Clothesline Project Flyer

Safe Space is hosting the National Clothesline Project this year to go hand-in-hand with the Take Back the night activities. The 2 day event will be held the last Friday and Saturday of March. This event is free to all community members, and encourages survivors and family of victims to attend. The difference between a survivor and a victim as stated by the National Clothesline Project is one of empowerment; victim is someone who has passed away because of the violence, where as a survivor is someone who has lived to tell their tale.

Hope to see you there!
Anita Pollock
AmeriCorps VISTA 08-09

United Way's Day of the Child II

Bridget helping girls with their dream catchers!



Tonya figuring out how to do her own dream catcher!



Carolyn, and the messy table, helping a little one with a dream catcher.


United Way hosts an annual Day of the Child event each spring. This year's theme was Renaissance, Tonya was the only one from the Safe Space booth to dress-up. So festive she is :)! Safe Space tossed many ideas around before deciding on the dream catchers. The supplies were not the most difficult part, that award was left for remembering how to make the dream catchers! But once Carolyn, Bridget, Jori and Anita had the hang of it there was no problem helping the children. The children ranged from 4 to 14 years old, all were amazingly fast learners, and had a good time doing it!

So concludes another quick update from Safe Space.

Anita Pollock
AmeriCorps VISTA 08-09

Quarterly Newsletter from Winter 2008

Spring 2008 Newsletter

Newsletter Vol 1, 2008

Fall Newsletter Vol 4 2007

Summer Newsletter Vol 3 2007

Spring Newsletter

Sexual Assault: Never The Victim’s Fault

It has been said that a society is ultimately judged by its crimes, and perhaps rape is the crime by which our society will be evaluated. The definition of sexual assault as provided by Brown University is as follows: “Sexual assault is the legal term for rape, and it also encompasses other behaviours beyond forced sexual intercourse. Sexual assault can be any unwanted sexual contact, such as unwanted touching, fondling, or groping of sexual body parts. It can be committed by the use of threats or force or when someone takes advantage of circumstances that render a person incapable of giving consent, such as intoxication.” The statistics regarding sexual assault in the United States are astounding. According to RAINN (the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network – www.rainn.org), a woman is sexually assaulted every two and a half minutes. Further, they claim that one in every six American women is a victim of sexual assault. Finally, they state that 44% of sexual assault victims are under the age of 18. This is clearly an unacceptable state of affairs.

But these numbers are not the ones I want to discuss in this article. Sexual assault is a peculiar crime in that it is a crime which victims are hesitant to prosecute. RAINN suggests that half the sexual assaults committed are never reported to police. This severely restricts the means that our justice system can take action against the perpetrator. One never hears about a convenience store clerk who decides not to prosecute a robber or a victim of a carjacking declining to press charges, but somehow sexual assault seems to be a special crime.

The question on the tips of your tongues, no doubt, is: “Why is sexual assault so underreported?” One of the primary reasons sexual assault is underreported is that victims are afraid they will not be believed. One common response to sexual assault charges is to doubt or blame the victim. Our society has a pervasive belief that women frequently lie about sexual assault. This is a myth. According to the F.B.I., only 5.5% of reported sexual assaults are determined to be unfounded (which includes cases in which the judge found that there was insufficient evidence to convict). Other reasons women give for not reporting sexual assaults include fear of reprisals, desire to avoid an intrusive and uncomfortable rape examination, and the belief that sexual activity is a personal matter.

These reasons reveal a deeper problem – mistrust and mistreatment of women in our society. It is considered valid to argue that if a woman wears a short skirt, she is inviting rape. This is a fallacy however. Do we tell jewellers that they were inviting robbery by displaying their jewels in their store windows? Do we tell victims of car-jacking that they invited a car-jacking by having nice cars? No we do not. All I am asking you is to extend to victims of sexual assault the same courtesy we extend to victims of other crimes.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (henceforth, SAAM). During SAAM I ask that you take a few moments out of your day to consider the plight of women who have been sexually assaulted. If you would like to learn more about sexual assault or are interested in living a violence-free lifestyle, I cordially invite you to join me and the rest of the Safe Space staff at our Take Back The Night Rally on May 4 at 6:00 PM on the courthouse steps. There we can let our voices be heard that violence in all forms is unacceptable and that to better our lives, we should be more peaceful.

Sexual Assault Information

A Few Statistics For Your Consideration

Key Facts
· Every two and a half minutes, somewhere in America, someone is sexually assaulted.
· One in six American women are victims of sexual assault, and one in 33 men.
· In 2004-2005, there were an average annual 200,780 victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault.
· About 44% of rape victims are under age 18, and 80% are under age 30.
· Since 1993, rape/sexual assault has fallen by over 69%

What should I do if I am sexually assaulted?
· Find a safe environment - anywhere away from the attacker. Ask a trusted friend to stay with you for moral support or contact your local shelter.
· Preserve evidence of the attack - don't bathe or brush your teeth. Write down all the details you can recall about the attack & the attacker.
· Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN, for free, confidential counseling, 24 hours a day: 1-800-656-HOPE.
· Get medical attention. Even with no physical injuries, it is important to determine the risks of STDs, unknown injuries and pregnancy.
o To preserve forensic evidence, ask the hospital to conduct a rape kit exam.
o If you suspect you may have been drugged, ask that a urine sample be collected. The sample will need to be analyzed later on by a forensic lab.
o Report the rape to law enforcement authorities. A counselor can provide the information you'll need understand the process.
o Remember it wasn't your fault.
o Recognize that healing from rape takes time. Give yourself the time you need.
o Know that it's never too late to call. Even if the attack happened years ago, the National Sexual Assault Hotline can still help. Many victims do not realize they need help until months or years later.
. What can I do to reduce my risk of sexual assault?
· Don't leave your beverage unattended or accept a drink from an open container.
· When you go to a party, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, watch out for each other, and leave together.
· Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
· Don't allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don't know or trust.
· Think about the level of intimacy you want in a relationship, and clearly state your limits.
. How can I help a friend who has been sexually assaulted?
· Listen. Be there. Don't be judgmental.
· Encourage your friend to seriously consider reporting the rape to law enforcement authorities. A counselor can provide the information your friend will need to make this decision.
· Be patient. Remember, it will take your friend some time to deal with the crime.
· Let your friend know that professional help is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
· Encourage him or her to call the hotline, but realize that only your friend can make the decision to get help.

A History of Take Back the Night

A History of Take Back the Night (from www.takebackthenight.org)

Take Back the Night’s roots may lie in 1877 when women protested the fear and violence they experienced in the night-time streets of London, England. Others believe that the first rally occurred in 1976 when women attending the International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women lit candles and took to the moonlit streets of Belgium to denounce the continuation of violence against women. While the origins of Take Back the Night may be disputed, its impact is undeniable. Since its inception, thousands of marches and rallies bearing the name Take Back the Night have taken place worldwide. The hope of Take Back the Night made its way stateside in 1978 when protesters in San Francisco invoked the slogan following an anti-pornography conference. On that night, those who had been adversely affected by pornography openly shared their stories with those who had gathered. Today, survivor speak outs are an inseparable part of Take Back the Night. Most present-day rallies offer survivors of violence an opportunity to give voice to their experiences and publicly affirm their transition from victim to survivor.

Common components of Take Back the Night rallies include candlelight vigils, empowerment marches, and survivor testimonials. The goals and specific features of a TBTN rally are just as varied as its vast array of supporters. Throughout its history, Take Back the Night has inspired both women and men to confront a myriad of social ills, including rape, sexual violence, domestic violence, violence against children, and violence against women. The unifying theme throughout these diverse topics is the assertion that all human beings have the right to be free from violence, the right to be heard, and the right to reclaim those rights if they are violated.

Donations and 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 01/01/2007 and 04/01/2007.

4-H Club
Irene Boyle
Mary Brandl
Jody Bickford
Sally Bridges
Helen Brown
Seila Burton
Connie Everly
Alana Ferki
Tori Hafer
Carol Heim
Michelle Held-Hoffman
Bernita Hoellein
James and Denise Holman
Lori Huff
Tricia Gallagher
Geoff Gallus
Sella Galvan
Evelyn Graham
Glen Granger
Joanne Greene
JC Penny Salon
Frank Juarez
Marie Kadillak
Ann Killoy
Pamela King
Mary Larkin
Holly Martell
Margaret Martell
Tim McCarthy
Kathy Morris
Geri Mihelich
Jean Mulcahy
Jessica Munson
Brad Newman
Mary North-Abbot
Amelinda Olson
Kelly Parina
Debbie Petersen
Patti Ratfish
Linda Rogers
Kathy Schelin
Catherine Shea
Michelle Sullivan
Eloise Sunberg
Sheryl Tremis
Stephen and Trudy Tomazich
Darlene Welsh
Brian Wolter
John Young
Jan Zimmerman

Donations
Donations can be dropped off at Curves for Women at 1001 Front St. If you are unable to drop off your donations at Curves, give us a call at 782-8511 and a Safe Space Advocate will arrange a time to come pick the donations up. Please remember to include your name and address with your donations so that we can send you a receipt.

Introductions

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.

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.

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