Owning My Own Double Standard

I've been blogging a lot about sexual assault during the past month. It's a topic I think about often this time of year, as I know that college is starting and the risk of sexual assault is at its highest during the first 6 weeks of school, especially for freshmen and sophomore women. 

My previous post explored our social norms that contribute to victim blaming. We all contribute to these social norms. I remember many years ago, two events that happened the same night that really opened my eyes about my own biases; a tragic stranger rape and my husband's car breaking down. Here are the stories, that have since been intertwined in my memory.

I had to work late so my hubby was given the task of attending the school open house and also dropping my boys off for Scouts and picking them up. The parent open house went fine, right on schedule, which gave him about 2 minutes to dash over and pick the boys up from Scouts (and being on time for pick up was emphasized regularly to parents). Looked like a Dad win for making things happen... until he put the key in the ignition and the instead of the motor vrooming, there was a fatalistic 'click' and then silence. A couple more tries and it was clear that dashing wasn't an option. He left a message on my cell to pick them all up at the church, then plodded off on foot to Scouts. Did I mention it was dark and raining and about a 10 minute walk an, by now,  he was already late? A couple of minutes into his soggy journey, a nice man pulled over and asked if he needed a lift He explained the situation and this Good Samaritan got him there relatively dry and not too late. When he told me about it in my car on the ride home  I commented on how lucky he was that this nice man came along.

The following morning my staff read in the paper about a stranger rape; the woman's car had broken down on the road and a man offered her a ride into town. He had other plans though. He pulled off the road, raped her then dumped her into a ditch in the rain. We were horrified reading the article. Then one of us said, "This is so awful, why would she get into a car with a man she didn't know?" We all nodded. We weren't blaming her, but in our collective unconscious I think we all heard echoes of our mothers' voices warning us of the dangers that all women subconsciously factor into our daily decisions. 

Why was my response to my husband accepting a ride from a stranger on a dark, rainy road different than that of the woman making the same choice? I never would have thought I subscribed to a double standard, but the juxtaposition of two very similar incidents made me keenly aware of my own biases...and since then I've tried to consider 
how these social norms color (or cloud) our views about sexual assault. 

"The change has to come from her" to prevent rape

Middle East reporter  Sophia Jones' had a strong response to her alma mater's president for his assertion that college women's excessive drinking feeds the culture of rape. She's right in that the blame for rape needs to be focused on the perpetrator. For too many decades, victims of sexual assault have been questioned, challenged and judged for what they wore, where the were or how they acted, as these actions may have cast a siren song whereby the male's only recourse was forcing himself on her. While that defense has unquestionably kept many from life behind bars (and has kept far more women from reporting) it's a pathetic representation of male character. 

I cringe when after Jones' college roommate was the target of a sexual assault in her own bed in her dorm, she later said, "I didn't ask for this." But she wasn't referring to the attempted rape, she was referring to the way she was treated by the justice system after she reported the assault (makes me seriously question the term 'justice").

Dr. Trachtenberg's response to Jones' letter was equally thoughtful, explaining that his words are meant to prevent rape. Women who are highly intoxicated are vulnerable to predators. This is accurate, there's a high correlation between intoxication and sexual assault....but we need to draw clearer lines:

Accountability

• Judging when an assailant chooses to rape means determining if (s)he does not or cannot give consent. This is a choice. Whether the victim is intoxicated, was flirting earlier or is wearing revealing clothes in no way is responsible for the choice to commit rape.

Prevention

• Yes, it's important to teach our daughters that intoxication can make them vulnerable... so they can be safe. Just as we teach them to drive defensively so that when someone runs a red light they can avoid being hit. But not heeding that warning shouldn't be a reason to blame her for the assault or excuse the assailant.When someone runs a red light and smashes into my car, I'm not asked , "Why weren't you prepared that he might run into your car. What did yo do  to deter him from hitting you? Did you want to be hit?" My lack of a defensive strategy, doesn't keep the driver from being ticketed for running the light, nor does it exonerate blame  make the accident 'no fault'. We should all do everything we can to be safe this world, but lack of prevention isn't an invitation to be assaulted.
• Let's refocus our prevention strategies which have traditionally been directed at the potential victims.  So when Sophia Jones quoted a  'helpful' Egyptian police officer whose suggestion for preventing rape is, "If a woman is wearing provocative clothing, the change has to come from her",  I say let's rethink our strategy to let's focus on preventing rapes...  by preventing people from choosing to rape.

Shop, Save and Support DVRC this Saturday

Summer is ending and there's amazing sales. Fall is coming and Chico's has a  great new lineup. Come to Chico's at 329 Broadway in Saratoga Springs Saturday, August 30 to shop, save and support DVRC's programs.

Gamechanger-- Today the NFL Scored

Today the NFL introduced a new component to their personal conduct policy to address acts of domestic violence committed by a player. It's a very different response than the 2 game suspension Ray Rice received for punching his, then fiancée, in the face and knocking her out cold. The new conduct policy calls for a 6 game suspension for the first offense and a lifetime ban from the league for the second offense. The policy is not limited to only domestic violence; it covers all acts of physical violence.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell stated,

"At times, however, and despite our best efforts, 

we fall short of our goals. 

We clearly did so in response to a recent incident of domestic violence ... 

My disciplinary decision led the public to question 

our sincerity, our commitment, and whether we understood

 the toll that domestic violence inflicts on so many families.

 I take responsibility both for the decision 

and for ensuring that our actions in the future properly reflect our values."

While the circumstances that brought this issue to light, a violent assault and the NFL's limp response to the violence, both tarnished the NFL's reputation, the league has achieved a come from behind win with the new code of conduct. They've raised the bar on their expectations for conduct on and off the field, but they've also implemented prevention and early intervention strategies. They'll be talking with recruits and are supporting programs in high schools and colleges to address the issue. They're providing counseling for players if needed. And in case the message isn't clear, they're issuing a memo to all players that states,

Domestic violence and sexual assault are wrong.

They are illegal.

They are never acceptable in the NFL 

under any circumstances.

The NFL just scored the winning point with their game changing decision!

Athletes know kids look up to them,

and it's important for athletes to be responsible.
        Deion Sanders

Let's Take Down the Black Eye Poster

You've all seen the poster of a woman with a black eye; in fact, it's how most of us initially learned about domestic violence. The photo shaped our beliefs (and some persistent myths) about domestic violence:

• the victim is always a woman
• abuse is physical violence
• domestic violence is as easy to spot as just looking at someone's face.

While that poster brought about awareness, I'm not a fan of that poster because it limits our understanding of this complex issue. If DVRC had a dollar for every time someone has said, "I'm not sure if I should even be calling, I've never been hit", well we'd have a boatload more money to support prevention and outreach services. Often the people who say that line, will then go on to tell us about a very controlling and abusive relationship... but they're not sure it's domestic violence... because it doesn't meet our image of violence. 

What they describe is emotional abuse that permeates every waking moment, every decision, every action, even their very thoughts. They often feel they're living their life as if walking on eggshells, but they've never come for help because that poster wasn't about this  type of abuse. It's emotional abuse... it's very common... and it's equally (if not more) damaging than that stereotypical black eye.

So how do we recognize emotional abuse? Dr Kristen Davin outlines 12 Unmistakable Signs You're Dating an Emotional Abuser:

Here are some common signs of emotional abuse (though not exhaustive):

1. 1.Putting you down — in private, but often in public. This is their attempt to shame you. Projecting their feelings of low self-worth on to you.
2. 2.Embarrassing you in public.
3. 3. Blaming you for their abusive and unhealthy behaviors. Using the "if, then" trick. "If" you don't do this, "then" I won't do that.
4. 4. Threatening to harm you or your family often.
5. 5. Calling you derogatory names many times.
6. 6. Making you feel bad or guilty when you don't consent to sexual activity. Laying guilt on you that you "should" be doing this, and if you really loved me, you would be having sex with me. Or "I will have to find it elsewhere."
7. 7. Gaslighting. A form of psychological abuse where false information is presented to their victim to make them doubt their decisions, perceptions and judgements in their attempt to make you seem "crazy."
8. 8. Making you feel like you are always doing something wrong.
9. 9.. Isolating you from your family and friends. Playing victim when you want to spend time with family and friends. Saying "we" never spend time together. "If you loved me, you would want to spend time with me."
10. 11. If you do go out, making multiple demands on you through numerous texts and phone calls.
11. 11. Stalking you.
12. 12. Threatening suicide when you attempt to break up with them: "I can't live without you; I will kill myself if you break up with me."

If you or someone you know

 is experiencing any form of relationship abuse, 

you are not alone, call for help now. 

Call 518-583-0280 for an appointment with an advocate...

or call DVRC's 24 hour hotline at 518-584-8188 

Women's Equality Day

Today is Women's Equality Day. Honestly, sometimes I'm troubled by these initiatives directly specifically to women. With simplistic optimism, I ask why aren't we advocating for All people's Equality Day? Instead of the Violence Against Women Act... let's create the Let's End All Violence Act. But I know why these targeted strategies are necessary... and that they make a difference for not only women, but women, children, and men.

Why are the needed?

Pay equity: The Institute for Women's Policy Research reports, Women are almost half of the workforce. They are the equal, if not main, breadwinner in four out of ten families. They receive more college and graduate degrees than men. Yet, on average, women continue to earn considerably less than men. In 2012, female full-time workers made only 77 cents for every dollar earned by men, a gender wage gap of 23 percent. Women, on average, earn less than men in virtually every single occupation for which there is sufficient earnings data.

Violence against Women:  Most of  our initiatives to help victims  of sexual assault and domestic violence grew  out of the feminist movement. Their efforts have brought about victim assistance programs, have changed laws, policies and public awareness... and most importantly saved lives. And while they were developed to end violence against women, those same services, laws and awareness also help men who have been victims of relationship and sexual violence.

While equality for Women is still an issue in the US, it's even a greater concern in other parts of the world where violence, poverty, lack of access to health care, rape and gender-based atrocities afflict women. So let's support Gender Equality Day.

Why? Because we're making a difference. RAINN provides just one example

Sexual assault has fallen by more than 50% in recent years.Had the 1993 rate held steady, about 9.7 million Americans would have been assaulted in the last 20 years. Thanks to the decline, the actual number of victims was about 4.2 million. In other words, if not for the progress we've made in the last 20 years, an additional 5.5 million Americans would have become victims of sexual violence.

While we should be happy that we’re making progress, we are still a very long way from solving this problem. Every two minutes, another American is sexually assaulted.

Our friends at NY Charities are encouraging people to make a donation today to support programs that assist women and girls. Today I took just a couple of seconds to send donations electronically  to two of my favorites, Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County and Soroptimist International of Saratoga County. Want to join me in supporting Women's Equality Day? Let your favorite women's organization know you appreciate all they do.



Nail Polish Prevents Rapes???

Tuesday is Good News Day

At first I thought I'd write about today's topic, because just reading the article's headline, Nail polish may prevent date rape elicited a smile and piqued my curiosity. It turns out it's a modern (and fashionable) twist on an old solution to detecting date rape drugs. I've heard of coasters or other bar implements that can detect these drugs in a drink, but access to them is dependent on the bar using these coasters. This solution puts the tool literally into the hands of the intended victim.

Alas, there's a downside. while it's good to be able to detect if someone has slipped a drug into your drink, the most common date rape drug is alcohol, knowingly consumed. So Undercover Colors' impact may be limited, but preventing even a small percentage of rapes is still noteworthy.

What I'm really loving about this, like many other recent innovative solutions, is that 4 college men created this product to address what's a major social concern on college campuses. Lately I've been hearing about many stories of innovative problem solvers and entrepreneurs putting their talents to work to decrease sexual violence. Often they're developing tools to promote safety or to quickly connect with others if you're in a risky situation.

I wish we could innovate a way to stop people from committing relationship and sexual abuse, but in the meantime let's celebrate some great innovations.

Let's Be Clear... She's Not a Bike, She's Not a Car

Talking about sexual assault prevention is sometimes a double edged sword. The reason we give recommendations like:

• don't walk alone at night
• keep your drink with you and covered a all times
• be aware that there's a high correlation between intoxication and sexual victimization,

is so that people can be aware of vulnerabilities that sexual predators look for when choosing a victim. However, these messages can be interpreted as victim blaming or can open the door for excusing the behavior of the assailant.

Historically, rape has been a crime that is treated differently by our society and our criminal justice system. Consider these scenarios:

• asking a victim of a mugging, "Why were you walking in the street alone in expensive clothes at 10 pm when you were mugged? Perhaps you were asking to be mugged? Questions about where you were, why and what you were wearing are commonly asked of rape victims, or
• asking someone who had been punched in the face "You said your heart was pounding and you cried out; might that indicate you enjoyed the encounter?" (yes rape victims have been asked about orgasm or other about whether, in the case of date rape, they had enjoyed kissing or other activities previous to the assault), or
• "You report you had a few drinks with dinner before your home was burglarized, might the burglars interpreted that as an invitation to come into your home and steal everything you own?"Having a few drinks or even being intoxicated is not an invitation to be sexually violated...ever!

Think these questions just happened way back when'... think again. Tyler Kincade, reporter/senior editor for the Huff Post examines some current 'excuses' for rape... and makes it clear that a woman is not a bicycle or a car. And the answer to ending rape is to focus on the true cause of the rape.. 

Shine a Light... Save a Life

This segment of the Today Show shines a light on domestic violence: Through the words of several courageous survivors we can better understand:

Tamron Hall Shines the Light on
Domestic Violence...
 in her sister's memory

• how it starts
• why women stay
• how hard it is to ask for help ("If just one person had asked I would have opened up")
• what middle school girls need to know
• what to say to someone and how to help.

I don't need to say more... these survivors have spoken from the heart to help others.Watch it-- so we can all shine a light to end domestic violence. 

After a rape

If you or someone you know has been raped:

• Go to a safe place
• Avoid showering, bathing, eating, drinking, or urinating so that evidence can be collected in case you choose to report the crime to police.
• Save the clothing you were wearing during the assault.
• Do not disturb the crime scene.
• Seek medical help at the nearest hospital. Contact  your local rape crisis agency for help.

In Saratoga County call DVRC's 24 hour hotline 518-584-8188

You are not to blame for being raped. 

Whether you were out late, drinking or whatever... you did not cause the rape. 

Someone chose to sexually assault you.

 

The decisions are yours to make:

• You do not have to report the rape to the police to receive help.
• The hospital can provide a sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE) to collect the evidence; you don't have to make a decision about reporting. They will hold the evidence until you decide.
• A rape crisis advocate can talk with you to explain your options and will accompany you to the hospital for a SAFE exam or to the police if you choose to report.

You Are Not Alone

Campus Responses to Sexual Assaults

By now the NY Times coverage of Hobart College's blundering treatment of a sexual assault is widespread. The assault occurred just two weeks after Anna, an eighteen year old freshman, stepped foot on campus. The article describes how friends became concerned when Anna, who had been drinking, went missing.  When they found her, she was bent over a pool table as a football player appeared to be having sex with her as numerous others watched, laughed and took videos-- later she couldn't recall that incident, but did recall being raped earlier that night in a residence. A sexual assault nurse 's records indicated “intercourse with either multiple partners, multiple times or that the intercourse was very forceful.”

The national that media coverage of this case has given us an unprecedented glimpse into campus judicial responses to sexual assaults, and raises serious questions about how campuses handle sexual violence...and what more can be done to prevent assaults.

In a landmark report, The Sexual Victimization of College Women, funded by the US Department of Justice, University of Cincinnati, Professors Bonnie Fisher and Francis Cullen researched campus policies to shed  light on how effectively campuses respond to sexual violence. The report, published in 2002, (admittedly when today's incoming freshmen were just  learning how to read and add) noted significant findings that can guide policy and prevention:

• Remember that first responders aren't the only responders. "Only 3.2 percent of rape victims and 2.3 percent of attempted rape victims reported to campus authorities...Although women were reluctant to report their victimization to police and campus officials, they were likely to disclose their experience to non-officials, especially friends...this insight could affect sexual assault prevention and education programs on college campuses by revealing the importance of guiding students on what to do if a friend discloses a sexual victimization to them." 
• Stalking was surprisingly common affecting 13% of the female college students sampled ans lasting on average 60 days, yet there's little awareness or even discussion on campuses about stalking. Given that stalking causes psychological distress and can escalate to other forms of violence, it may warrant more attention.
• And perhaps most notable-- most sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim and happen at night in residence, often with alcohol as a factor.Getting this message out to student right away on campus is essential.

We Need More Red Pens

Yes there's a strong correlation between drinking and sexual victimization. However, the consequence of overindulgence should be a wicked hangover the next day... not rape. Why do we  blame or shame victims of sexual violence instead of focusing on the aggressor's actions? An important edit with a red pen really put this into perspective.

"Words and ideas can change the world" Robin Williams

Tuesday is Good News Day

Today I was  having a hard time writing about good news related to the work of DVRC. With every mouse click I found stories about college sexual assaults, football players and MMA fighters battering their wives, and...  Robin Williams died. Cruising the top  stories at 5 am on my laptop screen,  it seemed like a hard day to be optimistic. But with a few more minutes reflection,  I was struck by one commonality- along with the bad news, the Internet provides links to support services, calls for increased awareness, and a collective voice to not allow tragedies to go unheeded.

Technology sometimes brings us information overload and compassion overload, but it's also a lifeline for people who feel alone, hopeless, and confused. And many reporters who are covering stories of tragedies are keenly aware that there are readers out there who are suffering too; through their writing they help us to understand the suffering, inspire us to reach out when we see someone in need, and challenge us to look past the bad news for solutions.

So if the bad news has you down, here's some of the positive takeaways from recent news stories:

• While we're teaching our young athletes how to sprint, tackle and block, let's also teach them that strength doesn't equate with violence. There are programs to develop character and instill leadership values that on and off the field. Contact DVRC to find out how  to get a program for your team.
• The issue of sexual assault on college campuses is a hot topic now (and with good reason as students are preparing to head to school-- did you know the first 4 semesters on campus present the highest risk of rape for college women?)   Despite valiant efforts to promote awareness that "no" means no, sexual assault continues. California lawmakers are proposing new legislation  requiring colleges to adopt policies that require consent, whether verbal or through clear nonverbal indicators.  So  the focus of determining consent isn't on a demonstrating clear refusal (which can place the burden of proof on a sexual assault victim), but rather for both partners to clearly communicate and receive the OK to proceed.
• Robin Williams death has evoked grieving across the country and across generations.  He made us laugh, made us think, made us look deeper into ourselves, made us envision a better world... and  did I mention made us laugh uproariously for decades! For the millions who have enjoyed his talents but never met him, his loss is still profound and personal because he struck a chord within us. And the voice that resonated enough to wake up Vietnam is now bringing attention to the seriousness of depression. (If  you need help contact the Saratoga County Samaritans Suicide Prevention Center - 518- 689-4673 or  Saratoga County Crisis Line - 518- 584-9030)

Our  ever connected world exposes us  to the trivial and the tragic, but I through it we can also be  inspired to take responsibility for creating change and finding solutions.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

Robin Williams

... and  if all else fails the Internet is full of cute animal videos like these 2 red pandas wrestling.

Study This Before Heading to College

College begins in just a few week. While it's not time to hit the books yet, here's a few facts to study before school starts:
Students experience some of the highest rates of sexual assault

• Between 20% and 25% of women will experience a completed and/or attempted rape during their college career. US Dep't  of Justice
• College freshmen and sophomore are at greater risk of  sexual assault. 84% of the women who reported sexually coercive experiences  the incident occurred during their first four semesters on campus (An Examination of Sexual Violence Against College Women)
• 90% of women know the person who sexually assaulted or raped them. US Dep't  of Justice 2000
• 90% of acquaintance rapes involve alcohol (National Collegiate Date and Acquaintance Rape Statistics)
• The majority of rapes occur in residences.

The key things to remember:

• Sexual assault is very prevalent in college.
• The victim usually knows the assailant.
• Alcohol is often a key factor.
• If someone is too intoxicated to give consent... it's rape.
• If you have been sexually assaulted, you are not alone and you are not to blame. There is help both on campus and through your local rape crisis agency.

If you or someone you know is raped:

• The decisions are yours to make:
• You do not have to report to law enforcement to get help.
• You can have a sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE exam) to collect the evidence now, but don't have to make  any decisions about reporting. The evidence will be kept safe while you think about your decision.
• To preserve the evidence, avoid showering, urinating, brushing you teeth, eating or drinking.

You are not to blame for the assault.

A rape crisis advocate can help you to understand your options and begin the healing process.

In Saratoga County call

DVRC's 24 hour hotline at

518-584-8188.

I'm Glad They Made the Connection

The Princeton Review listed Syracuse University as the nation's #1 party school this year. Every year these decidedly unscientific rankings cause a buzz of attention, some welcome, and some cringe-worthy. These rankings can be a momentary PR nightmare, but can also be the impetus for  taking a serious look at  college  life beyond academics.


An editorial in response to Syracuse's ignominious recognition, notes Chancellor Syverud's admonition to faculty and staff to take seriously activities that derail student success, with high risk alcohol and drug use being the priority concern. Even more importantly, the editorial draws the link between alcohol us and sexual victimization,

"It would be easier to laugh off the party school ranking

if not for another troubling crosscurrent on U.S. campuses -

the issue of how colleges and universities handle reports of sexual assault.

A White House task force recently said

one in five women are sexually abused while at college,

and that the abuse often occurs while women were incapacitated due to alcohol or drug use.

While excessive drinking is never an excuse

for perpetrator to commit rape

or a reason to blame a victim of rape

- no always means no --

 its role in sexual assault cannot be ignored."

I'm glad they're taking this conversation to a higher plateau than whether the school is a party school to making the connection of a culture of alcohol excess and it link to sexual victimization. It's an issue that's increasingly of concern on college campuses. The summer vacation is winding to an end and many families are preparing to pack the car and take their son or daughter to college (some for the first time away from home), so this week's blog posts will focus on issues relating to college, safety and campus sexual assault. With all the new experiences college affords, sexual assault shouldn't be one. Before you pack up the car packing up the car, set aside time to have an open and honest talk about how to stay safe.

Their Courage Helps Us Understand

Tuesday is Good News Day

Think quickly. Who do you know who  has experienced domestic violence or dating violence?

You may think of a friend or relative. Perhaps you yourself have been (or are in) and abusive relationship. But many people will say, "I don't know anyone who has been a victim of  domestic violence.". For most, if not all of these folks, I think they do, and just don't know it.

Many survivors of domestic violence, don't talk about it when they're in it... or when it's over.  So if they aren't telling us, how do we recognize them?   Might I suggest we look for :

• someone who is a confident, intelligent college-educated beauty pageant winner, or perhaps
• a young woman who is a talented professional singer, or
• a charismatic, articulate CNN news anchor?

I'd like to recognize the courage of three women who have told  their stories of being abused by a partner. I know how hard it is to tell anyone, even in hushed privacy, what it's like to be victimized by someone you  love. Yet these women have told their stories publicly so that we all can understand domestic violence... so that other women will recognize abuse and seek help... so that they can put a face on the social issue of domestic violence.

So I'd like to applaud:

Kira Kazantsev, 2014 Miss New York State who has tirelessly spoken out to raise awareness of domestic violence during her participation in the Miss America pageant, speaking out about the isolation, confusion and self-blame when she realized she was in an abusive relationship,

 " In college, I started dating a person who seemed great.  

He made me feel special. 

But six months later, when I looked around, I was isolated

from my friends and family and he had become my whole world."

Jasmine Villegas whose music video 'Didn't Mean It' reenacts  the violent physical and psychological abuse she  experienced in a dating relationship,

"Fortunately for me, I was able to get out relatively early,

 and now I want to let other women know that

you don’t have to feel ashamed or embarrassed

 about getting help"

Carol Costello, who in speaking about  the Ray Rice incident, told about a college boyfriend who in "a jealous rage threw me against the wall knocking me out.

 I always thought I was a physically strong woman,

but I could not defend myself against a man who outweighed me by 70 pounds."

It's difficult to overcome the stigma, self-blame and humiliation of being abused by a romantic partner, but these three women have had the courage to speak out. Domestic violence is a crime that happens behind closed doors; with their courage we are bringing the issue out of the shadows.



Singing It with Courage and Confidence

The song title is Didn't Mean It but singer Jasmine Villega means every word she sings.

You might think it's an odd choice for an entertainer to make a music video in which she's slapped, beaten and dragged, pleading for mercy. And you'd be even more surprised when she tells you this is her story. Now that's courage!

Jasmine Villegas's message at the start of her music video offers hope to other young women who are experiencing dating violence, "Never feel embarrassed or ashamed of any trials you have endured. Grow from it and never look back. You are not alone."

And those last words are so true. In fact, one in three teens is a victim of dating violence, but only about 1/3 of those teens ever report it. And, without support to overcome the abuse,  that experience can affect their future. According to the Center for Disease Control, "About 1 in 5 women and nearly 1 in 7 men who ever experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner first experienced some form of partner violence between 11 and 17 years of age."

Learn how to recognize an abusive relationship at loveisrespect.org. They've got some great tools  like  a quick discussion on how to tell if those frequent text messages are about Checking In or Checking Up? and a quick quiz to see if you've been a good partner or perhaps have shown some abusive behaviors... and if so, what to do about it

Another Tragic Homicide in Saratoga County

On Thursday, Charles Wilkinson was indicted for the  death of his 65 year old wife.  Sadly, Saratoga County has seen too many domestic  homicides in  in recent years. Often after such a tragedy, friends, neighbors and family are shocked that the person they wave to  every morning could commit such violence against a partner.

Increasingly, we're viewing  domestic violence not as a private matter to be politely ignored, but as something we all need to be concerned about. Domestic violence  impacts not  only the victim, but our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and the people in our lives. If  you're  concerned  about someone who may be  experiencing relationship violence, talk to them, It's a hard conversation to start, but your caring words may save their life.

Thank You For Caring and Having the Courage to Start a Conversation!

Starting a conversation is difficult, but if you think someone is in trouble, unsafe, being controlled, abused, or dominated, then speaking up is the right thing to do.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior used by one person in an intimate relationship to control another through one of the following:

• emotional abuse/controlling behavior
• verbal abuse
• psychological abuse
• sexual control or abuse
• threatening behaviors
• economic abuse
• physical violence

What are the Signs of Domestic Violence?

• Is he/she nervous, jumpy, and walking on eggshells?
• Does he/she seem afraid of their partner or overly anxious to please their partner?
• Has he/she stopped seeing friends or family, doing the things they enjoy?
• Has he/she stopped making decisions – leavings them all up to their partner?
• Does he/she stay in constant contact with their partner throughout the day?
• Has he/she become anxious or depressed, unusually quiet, and/or lost their confidence?
• At work, is he/she often tardy, or miss work, get contacted all day by their partner, or have poor concentration?
• Does he/she have any visible signs – bruises, broken bones, scratches, cuts, bite marks, other injuries (often with unlikely explanations)?

Why People Stay in Abusive Relationships:

Some of these reasons include:

• Belief  that the abuser will change, that the abuse is their fault or that it is normal.
• Fear of loneliness, economic hardship, losing custody of children or fear for safety.
• Isolation from family, friends, community may leave the victim with no self esteem and/or feeling that she/he has no where to go.
• Love and the desire to keep family together.

How you can start the conversation:

• Educate yourself about domestic violence – review DVRC’s website; call DVRC and talk with an advocate
• Tell them you care about them and are concerned about them
• Ask if they are safe
• Refer them to DVRC
• Do NOT judge their situation and their choices, blame them, give them advice or tell them what to do – it’s their choice.
  If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship abuse, call now… to talk about what is happening… to find out your options… to develop a safety plan. We can help.
  
  Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services
  of Saratoga County
  All services are free and confidential
  24-hour hotline 518-584-8188