The 2012 Georgia Domestic Violence Fatality Review Project Annual Report discusses gaps in the community’s response to domestic violence and put forth recommendations for change in services, resources, policies, practices, information, collaboration, and training.
Georgia’s unfortunate distinction is to be ranked 10th nationally for the rate at which men kill women in single-victim homicides. Georgia has ranked among the top 20 states in this category for all 13 years the study has been conducted and among the top 10 for seven of those years.
This year’s report focuses on the complexity of domestic violence and the importance of taking a holistic approach to victim services. Some domestic violence cases do escalate to homicide with no prior involvement with the criminal justice system or social service agencies; however, our report reveals that victims and perpetrators of domestic violence more often interact with a variety of systems and agencies in the years leading up to the homicide. Unfortunately, the systems in place to respond to victims and perpetrators usually provide a single focus response and do not address the complex nature of this problem. Issues that frequently co-occur with or compound domestic violence go unresolved, leading to missed opportunities to address the life experiences of domestic violence victims and the barriers they face.
We encourage communities and service providers to develop partnerships and work to provide victims of domestic violence with comprehensive support that addresses all of the challenges they face in achieving safety.
Click here to read the report.
No Comments »Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence Announces
New Executive Director
DECATUR, GEORGIA (25 March 2013)—The Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV) announced today the appointment of Jan Christiansen as its next Executive Director. GCADV provides quality support, comprehensive training, and legislative advocacy for domestic violence agencies, advocates, and communities statewide.
Ms. Christiansen has extensive experience in the field of domestic violence and knows GCADV and the Georgia community well. She has served as the Associate Director for GCADV since 2009 and filled the Interim Executive Director role since December 2012.
“I am delighted to be joining GCADV as its next Executive Director,” Christiansen said. “I have enjoyed serving as both the Associate Director and the Interim Executive Director, and fully understand the challenges that lie before us. With those challenges we also have unique opportunities over the next few years to work with our wonderful members and allies to increase capacity on best practices for serving domestic violence survivors and to advocate for legislation that increases safety for survivors and sustainability of domestic violence programs that provide vital services in their local communities. I feel privileged to have the chance to work for an organization and with people who are passionate about making a difference for domestic violence survivors and their communities.”
“We are very grateful to former Executive Director Nicole Lesser for GCADV’s achievements during her tenure. We are thus fortunate, and greatly pleased, to have recruited an exceptional leader and manager as her successor. Moreover, by turning to an invested staff member who has already held a leadership role, we will ensure consistency and a smooth transition,” said Amy Weaver, current President of the GCADV Board of Directors.
GCADV is the federally recognized source for expertise and training on the issue of domestic violence in Georgia. GCADV’s intent and constant focus is on recognizing the correlation between domestic violence, poverty, race, mental health, disability, immigration status and more. As the clearinghouse for domestic violence organizations throughout Georgia, GCADV looks for solutions that acknowledge the dynamic, complex, and interconnected nature of the work that we do.
Ms. Christiansen spent the first part of her career at local domestic violence organizations in Florida and Vermont, holding senior leadership positions before moving to Georgia to work with GCADV. Ms. Christiansen has previously held two Executive Director positions: Executive Director of Micah’s Place in Nassau County Florida from 2003-2007 and Executive Director of Women Helping Battered Women in Burlington, Vermont from 2008-2009. Ms. Christiansen began her career in the Domestic Violence Movement in 1995 at Shelter House in Fort Walton Beach, Florida where she worked in various roles helping battered women until 2003.
Nicole Lesser, former Executive Director, welcomed the appointment. “Jan Christiansen has been a dedicated and highly effective staff leader, and it is a great pleasure to know the board has chosen someone who is highly committed and experienced. She is the ideal person to take the organization into the next stage of its development.”
Ms. Christiansen brings a wealth of senior management and domestic violence movement experience to this role. Jan Christiansen will fill the position immediately.
No Comments »GCADV invites you to join us for the Atlanta premiere of Blues for Willadean, a Del Shores Film. The event takes place on March 30, 2013 at the Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Road.
Patron Tickets are available for $150.00. Doors open at 6:00 PM for the patron cocktail buffet with the director and several cast members. Priority seating and dessert following the screening.
A limited number of general admission tickets are available for $25.00. Doors open at 7:00 PM for general admission. Cash bar available.
Have a good time and help the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence by attending this great event!
GCADV is a 501(c)3 and 100% of your purchase price is tax deductible!!
View a trailer for the film:
Date:
March 30, 2013
Location:
Buckhead Theatre
3110 Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA 30305
Call GCADV at 404 209-0280 for information about this event.
NNEDV Praises House Passage of VAWA, Looks Forward to President Obama Signing Bill into Law
FEBRUARY 28, 2013
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives took up the Senate-passed bill to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and passed this vital legislation by a bipartisan vote of vote of 286-138, including 87 Republicans voting in favor. NNEDV applauds the Members of Congress who led the fight and voted for VAWA’s passage.
“Victims of violence and their advocates are breathing a collective sigh of relief today, knowing that this critical bill is on its way to President Obama for signature. We commend those who stood in support of victims and put the needs of those suffering from abuse ahead of partisan politics,” said Kim Gandy, President and CEO of NNEDV. “These Representatives, and the Senators who voted in favor of the bipartisan VAWA, have renewed our nation’s commitment to protecting victims of domestic and sexual violence.”
The legislation that passed today is a strong reauthorization that includes landmark protections for women on Tribal lands, improves protections for immigrant victims, ensures services for LGBT survivors, and adds important housing protections for victims. The bill also preserves and maintains core funding for life-saving victim services.
NNEDV was founded to help pass the original Violence Against Women Act in 1994 and NNEDV is honored to have been part of this next step forward.
“Advocates and survivors have been working on this bill for years and will be elated to watch the President sign it into law,” concluded Gandy.
Senate Bill 86 passes Rules Committee and will be voted on in the Georgia Senate TOMORROW, February 20th! Please contact your Senator TODAY and urge them to vote YES on Senate Bill 86!
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.
No Comments »FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2013
CONTACTS:
Kate Jay, Verizon Wireless, 678.339.4828, Kate.Jay@verizonwireless.com, @VZWKate
Jan Christiansen, GCADV, 404.209.0280, jchristiansen@gcadv.org
Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Verizon Wireless Come Together To Support Teen Dating Violence Education
Decatur and Alpharetta, Ga. –The Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV) and Verizon Wireless have teamed up to call attention to the signs of unhealthy relationships during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and beyond.
The U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that young people ages 12 to 19 experience the highest rates of relationship violence, abuse, and assault. Additionally the statistical information shows that people ages 18 and 19 experience the highest rates of stalking. In Georgia’s 2010 Fatality Review, findings showed that more than 52 percent of the victim cases reviewed from the project’s inception began their relationships when they were between the ages of 16 and 24. Often, teen victims of dating violence mistake these unhealthy behaviors as a “normal” part of the relationship.
Because teen dating violence is a significant public health problem that should be addressed through early prevention and intervention efforts, Verizon Wireless and GCADV aim to educate Georgians on the various forms of dating violence, signs of potential violent behaviors, and how to get help or help someone experiencing relationship abuse.
“GCADV’s commitment and efforts to raise awareness around the issue of teen dating violence, along with Verizon Wireless, is in direct relation with our core values of safety, survivor-centered responses, social change, collaboration, and our commitment to nonviolence. As advocates and members of the community, it is important that we address all intimate partner violence and bring such issues to the forefront. With such alarming information from the 2010 Fatality Review, it is imperative that we are proactive in educating and informing teens about dating violence and where they can turn to for help,” said Shenna Johnson, community resource coordinator, Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
In its commitment to teen dating violence awareness and prevention efforts, GCADV offers the following important information:
Dating violence is often only seen through the physical lens; however, it is important to know all the various forms of dating violence one may experience. These include:
In addition to knowing the types of dating violence, it is important to recognize common signs seen in teen victims of dating violence. While these may vary on a case by case basis, common behaviors and signs include:
Knowing how to help someone who may be experiencing dating violence and the resources available to them are also very important factors. Supportive actions include:
Recognizing that dating violence can include digital stalking and harassment, Verizon Wireless offers Georgia’s wireless customers these tips to protect themselves:
“Dating abuse can come in many forms, including digital harassment through constant calling or texting or being deprived of the freedom to connect with friends,” said Jonathan LeCompte, Verizon Wireless Georgia/Alabama region president. “At Verizon Wireless we want to empower young people with knowledge to make good choices while enjoying all the advantages that modern technology has to offer.”
For more information on additional teen dating violence awareness and prevention resources, visit www.LoveIsNotAbuse.com, www.LoveIsRespect.org, www.thatsnotcool.com, www.facebook.com/GCADV or call the 24-Hour Statewide Domestic Violence Hoteline: 1-800-33-HAVEN (1-800-334-2836) V/TTY.
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About GCADV
The Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence Inc. (GCADV) brings together member agencies, allied organizations and supportive individuals who are committed to ending domestic violence. Guided by the voices of survivors, we work to create social change by addressing the root causes of this violence. GCADV leads advocacy efforts for responsive public policy and fosters quality, comprehensive prevention and intervention services throughout the state. For more information, visit www.gcadv.org.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 98.2 million retail customers, including 92.5 million retail postpaid customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 73,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Legislative advocacy for laws and policies that enhance safety and promote justice for domestic violence victims and their children. Training that builds the capacity of service providers and their communities to help victims in crisis and as they rebuild their lives, as well as hold accountable those who use violence. Public education that raises the profile of the issue and seeks to help every Georgian understand the part they play in ending domestic violence.
These are just a few of the ways the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV) works to carry out its mission. But we could not do this work without the financial support of allies like you.
This Thursday, December 6, we ask you to help us on this mission by giving to GCADV as a part of Georgia Gives Day. You can visit GCADV’s giving page by clicking HERE.
Georgia Gives Day is a 24-hour, statewide giving event with the purpose of bringing the state together as one community, to raise as much money and awareness as possible for Georgia nonprofits. Visit http://gagivesday.org for more information.
100% of your donation will go directly to GCADV to help us continue to serve as Georgia’s only statewide advocacy organization working to address domestic violence. No gift is too small, and all gifts are tax-deductible.
Thank you for your support!
Also, check out this great public service announcement to see the difference your “click” can make!
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Click HERE for event agenda, driving directions, parking, and other important info about the event.
Please also invite your legislators! Click HERE to find the names and contact information for your State Senator and State Representative.
Join us as we come together with hundreds of fellow Georgians from across the state to raise our collective voice against domestic and sexual violence!
Stop Violence Against Women Day is an annual event held at the Georgia State Capitol at which advocates, survivors, and allies come together to raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence against women and to advocate for laws and policies that enhance safety and promote justice for survivors.
This event gives attendees an opportunity to get connected with each other and with the larger movement against violence against women. It also gives them an opportunity to foster relationships with their legislators in order to inform them of how domestic and sexual violence is impacting the lives of their constituents and their communities.
Stop Violence Against Women Day begins at the Georgia State University Student Center-House and Senate Salon, where attendees will enjoy breakfast and an educational briefing on key policy issues affecting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Following the briefing, we will move to the Capitol where attendees will be able to meet one-on-one with their legislators. The event will wrap up with a rally in the Capitol Rotunda.
1 Comment »
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.
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.
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