and hopefully help them acquire permanent housing.  While trying to find them permanent housing, we also educate and counsel families about financial independence.

Judy: Is it common to find housing? What happens if an apartment has not been secured?

Ebony: We do as much as we can to get families approved for housing: we help them find apartments; and work together to fill out the application packets, lease terms, and more. Sadly, with limited funds, some resistance from property owners, and not a lot of available rental space, some people will face homelessness.  If a family does not have a housing placement, we apply to have the families time at our shelter extended, but this is not always granted.

Judy: Can you give us an example of someone the Center helped find housing?

Ebony: Suzanna and her family were recently living in our shelter for four months.....

Continue Reading HERE

For more information about the LINC program, please visit NYC.gov.

N-0 Housing Priority Status Legislation Proposed to NYCHA

New York, NY - December 15, 2014

The Center Against Domestic Violence joined fellow domestic violence supporters on the steps of city hall on December 15, 2014 to show support for Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda’s announcement of the new proposed legislation to grant equal housing priority for victims of domestic violence. The new legislation will require N-0 equal housing priority for women residing in HRA domestic violence shelters.

It currently stands, that victims of domestic violence and intimidated witnesses do not have the same priority status as other homeless. Although there is a housing priority for victims of domestic violence and intimidated witnesses, it is not as high a priority as that given to homeless families. Even though families residing in domestic violence shelters are homeless, they are not eligible for the same homeless priority housing.

That is why Senator Klein is proposing to introduce this legislation to grant homeless domestic violence victims same equal housing preference as other homeless. As Senator Klein stated, “Domestic violence victims are being discriminated against within the homeless shelter program. The fact that they aren't given the same preference - is ridiculous.” This will ease the transition for victims from domestic violence shelters, to regular housing. It will also help prevent victims from returning to their batterer, for fear of being completely homeless.

Judith Kahan, CEO of the Center Against Domestic Violence and founding co-chair of New York City’s Coalition of Domestic Violence Residential Service Providers, “wants NYCHA to open their doors to all battered women with the same housing preference as other homeless people. We urge the legislature to pass Sen. Klein’s bill.”

35 years ago, the Center Against Domestic Violence was the first organization to work with NYCHA on making battered women a priority for public housing. It was of vital importance that women affected by domestic violence were granted equal access to housing from NYCHA once they leave the shelter. We have continued to fight for equal preference housing over these past 35 years; however, equal access priority has changed face within legislation throughout the years.

Read alternative media coverage Here >>

The bill will be introduced in January. Please check back later for further information.

Bronxnet Interview with RAPP Coordinator Debra Hayes

Watch Saint Catherine Academy student interview CADV Relationship Abuse Prevention Program coordinator, Debra Hayes, on what an abusive relationship is and what to do if you are in one.

Debra has been working in the field of preventative violence for 12 years. She currently works with students as a RAPP coordinator, helping teens prevent and end violence.

Watch HERE>>

Giving Tuesday 2014

#GivingTuesday is almost here! Tomorrow, on Tuesday December 2nd, the Center Against Domestic Violence will be participating in Giving Tuesday. Please show support on this generous day! The holidays can be are a hard time, but it is always difficult for families dealing with the trauma of domestic violence and the hardship of starting a new life. Please donate funds for gift cards so parents we shelter can purchase holiday presents for their children.   We're asking you to help ease the financial burden of buying gifts so that survivors of domestic violence can celebrate this December!

Visions & Voices, Off Broadway - This Weekend!

The Caring Committee of EILEEN FISHER presents a benefit to raise funds for the Center Against Domestic Violence and AutismSpeaks.org: 

Purchase Tickets.

All proceeds benefit the Center Against Domestic Violence and AutismSpeaks.org.

Visions & Voices, Off Broadway

November 1st, 2014

Irvington Town Hall Theatre 

85 Main St., Irvington, NY

Thank you for your support!