SB 86 has passed the Rules Committee and is headed to the Georgia Senate for a full vote.  Please contact your Senators about this important bill TODAY.  Refer to SB 86 talking points for important information which can be used to guide your conversation.

To find your Senator, please follow the link http://gcadv.org/what-we-do/public-policy/find-your-state-legislators/.

Questions may be directed to Allison Smith at asmith@gcadv.org or Shenna Johnson at sjohnson@gcadv.org.

It’s unacceptable that VAWA resources have been jeopardized for almost 2 years!

The election is over and it’s time!

Congress has some unfinished business.

They MUST PASS the Violence Against Women Act NOW!

We must get Congress to finish the work of passing a VAWA that safely and effectively protects ALL victims.

National Day of Action:

Mark your calendars for a National Day of Action to pass VAWA – Wednesday, November 14.  Advocates and allies all across the nation will be contacting their elected officials to tell them “Pass VAWA now!”

Please take a few minutes on that day to call your Senators and Representatives.

• Use this number 888.269.5702 to connect to the Capitol switchboard.  Then ask to be connect to you U.S. Representative (www.house.gov) or Senator (www.senate.gov).
• Tell them:  “I am your constituent.  Now that the elections are over, I urge you to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)!  It has been 679 days since VAWA expired, 183 days since Congress’s last action on VAWA.  Please, show women and victims that you care – pass VAWA now!

Email: Don’t have time to call? You can also the short message above to your Members of Congress.

Twitter:  Do you tweet?  Here are a few sample tweets that you can use!

@[INSERT YOUR REP’S TWITTER HANDLE] #PassVAWA2012 because victims need safe and affordable housing #dv #VAWA

@[INSERT YOUR REP’S TWITTER HANDLE] #PassVAWA2012 because victims are still being killed by their partners. #dv #VAWA

@[INSERT YOUR REP’S TWITTER HANDLE] #PassVAWA2012 because our shelter serves victims in your community who depend on it!

@[INSERT YOUR REP’S TWITTER HANDLE]  #PassVAWA2012 because 6 out of 10 Native American women will be physically assaulted in their lifetime.

Social Media

Be a part of a ground-breaking campaign to leverage the full power of social media in fighting for the Reauthorization of VAWA! Join the #PassVAWA2012 Facebook Photo Campaign to tell Congress that it’s time to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act!  It’s easy – just snap photos of you, your friends, and your colleagues – holding up signs saying why we need to Pass VAWA NOW!  Submit your photos via email to advocacy@nnedv.org and lccref@gmail.com or tweetpic to #PassVAWA2012.

The Background

You have worked so hard over the past two years to urge Congress to reauthorize VAWA.  Election cycle politics derailed VAWA’s passage and now we have a final opportunity to get this done!  Congress needs to hear from you that this is still a priority and that they need to act in “lame duck” session.  With the combination of additional pressure from you throughout November and the work of NNEDV and others at the national level, we believe that it is very likely that Congress will act on VAWA upon their return.

If you have an event planned for Domestic Violence Awareness Month and would like to see it listed here, please send event details, including date, time, location, name of organization organizing the event, name of organization receiving proceeds from the event (if applicable), and information on how to RSVP (if applicable) to Allison Smith at asmith@gcadv.org.   

September 27^th

• Woodstock – Cherokee Family Violence Center Golf Tournament Fundraiser, 1:00 p.m., The Golf Club at Bradshaw Farm, 3030 Bradshaw Club Drive.  For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/127625790717498/

 September 28^th

• Peachtree City – Annual 5K “Run from Domestic Violence” at City Hall.v Registration begins 5:00 p.m., race begins 6:00 p.m.  Register on site or at http://www.promiseplace.org/race.htm.  All funds raised go to Promise Place Domestic Violence Shelter.

 October 1^st through October 31^st

• Savannah – Walk In Their Shoes exhibit at Oglethorpe Mall

 October 1^st

• Rome - Local domestic violence program Hospitality House will serve as guest speaker on local radio show “Talk of the Town with Nelle Reagan,” AM 1470 WRGA.  Tune in at 9:00 a.m.
• Rome - Clothesline Project, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired, 336 Broad Street, Suite 201.  Bring your own t-shirt to design as part of this display to honor those who have been impacted by domestic violence.
• Savannah – Ribbon Tying Ceremony, Forsyth Park.  To mark the commencement of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, SAFE Shelter will tie purple ribbons around the perimeter trees in Savannah’s historic Forsyth Park. 

 October 2^nd

• Rome - Annual Candlelight Vigil, Rotary Plaza (between the Forum and the courthouse, downtown Rome.  Refreshments at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:00 p.m.
• Winder – 12^th Annual Candlelight Vigil, Old Barrow County Courthouse.  The vigil will commence with a brief introduction of the Awareness Art Exhibit at the Old Barrow County Courthouse from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by a march to the Winder Pavilion for the official candlelight ceremony from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. to honor those who have lost their lives to domestic violence.  

 October 2^nd through October 31^st

• Winder – Artwork display and sale, Old Barrow County Courthouse.  Begins with opening reception on Oct. 2 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., immediately preceding candlelight vigil at 7:30 p.m.  Ten percent of artwork sales goes to benefit Peace Place, Inc.

 October 4^th

• Atlanta – Caminar Latino’s 3^rd Annual Gracias Party, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Park Tavern, 500 10^th St NE.  Please RSVP to jnunan@caminarlatino.org.  Admission free, suggested donation $15.
• Statesboro – “Dancing with the Statesboro Stars 2012”, Georgia Southern University Performing Arts Center, 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.  Proceeds benefit Citizens Against Violence, Inc.  Tickets are now on sale through the Performing Arts Center box office at 912.478.7999 or online at http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/.  Vote for your favorite couple at http://www.safehavenstatesboro.org/dancing-with-the-stars.aspx

 October 5^th

• Athens - Opening reception for ”Through an Open Window 2012: Looking at Art Influenced by Domestic Violence,” 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., ARTini’s, 296 West Broad Street, #3.  Almost 100 paintings expressing the participant’s views of domestic violence will be revealed at the reception.  The paintings will remain on display for the entire month of October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Presented by Project Safe and the Domestic Violence Task Force of Athens Clarke and Oconee Counties.  For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/283764168399755/
• Brunswick – “High Heels, High Hopes” Fashion Show, 6:00 p.m., Art Downtown, 1413 Newcastle Street.  Admission $10.  Proceeds benefit Glynn Community Crisis Center.
• Hiram – Candlelight vigil, 7:00 p.m., Ben Hill Strickland Sr. Memorial Park (corner of Hwy. 92 and Oak Street).  For more information, call 770-443-5213, http://www.shepherdsrestministries.com/images/Candlelight_Vigil_Flyer_Oct2012_3_.pdf
• Lithonia - Annual Candlelight Vigil, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., The Mall at Stonecrest. Sponsored by the Stone Mountain-Lithonia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• Thomasville – 12th Annual Kick-Off Rally for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 11:30 a.m., St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Parish Hall.  Sponsored by Halcyon Home for Battered Women.

 October 6^th

• Dahlonega – 2012 Lake Zwerner 5K & Duathlon, Dahlonega Reservoir.  Registration at 8 a.m., duathlon at 8:30 a.m., 5K at 9:00 a.m.  For registration or more information, visit http://www.noonealone.org/index.php/events/5k-run-walk

 October 7th

• Athens - October Soupfest Big Soup Cookoff, benefiting Project Safe.  11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Melting Point.  All soups prepared from scratch on site by local restaurants and organizations.  Live music.  Tickets are $5 and include three tastings and a vote for the best soup.  Organized by Classic City Chefs, Athens Chapter ACF.  For more information, visit http://www.meltingpointathens.com/Buy-Tickets/?Page=http://www.ticketbiscuit.com/MeltingPointAthens/EventPage.aspx?EID=141116

 October 9^th

• Columbus - “Silence Hides Violence: A Walk in Honor of Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence,” followed by annual candlelight vigil.  Registration at 5:30 p.m., walk begins at 6:00 p.m.  Starting point for walk is Country’s BBQ, 1329 Broadway.  Candlelight vigil held at Woodruff Park Theatre, Bay Ave. and W 10th St.  Please park at Woodruff Park to be shuttled to Country’s BBQ.  For more information, call 706-256-0237, ext. 114.
• Gainesville – 8th Annual Domestic Violence Breakfast and Briefing, 8:00 to 9:00 a.m., Gainesville Public Safety Building, 701 Queen City Parkway.  Sponsored by the Hall County Domestic Violence Task Force and Gateway Domestic Violence Center.  Event is free and open to the public.  http://www.gatewaydvcenter.org/zonedisplay.asp?ZoneID=45

 October 10^th

• National Health Cares About Domestic Violence Day.  Partnerships with local women’s healthcare offices to distribute info about the effect of domestic violence on women’s health.  For information to share in your doctor’s office, go to http://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/content/action_center/detail/1130
• Atlanta – Domestic Violence in the Workplace 2012 Conference, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., The Home Depot Corporate Headquarters.  Presented by Partnership Against Domestic Violence.  For more information or to register, visit http://padv.org/2012-domestic-violence-in-the-workplace/
• Rome - Lunch & Learn: The Effect of Domestic Violence on Women’s Health, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., Georgia Highlands School of Nursing, Rome Campus Annex.  Pizza, salad, drinks, and volunteer hours available.

 October 12th

• Calhoun – Golf tournament, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Calhoun Elks Lodge, 143 Craigtown Road Northeast.  Proceeds benefit Tranquility House.  For more information, call 770-386-8093.
• Decatur - 2nd Annual Community Resource Fair and Symposium, “Building Bridges, Making Connections: Coordinating a Community Response to Domestic Violence,” 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Manuel Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, downtown Decatur.  Free and open to the public.  Breakfast served.  Please bring your used cell phones to donate through HopeLine.  RSVP by Oct. 8 to Community Prosecutor Sonja Brown, 404-371-2234, snbrown@dekalbcountyga.gov.  Presented by the DeKalb County Solicitor-General with support from Verizon Wireless.
• Jonesboro – “Face and Shades of Domestic Violence in the Faith Community”, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Higher Living Christian Church.  Presented by Sisters Empowerment Network and Southern Crescent Sexual Assault Center.

 October 13^th

• Cornelia – 2012 Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, downtown Cornelia.  Registration at 9:00 a.m., walk at 10:00 a.m. from the Post Office and ending at the historic train depot.  Admission is free and open to the public.  Presented by the Family Violence Task Force of the Mountain Judicial Circuit. For more information or to register, visit http://www.gacircleofhope.org/events_page.htm
• Douglasville – 4^th Annual S.H.A.R.E. House Paws-an-Effect Dog Show, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Deer Lick Park, 2105 Mack Road.  Free admission.  All event proceeds will benefit S.H.A.R.E. House.  For more information, visit http://www.sharehousedouglas.org/Share_house_dog_show_flyer_2012.pdf
• Lithonia - Domestic Violence & Teen Dating Violence Awareness Rally & Panel Discussion, “United to Empower a Generation,” 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Stronghold Christian Church, 724 Rock Chapel Road.  Presented by Stronghold Christian Church and From Pain to Purpose.  Check out the promo video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YAQZ2P6tik&feature=share.
• Norcross - 5K Walk & 10K Run “Break the Silence/Save a Life – Running for a Cause,” 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 182 Hunter Street (parking lot of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church).  Free health care screenings, mini-Zumba lessons and other fun activities for children and adults.  Presented by HOPE at the Well (HATW).  For more information or to register, visit http://runningforacause5k10kwalkrun.weebly.com/.
• Stone Mountain – E.P.I.C. 5k Walk, “Walking Into a New D.A.W.N.”  Stone Mountain Park.  Registration/Signup at 8:30 a.m., walk starts at 10 a.m.  Registration $10.  Bring a business suit to give to women in safe houses!  Register at registration@sabrinamckenzie.org

 October 18^th

• Atlanta – 5th Annual International Dessert Night, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Womble Carlyle.  Tickets are $45 and may be purchased via PayPal on IWH’s Facebook page or by contacting Anna Blau at 770-413-5557.  Proceeds benefit International Women’s House.  For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/313478608751373/
• Atlanta - The National Council of Negro Women, Spelman College Section, presents “Breaking the Silence: An Evening of Speaking Out Against Intimate Partner Violence,” 7:00 p.m., Spelman College, Cosby Auditorium. Featuring performances from Peace and Love AUC, Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, Afrekete, Sister Fire, Sister Speak Up, Faces of Manhood, DIamon in the Rough, and the Spelman College Jazz Ensemble.  Tickets: $1 pre-sale, $2 at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Click HERE for more information.
• Decatur – 21st Annual Candlelight Vigil, 7:00 p.m., Gazebo in Decatur Square.  Presented by Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence.
• Thomasville – 16^th Annual Candlelight Vigil, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Parish Hall.  Silent march at 6:30 p.m., vigil at 7:00 p.m.  Presented by Halcyon Home for Battered Women.

 October 19^th

• Dalton – 6^th Annual Domestic Violence Conference, 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Dalton State College, Gignilliat Memorial Hall.  Registration is $35.  Presented by the Conasauga Family Violence Alliance.  For registration information, go to http://dvconferencedsc.eventbrite.com/.
• Rome – 2012 Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, Heritage Park (across from Barron Stadium).  Check-in at 11:00 a.m., walk begins at 12:00 p.m.  For more information or to register, visit http://www.hospitality-house.org/walk%202012.htm

 October 20^th

• Atlanta - “But I Love Him,” a domestic violence awareness play, Peachtree Professional Centre, 99 Peachtree St. SW.  For more information, call Cassandra at 770-899-7424.  Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s-WVsMd-XQ&feature=youtu.be for a preview.
• Riverdale – 2nd Annual Walk A Mile in Her Shoes: Community 5K Walk/Run Against Domestic Violence, Riverdale Town Center, 7200 Church Street.  Registration 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., pre-rally festivities 8:00 a.m. to 8:20 a.m., 5K walk/run begins 8:30 a.m.  For more information, to volunteer to help out, or to register, visit http://www.sistersempowerment.org/Walk-a-Mile-in-Her-Shoes.html
• Valdosta – Kids Fall Safety Festival, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saunder’s Park.  Presented by The Haven Battered Women’s Shelter.  For more information, visit http://valdostahaven.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Kids.pdf

 October 21^st

• Marietta – Youth Track or Treat Fun Run, Marietta High School, 1171 Whitlock Avenue SW.  Registration 1:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., warm up 2:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., run at 2:30 p.m.  Benefits the YWCA of Northwest Georgia domestic violence shelter.  For more information or to register, visit http://www.youthtrackortreat.com/

 October 22^nd

• Macon – Two-day annual conference, “Courage is Contagious: Working Together to Break the Silence,” Macon State College, Mathematics Auditorium, 100 College Station Drive. Registration closes October 16.  Sponsored by the Central Georgia Council on Family Violence.  For more information or to register, visit http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=9xgtkygab&oeidk=a07e6bf9j68d9e9de3e&oseq=a005gqmd4qf4
• Vidalia - Screening of the documentary film “Sin by Silence,” 7:00 p.m., Calvary on Aimwell Baptist Church, 607 Aimwell Road.  A ceremony to honor those who lost their lives due to domestic violence will follow the screening.  Presented by The Refuge Domestic Violence Shelter.  Watch the film trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naGlCwdvVx8&feature=share

 October 23rd

• Rome - Panel discussion, 12:00 p.m., Seven Hills Rotary Club, Coosa Country Club, 110 Branham Avenue.  Advocates, therapists, and law enforcement will share perspectives on domestic and dating violence.
• Swainsboro - Screening of the documentary film “Sin by Silence,” 7:00 p.m., Franklin Memorial Library, 331 West Main Street.  A ceremony to honor those who lost their lives due to domestic violence will follow the screening.  Presented by The Refuge Domestic Violence Shelter.  Watch the film trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naGlCwdvVx8&feature=share

 October 24^th

• Atlanta – Silent No More Candlelight Vigil, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, 235 Andrew Young Boulevard Northwest.  Featuring inspirational domestic violence survivor stories, live performance courtesy of Praise 102.5 FM, and a candlelight vigil in remembrance of victims in Georgia.  Free and open to the public.  Light refreshments served.  Sponsored PADV, International Women’s House, Securus House, and GCADV.  Please RSVP at  http://padv.org/candlelight-vigil/

 October 25^th

• Atlanta – “Walking Among Us, Today & Forever,” an event to honor and remember those who have passed and celebrate those who have survived.  5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Latin America Association, 2750 Buford Highway.
• Marietta – Vigil, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Grover Park, Historic Marietta Square.  Presented by YWCA of Northwest Georgia, Cobb Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Marietta-Roswell Alumnae Chapter, and the Solicitor General’s Office of Cobb County.
• Newnan – Vegas Nights, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Healthy Life Chiropractic, 2753 E. Hwy 34, Suite 1.  Ages 21 and older.  RSVP by calling Candy at 770-683-9454.

 October 27^th

• Atlanta – Men Stopping Violence 30^th Anniversary Awards Dinner, Four Seasons Hotel, 75 14^th St.  Reception at 6:30 p.m., dinner and program at 7:30 p.m.  For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.menstoppingviolence.org/men-stopping-violence-30th-anniversary-dinner
• Atlanta – 2012 Domestic Violence “Silent No More” Fundraiser Brunch, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Holiday Inn Atlanta Perimeter, 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road.  Proceeds benefit the Beverly Cunningham Outreach Center.  For more information, visit http://bcop.org/2012-domestic-violence-fundraiser-silent-no-more/
• Dahlonega – 2012 NOA Chili Cook-Off, Hancock Park.  Cook setup 10:00 a.m., event 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  For more information, visit https://sites.google.com/site/noachilicookoff/
• Decatur - Eagles Soar Performing Arts Theatre presents the play “Church Folks!”, written by Zakiya H. Watford, 3:00 p.m., Porter Sanford Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive.  Tickets $20.  A portion of ticket sales will go to benefit the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence.  For tickets, call 678-982-1999 or 404-687-2731, or visit http://espatheatre.com/events/.
• Savannah – 16^th Annual Candlelight Vigil, Forsyth Park Band Shell.  For more information, call (912) 651-0004.

 October 28^th

• Atlanta – “The Power of Collective Voice: Taking Action to End Domestic Violence”, 2:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m., Congregation B’nai Torah 700 Mt. Vernon Hwy.  Presented by Shalom Bayit of Jewish Family and Career Services and Congregation B’nai Torah.  Please RSVP at 770-677-9322 or wlpshutz@jfcs-atlanta.org.  For more information, visit https://yourtoolsforliving.org/calendar/view/1477/date/2012-10-28

 October 30th

• Rome - Hospitality House for Women’s Annual Meeting, 6:00 p.m., St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Daniel Hall, downtown Rome.  Refreshments will be served.  Interested community members welcome.

 November 3^rd

• Decatur – 14^th Annual “Ek Shaam Raksha Ke Naam” (“A Night in the Name of Raksha”), 6:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., Seasons Event Center, 1711 Church Street.  Tickets $75 per person.   For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151194428806251&set=a.417410866250.216993.135556281250&type=3&theater

Donations allow GCADV to further collaborate with government agencies and community allies to create prevention efforts and advocate for laws to protect mothers and children. Donations encourage best practice education and training for domestic violence advocates and work with the media to change attitudes to stop domestic violence in Georgia, once and for all. Anna Balkan gets our mission and understands how businesses like hers can benefit victims in Georgia. We appreciate Anna Balkan Jewelry!

To learn more about Anna Balkan Jewelry and to donate to GCADV, RSVP at 678.527.1180 and join in the celebration. 

Participate in the Day of Action on Tuesday, June 26th to reauthorize VAWA – call your members of Congress and use social media!

Call:

• Call your Senators and Representatives and insist that they pass VAWA as a matter of urgent priority.  You can find the names and contact information for your Senators and Representatives here:  http://votesmart.org/
• When you call, tell your Members of Congress: “I urge you to pass a strong, bipartisan VAWA reauthorization bill that safely and effectively protects ALL victims of violence – NOW.  VAWA has positively impacted me/my community in the following way [insert personal story].  By reauthorizing a strong VAWA reauthorization bill that protects all victims of violence, VAWA programs and services can continue to serve victims and make our communities safer.
• Visit NNEDV’s Legislative Action Center to take action and provide us with feedback about your calls.

Tweet:

• Follow NNEDV on Twitter and use these hashtags: #ReauthorizeVAWA and #VAWA
• Tell Congress to #ReauthorizeVAWA before the 7/4 vacation
• Join National Day of #Action4VAWA!  Call your Congress member @ 202-224-3121 today!
• [Insert your Congress person's Twitter handle] #ReauthorizeVAWA for ALL survivors!  Stand up to take #Action4VAWA!

Facebook:

• Follow NNEDV on Facebook and share our content

Action in DC:

• If you are in Washington, DC, join us for a national rally on June 26th on Capitol Hill.  Advocates will gather at the U.S. Capitol to directly call upon Congress to reauthorize VAWA now.

Date: Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: U.S. Capitol, Area 9, enter site at the intersection of 1st Street and Constitution Avenue
Register to attend

Sadly, Georgia was ranked 6th highest in the nation for its rate of men killing women in 2011 and in 43% of domestic violence cases, children were present. This bleak statistic is why partnerships like this are crucial for GCADV to unite individual victims with domestic violence programs to create a seamless transition towards safety and stability. GCADV advocates on the state and federal levels for responsive public policy, foster quality comprehensive prevention and intervention services, we train and support member programs, and enthusiastically embark on significant partnerships with community organizations and businesses to end domestic violence and its impact to families, in Georgia. This cannot be done without financial support. As a part of GCADV’s efforts to raise funds and increase organizational awareness, we are pleased to announce our partnership with Ms. Anna Balkan, an Atlanta based jeweler who will donate a portion of her profits to aid victims of domestic violence in Georgia.

On Saturday, September 22nd Anna Balkan Jewelry will celebrate the anniversary of their opening and raise awareness of domestic violence and its support of GCADV.  Anna Balkan designs showcase unique color combinations and each piece makes a remarkable fashion statement. Her pieces have been sold in over 250 international locations and been worn by such recognizable stars as model Janice Dickinson and cast members of both All My Children and One Life to Live. “GCADV is doing such important work to give all victims of domestic violence a voice. Banding together in these efforts excites me. A portion of my profits will aid women through support freedom and hope,” say Anna Balkan.

Donations allow GCADV to further collaborate with government agencies and community allies to create prevention efforts and advocate for laws to protect mothers and children. Donations encourage best practice education and training for domestic violence advocates and work with the media to change attitudes to stop domestic violence in Georgia, once and for all. Anna Balkan gets our mission and understands how businesses like hers can benefit victims in Georgia. We appreciate Anna Balkan Jewelry!

To learn more about Anna Balkan Jewelry and to donate to GCADV, RSVP at 678.527.1180 and join in the celebration. 

If you cannot come and want to make a purchase, you can use the promo code “GCADV20” when placing an order between September 22nd and September 30th.

Rather than take up a House bill crafted similarly to the bipartisan Senate VAWA reauthorization bill (S.1925), some members of the House crafted their own version, H.R. 4970.  In doing so, they cast aside the input that went into S.1925 from literally thousands of advocates, law enforcement, and prosecutors from across the country.  They also ignored the opposition of every major national advocacy group on domestic violence and sexual assault,  plus hundreds of other national organizations.

H.R. 4970 not only strips away the added protections for Native women and LGBT people from the Senate VAWA bill (S.1925), but also rolls back critical protections for immigrant victims that have been a part of VAWA for nearly 20 years.  This bill seriously weakens VAWA and places some of the most vulnerable victims at greater risk.

Furthermore, based on the false notion that victim services providers are wasteful with VAWA funds, H.R. 4970 also burdens VAWA grant recipients with unworkable and excessive audit and oversight requirements on top of the already stringent requirements that exist in the law as it is.  From a program perspective, these provisions will take away important time and money spent serving victims and put it into managing the “paperwork” aspects of the grants.

VAWA has historically included many similar protections for vulnerable groups of victims, and, in the past, was passed almost unanimously by both the House and Senate with favorable votes from Georgia’s Congressmen.  It is important that we take time to educate Georgia’s Congressmen about the need to protect ALL victims, regardless of their immigration status or sexual orientation.

Follow up with your Congressman!

Please take time to thank Georgia’s Congressmen who stood up for ALL victims and voted NO on H.R. 4970:

Congressman Sanford Bishop – (202) 225-3631

Congressman Hank Johnson – (202) 225-1605

Congressman John Lewis – (202) 225-3801

Congressman Paul Broun – (202) 225-4101

Congressman David Scott – (202) 225-2939

Please also take time to reach out to Georgia’s Congressmen who voted yes on this harmful bill to express your concern about their vote.  Let them know that VAWA legislation must protect ALL victims.

Congressman Jack Kingston – (202) 225-5831

Congressman Lynn Westmoreland – (202) 225-5901

Congressman Tom Price – (202) 225-4501

Congressman Rob Woodall – (202) 225-4272

Congressman Austin Scott – (202) 225-6531

Congressman Tom Graves – (202) 225-5211

Congressman Phil Gingrey – (202) 225-2931

Congressman John Barrow – (202) 225-2823

Please note that, although these Congressmen voted in favor of this harmful version of VAWA, most if not all of them DO support the effort to address domestic violence and sexual assault.   By following up in a respectful way that seeks to educate, we can shift the perspectives of our Congressmen to help them see the need to protect ALL victims!

Next steps

At this time, a conference committee will meet to reconcile the differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill.  There will be a chance for you to advocate for adoption of the provisions of the Senate VAWA bill to ensure that ALL victims are protected, so stay tuned!

Thank you for your calls and emails to Georgia’s Congressmen!!  We appreciate your support!

You can find the name and contact information for your Representative by clicking here.

HR 4970 is harmful to victims because it:

• Removes existing protections for immigrant women.  Specifically, it eliminates the confidentiality of VAWA petitions for protection by allowing immigration officials to contact a battered woman’s abusive spouse, tipping off the abuser to the victim’s efforts to leave. It also weakens the U-Visa process for victims of serious crimes such as rape and sexual assault.
• Omits language to ensure lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered persons do not face discrimination when seeking services from VAWA funded programs.
• Omits language designed to protect Native American women by allowing tribal authorities to prosecute their abusers.

For a detailed fact sheet, click HERE.  **NEW**

Based on the false notion that victim services providers are wasteful with VAWA funds, HR 4970 also burdens VAWA grant recipients with unworkable and excessive audit and oversight requirements on top of the already stringent requirements that exist in the law as it is.  This will divert precious grant dollars and time from direct services to victims.

The additional oversight and audit provisions in HR 4970 have been championed by so-called “men’s rights” groups, such as SAVE, as a way to slowly chip away at VAWA and the life-saving services it provides.  SAVE purports that VAWA grant recipients engage in widespread fraud and waste of government funding.  This group also actively seeks to undermine the work of victim advocates by spreading misinformation about the rate of false allegations of domestic violence and sexual assault, declaring June as “False Allegations Awareness Month.”

For more detailed information about HR 4970, please visit http://4vawa.org.

Please take just a few minutes to call or email your Congressman to urge him to oppose HR 4970.  Many Congressmen, unaware of the impact that these dangerous bill provisions would have, are poised to vote in favor of this terrible bill.  It is up to advocates and concerned citizens to educate them about the very real harm that HR 4970 could do!

Thank you for your continued advocacy!!!

Mary Kay Inc. World Headquarters                                                                       Contact:

Addison, Texas 75001                                                                                                            Kathrina McAfee, 972-687-4355

www.marykay.com                                                                                                                   kathrina.mcafee@mkcorp.com                 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

While Signs of Economic Recovery Persist, Domestic Violence on the Rise Nationwide

Mary Kay Identifies: Demand for Help is Up – Services, Funding and Prevention Programs are Down

DALLAS (May 1, 2012) – Though many areas of life are recovering from the economic downturn, domestic violence shelters throughout the United States report that the economy continues to significantly affect battered women and children. While shelters shine a spotlight on the widespread increase in domestic violence survivors seeking help nationwide, they also highlight a substantial decrease in shelter services, funding sources and prevention efforts to assist victims. In addition, shelters report that the abuse is getting more severe, survivors are staying in abusive relationships longer and shelters expect the situation will only stay the same or get worse in light of the economy – according to the fourth national “Mary Kay Truth About Abuse Survey.”

More than 730 domestic violence shelters across the country were recently surveyed.  Detailed national findings from the 2012 “Mary Kay Truth About Abuse Survey” reveal alarming trends in light of the economy’s decline since 2008, including:

• 78 percent of domestic violence shelters nationwide (nearly eight out of ten) report an increase in women seeking assistance from abuse.
• 74 percent of survivors stayed with an abusive partner longer because of financial issues.
• 58 percent of shelters reported that the abuse is more violent now than before 2008.
• 87 percent of domestic violence shelters (nearly nine out of ten) expect their overall situation during the next 12 months will be worse than now, or the same as now, due to the economy.
• 95 percent reported that survivors needed to stay in shelters for longer durations of time.
• Of shelters that were forced to reduce services, 47 percent decreased childcare efforts, which meant that they were not able to help one in four children.
• 86 percent of shelters witnessed negative social effects on children such as bullying or withdrawal.
• 62 percent reported that young women (age 12-24) are requesting help in greater numbers.
• 92 percent of shelters had to end or scale back specific programs and services.

The survey’s overwhelming trends are remarkably similar in each region of the United States – Northeast, Midwest, South and West. Detailed regional findings are available upon request.

Sue Else, president of the National Network to End Domestic Violence said, “Society has come a long way in the past few decades, creating more comprehensive services and ultimately reducing the rates of domestic violence. But clearly, the ‘Mary Kay Truth About Abuse Survey’ shows that much more work needs to be done.”

Katie Ray-Jones, president of the National Domestic Violence Hotline added, “Over the last four years, the National Domestic Violence Hotline has received nearly 10,000 more calls for help from survivors of domestic violence and their loved ones. The most requested service from callers is a referral to a shelter in their local community. Unfortunately, the economy has had a devastating impact on local domestic violence shelters. Many have had to reduce their capacity, reduce services and, in some instances, have closed their doors.”

Anne Crews, Mary Kay Inc. Vice President and The Mary Kay Foundation^SM Board Member noted, “The ‘Mary Kay Truth About Abuse Survey’ represents more than staggering numbers. It signifies lives in the balance.  Domestic violence shelters across the country can mean the difference between life and death, yet the economy continues to plague shelters and the women and children they serve.  The truth about abuse is that survivors and their children continue to feel the negative effects of the economy in profound ways.  This crime is a community issue.  Individuals and businesses must get involved in efforts to educate, prevent, and eventually end, domestic violence.”

Mary Kay’s Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Programs

Mary Kay Inc. and The Mary Kay Foundation^SM have continually been leaders in domestic violence awareness and prevention programs.  In light of these survey findings, Mary Kay and The Mary Kay Foundation have been responding with the following programs:

• Lobbying for Good:  Since the 1980s, Mary Kay Inc. and its independent sales force members have lobbied Congress and state legislatures on issues including insurance coverage of mammograms for women, the Violence Against Women Act and teen dating violence awareness and prevention.
• Shelter Grants:  Through the support of Mary Kay Inc., The Mary Kay Foundation^SM will have awarded more than $31 million to domestic violence prevention programs and women’s shelters in all 50 states by the end of 2012.
• Nature Explore Classrooms:  Mary Kay Inc. and The Mary Kay Foundation^SM partner with the Arbor Day Foundation to construct Nature Explore Classrooms to promote the healing powers of nature – the first of their kind to be built at U.S. domestic violence shelters. By the end of 2012, Mary Kay will have funded 17.
• Beauty That Counts^®: In the United States, from Sept. 16 through Dec. 15, 2012, $1 will be donated from each sale of limited-edition* Beauty That Counts^® Mary Kay^® NouriShine Plus™ Lip Gloss in two shades.  Since 2008, Mary Kay has donated millions of dollars from the worldwide sales of Beauty That Counts^® products to causes that change the lives of women and children worldwide.

*Available while supplies last

About The “Mary Kay Truth About Abuse Survey”

The fourth “Mary Kay Truth About Abuse Survey” polled 733 domestic violence shelters across the United States about domestic violence and the economy since September 2008, a major turning point in the U.S. economy.  The study was conducted online between Feb. 7-17, 2012.  Comprehensive 2012 survey findingssummarize national and regional results.  Past surveys from 2009-2011 are available at: www.marykay.com/survey.

About Mary Kay

Mary Kay is one of the world’s largest direct selling companies with more than $3 billion in annual wholesale sales worldwide.  Mary Kay was founded in 1963 by Mary Kay Ash with the goal of helping women achieve personal growth and financial success.  Mary Kay remains committed to enriching women’s lives, and today more than 2.4 million people of all backgrounds are enjoying the advantages of being Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants.  Mary Kay’s high-quality skin care and color cosmetic products are sold in more than 35 countries around the world.  To learn more about Mary Kay, visit www.marykay.com.

###