March 2010
Rounded Rectangle: Family Justice Center 9309 N. Florida Ave. Suite #109 Tampa, Florida 33612 Phone: 813-935-2015 Fax: 813-935-2019 E-mail: info@fjchc.org Website: www.fjchc.org Hours of Operation: Monday– Thursday 8am-8pm Friday 8am-5pm Rounded Rectangle: In This Issue: 10th Annual International Family Justice Center Conference Kookaburra Charity Package from Outback International Violence Against Women Act FJC Monthly Partner Spotlight Sexual Abuse Intervention Network (SAIN) FJC Volunteer Program FJC Training Academy Child Welfare and Domestic Violence Cross-System Training Series Sexual Abuse Intervention Network Training 2010 ‘Take Back the Night’ Gambling Addiction Impact on the Family Community Meetings Rounded Rectangle: Family Justice Center Newsletter Text Box: International Violence Against Women Act Introduced In House & Senate Violence prevention experts and human rights advocates cheered Thursday, February 4th when Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA), and Representatives William Delahunt (D-MA), Ted Poe (R-TX) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), spoke at a Capitol Hill event celebrating the introduction of the International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA). This groundbreaking legislation would, for the first time, make stopping violence against women and girls a priority in American diplomacy and foreign aid. “Societies where women are safe, where women are empowered to realize their aspirations and move their communities forward, are healthier and more stable societies,” Senator Kerry said. “This bill will protect women everywhere, and it turns out that championing these values is also an extremely effective and cost-efficient way to advance America’s foreign assistance goals and strengthen our national security.” Senator Kerry thanked all the I-VAWA co-sponsors and acknowledged the support of Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME), who were unable to attend. Both Senator Kerry and Representative Delahunt chair key committees or subcommittees, and both sponsored hearings on violence against women worldwide last year. Academy award-winning actress Nicole Kidman, a UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador, was among the witnesses, as was Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF) President Esta Soler. “The United States is the global leader in human rights,” Representative Poe said at Thursday’s event. “We need to let the world know that it is not socially acceptable any longer to let women be assaulted simply because they are women… This legislation says to the world: No more.” Representative Schakowsky agreed, calling for the United States to “take a stand and lead… Whether a girl is born in the United States or in the Democratic Republic of Congo, she should not have to fear gender based violence… The International Violence Against Women Act will give our government the tools to fight this violence around the world.” “Every day, too many women and girls across the globe endure horrific acts of violence,” Senator Boxer added. “They are disfigured by acid, raped and beaten, or they are denied the opportunity to see a doctor. This important legislation gives the United States government the tools to make international violence against women and girls a top diplomatic priority.” I-VAWA would help end violence through prevention programs that help women and girls get an education or improve their economic opportunities; programs that support men and boys in being partners in ending violence; health and support programs for survivors; and legal and judicial training programs that work to hold perpetrators accountable. The legislation supports investments in community-based organizations, as well as working with foreign governments to create change in their own countries. It also provides funding and training to better address violence against women in humanitarian situations, such as the work in Haiti now. Americans support the new legislation. Public opinion research commissioned by the Family Violence Prevention Fund and Women Thrive Worldwide last year finds that 61 percent of voters say addressing global violence should be one of the top priorities for our government. One in four says it should be the top priority. The Lake Research Partners research also found that eight in ten voters (82 percent) support I-VAWA, with support crossing all demographic and party lines. **FVPF’s Speaking up Volume 16, Issue 2  FJC Partner Council Spotlight The FJC Partner Council Spotlight for the month of February was The Life Center of the Suncoast, Inc.. The Life Center of the Suncoast, Inc. established in 1981, is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to providing counseling to those who have suffered the death of a loved one, to victims of traumatic crime, and to those coping with serious illness. The mission of The Life Center is to provide emotional support, grief counseling, intervention, education, and training in a compassionate and healing environment to help children, adults and families reduce the negative effects of trauma and grief in order to lead healthy and productive lives. Since 1983, Sheryle R. Baker, LMHC Executive Director has provided the leadership of The Life Center. In addition to her 26 years of experience as a psychotherapist and national lecturer specializing in bereavement and traumatic death, Sheryle trained with Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross international authority on death and dying. Sheryle is certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). EMDR is a recognized modality designed to help reduce post traumatic stress symptoms which may interfere with the grief process. Sheryle also utilizes traditional psychological therapies to assist survivors of crime to reduce maladaptive behaviors and negative beliefs. Individual therapy sessions are available for adults, children, and families by appointment. The following ongoing Educational and Support Groups are offered: Rebuilding from Loss; Parents Coping with the Loss of a Child; Suicide Survivor’s Group; Traumatic Loss Group for Victims of Crime; Children’s Grief Group; Parenting-Child Bereavement Intervention and a new group for Surviving the Loss of a Spouse or Significant Other. For additional information, group times, or to schedule an appointment, please call: 813-237-3114. The Life Center client spotlight for the month of February was of a widow and  mother of three children whose husband was shot and killed in front of the entire family. The family was referred to The Life Center’s  traumatic grief support program for family and individual counseling. Later the children became part of TLC’s Childrens’ and Teen Grief Groups, helping them process their feelings of shock, sadness, fear and anger through expressive arts and play therapy.  After several individual grief counseling sessions with the widowed parent, she felt better able to address the children’s developmental needs after she worked through some of her own grief process. She reported her gratefulness for the immediate counseling expertise she received to deal with her flashbacks and the grief education component that helped her and her children have a better understanding of their traumatic experience and reactions. Thank you, The Life Center of the Suncoast for all of the amazing work that you do!   Hillsborough County Sexual Abuse Intervention Network (SAIN) The Hillsborough County Sexual Abuse Intervention Network (SAIN) was officially established in 1999 and provides a forum where organizations can work together on a voluntary basis to improve the county’s response to child-on-child sexual abuse.  The creation of this network is authorized by Section 985.308 of the Florida Statutes and funded by a grant through the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. The members of SAIN  are comprised of a wide variety of community partners such as DCF, law enforcement, the Public Defender’s Office, State Attorney’s Office, DJJ, the judicial system, FMHI. USF/CPT, and treatment providers just to name a few.  The SAIN Membership meets monthly to conduct a cross-system analysis of child-on-child sexual abuse in Hillsborough County.  Child-on child sexual abuse is defined as: A sexual interaction that occurs between individuals: Below the age of legal majority; against one of the participants will. Without consent in an aggressive, exploitive, manipulative or threatening manner. The abuse can range from a non-contact offense (voyeurism, exhibitionism) to a physical assault (rape, sodomy). Identified needs and services for youth with sexual behavior problems are recommended to one of three committees for further review and response project planning.  During the last year (Oct. ’08 thru Sept. ’09) the SAIN program trained 987 professionals on issues related to child-on-child sexual abuse and provided specialized assessments and safety planning to 41 families.  SAIN SERVICES TO PROFESSIONALS/COMMUNITY: Provide community awareness, education and training workshops to the community and professional organizations on issues related to healthy sexuality in youth and/or youth with sexual behavior problems.  Specialized presentations are offered by request. Serve as an advocate for youth, families and professionals seeking treatment for a child with sexual behavior problems. Facilitate monthly cross system review and analysis of child-on-child sexual abuse issues in Hillsborough County Access to a specialized resource library is available to all SAIN members For more information call (813) 490-9406 For more information on upcoming SAIN Academy Trainings, please see below. SAIN SERVICES PROVIDED BY USF/CPT TO FAMILIES: Provide information, referral and support services to families and professionals working with a child with sexual behavior problems.. Provide specialized family assessments to determine appropriate services needed.  Develop a formal safety plan with families who are dealing with a child-on-child sexual abuse situation in their home. Provide families with door alarms to help minimize further sexual behavior problems in the home. To schedule an appointment call:     (813)250-6675   FJC Volunteer Program Are you interested in volunteering at the Family Justice Center? The Family Justice Center is always looking for people who are willing to share their time and service to help us to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all those we serve. For more information Please contact the Outreach Coordinator, Mona Cruz at 813.490.9428 or outreachcoord@fjchc.org .  The Family Justice Center Training Academy  Nuts and Bolts: The Basics of Domestic Violence Advocacy Training April 5th - 6th and May 3rd - 4th, 2010 8:30am to 5:00pm FJC ***12 CEU’s*** ***14.5 General CLE’s*** $20 suggested donation Nuts and Bolts is a four part (FJC 101, 201, 301, 401), 2-day training offered to advocates, volunteers, interns, clergy, and other community based providers who work with victims of domestic violence. Topics include, dynamics of domestic violence, safety planning, lethality assessment, confidentiality, boundaries, working with diverse populations, dating violence, and effects of domestic violence on children and adolescents.  Jewish Women International Presents: Immigrant Women and Domestic Violence Webinar March 4, 2010 12 noon to 1pm EST  FJC A recent study in New York City found that 51 percent of intimate partner homicide victims were foreign-born. Immigrant women in abusive relationships face numerous barriers to escape because of immigration laws, language barriers, social isolation, and lack of financial resources. Join Jewish Women International in a 60-minute live webinar presented by Leslye Orloff, vice president and director of Legal Momentum’s Immigrant Women Program (IWP). Leslye is also a co-founder and co-chair of the National Network to End Violence Against Immigrant Women. She has written local and national training curricula and manuals and is a nationally respected trainer on domestic violence, cultural competency, VAWA immigration provisions, and immigrant victims’ legal rights and experience with domestic violence. What you will learn: Overview of the dynamics and challenges faced by battered immigrant women Legal rights of immigrant women: Undocumented vs. legal immigrants Access to crime victims' visas Public benefits provided to immigrant women Recommendations for working with immigrant women    The Child Welfare Domestic Violence Cross-System Training Series Presents: The Court System–Civil and Dependency March 10, 2010 from 1pm to 4pm Facilitators: Natalie Baird- Baird Law Group & RUSAFE and David Silverstein-Office of the Attorney General FJC Dependency law as related to child abuse and domestic violence will be discussed along with granting civil injunctions for protection and enforcing them and family law (establishing paternity, custody, visitation, support and obtaining a divorce).  Please Register for All FJC Trainings at: http://www.fjchc.org/public/events.html   SAIN Presents: Children with  Sexual Acting Out Behaviors  April 13th, 9 am - 11 am FJC ***2 CEU’s*** $5 SAIN is a collaboration of volunteer professionals working to reduce the incidence of child on child sexual abuse in our community through identifying, referring, supervising and treating children with sexual behavior problems. “Children with Sexual Acting Out Behaviors” is a two-hour, introductory course for professionals working with children.  This course enables participants to distinguish between healthy and problematic sexual behaviors in children.  Topics including characteristics of sexually abusive youth, definition of child sexual abuse, strategies for preventing further victimization and the legal process in Hillsborough County are also covered in this course. Please Register for All SAIN Trainings at: http://www.fjchc.org/public/events.html      Community Meetings FJC Partner Council Meetings are held the last Wednesday of every month. The next meeting will be on March 31st, 2010 at 9 am at the Family Justice Center. Contact Shannon Sokolowski at: ssokolowski@fjchc.org with any questions. Sexual Abuse Intervention Network (SAIN) Meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will be on March 17th, 2010 at 9 am at the Family Justice Center. Contact Renee Ristow at: rristow@fjchc.org with any questions. Sexual Violence Task Force Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of each month at rotating partner agencies. The next meeting will be on March 24th, 2010 at noon at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Contact Marilyn Bray at: mbray@crisiscenter.com with any questions. Men Stopping Violence Against Women March 10, 2010 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at the Children’s Home. Contact Marilyn Bray at: mbray@crisiscenter.com with any questions. Child Welfare/ Domestic Violence Policy Group March 9th, at 3:00pm at the Family Justice Center. Contact Nikki Daniels at: ndaniels@fjchc.org with any questions. Hillsborough County Domestic Violence Task Force Committee Meetings:  Domestic Violence Task Force March 11th, 2010 at 10:30a at the Crisis Center. Contact Nikki Daniels at ndaniels@fjchc.org for more information. Fatality Review Planning Committee ( Formerly Project L.A.U.R.A) TBA. Contact Roseanne Cupoli at: rocupoli@thespring.org or 813-247-5433 ext. 309 for more information. Public Policy Committee (working on DV and Child Welfare project). March 9th, 2010 at 3:00pm at the Family Justice Center. Contact Nikki Daniels at: ndaniels@fjchc.org or 813-490-9401. Community Education & Awareness Committee April 8th, 2010 at 9:00am at The Family Justice Center. Contact Donna Vento at: dmvento@thespring.org or 813-247-5433 ext. 315.  facebookRounded Rectangle: Volunteer Now! Rounded Rectangle: Donate Now! Rounded Rectangle: follow us on

facebook

facebook causes
Text Box:  Tuesday, April 27, 2010 9:00 AM - Thursday, April 29, 2010 3:15 PM (Central Time) The Crowne Plaza Hotel - Riverwalk 111 East Pecan Street San Antonio, TX 78205 USA Conference Description The three-day conference, "Dream Big. Start Small" will include discussions on issues related to the handling of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, elder abuse cases and funding in the context of the Family Justice Center model. The conference faculty includes nationally & internationally recognized subject matter experts, advocates, and survivors.  Scholarship Opportunity: The Office for Victims of Crime is pleased to announce the availability of Professional Development Scholarships to those who work with victims of crime. The program provides up to $1,000 for individuals and up to $5,000 for multidisciplinary teams of victim service professionals seeking continuing education opportunities. Scholarship awards are based on eligibility, are limited to available funds, and are processed in the order in which applications are received. To apply for an OVC Professional Development (PD) Scholarship, read the PD Scholarship FAQs and complete the Online Application Form. The completed application form must be received by OVC TTAC at least 45 days prior to the start of the event (FJC Conference). If you have any questions, please call 1-866-OVC TTAC. For more information or to register, please visit: http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=791193   Support the Family Justice Center by purchasing a Kookaburra Charity Ticket Package Join us as TPC Tampa Bay hosts the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am April 12th-18th Phone (813) 265-4653 Fax (813) 265-4655 www.outbackproam.com Since its inception 22 years ago, this tournament has contributed over $8.4 million to Tampa Bay area charities. 100% of the money from all charity ticket packages sold will go directly to the charity that sold the package. The Kookaburra Charity Ticket Package Includes: Two (2) One Day Green-Hopper Party Passes (see description below) Four (4) Weekly Badges, tournament admittance entire week. Ten (10) One Day Passes, tournament admittance any one day. Two (2) preferred parking passes. One (1) weekday foursome of golf at TPC Tampa Bay. (Space available basis, May 3-September 23. Monday-Thursday Cart fee approx $30 + tax) One (1) Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am lapel pin. Total Investment: $500! (Retail Value: $1,000) Celebrity amateurs in the tournament! Ronde' Barber NFL CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Derrick Brooks Former NFL LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Vince Gill County Music Super Star George Lopez Late Night TV Host and Actor Stone Phillips Former Dateline NBC Host Vinny Testaverde Former NFL Quarterback Joe Theismann Former NFL QB, Washington Redskins Click here to buy tickets and for more event information