Thursdays in Black: Blanket appeal

Found in the Central Leader yesterday, Marist College in Mt Albert is coordinating a blanket drive to provide blankets and rugs to women's refuges and emergency housing.

Marist's social justice group of around 400 girls have come up with the idea, and project organiser Carolyn Phillips says "The students felt that with winter well and truly here, they would concentrate their efforts on helping women and children who no longer find it safe to live in their home and for families in emergency housingn facilities."

If you have any clean blankets or rugs to contribute you can take them into the school office or phone Ms Phillips on 09 846-8311 for more information.

Thursdays in Black: Women's Refuge needs appeal collectors in Wellington

To help out with the collection in Wellington this year get in touch with Toni by emailing toniwwr at paradise dot net dot nz or phoning 04 939 0455.

If anyone has information to promote collection activities in other areas please email me via my Blogger Profile and I'm more than happy to oblige with a promo on the blog.

Thursdays in Black: The Amokura Family Violence Prevention Strategy

From the NZ Family Violence Clearinghouse:

The Amokura Family Violence Prevention Strategy is an integrated community based initiative to address family violence and promote whanau wellbeing in Taitokerau (Northland). The initiative is led by the Family Violence Prevention Consortium, which is made up of the Chief Executives of seven iwi authorities who have made a long term commitment to preventing whanau violence: Te Aupouri, Te Rarawa, Ngati Kahu, Whaingaroa, Ngapuhi, Ngati Whatua and Ngati Wai.

Amokura provides strategic leadership and co-ordination of violence prevention and early intervention activities across Taitokerau. The Amokura project involves a community awareness campaign - the 'Step Back' campaign – which conveys simple messages and strategies for change, and includes original music performed by young people on local radio and at community concerts, as well as a range of other resources. Also part of the Amokura strategy is a research programme including research on kaumatua insights into Oranga Whanau, a project that explores ‘Mana Tane’, ways that men contribute to the welfare and development of nurturing violence-free families; action research with Whaingaroa rangatahi (youth) on their vision of Oranga Whanau; and a literature review. Other aspects of the Amokura Strategy include support, training and professional development for service providers; and community activities, such as a project to build and use a waka tete (a canoe for women and children, symbolising the divinity of women and promise of safety).

To find out more and/or receive the Amokura newsletter email admin@amokura.net.nz.

Thursdays in Black: Body Safe

Rape Prevention Education's Body Safe programme has already helped over 15,000 young people learn how to keep themselves safe from sexual violence:

Sexual Violation is an issue that affects everyone in the community either directly or indirectly. The BodySafe Programme addresses childhood sexual abuse, as well as sexual coercion within dating relationships, and other high-risk situations. The focus is on the prevention of sexual violence.

...The BodySafe Programme is suitable for both males and females. We currently deliver the programme in high schools for students in years 9-13 inclusively. We also deliver the programme in alternate education programmes, and other community groups.

...“Its useful because it gives information to people about what happens and how to deal with it” Tamaki College Student

Bookings are sought after, so if you are interested in getting this programme going in a youth organisation or school you are involved with best get in touch with Kate via kate at rapecrisis dot org dot nz.

Thursdays in Black: Roots of Empathy needs volunteers!

Back in February I wrote about the Roots of Empathy programme which encourages school children to interact with young babies and thus learn empathy and a bit about parenting.

Sadly they are currently a bit short of parents and progeny, in particular in Central Auckland. This is part of an article in the Central Leader:

The award-winning programme requires a parent with a two to four-month old infant who can visit Grey Lynn School for at least half an hour every three weeks throughout the year.

I suspect even if they have already filled the Grey Lynn spot they'd be keen to hear from those interested in helping out at other schools too.

For more information or to register your interest you can contact Rachel Turner at the Peace Foundation on 09 373 2379 during work hours.

Thursdays in Black: Behind the Scenes film contest

Organised by the Auckland Coalition for the Safety of Women and Children:

Make a short film for YouTube about relationship violence against women and be in to win $2000 for first prize, $1000 for the runner up. Help prevent violence against women! Go to behindthescenes.co.nz for more information.

Domestic violence is a serious and lethal social problem in New Zealand. One in three New Zealand women experience physical and or sexual abuse from a current or former partner in their lifetime (Fanslow, 2005). To encourage young adults to engage with issues relating to domestic violence, we are running a YouTube competition in 2009, open to young men and women aged 17-24 inclusive (not just film and media students). The task is to make a short video clip that explores male relationship violence against young women.

Although this project is about boyfriend violence towards girlfriends, many men have respectful and loving relationships.

Women have come a long way but some men still use violence towards women in relationships. Domestic violence has been dragged out of the closet. This is an opportunity to drag boyfriend violence out in the open! We want all young people to have a go at challenging this culture by promoting respectful relationships.

You could have a go at busting some myths.

Some myths that need busting:

• Boyfriend violence doesn’t happen except to hoodrats
  “I thought domestic violence only applied to old people.” Lilly
• Boyfriend violence is only physical violence
  “He used little put-downs that snowballed until I felt I was nothing.” Kyllie
  “He kept phoning me all the time. He wanted to know who I was with and where I was.” Katene
• She stays so she must like it.
  “I felt like crap. I thought nobody else would want me.” Jodie
• She deserved it.
  “He said she cheated on him.” Callum

You can see some sample videos at the Behind the Scenes website, and find out heaps more besides.

Many thanks to reader Caroline for emailing me about this, sorry it's taken me a while to get this up!

Thursdays in Black: Herald recognise family violence worker

The Herald's been running an "Unsung Heroes" series and today they have an article about Michelle Bratty:

A single candle given to her each Christmas is one of the ways Michelle Bratty knows that the work she does is helping.

The North Shore mother of two has been the first point of call for many victims of family violence for 10 years.

She has dealt with numerous cases, from women abused by their partners to whole families wanting a new start.

Having seen a few "rough" cases, she says she is constantly reminded of the good that comes from her efforts.

"I've got one particular family who give me a candle every Christmas. She was a girl who was only 18 years old.

"When I went to see her, she had her arms folded - bruises up and down them from her boyfriend. She didn't want to talk to me," Ms Bratty said.

"It took a while but she came through and now she's applying for the police."

Ms Bratty works as the family violence assistant with the Orewa police.

Click through for the rest.

She sounds like a very worthy recipient indeed, one of many working behind the scenes offering practical assistance. And to give some props to the Herald, for once, it's good to see them acknowledging this work.

Thursdays in Black: Sexual Violence Survey underway

Louise Nicholas is promoting Rape Crisis' sexual violence questionnaire:

"It is important that the government understand the real but hidden costs that survivors of sexual violence have to carry," Ms Nicholas, an advocate for Rape Prevention Education [aka Rape Crisis], said.

The survey has 14 questions, and is seeking responses from those who were over 16 when any sexual violence occurred and are now over 20. The main focus of the survey is the costs incurred, rather than specific detail about the violence itself, other than asking how long ago it occurred and for how long.

It's anonymous, you can fill it in online, or you can get it by contacting Rape Prevention Education as follows:

Phone Rape Prevention Education on (09) 3600 4001 ext 1, email louise@rapecrisis.org.nz or mail a request to: Louise Nicholas, Cost Barriers Research, RPE, PO Box 78-307, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1245.

The last day for getting your response in is 8th May, which is the last day of Rape Awareness Week. Best to do it early though, to avoid forgetting!

Azlemed emailed me about this via Facebook a while ago and I've only just got the time to write anything decent about it, so apologies for tardiness. Haven't had much blog-time lately!

Thursdays in Black: Sexual Violence Prevention Seminar Series at UOA

Auckland's Department of Psychology is hosting a short Seminar Series on Sexual Violence Prevention Research in April:

The Department of Psychology is hosting two international Visiting Researchers this semester, who both specialize in sexual violence prevention research. Their seminars are open to the public. No registration is necessary, there is no cost, and all are welcome.

Venue: Room 604, Human Sciences Building, Symonds Street
Dates: 7 April (Moira Carmody) and 22 April (Charlene Senn)
Time: 4-5pm (with informal discussion until 5.30pm for those who can stay)

Tuesday 7 April, 4pm - Is there a role for ethics in sexual assault prevention education?

Associate Professor Moira Carmody, Social Justice & Social Change Research Centre, University of Western Sydney, Australia

Abstract
Moira will discuss findings from her latest book Sex and ethics: Young people and ethical sex which argues for an alternative approach to sexual assault prevention education based on Foucault's concepts of ethical subjectivity. This theoretical basis has informed the development of a 6 week sexual assault prevention education which has been piloted in NSW Australia and is about to be extended into other areas in Australia and New Zealand. The paper will consider the importance of working with young women and men of diverse sexualities in a way that is sex positive and provides them with a reflective and reflexive framework that can assist them in sexual decision making that balances pleasure and safety.

Bio
Associate Professor Moira Carmody is a researcher based at the Social Justice and Social Change Research Centre, University of Western Sydney, Australia. She has over 25 years experience working in the field of sexual assault prevention including work as a sexual assault counsellor, policy advisor to state and federal governments and as a researcher and educator on gender, sexuality, and violence prevention. She is a member of the Australian National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children and has recently completed another national research project on developing best practice standards for sexual assault prevention education.


Wednesday 22 April, 4pm - An imperfect feminist journey: Reflections on the process to develop an effective sexual assault resistance program for university women.

Professor Charlene Y Senn, Department of Psychology / Women’s Studies Program, University of Windsor, Canada

Abstract
I began the journey to develop an effective sexual assault resistance program for university women with several goals. I wanted to put feminist and social psychological theories into practice, to expand and reinforce young women’s knowledge and skills to better defend themselves against sexual coercion/assault, and in the process to facilitate broader social change. The demands and requirements of the research and academic process, my own standards, and the findings of the studies themselves have at times suggested that some of my feminist goals will not be met. In this talk I will briefly outline the research as it has been conducted and will identify several areas for discussion where feminist ideals may be at risk.

Bio
Charlene Y. Senn, PhD is a Professor of Psychology and Women’s Studies at the University of Windsor. Her research has focused on many different aspects of violence against women and girls including pornography, sexual abuse, and sexual assault. She is currently interested in the positive influence of sexuality education on girls and women and how educational programs might increase women’s ability to emotionally and physically fight off men’s attempts to sexually coerce or assault them. She was a recipient of the Ontario Women’s Health Council Career Award (2005-2008) and with the assistance of this funding formed the multidisciplinary Health Research Centre for the Study of Violence against Women at the University of Windsor. Charlene’s interest in issues of male violence against women and health are not merely academic. Prior to her graduate training, she worked front line in a women’s shelter and with other women to found a women’s health collective.

For further information, please contact:
Nicola Gavey, Department of Psychology, The University of Auckland, n dot gavey at auckland dot ac dot nz.

Many thanks to Leonie at the Auckland Women's Centre for emailing me about these.

Thursdays in Black - Hamilton Abuse Intervention Programme

The Hamilton Abuse Intervention Programme (HAIP) is the longest running NZ programme aimed at educating men about stopping violence. It's based in the Waikato, operates over a 25 week time period, and has at least one group specifically focused on Maori going at any one time.

The programme operates from a power and control analysis of family violence. The programme is based on the Duluth model for batterer intervention groups and operates from a modified version of the Duluth manual, Education Groups for Men who Batter.

Consisting of 25 two-hour sessions, the HAIP programme covers the themes of non-violence, non-threatening behaviour, respect, support and trust, accountability and honesty, sexual respect, partnership, and negotiation and fairness. Each theme is covered over a three week period, with one induction session at the start of the programme.

The men’s education programme focusses on changing men’s beliefs about relationships and the social roles of men, women and children, with the aim of ending violent and controlling behaviour. The sessions aim to get abusers to look at the costs of hierarchical relationships where they have power-over, dominate and/or control their partners and children. Relationships based on equality and respect are posed as alternatives.

While most participants are ordered to attend by court or probation systems, others come through community agency referrals, or self-refer. The men are asked to pay a small amount per session ($10 waged, $5 unwaged) although other arrangements can be made.

HAIP's men's programmes are funded by contracts with Community Probation Services and with the Ministry of Justice (Courts), with additional funding for non-mandated clients coming from CYF and grants.

There's much more information, including a whole lot of research citations, at the NZ Family Violence Clearinghouse.

Thursdays in Black: Roots of Empathy - Puna Atawhai

I've heard about Roots of Empathy - Puna Atawhai on and off for the last few years. My father gave me a brochure on it while I was pregnant with Wriggly, thinking it might be something I'd like to do with my baby if circumstances allowed, but I lost it in the midst of that brain fog that seemed to descend every night at about 7.30pm for some months. When I started doing these regular Thursdays in Black posts, about local initiatives aiming to prevent rape and other forms of violence, I had a little memory of this programme calling at me for attention, but it's taken a few weeks for me to hear it properly.

Roots of Empathy - Puna Atawhai is an international programme, which is run in New Zealand through The Peace Foundation. It started in Toronto, Canada, and The Peace Foundation started investigating piloting it here in 2001. With the support of various organisations, including Plunket and the Children's Commisioner, a three year pilot started in 2007. By the end of 2009 they hope to have delivered Roots of Empathy - Puna Atawhai to 100 classes, which is about 3000 students.

So what is it? I'll borrow from their website to explain:

Roots of Empathy (ROE) is an award winning programme that has shown dramatic effects in reducing levels of aggression and violence among school children while raising social/emotional competence and increasing empathy. It also provides these children with a clear understanding of the needs of a baby and what it is to be a good parent, thus offering the potential to break intergenerational cycles of family abuse....

At the heart of the programme is a neighbourhood infant and parent who visit the classroom every three weeks over the school year. A trained ROE Instructor coaches students to observe the baby’s development and to label the baby’s feelings. In this experiential learning, the baby is the “Teacher” and a lever, which the instructor uses to help children identify and reflect on their own feelings and the feelings of others. This Emotional literacy taught in the programme lays the foundation for more safe and caring classrooms, where children are the “Changers”. They are more competent in understanding their own feelings and the feelings of others (empathy) and are therefore less likely to physically, psychologically and emotionally hurt each other through bullying and other behaviours. In the ROE programme children learn how to challenge cruelty and injustice. Messages of social inclusion and activities that are consensus building contribute to a culture of caring that changes the tone of the classroom...

Empathy is a key ingredient to responsible citizenship and responsive parenting. Information on infant safety and development helps children to be more aware of issues of infant vulnerability such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Shaken Baby Syndrome, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and second hand smoke. Observations of a loving parent-child relationship give children a model of responsible parenting.

Awww, doesn't that sound awesome?!

You can find out more by contacting the Peace Foundation, checking out the Roots of Empathy - Puna Atawhai information on their site, or looking up the Canadian programme's website.

Thursdays in Black: HMA

Anti-violence programmes and the like have been in the gun a bit in the last week, because of the low levels of completion amongst those ordered to attend by the court. It seems to me that some of that criticism is being aimed at the wrong place...

But back to the subject at hand - local initiatives aiming to address violence.

HMA (Hall McMaster & Associates Limited) focuses on creating and supporting programmes such as probation officer training, domestic violence courses, and restorative justice initiatives. They have a range of self-help resources available on their website for free as well.

HMA was originally based in Christchurch and now offers support in many of New Zealand's main centres. Here's a bit more about them from their own website:

Our mission statement is 'Working with Passion and Integrity to bring out the best in people'; a statement that is at the core of our philosophy to life. For many years we have all involved ourselves in social justice issues and are passionate about making our communities a safer and more respectful place.
Their web

We are committed to social change through the following means:

• encouraging responsibility for behaviour that impacts negatively on others
• being accountable to others for our behaviour
• making the most out of each opportunity
• our belief that learning is a life long task and continuing our own growth and development
• working to privilege the stories of those who have been silenced
• working hard and with dedication to bring about change in the lives of people
• keeping connected with practice
• integrity in working within our realm of expertise

Each of our partners and associates is actively involved in a range of organisations and initiatives designed to bring out the best in people. While most of our work is about training workers in the human services to work more effectively, we bring that same dedication to individual clients whom we work with.

Their website is well worth a general browse as it is chock-full of information and useful resources.

Thursdays in Black: Wellington Women's Boarding House

The Wellington Women's Boarding House is in Mt Victoria, and has been largely full since it first opened in 1992.

The Wellington Women's Boarding House provides safe, pleasant accommodation for women on low incomes. With a live in manager, the big old house in Mt Victoria offers comfort, companionship, protection and independence at the same time.

This is the only house of its kind in the country. It offers a sanctuary where women can "get their life back together". The circumstances that bring women to the house are varied, but in all cases, the women need a safe, supportive environment, at an affordable cost - and that is what the house aims to provide.

Residents have included women aged from their teens to their eighties, and some have returned for a second time when they need to. The House also has emergency accommodation available for women without money and with no other place to go.

The rents charged are obviously very low, which means the House needs to find income from elsewhere to keep the building going. You can find out more about their funding needs, and how to help, here. And if you are keen to give time rather than money they are also looking for volunteers, via their webpage.

Thursdays in Black: DVFree

DVFree is run by Preventing Violence in the Home Te Kakano Tumanako, and focuses on the workplace. Often we see more of our workmates than our friends and whanau, so it's great to see a domestic violence programme that aims to help us in our role as colleagues and bosses. Here's more from the website:

DVFree is a national programme that partners with employers to help managers and workers understand the nature of domestic violence and support employees as soon as they disclose the problems. Once senior management / CEO support is established, we provide basic awareness training for all employees and more in-depth training for identified ‘contact people’. We help prepare relevant HR policy and procedures for the agency/company, provide training for staff, and continue to support employers with consultation and evaluation.

To find out more about getting DVFree going in your workplace, or for more information, you can contact Preventing Violence in the Home Te Kakano Tumanako by email, trainer at preventingviolence dot org dot nz, or by phone 09 303 3938.

Thursdays in Black: Auckland Sexual Abuse Help

I'm going to try to do a post most Thursdays about a local initiative aimed at raising awareness and combatting violence against women, inspired by the Thursdays in Black campaign.

What is Thursdays in Black? I'll let StopCampusRape.net explain:

Thursdays in Black is an international event. It began as a grassroots response to rape and violence against women in Argentina in early 1970’s. During that time in Argentina, women were being raped, murdered, and disappearing in alarming numbers. In, response local feminist organizers begin organizing “Thursdays in Black” to raise awareness about the violence that women faced, and to put pressure on governmental officials to do more to stop the violence. Since those beginnings, Thursdays in Black has been taken up by communities in Bosnia, Israel, the Sudan, New Zealand and throughout Europe. It has more recently begun happening in the United States, mostly on college campuses.

Last year I was very fortunate to be asked to speak about our work here on ALAC's Lisa Advert at the AUSA relaunch of Thursdays in Black, which in Aotearoa has been organised historically via NZUSA and local students' associations. It was a very useful panel discussion, and one of the organisations present is the first I'm going to highlight in this series.

Auckland Sexual Abuse Help (aka ASAH or Help) runs a preschool safety education programme known as "We can keep safe", alongside their many other services such as a 24 hour crisis and rape call out service (phone 09 623 1700).

We Can Keep Safe runs in the Auckland area:

Developed in 1995 after extensive consultation with experts in the field of child sexual abuse, the programme is run by two facilitators who use drama, games, songs, role playing, story telling and puppetry to engage children and their caregivers. The curriculum is taught in a logical, lively and engaging manner which encourages consistent messages in the home and classroom.

To find out more about the We Can Keep Safe programme, or to book it for your preschool centre, you can call ASAH on 09 623 1700.

And organisations like ASAH are always in need of support. You can find out more about offering your help, be it a donation, a bequest, voluntary work, or even a job, here.