Belinda Ballard
Since this is my first newsletter, I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Belinda Ballard and I am the new Shelter II/Volunteer Coordinator. I received my Bachelors degree in Social Sciences from University of Montana-Western and my Masters in Social Work from West Virginia University.
My husband and I moved to Butte this spring from Morgantown, West Virginia. While I’ve never lived in Butte before, Montana is my native state and I am so happy to be back. I’m finding Butte to have a great sense of community spirit. I am so impressed with the support we receive from the Butte community and surrounding areas. Despite the frigid winter temperatures, Butte is a wonderful place to be.
I look forward to continuing my work at Safe Space. I work with a wonderful, dedicated team and I am so happy to be a part of something meaningful. Women’s issues are very important to me and I feel like I can make a difference here. I look forward to continued service at Safe Space.
Jori Liva
Hello! My name is Jori Liva and I am the new Director of Suited for Success. Many of you are probably wondering who the new lady running the show on Park Street is and what she is about. Well here is a little information to answer your questions.
I am a recent graduate of Montana Tech, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies and I am thrilled to be able to utilize my education for such a great organization. I am a Butte native who has always dreamed of being able to make a difference in the lives of others and when this job came available I was thrilled because not only could I help but I could do it in my home town.
I am forever an optimist and believe that there is good in all things and all people and this job is living proof. I believe that I am able to put so much into this job and all the things I do because of the amazing support system that I have. They are not only there for me every step of the way but also there when my optimism gets a little out of control.
My husband and I have been married nearly seven years and we have three beautiful children. My immediate family and in-laws are the best that anyone could ask for and together we have achieved great things.
Although I just recently became the director of Suited for Success there are a few things that I have noticed, without these things our organization would not be able to thrive as it does. These things are the amazing amount of community support that this organization receives and the people that make our existence possible through their unbelievable generosity. I look forward to working with all of you in the future and would like to thank you for the support you have given us in the past.
New Volunteers
In early November, Safe Space held a volunteer training. We had excellent turnout, and have added some wonderful volunteers. We’d like to welcome the following volunteers on board:
Chris Conell Cinda Seys
Bev Sloan Jori Liva
Thanks for joining us as volunteers. Your time is very precious to us and we appreciate it very much.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
A Brief History of the Domestic Violence Movement
There have been several times, since I have begun working at Safe Space, where women will tell me they lived through domestic violence for a number of years. Often these women are older and their abuse is twenty or more years behind them. When they tell me their stories, they tell of having nowhere to go, that it was just something that came with marriage. They tell me of those they turned to simply encouraging them to be better wives and not do anything to incur their husband’s wrath. As a result, I started thinking about how the domestic violence movement was started and how it has grown throughout the years.
The problem of domestic violence has always been deeply entrenched in social norms and social acceptance. For a long period of our history, physical force was seen as an appropriate way to discipline a wife. Of course, there were limits to how much force was appropriate. Consider the ‘rule of thumb’ law – giving a husband the right to beat his wife, so long as it was with a rod no thicker than his thumb.
The 1800’s saw some changes in laws regarding marital abuse – some of these were good, some were not. In 1874, the “finger switch” rule was disavowed by the North Carolina Supreme Court. However, the court held that as long as the injury isn’t too great, it is best to keep it behind closed doors. Maryland, in 1882 became the first state to pass a law that made wife beating a crime. However, in 1857 a Massachusetts court recognized marriage as an exemption from being charged with rape.
The early 1900’s saw the formation of family courts to deal specifically violence in the family. This, unfortunately, was more of a diversionary tactic – further pushing the problem of domestic violence from the court system. Domestic violence was seen as a private problem, not something to be talked about or dealt with publicly. At this time, theories in psychoanalysis hold that women actually derive pleasure from being beaten.
The ‘60s set the stage for a dramatic change in attitudes regarding women. The feminist movement grew out of the civil rights movement. Women who were abused began talking, coming out from behind the closed doors and bringing their situations out into the open. They found they were far from alone and groups began to form. By the early ‘70s women were breaking the silence. This early stage of the domestic violence movement was marked by conscious raising and group forming efforts.
The next stage, beginning in the mid ‘70s, saw the need for services and safe places for women and children to escape the abuse. Women’s shelters began springing up across the country. The women behind the movement began framing the problem of domestic violence as a crime, not a private, family matter. In addition to creating shelters and providing services, they started advocating for social change. Also, at this time, states began drafting legislation to provide funding for domestic violence services.
During the mid ‘80s the focus shifted to a demand for accountability on the part of social systems, such as the legal system. Advocacy became central to the movement. State coalitions were forming to pressure justice systems to be more responsive to the problem of domestic violence and to hold abusers accountable. Among their demands were stronger sentencing for convicted offenders, mandatory pro-arrest statutes in responses to domestic violence assaults, and better training for police and court personnel.
The late ‘80s and ‘90s brought public awareness campaigns on local, state and federal levels. Education played a large role and foundations and government agencies provided funding to research models of intervention. The pressure for systemic change that began in the ’80s spread to healthcare systems, welfare systems, mental health systems, housing systems and many others. In 1994 the Violence Against Women Act was passed, providing $1 billion in funding for shelters, the training of law enforcement personnel and judges and support for crime-prevention efforts regarding violence against women. When O.J. Simpson was tried for the murder of his wife in 1994, nationwide coverage once again brought focus to the issue of domestic violence.
Currently, there are 1,900 domestic violence programs and state domestic violence coalitions in this country. We’ve come a long way from seeing domestic abuse as something that is either justified or a private matter. We still have a long way to go. There is a need to reach out to rural areas, Native American populations, minority women, women with disabilities, incarcerated women and other women left out of the mainstream domestic violence movement. The movement at this time remains dedicated to educating the public, pressuring social systems to respond appropriately, improving services, and advocating. In addition the domestic violence movement must continue to attack prevailing attitudes that hold that violence against women is acceptable.
Efforts are being made to reach other sectors of society as well. Religious communities, health care providers, employers and co-workers as well as friends and family members are encouraged to reach out to abused women. In many cases, women are more comfortable talking to these people than to trained domestic violence advocates. It is clear we all have an essential role to play.
Domestic Violence continues to be a widespread problem. It must continue to be addressed and brought into public awareness. However, it is important to realize the strides that have been made regarding this serious problem.
The problem of domestic violence has always been deeply entrenched in social norms and social acceptance. For a long period of our history, physical force was seen as an appropriate way to discipline a wife. Of course, there were limits to how much force was appropriate. Consider the ‘rule of thumb’ law – giving a husband the right to beat his wife, so long as it was with a rod no thicker than his thumb.
The 1800’s saw some changes in laws regarding marital abuse – some of these were good, some were not. In 1874, the “finger switch” rule was disavowed by the North Carolina Supreme Court. However, the court held that as long as the injury isn’t too great, it is best to keep it behind closed doors. Maryland, in 1882 became the first state to pass a law that made wife beating a crime. However, in 1857 a Massachusetts court recognized marriage as an exemption from being charged with rape.
The early 1900’s saw the formation of family courts to deal specifically violence in the family. This, unfortunately, was more of a diversionary tactic – further pushing the problem of domestic violence from the court system. Domestic violence was seen as a private problem, not something to be talked about or dealt with publicly. At this time, theories in psychoanalysis hold that women actually derive pleasure from being beaten.
The ‘60s set the stage for a dramatic change in attitudes regarding women. The feminist movement grew out of the civil rights movement. Women who were abused began talking, coming out from behind the closed doors and bringing their situations out into the open. They found they were far from alone and groups began to form. By the early ‘70s women were breaking the silence. This early stage of the domestic violence movement was marked by conscious raising and group forming efforts.
The next stage, beginning in the mid ‘70s, saw the need for services and safe places for women and children to escape the abuse. Women’s shelters began springing up across the country. The women behind the movement began framing the problem of domestic violence as a crime, not a private, family matter. In addition to creating shelters and providing services, they started advocating for social change. Also, at this time, states began drafting legislation to provide funding for domestic violence services.
During the mid ‘80s the focus shifted to a demand for accountability on the part of social systems, such as the legal system. Advocacy became central to the movement. State coalitions were forming to pressure justice systems to be more responsive to the problem of domestic violence and to hold abusers accountable. Among their demands were stronger sentencing for convicted offenders, mandatory pro-arrest statutes in responses to domestic violence assaults, and better training for police and court personnel.
The late ‘80s and ‘90s brought public awareness campaigns on local, state and federal levels. Education played a large role and foundations and government agencies provided funding to research models of intervention. The pressure for systemic change that began in the ’80s spread to healthcare systems, welfare systems, mental health systems, housing systems and many others. In 1994 the Violence Against Women Act was passed, providing $1 billion in funding for shelters, the training of law enforcement personnel and judges and support for crime-prevention efforts regarding violence against women. When O.J. Simpson was tried for the murder of his wife in 1994, nationwide coverage once again brought focus to the issue of domestic violence.
Currently, there are 1,900 domestic violence programs and state domestic violence coalitions in this country. We’ve come a long way from seeing domestic abuse as something that is either justified or a private matter. We still have a long way to go. There is a need to reach out to rural areas, Native American populations, minority women, women with disabilities, incarcerated women and other women left out of the mainstream domestic violence movement. The movement at this time remains dedicated to educating the public, pressuring social systems to respond appropriately, improving services, and advocating. In addition the domestic violence movement must continue to attack prevailing attitudes that hold that violence against women is acceptable.
Efforts are being made to reach other sectors of society as well. Religious communities, health care providers, employers and co-workers as well as friends and family members are encouraged to reach out to abused women. In many cases, women are more comfortable talking to these people than to trained domestic violence advocates. It is clear we all have an essential role to play.
Domestic Violence continues to be a widespread problem. It must continue to be addressed and brought into public awareness. However, it is important to realize the strides that have been made regarding this serious problem.
References
Important Stages of the Battered Women’s Movement in the United States
http://www.dvmillennium.org/Story.htm
Herstory of Domestic Violence: A Timeline of the Battered Women’s Movement
Minnesota Center Against Domestic Violence
http://www.mincava.umn.edu/docutments/herstory/herstory.html
http://www.answers.com/topic/domestic-vioilence
October
October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Staff, Volunteers and Board of Directors of Safe Space would like to take a moment to thank the Butte Community and all the individuals and organizations that contributed so much.
To the following individuals, we are deeply grateful:
Chief Executive Paul Babb for Proclaiming DV awareness month in Butte-Silver Bow County.
Sheriff John Walsh, Officer Dan Murphy and the dedicated men and women of the Butte Police Department for all their continued hard work and dedication in working with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
The Acoma Restaurant staff and Lyle and Katie Nalivka for hosting our “Officer of the Year” luncheon and donating dinner for two to the officer.
Judy Fisher for donating her time to hold her “Rebuilding After Your Relationship Ends” Workshops, free of charge, at the Butte Plaza Mall.
Alana Ferko and the Butte Plaza Mall for their continued support and for once again hosting “The Silent Witness Exhibit” and “Hands Are Not For Hurting” workshop in which area children signed a pledge to be non-violent.
Melissa Hansen and the cast and crew of The Same Difference Inclusive Theatre Company for their presentation of “The Illustrated Woman” with proceeds going to benefit Safe Space.
Lisa O’Connell - for the endless hours and creative approach you dedicated to raising community awareness. Samantha, Willow, Arissa, Katlynn, Meghan, Ceara and Molly O’Connell for all you help.
Vicki Amundson and the Silent Witness Initiative for once again providing us with their powerful exhibit to assist in raising awareness in our community.
All the volunteers who helped set up and take down the Silent Witness exhibit; Jori and Geno Liva, Kirk, Jason, Lana and Jeanie Petersen, Julie Powers and Melissa Crosby. Doug Rubick, Kate Heiken, Dan Baum, Ty Gill, Casey Shea, Ross Wilkerson, Jordan Lay, Jacob Aisenbrey, Kyle Ashley and Don Pfeifer from the AADE ( American Association of Drilling Engineers) & SPE ( Society of Petroleum Engineers).
Kathryn Hurzeler and Americorps Volunteers for holding our “Hands Are Not For Hurting” Workshop; Kirsten Howells, Daneta Michalsky, Brandie Gould and Nicole Miller.
To the following individuals, we are deeply grateful:
Chief Executive Paul Babb for Proclaiming DV awareness month in Butte-Silver Bow County.
Sheriff John Walsh, Officer Dan Murphy and the dedicated men and women of the Butte Police Department for all their continued hard work and dedication in working with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
The Acoma Restaurant staff and Lyle and Katie Nalivka for hosting our “Officer of the Year” luncheon and donating dinner for two to the officer.
Judy Fisher for donating her time to hold her “Rebuilding After Your Relationship Ends” Workshops, free of charge, at the Butte Plaza Mall.
Alana Ferko and the Butte Plaza Mall for their continued support and for once again hosting “The Silent Witness Exhibit” and “Hands Are Not For Hurting” workshop in which area children signed a pledge to be non-violent.
Melissa Hansen and the cast and crew of The Same Difference Inclusive Theatre Company for their presentation of “The Illustrated Woman” with proceeds going to benefit Safe Space.
Lisa O’Connell - for the endless hours and creative approach you dedicated to raising community awareness. Samantha, Willow, Arissa, Katlynn, Meghan, Ceara and Molly O’Connell for all you help.
Vicki Amundson and the Silent Witness Initiative for once again providing us with their powerful exhibit to assist in raising awareness in our community.
All the volunteers who helped set up and take down the Silent Witness exhibit; Jori and Geno Liva, Kirk, Jason, Lana and Jeanie Petersen, Julie Powers and Melissa Crosby. Doug Rubick, Kate Heiken, Dan Baum, Ty Gill, Casey Shea, Ross Wilkerson, Jordan Lay, Jacob Aisenbrey, Kyle Ashley and Don Pfeifer from the AADE ( American Association of Drilling Engineers) & SPE ( Society of Petroleum Engineers).
Kathryn Hurzeler and Americorps Volunteers for holding our “Hands Are Not For Hurting” Workshop; Kirsten Howells, Daneta Michalsky, Brandie Gould and Nicole Miller.
Officer Of The Year 2006 - Dan Murphy
We here at Safe Space are deeply aware of the vital role police officers play when called to a domestic violence situation. As a result, since 1997, we have been honoring the police officer who shows the most compassion, patience and understanding towards victims of domestic violence. Once a year we select a police officer to be awarded “Officer of the Year.” Our selection is based on questionnaires we ask our residents to complete regarding their interaction with the police involved.
This October, we held our tenth annual “Officer of the Year” luncheon at the Acoma Restaurant. The officer who received the award was Officer Dan Murphy. Officer Murphy deserved this award due to his compassion and professionalism when dealing with domestic violence calls. He has consistently acted with kindness and often went above and beyond what was required of him. Officer Murphy received a plaque, a letter of commendation to be placed in his file, and his name will be added to a plaque in the Sheriff's Department. He also received a gift certificate for dinner for two at the Acoma Restaurant. Thank you, Officer Murphy for being such a valuable asset to the fight against domestic violence in our community.
Officer Murphy and his family at the “Officer of the Year” Luncheon.
Executive Director, Tonya Geraghty, presents Officer Murphy with a plaque.
This October, we held our tenth annual “Officer of the Year” luncheon at the Acoma Restaurant. The officer who received the award was Officer Dan Murphy. Officer Murphy deserved this award due to his compassion and professionalism when dealing with domestic violence calls. He has consistently acted with kindness and often went above and beyond what was required of him. Officer Murphy received a plaque, a letter of commendation to be placed in his file, and his name will be added to a plaque in the Sheriff's Department. He also received a gift certificate for dinner for two at the Acoma Restaurant. Thank you, Officer Murphy for being such a valuable asset to the fight against domestic violence in our community.
Officer Murphy and his family at the “Officer of the Year” Luncheon.
Executive Director, Tonya Geraghty, presents Officer Murphy with a plaque.
Butte's Silent Witness Exhibit
This past October, Butte was honored to host the Silent Witnesses. The Silent Witnesses were on display at the Butte Plaza Mall. Montana’s Silent Witnesses are brought to us by the Montana Silent Witness Initiative Inc. an organization modeled after the National Silent Witness Initiative, Inc. (NSWI). The NSWI began promoting an end to domestic violence in 1990 to promote hope, help, and healing for the victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. Their vision is to promote successful community-based domestic violence reduction efforts in order to reach zero domestic murders by 2010. The initial program was brought to Montana in 1996 and was established as a non-profit corporation in Montana in 1999.
The Silent Witnesses are life-sized plywood cutouts of a woman’s silhouette in three different poses. Each figure is painted bright red and has a gold shield on her chest which provides information about the woman and the circumstances of her death. Currently there are 48 figures in the display representing those Montana women who were murdered by a domestic partner since 1990. A figure is not added to the display until the case has gone through the court system and/or the perpetrator has never been found or was a suicide during the incident. The display is permanently displayed in Missoula, but can be requested by any organization in Montana for projects addressing domestic violence.
The Silent Witnesses are life-sized plywood cutouts of a woman’s silhouette in three different poses. Each figure is painted bright red and has a gold shield on her chest which provides information about the woman and the circumstances of her death. Currently there are 48 figures in the display representing those Montana women who were murdered by a domestic partner since 1990. A figure is not added to the display until the case has gone through the court system and/or the perpetrator has never been found or was a suicide during the incident. The display is permanently displayed in Missoula, but can be requested by any organization in Montana for projects addressing domestic violence.
Donations and Contributions - Staff and Board of Directors
Traditional holiday imagery conjures pictures of abundant giving and generosity on the part of friends, family and neighbors. This year was no exception. The Butte community was so kind to us this holiday season. The outpouring of donations, food, money and gifts was nothing short of astounding. Butte really captured the holiday spirit. It is so wonderful to serve in such a supportive community. It is our duty to help, protect and support families in crisis in this community and we couldn’t do it without the immense support given to us here. It is a wonderful relationship. We serve this community and the community in turn encourages and supports us. Thanks Butte, you really do help to make it all worthwhile.
Please know if we inadvertently missed anyone, we apologize. It is not due to a lack of appreciation. We’re deeply grateful for everyone’s consideration and thoughtfulness.
Donations & Contributions
Safe Space would like to thank the following individuals, businesses and organizations who donated financially and materially to Safe Space and Suited for Success between 9/01/06 and 12/31/06. Thanks for the support; we couldn’t do it with out you!
November Donations!
We received many boxes of generously filled women’s and children’s toiletry bags from Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
Thanks for helping our residents have a more comfortable stay!
The Classy Clovers 4-H Club provided us with all the fixings for a fabulous Thanksgiving turkey dinner. It was cooked to perfection and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Thanks Classy Clovers!
To the Holy Spirit Confirmation Group, thank you so very much for the
wonderful children’s gift bags. You are so kind.
Thank you to everyone who donated Christmas gifts to local families!
4-H Classy Clovers
Bath and Body Works
MT Tech Women
Sandy, Jan and Lori Hodges
Thank you, Nancy and Larry Hoffman for your generous donation.
To the following Vocational Clubs at Butte High School, thank you for the toiletry items:
Business Professionals of America
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America
Skills USA
And the students in Business, FACS and Industrial Classes
Thank you for the creative and adorable homemade teddy bears,
Lefever and Morris Home Economics Classes.
To Steve and his wood working class from Montana Tech. College of Technology,
thank you for the wonderful toys you made.
The Action Kiwanis donated some wonderful backpacks to us - filled with blankets, stuffed animals, blankets and t-shirts. Thank you so much.
Ken and Kathy Schelin honored their parents, Tony and Donna Jangula
with a donation for Christmas, thank you!
December Donations!
Amelinda Olsen
Barbara Orphan
Bertha O'Krusch
Bob Harris
Bonnie M. Davies
Brad G. Newman
Brian Wolter
Cassandra Chambers
Chapter G-PEO
Christian Women's Fellowship
Cinda Seys
Clive Kinlock
Colleen and Wayne Harper
Colleen Golinger
Colleen Paul
Connie Taverna
Cookie Jordan
Copper City Women's Club
Dan and Robin Kelly
Danielle Garcia
Deb Lowen
Debbie Jackquer
Dianne Kimball
Donna Raffael
Edith Davenport
Elizabeth Zobenica
Erin Marie Angove
Esther Spear
Frank Juarez
Geoff Gallus
Geri L. Wyant
Geri Mihelich
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Women
Halvor & Carolyn Kamrud
Helen Sanderson
J. Janhunen
James Johnson
Jan Zimmerman
Jeanette Kapps
Joan Olson
Jody Bickford
Josh A. Young
Joyce Fisher
Judy Hendrickson
Junette Hedval
Kathleen Bauer
Kathy Taras
Kim Fry
L. Pesanti
Ladies Order of Ancient Hibernians
Linda Minich
Linda Rogers
Lorrie Roberts
Margaret & Henry Peterson
Marie Cashell
Mark A. Stauffer
Marvin Balback
Mary & D. M North-Abbott
Mary Ann Flammond
Mary Lou and Kevin Jaansalu
Mary Lu Wilson
Mary Markovich
Melanie Jean Watts
Melissa Grutsch
Michelle Held-Hoffman
Mike Newman
Mike Pratt
Miranda Worthington
Miriam & Courtney Young
Miriam King
Misti Dauenhauer
Mom’s Club
Ms. Joan Richards
Myrna Leipheimer
Nancy Nanbeck
Pam Kelly
Pam King
Paul & Loralee Beatty
Peter & Sally Figdor
Phil and Peg Winninghoff
Phyllis Costello
Quinn McCarthy
Rebecca Ballard
Robert C. Brown
Roger Walls
Ron Davis
Sandi Seccomb
Sandi Young
Suela Galvan
Tammy Brunell
Teri Kilmer
Theresa Kilmer
Tori Hafer
UM Law Review
Vernon & Barbara Griffiths
Vlad Babich
Safe Space Staff and Volunteers!
Tonya Geraghty — Executive Director
Carolyn Moore — Shelter I Coordinator
Betty Mealey — Shelter Supervisor
Belinda Ballard — Shelter II/Volunteer Coordinator
Jonathan Figdor— Public Relations Attaché / Webmaster
Janet Downey — Accountant
Marci Robinson— Women’s Group Facilitator/Volunteer
Krystal Johnston—Children’s Group Facilitator
Our Volunteers...The Heart and Soul of The Program!!
Francine Coombe
Marci Robinson
Stephanie Black
Erin Garlinghouse
Chris Connell
Cinda Seys
Bev Sloan
Jori Liva
Safe Space Board of Directors
Sandi Seccomb — President
Gerri Steward — Vice President
Melissa Hansen — Secretary
Paul Babb
Erin Garlinghouse
Gretchen Geller
Julie Janacaro
Brad Newman
Melissa Hansen
Ed Randall
Rev. Elton Smith
Dan Thompson
Bob Whelan
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