September 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: Macy’s ‘Shop for a Cause’ Fundraiser 2010 ‘Stop the Violence’ Conference FJC VOICES FJC Job Openings – FJC Service Specialist SAIN Family Coordinator FJC Lunch and Learn Program Leading Companies Unite to Improve Services for DV Survivors FJC Monthly Partner Spotlight - ChildNet FJC Volunteer Program FJC Training Academy Child Welfare and Domestic Violence Cross-System Training Series Sexual Abuse Intervention Network Training DV: Get Heard and Get Out Presentation at Moffit Cancer Center Wheels of Success 5th Annual Labor Day Event Community Meetings Rounded Rectangle: Family Justice Center Newsletter Text Box:  FJC VOICES Committee Carolyn S. Hennecy: From Victim to Survivor to Advocate It was February 1985. My children and I had returned home from my son’s little league basketball game, and as we walked through the door we received the usual greeting of inebriated ranting and cursing, with demands for food. Tip-toeing in fear, I prepared his plate and carried it to him as he sat before the television in his lounge chair, out of beer. The next thing I knew, there were mashed potatoes and gravy slung from floor to ceiling and back, and the neatly stacked books and magazines lying on the coffee table were hurled across the room. “Now, clean that *^#∞ up and bring me another plate!” Then, as was the norm, I waited it out. I knew he would eventually pass out on the couch. The next morning after he left for work I called the local abuse shelter. My heart sunk to my feet when I was told they could probably give me and my two children a place to sleep, but I would need to bring my own bed linens, pillows, towels, washcloths, toiletries, even my own soap and toilet paper. Then there were clothes and any medications we might be taking, but, “No, we don’t take pets. You’ll have to find another place for your dog, or leave him there.” Well, the typical early threat in domestic violence had long ago been made when I attempted to leave about five years earlier and had nowhere to take my dog. “You leave and he’ll be dead before you get to the stop sign.” I remember that night vividly. Again, alcohol was a contributing factor. We managed to sneak to the car, the kids in their bulky winter coats, the dog in my son’s arms. Before I could get inside the car he raged like a charging bull out the front door, shouting threats of violence. It all seemed very surreal as he reached past me into the back seat, pulled our 3-year-old daughter out and slung her to the pavement. He commanded her to go inside the house. I grabbed her up and held her tightly to me. That’s when he threatened to kill our pet. My son, merely eight years old, held the pup closely and said, “No, I’ll stay with him. Please, just let Mom and my sister go, and I’ll stay. Mom, I’ll stay and take care of the dog. You two leave.” My heart broke to see this young little fellow attempting to bravely defend us and his pet. I looked up to see my neighbor across the street standing in his doorway. His porch light was on, and he was a spectator to all the violence. I yelled at him, imploring him to call the police. He stepped inside, closed the door and the light went out. Nobody was going to come to my defense. I had to think like a survivor would. I had to go into defense mode. “Okay, we’ll come inside. Just calm down, we’ll come inside, just don’t hurt the kids. There’s no need to get mad, you’re right. It will all be okay. Kids, go on inside, take your coats off, go to your rooms and be very quiet.” Then came the interminable ranting, raving and threatening as I walked back inside, shaking like a leaf, fearful for our safety. Throughout the 16 years of marriage, every instance escalated past the previous one. What would I be walking back into? The standard, “You stupid B****!” was followed by many other expletives. Considering my last attempt at leaving, it comes as no surprise when I was told I’d have to pack half the household goods to be protected from spousal abuse, all I could think was, “Are you kidding me? Do you not suppose he is going to wonder why I am packing soap and toilet paper?” It had already gotten this bad, how much worse would that make it? Then there was the pet matter. I never even bothered to pick up the phone again to seek help for my dilemma. I was totally demoralized. The system, as it stood back then, worked more against the victim that in her favor. The last time I endured domestic violence was Easter Sunday 1985. There was something about being dragged through the house and eventually having my head rammed into a door repeatedly that caused me to make a decision – if I was going to die, then I’d die fighting for my freedom, rather than winding up a corpse in my kitchen floor, with my precious children once again having to be witnesses and also victims of this abuse. Our judicial circuit already had in place a program for entry of Injunctions for Protection. It was shortly before that time the Sheriff’s Department began taking them more seriously as the result of a lady being stalked and brutally murdered by her husband. I only remember her name was Mary. She had an injunction, but it was just a piece of paper. Mary was my hero. She gave her life, and I was convinced her sacrifice helped save me and my children, as well as countless other victims. The deputies meant business. They would not accept his monkey business and gave him strong advice to abide by the piece of paper as they escorted him out of the home while the children and I, with the dog, waited at my parents’ home for the call it was safe to return. It didn’t end there, and more threats of violence ensued, and they are documented in the book. Believe me, I had my times of wondering of that Injunction was going to be for me, like Mary, “just a piece of paper.” The first time I came to Family Justice Center was nearly 25 years later. I met Nikki Daniels, the Executive Director in late 2009. We visited, talked about my book that was released in conjunction with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the work I was doing with the media and how I might become more involved as an advocate for DV awareness. That meeting and tour of the facilities were part of a spark that helped ignite within me the passion to spend as much energy and time as possible making a difference, sharing my story, getting my book with its messages of hope and faith into as many hands of victims as possible. In April 2010 I got a message from Nikki. I had been chosen as 1 of 5 women in the nation to be a Verizon VOICES representative. I was invited to San Antonio to the Family Justice Center Alliance Annual International Conference, where I would not only meet some of the most inspirational people in the field of domestic violence awareness, but was also invited to participate on a panel discussion, sharing thoughts and ideas and fielding questions on long term support. One tiny problem existed – I was utterly phobic about the very idea of flying on a plane. Amazingly, my passion to make a difference was greater than my fear of flying, so, all alone, I climbed aboard that 737 and off to Texas I went. Just prior to leaving for San Antonio we formed the FJHC VOICES Committee, and it is truly an honor and privilege to be a part of this groundbreaking force. When I think back to early 1985 and the scared, mousey woman who was threatened, abused and battered, it amazes me she and I are the same person. I thank God on a daily basis for the progress that has been made by so many trailblazers in the fight against molestation, abuse and domestic violence. I only pray I might somehow, someday cast a similar shadow, extending my heart and hands to victims and survivors, reaching out with the reassurance of hope, faith and the belief that life truly is worth living. We have, indeed, come a long way, but until domestic violence, child abuse and/or molestation have been totally eradicated, we still have a way to go! Carolyn is the author of the book “ORANGE BLOSSOM WISHES: Child Molested, Woman Abused – Her Victorious Journey to Freedom,” and a regular blogging contributor for Everyday Health on the topic of Emotional Wellbeing. Find Carolyn’s blog posts, view pictures of various events (including San Antonio) and visit the Victim Support page at her website, www.orangeblossomwishes.com.   Family Justice Center Job Openings!   Family Justice Center Service Specialist Responsibilities include: Conduct interviews with Domestic Violence victims/survivors in order to assess needs and provide information, referrals, and support. Schedule appointments for FJC guests with FJC partner agencies. Prepare and maintain case records and information necessary for agency reports. Work as part of a team to ensure quality service provision for FJC guests. A competitive benefits package is offered, including health, dental and life insurance, short term disability, and a retirement plan, all paid by the agency. Vacation, sick and personal time off is also included. Applicants must be bi-lingual (English/Spanish). Must have ability to work until 8pm Monday-Thursday. Applicants must have knowledge of domestic violence issues and local community resources. This position requires a Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience in interviewing and needs assessment is preferred. Interested parties should e-mail their resume to FJC Program Coordinator, Shannon Sokolowski, at programcoord@fjchc.org. Sexual Abuse Intervention Network (SAIN) Family Coordinator Responsibilities include: In - Home Assessment of children with sexual behavior problems and their families. Safety Planning with families who have children with sexual behavior problems. Parent and child education about healthy sexuality in youth; unhealthy sexuality in youth; the dynamics of child-on-child sexual abuse. Advocacy for families and children with sexual behavior problems. Family Specific Information and referral to services addressing the child’s sexual behavior problems. Collaboration with community organizations around the issue of child-on-child sexual abuse and youth with sexual behavior problems. A competitive benefits package is offered, including health, dental and life insurance, short term disability, and a retirement plan, all paid by the agency. Vacation, sick and personal time off is also included. Applicants must have experience in the area of sexual behavior problems in youth, experience in providing assessment, safety planning, in-home services to families and excellent organizational/communication skills. This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a social services or related field and one year of experience working with children and families. Bi-lingual applicants are preferred. Hours are generally weekdays, but may involve some evening and weekend time. This is a full-time position. Interested parties should e-mail their resume to Renee Ristow at rristow@fjchc.org .  FJC “Lunch and Learn” Program Presented by the Board of Directors and Nikki Daniels, FJC Executive Director The Family Justice Center of Hillsborough County is now taking reservations for our "Lunch and Learn" Program! Please join us for a complimentary lunch and learn more about the FJC, our partner agencies and the valuable services that are helping our community combat domestic violence. We thank Henry Gill for sponsoring September’s Lunch and Learn. Thank you, Henry for your ongoing commitment to the Family Justice Center! Lunch and Learns are from 12:00pm - 1:00pm At the FJC Upcoming Dates September 21st October 19th November 16th December 21st Make your reservation now ~ space is limited. RSVP to Nikki Daniels at: ndaniels@fjchc.org  Leading Companies Unite to Improve Services for Domestic Violence Survivors NNEDV.org August 15, 2010 Cambridge, Mass.  – Three major companies – Google, Verizon through the Verizon Foundation, and Liz Claiborne Inc. – are coming together in a unique way to better serve victims of domestic violence.  In partnership with the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and Jane Doe Inc., they were here as part of a nationwide initiative to promote safe technological practices.    “Technology affords domestic violence victims with greater opportunities to get help,” said Cindy Southworth, founder of NNEDV’s Safety Net project and vice president of development & innovation.  “At the same time, perpetrators can misuse technology to monitor their victims’ activities and further their abusive behavior.”  NNEDV held its eighth annual seminar, August 9-12, to educate domestic violence experts from nearly every state in the country.  They represent statewide coalitions against domestic and sexual violence, domestic violence shelters and other programs that provide services to survivors.  Support from Google, the Verizon Foundation and Liz Claiborne Inc. makes it possible to train domestic violence professionals and, ultimately, serve countless survivors.   Based in Washington, D.C., NNEDV works closely with forward-thinking companies to inform survivors and domestic violence service programs on best practices for security and privacy.    “Google, Verizon, the Verizon Foundation and Liz Claiborne Inc. are deeply committed to enhancing victims’ safety in the digital age,” Southworth said.    Google is working to ensure that their products can’t be used by stalkers, and Google has worked with NNEDV to assist in creating user privacy and notification options for location-based services and other signature Google products. Google also reached out to NNEDV prior to launching Street View and works closely with NNEDV to make sure no local undisclosed shelter appears in Google Maps or Google Street View.  Verizon has been an acknowledged corporate leader in domestic violence awareness and prevention for 15 years. Through Verizon Wireless’ national HopeLine phone recycling program, more than 90,000 wireless phones with the equivalent of 300 million minutes of free wireless service have been distributed to survivors across the country.  Additionally, through HopeLine, more than $7.9 million in cash grants have been awarded to domestic violence agencies and organizations nationwide since 1995. The Verizon Foundation helps to educate communities about domestic violence through the “Telling Amy’s Story” documentary.  Also, Verizon works with NNEDV to develop greater public awareness around victim safety and technology.  The company often works with NNEDV in reviewing products to make certain that they are tools to increase, not compromise, survivors’ safety.  Liz Claiborne Inc. has been sharing a teen dating violence prevention curriculum, Love Is Not Abuse, since 2006, and most recently has been investigating teens’ and tweens’ healthy uses of technology and “digital dating abuse,” which also occurs.  Liz Claiborne Inc. worked with NNEDV and others to ensure that their curriculum was updated this past year to include a lesson that specifically addresses technology misuse as part of dating violence.  To date, the curriculum has been distributed to over 8,000 schools and organizations across all 50 states. Love Is Not Abuse is easily accessible and provided free-of-charge at www.loveisnotabuse.com.  FJC Partner Council Spotlight The FJC ‘Partner Spotlight’ for the month of September is ChildNet. ChildNet helps women and their families escape domestic situations where violence, and power and control by an abusive partner is a threat to their physical and emotional health and safety. ChildNet is a program for anyone who lives in Hillsborough County, who is pregnant or has a child, and whose income is very low. They can help by seeking court orders for child custody, support, visitation, and (if married) dissolution of marriage. They can also locate services in the community to assist families in becoming stabilized during times of crisis. Services include child care, transportation, counseling, education, housing assistance, healthcare and other services. The client success story of the month is of ChildNet client who initially came into the FJC through intake. She had recently fled her abuser who was the father of her 2 youngest children and was going through financial difficulties. She also had two other children from a previous relationship. During intake she was referred to The Spring for DV information and support groups, Hillsborough County Department of Children Services for counseling, Hillsborough County Health and Human Services for financial assistance, and the FJC Chaplaincy Program.  While working with The Spring, a safety plan was developed with her and she was encouraged to call Bay Area Legal Services (BALS) for assistance with her custody case (time sharing plan). After contacting BALS she was accepted into the ChildNet program and was then referred back to The Spring as a ChildNet participant.  While working with BALS on her legal matters, she was able to work with her ChildNet case manager on accomplishing her other goals. She was already enrolled at Ultimate Medical Academy when she started with ChildNet and was able to develop a service plan with specific goals of education, employment and financial stability. She was also able to obtain financial assistance right on site at the Family Justice Center though Hillsborough County Health and Human Services as well as assistance through the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County in paying for her national exam fees to obtain her certification as a Medical Laboratory Assistant.  She was able to graduate with her certification and shortly after obtained employment with a clinic in Tampa.  Thank you, ChildNet for making a difference in the lives of families in our community! “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” - Henry Ford.   FJC Volunteer Program Are YOU interested in volunteering at the Family Justice Center? The Family Justice Center is always looking for people willing to share their time and service to help provide a safe and comfortable environment for all those we serve. Want to know more? Please attend our upcoming “Helping Hands” FJC Volunteer Training and Information Session.  Helping Hands: Volunteering at the FJC September 21st, 2010 3:00– 5:00 pm Interested in volunteering at the FJC? The Helping Hands: Volunteering at the FJC Training and Information Session is for you! Potential volunteers will learn about each volunteer position, safety and security policies of the FJC, volunteer scheduling, and other topics specific to volunteers in the program. Those interested in volunteering will also complete their volunteer application, have their initial interview, and tour the FJC.  To register for Helping Hands, CLICK HERE Unable to attend Helping Hands? Please visit the link below to complete a volunteer application: FJC VOLUNTEER PROGRAM Is your group interested in volunteering at the FJC? Please contact The Education and Outreach Coordinator: 813.490.9428 or outreachcoord@fjchc.org .  The Family Justice Center Training Academy  Nuts and Bolts: The Basics of Domestic Violence Advocacy Training October 4th and 5th, 2010 8:30am - 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.  The Child Welfare Domestic Violence Cross-System Training Series Presents: Compassion Fatigue September 8th, 2010 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm FJC ***3 CEU’s*** Free This training focuses on how exposure to family violence affects those in the helping professions. Discussion will consist of coping and adapting measures to assist in the prevention of burn-out.    Please Register for All FJC Trainings at: http://www.fjchc.org/public/events.html   SAIN Training Academy Presents: "The One, Two Punch: How Media Violence is Impacting Our Children"  Friday, September 17, 2010 9:00 am - 12:00 pm  (Registration begins at 8:00 AM) FJC  ***3 CEU’s*** Workshop Fee $10.00  Presenter:  Charles Stevens, Psy.D., P.A. Private Practice    Workshop Description: This workshop will provide the participant with information about how media violence imparts a violent message to our society and to our children. Violence through films, print adds, video games and music will be reviewed and it’s “modeling” of violence to our children. Additionally, the issue of youth desensitization to violence and the use of violence to solve problems will be examined as well as the overall impact of violence on sexual development and sexual acting out behaviors of our youth. About the Presenter: Dr. Charles Stevens is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice with 24 years of experience. His specialty areas include children, adolescents and their families. In addition to his practice in Brevard County, Fl., he is an adjunct professor at Florida Institute of Technology, University of Central Florida, and Brevard Community College. Dr. Stevens is a dynamic speaker and presents on a number of mental health topics throughout the United States. He is also a sought after expert witness within the court system. Dr. Stevens is currently working on a book series using animal analogies  to teach children problem solving and coping skills. He is also designing and implementing a number of unique therapy experiences in which individuals and/or their families are involved in comprehensive treatment programs in a different locations throughout the United States and the Caribbean. Licensed mental health providers (LCSW, LMHC, LMFT), psychologists and school psychologists can receive 3 Continuing Education Credits through the Family Justice Center of Hillsborough County- Provider #50-7820 (expires 3/2011).   Children with  Sexual Acting Out Behaviors  October 12th 9:00 am - 12:00 pm FJC ***3 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 three-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 second Wednesday of every month. The next meeting will be on September 8th, 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 September 15th 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 monthly at rotating partner agencies. The next meeting will be on September 22nd, 2010 at noon at the Family Justice Center. Contact Marilyn Bray at: mbray@crisiscenter.com with any questions. Child Welfare/ Domestic Violence Policy Group September 14th, 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 September 9th, 2010 at 10:30a at the Crisis Center. Contact Nikki Daniels at ndaniels@fjchc.org for more information. DVTF Committee Meetings Fatality Review Planning Committee ( Formerly Project L.A.U.R.A) TBA at the Family Justice Center. 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. September 14th, 2010 at 3:00pm at the Family Justice Center. Contact Nikki Daniels at: ndaniels@fjchc.org or 813-490-9401. Community Education & Awareness Committee October 21st, 2010 at 9:00am at The Family Justice Center. Contact Brenda Rouse at: bprouse@thespring.org or 813-247-5433 ext. 315. Conference Planning Committee Meeting Committee is currently planning the 2010 DVTF Annual Conference. September 8th at 2:00pm at the Family Justice Center. For more information please contact Laura Rice at: ricel@hillsboroughcounty.org  facebookRounded Rectangle: Volunteer Now! Rounded Rectangle: Donate Now! Rounded Rectangle: follow us on

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Text Box:   On Saturday, October 16th, Macy’s is having its 5th Annual Shop for a Cause. It’s super simple to get in on the savings and give to the Family Justice Center at the same time! Just purchase a shopping pass from the FJC which includes savings of 20% or 10% off most regular, sale and clearance purchases all day, plus 25% off one regular, sale or clearance item in men's, women's or kids apparel or accessories.  Of course, some exclusions apply, but all proceeds from pass sales go directly towards supporting FJC guests! Passes can be used online or at a Macy’s near you! For more information or to purchase a shopping pass, please e-mail the Outreach Coordinator at outreachcoord@fjchc.org .     Act fast! Seats sell out quickly! To register for the conference, click here: REGISTER NOW!