NNEDV Domestic Violence Counts: Census 2013 Report

 

For the eighth consecutive year the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) conducted a one-day, unduplicated count of adults and children seeking domestic violence service in the U.S. The annual census, always on September 17, documents the number of individuals seeking services in a single 24-hour period, the types of services requested, the number of service requests that went unmet due to a lack of resources, and the issues and barriers that domestic violence programs face as they strive to provide services to victims of domestic violence. This report is instrumental in raising awareness about domestic violence and the incredible work that local domestic violence programs do every day. 

Here are some highlights, for just that one day, in the state of Missouri:

2,163 Victims Served in One Day 

• 1,392 domestic violence victims (679 children and 713 adults) found refuge in emergency shelters or transitional housing provided by local domestic violence programs.

• 771 adults and children received non-residential assistance and services, including counseling, legal advocacy, and children’s support groups
• 20,267 Hotline Calls Answered

Services Provided by Local Programs

• Individual Support or Advocacy 95%
• Emergency Shelter 77%
• Children’s Support or Advocacy 77%
• Transportation 69%
• Group Support or Advocacy 52%
• Advocacy Related to Public Benefits/TANF/Welfare 48%
• Advocacy Related to Mental Health 45%
• Court Advocacy/Legal Accompaniment 43% 

Yet, even with this remarkable amount of services given, there were 9,641 unmet requests for services on that day, of which 60% (5,778) were for Housing. So there is a lot to be done.

The full 2013 National Domestic Violence Counts Report is available here Full Report (PDF, 16 pages) and the Missouri summary is available here Missouri Report (PDF, 1page). 

 

NO MORE Week

 

March 17 – 21 marked the inaugural week of awareness: NO MORE Week.

NO MORE Week is all about getting people to stand up and speak out against domestic and sexual violence. The campaign offers the entire nation a platform from which to be heard, asking for participants from all 52 states. Supporters are encouraged to download posters pronouncing “NO MORE. I say no more because…” leaving it to the individual to fill in the blank with either their personal feelings of or experiences with the issue of domestic violence. You can also upload a photo to the NO MORE website or on social media with a statement about what moves you to end domestic violence.

The result has been astounding—a very personal, minute by minute glimpse into hundreds of stories—each one extraordinarily personal, each one compelling, and each one poignant and purposeful. To look at some of the photographic essays, go to noomore.org/gallery or check out the social media sites at facebook.com/nomore.org and twitter.com/nomore.org, hashtag #nomoreweek.

NO MORE has given a global voice to a global problem, enrolling corporations and individuals alike. They’ve instigated conversations on a broad spectrum incorporating healthy relationships, teen dating and advocacy, and have brought DV as a health and business priority into focus. In its first year, NO MORE has gained an enormous following and obtained a reach that is unprecedented and impressive. It’s taken the conversation to a new level—not just about those in violent situations, but domestic violence as a topic of concern for everyone.

NO MORE may have started out as just a unifying symbol for domestic violence and sexual assault, but their work has generated support and resources to help existing organizations in a very real and meaningful way. Over the past week, major corporations joined forces and pledged millions of dollars to help end domestic violence and sexual assault as part of a major effort to increase support in the private sector. For many of these corporations, this is the first time they have taken on this issue—an issue that many have stayed clear of in the past. 

The corporate commitments announced this week include:

• Allstate Foundation—50 percent increase in funding for financial empowerment services benefiting domestic violence survivors.
• Avon Foundation for Women—3 grants focusing on prevention and intervention training tools.
• Finn Partners—Pro bono communications and public relations counsel for the NO MORE symbol and movement
• GUESS? Inc. / GUESS Foundation—Investment to support Peace Over Violence’s annual sexual violence awareness campaign, Denim Day.
• Jazz Pharmaceuticals—Donation to the NO MORE public awareness efforts.
• Mary Kay—$1 million to the loveisrespect text for help service as well as $100,000 to support Break the Cycle’s, “NO MORE Silence: It’s Time To Talk Day”.
• USA Network—Will air a 16-hour “NO MORE Silence” marathon of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) on April 27, 2014 to commemorate National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
• Valeant Pharmaceuticals—Donating a goal of $1 million from sales of its aesthetic injectable, Obagi, and dermatology products to support the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
• Verizon Wireless—$75,000 to support Break the Cycle’s “It’s Time To Talk Day,” including a teen dating violence prevention PSA.
• Viacom—Will produce and disseminate new, NO MORE PSAs, co-directed by Founder & President of the Joyful Heart Foundation, Actress Mariska Hargitay.

All of this occurred during NO MORE Week. As I said, it is astounding and it’s been very effective. 

Learn more at nomore.org.

Why They Do It -- Head Shave for Hope House

Nick Swearngin is famous for saying that the reason he started the Head Shave for Hope House event was because he wanted to shave his head and no one would let him. I think it’s true. Or at least it started out that way. As a young man, Nick worked alongside his father, then owner of John’s Barber Shop. Nick had always wanted to shave his head. His dad wouldn’t let him. Later, as a man in his thirties and after Nick had bought the barber shop, he thought surely he could shave his head now, but no. This time it was his wife that wouldn’t allow it. So Nick went about devising a way he could finally shave his head. That way was by creating a fundraiser for his wife's favorite charity—Hope House—and the event was born.

This year marks the event’s 6^th year and there are nearly twenty people participating. I’m always curious about why people do it. So I asked four first timers and here’s what they said. 

Rob Fuller - “It's something I've always believed in. No woman or child should have to live in fear and if this charity helps even one person change their life for the better, then it is worth it. I only wish I could help more people. I see that Nick is always involved and he is so passionate about this charity and he is a great role model. I would like to be involved yearly if I could, but this is the busiest time of the year for an actor and I am usually gone during this time. But if I am home, I would love to help!” Rob is an actor and bodybuilder from Lee’s Summit who has recently appeared in "The Escape Plan", "Chavez Cage of Glory" and "The Kidnapping of Freddy Heineken". 

Mark Crouse - “My sister had a tough go of it in life. Some events that happened to her were not her choice. Some seemed logical given her past. And sometimes she made bad choices. I don't know if she ever knew what healthy living looked like--not even in those around her during her childhood. She stayed at Hope House a few times. She felt safety and love there. In November of 2010, she overdosed on alcohol and pills and died. I know she would thank you for those respites of peace in her life if she could. She can't. So I am.” Mark is a Marine and KU graduate. He works for Sprint. 

Ed Croteau - "I am a great admirer of the ministry of Hope House, to care for those who are in great need and sometimes great danger. I feel honored that Nick would approach me and ask me to be part of such a cool group. Thank you for allowing me to help make a difference." Ed works at Black & Veatch and hosts a weekly study in Lee's Summit called Faith: Substance and Evidence. 

Paul Brooks - “Many of us have at least one woman in our lives that has experienced violence from her significant other. This is not a woman's cause that a few of us champion; this is a vital issue that faces all of us. It is so easy for us, especially as men, to think that domestic violence happens elsewhere, but the reality is that 1 in 3 women will experience violence in her lifetime. It is up to supporters of the cause, as well as survivors of these atrocities, to stand against domestic violence." Paul is a UMKC graduate, volunteers with MOCSA and The Whole Person, and is Secretary at Baha'l in Raytown. 

Each of the participants has their own fundraising page. Please consider donating at firstgiving.com/hopehouse. And join us for this super fun event Saturday, March 15, 10am - 4pm at Lee’s Summit Fire Fighter Association Building at 322 S.E. Douglas Street (IAFF Local 2195).

International Women’s Day - March 8th

This year, International Women’s Day is focused on inspiring change. The UN’s theme is Equality for Women is Progress for All. For us, the change or progress we advocate year round is to end domestic violence. And we're not alone...

Tomorrow there will be events worldwide, celebrating women and inspiring others to get involved. Some women-focused companies are leading the way when it comes to connecting International Women’s Day and the issue of domestic violence. When it comes to speaking out, both Avon and Mary Kay are leading the way.

Avon has celebrated the day by advancing the cause to end domestic violence through its Foundation for Women, celebrity promotional videos and ads, their annual Communication Awards which give accolades to those who speak out against domestic violence and by selling bracelets to raise funds for the cause.

Mary Kay is also committed to changing the lives of women and children by helping to end and prevent domestic violence through The Mary Kay Foundation, sponsoring groundbreaking documentaries on the subject, lobbying congress and sponsoring events like this year's Make Over Day—offering complimentary makeovers to women across the nation on March 8th, International Women's Day.

Locally, MK Studio is doing a Makeover Day Saturday, March 8th, to support Hope House. MK Studio has set a goal to give 100 Makeovers in one day -- Advanced Glamour Makeovers at 10am and Classic Glamour Makeovers at 1:30pm and 3:30pm. Guests are asked to bring any of the following items to donate to Hope House: Toilet paper, paper towels, baby wipes, adult and children’s Tylenol. MK Studio will also have specials during the day to benefit Hope House. MK Studio, 410 SE 3rd Street, Lee’s Summit, MO.  For a free makeover call (816) 797.8013 to secure your spot.

For more information about International Women's Day go to internationalwomensday.com. 

Happy International Women’s Day! Go celebrate and make it count!