All of you know how much needs to be done to take meaningful steps to end domestic violence and sexual assault. We need tough law enforcement, aggressive prosecutions, effective prevention programs and available shelters for families in distress. Most importantly, we need to insure that more people know and understand that domestic violence is not a private matter. It is a critical national problem that affects us all -- in every community, in every work place and in every school.
Each of us can do more -- and this booklet shows us how.
President Clinton recognized the seriousness of the problem when he signed the Violence Against Women Act as part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. In the past year, we have sought to combine tough federal penalties along with substan-tial resources to the states to begin dealing with the problem of domes-tic violence in a comprehensive, multi-faceted way. We have encour-aged the states and local law enforcement agencies to begin programs that will enhance their ability to prevent domestic violence, to punish it and to stop the cycle of violence. The Act also established a National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE.
Here at the Justice Department, Bonnie Campbell and the Violence Against Women Office have worked to get the message out and to pro-vide guidance to law enforcement agencies throughout the country. HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala and I have a very active Advisory Council which is proposing creative ideas on implementing the Violence Against Women Act. In addition, President Clinton has called on all the departments of the Federal government to develop employee awareness campaigns to help combat domestic violence.
I encourage you to share this booklet with anyone you know who might be at risk of domestic violence. By working together, exchang-ing ideas, and coordinating our work in this area, we can begin to end the terrible cycle of violence that destroys so many American lives.
Janet Reno
Too many people continue to believe that domestic violence is a private matter between a couple, rather than a criminal offense that merits a strong and swift response. Even today, the victim of a domestic assault runs the risk of being asked, "What did you do to make your husband angry?" This questions implies the victim is to blame for this abuse. People in our criminal justice system -- police, prosecutors, judges, and jurors - need to be educated about the role they can play in curbing acts of domestic violence.
Even when cases are brought, domestic crimes are difficult to prosecute. All too often victims are so terrorized that they fear for their lives if they call the police. Silence is the batterer's best friend. We have to end the silence and change our attitudes toward domestic crime.
Neighbors must contact the police when they hear violent fights in their neighborhoods. Don't turn up the television to block out the sounds of the drunken argument next door. Call the police.
Teachers should be alert to signs that students have witnessed violence at home. Children who grow up in violent homes are more likely to become violent themselves.
Medical professionals who see the victims of violence need to ask them about these crimes. Too often, doctors or emergency room person-nel accept the statement of fearful victims that their bruises or cuts are the result of household accidents or falls. When a woman with a black eye says that she fell and hit the doorknob, doctors and nurses must ask: "Did someone hit you?"
Members of the clergy need to become more involved as well. We just can't tell a battered spouse to "go home and make it work," as was done in the past. Sending a woman back to a battering husband often places her life at risk. Of course, we can't tell a woman who lives in a violent relationship what to do, but we can make a greater effort to let her know that other options are available for her and her children. Early intervention is crucial.
These crimes are serious. Experience shows that levels of violence in these relationships tend to escalate, and many police departments cite domestic violence as their number one problem. Tough laws and effective prosecutions, combined with education and a cooperative approach among law enforcement and social service agencies, will take time to be effec-tive. Until then, we all must take a greater role in reporting domestic abuse. Our efforts to break the silence can make a difference.
Domestice Violence...What is it?
In an abusive relationship, the abuser may use a number of tactics other than physical violence in order to maintain power and control over his or her partner:
Emotional and verbal abuse:
Survivors of domestic violence recount stories of put-downs, public humiliation, name-calling, mind games and
manipulation by their partners. Many say that the emotional abuse they have suffered has left the deepest
scars,
Isolation:
It is common for an abuser to be extremely jealous, and insist that the victim not see her friends or family members. The
resulting feeling of isolation may then be increased for the victim if she loses her job as a result of absenteeism or decreased
productivity (which are often associated with people who are experiencing domestic violence).
Threats and Intimidation:
Threats -- including threats of violence, suicide, or of taking away the children -- are a very common tactic employed by the
batterer.
The existence of emotional and verbal abuse, attempts to isolate, and threats and intimidation within a relationship may be an indication that physical abuse is to follow. Even if they are not accompanied by physical abuse, the effect of these incidents must not be minimized. Many of the resources listed in this book have information available for people who are involved with an emotionally abusive intimate partner.
For additional information on the domestic violence definitions and laws in your state, please contact the state resource listed in the back of this book.
Adapted from:: "Preventing Violence Against Women, Not Just a Women's Issue," National Crime Prevention Council, 1995.
* Speak out publicly against domestic violence.
* Take action personally against domestic violence when a neighbor, a co-worker, a friend, or a family member is involved or being abused.
* Encourage your neighborhood watch or block association to become as concerned with watching out for domestic violence as with burglaries and other crimes.
* Reach out to support someone whom you believe is a victim of domestic violence and/or talk with a person you believe is being abusive.
* Help others become informed, by inviting speakers to your church, professional organization, civic group, or work-place.
* Support domestic violence counseling programs and shelters.
To ensure that the Federal government will be a leader in educating employees about the serious implications of domestic
violence, President Clinton has directed the heads of every Federal department to conduct employee awareness campaigns
on the issue. Similar programs are under-way in corporate America, led by companies such as the Polaroid Corporation,
MarshalIs Inc., Liz Claiborne Inc., and Aetna.
Through this campaign, we hope to put people in touch with resources, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and publications which will be helpful in combatting the crime of domestic violence. On February 21, 1996, President Clinton announced a nationwide, 24-hour, toll-free domestic violence hotline. The number is 1-800-799-SAFE and the TDD number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-787-3224. Help is also available to callers in Spanish and to other non-English speakers.
The hotline provides immediate crisis intervention for those in need. Callers can receive counseling and be referred directly to help in their communities, including emergency services and shelters. Also, operators can offer information and referrals, counseling and assistance in reporting abuse to survivors of domestic violence, family members, neighbors, and the general public.
In many areas, them are local domestic violence agencies which can provide crisis services such as shelter, counseling, and legal assistance. These numbers can be obtained from state or regional coalitions, from the phone book, or by calling information.
Your department's Employee Assistance Program can also provide you with assistance and referrals, support groups, counseling and other services.
This booklet contains a list of state, regional, and national resoumes which can be of assistance.
ORGANIZATION | PHONE/FAX NUMBERS | Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault 130 Seward Street, Room 501 Juneau, AK 99801 |
(907) 586-3650 (907) 463-4493 fax | Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence P.O. Box 4762 Montgomery, AL 36101 |
(334) 832-4842 (334) 832-4803 fax | Arkansas Cnalition Against Domestic Violence 523 South Louisiana, Suite 230 Little Rock, AR 72201 |
(501) 399-9486 (501) 371-0450 fax | Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence 100 West Camelback Road, Suite 109 Phoenix, AZ 85013 |
(602) 279-2900 (602) 279-2980 fax | California Alliance Against Domestic Violence 619 13th Street, Suite 1 Modesto, CA 95354 |
(209) 524-1888 (209) 524-0616 fax | Colorado Domestic Violence Coalition | (303) 573-9018 | Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence 135 Broad Street Hartford, CT 06105 |
(860) 524 5890 (860) 249-1408 fax | D.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence IZO. Bnx 76069 Washington, D.C. 20013 |
(202) 783-5332 (202) 387-5684 fax | Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence RO. Box 847 Wilmington, DE 19899 |
(302) 658 2958 (302) 658-5049 fax | Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1535 C-5 Killearn Center Boulevard Tallahassee. FL 32308 HOTLINE: 1-800-500-1119 |
(904) 668-0364 fax (904) 668-6862 | Georgia Advocates For Battered Women and Children 250 Georgia Avenue, S.E. Suite 308 Atlanta, GA 30312 HOTLINE: 1-800-643-1212 |
(404) 524-3847 (404) 524-5959 fax | Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence 98-939 Moanalua Road Aiea, HI 96701-5012 |
(808) 486-5072 (808) 486-5169 fax | Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence
1540 High Street, Suite IBO Dos Moines, IA 50309 3123 HOTLINE: 1-800-942-0333 |
(515) 244 8028 (515) 244-7417 fax | Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence 200 North Fourth Street, Suite 10-K Boise, ID 83702 |
(208) 384-0419 (208) 331-0687 fax | Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence 730 East Vine Street, Suite 109 Springfield, Illinois 62703 |
(217) 789 2830 (217) 739-1939 fax | Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
2511 E. 461h Street, Suite N-3 Indianapolis, IN 46205 HOTLINE: 1-800 332-7385 |
(317) 543-3908 (317) 568-4045 fax | Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence 820 S.E. Quincy, Suite 416 Topeka, KS 66612 |
(913) 232-9784 (913) 232-9937 fax | Kentucky Domestic Violence Association P.O. Box 356 Frankfort, KY 40602 |
(502) 875-4132 (502) 875-4268 fax | Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence P.O. Box 3053 Hammond, LA 70404-3053 |
(504) 542-4446 (504) 542-6561 fax | Massachusetts Coalition of Battered Women's Service Groups/Jan Doe Safety Fund 14 Beacon Street, Suite 507 Boston, MA 02108 |
(617) 248-0922 (617) 248-0902 | Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence 11501 Georgia Avenue, Suite403 Silver Spring, MD. 20902-1955 HOTLINE: 1-800-MD-HELPS |
(301) 942-0900 (301) 929-2589 fax | Maine Coalition For Family Crisis Services 128Main Street Bangor, ME 04401 |
(207) 941-I 194 (207) 941-1194 fax | Michigan Coalition Against Domestic Violence P.O. Box 16009 Lansing, MI 48901 |
(517) 484-2924 (517) 372-0024 fax | Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women 450 North Syndicate Street, Suite 122 St. Paul, MN 55104 HOTLINE: 1-800-646-0994 (in 612 area code) |
(573) 646-6177 (573) 646-1527 fax | Missouri Coalition Against Domestic Violence 331 Madison Street Jefferson City, MO 65101 |
(314) 634-4161 (314) 636-3728 fax | Mississippi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence P,O. Box 4703 Jackson, MS 39296-4703 HOTLINE: 1- (800) 898-3234 |
(601) 981-9196 (601) 982-7372 fax | Montana Coalition Against Domestic Violence PO Box 633 Helena, MT 59624 |
(406) 443-7794 (406) 449-8193 fax | Nebraska Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Coalition
315 South 9th - # 18 Lincoln, NE 68508-2253 HOTLINE: 1-800-876-6238 | (402) 476-6256 | New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic &
Sexual Violence RO. Box 353 Concord, NH 03302-0353 HOTLINE: 1-800-852-3388 |
(603) 224-8893 (603) 228-6096 fax | New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women 2620 Whitehorse/Hamilton Square Road Trenton, NI 08690 HOTLINE: for Battered Lesbians: 1-g00-224-0211 (in NJ only) |
(609) 584-8107 (609) 584-9750 fax | New Mexico State Coalition Against Domestic Violence RO. Box 25363 Albuquerque, NM 87125 HOTLINE: 1-800-773-3645 (in NM only) |
(505) 246-9240 (505) 246-9434 fax | Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence 2100 Capurro Way, Suite E Sparks. NV 89431 HOTLINE: 1-800-500-1556 |
(702) 358- 1171 (702) 358-0546 fax | New York Slate Coalition Against Domestic Violence 79 Central Avenue Albany. NY 122{16 HOTLINE: 1-800-942-6906 |
(518) 432-4864 (518) 432-4864 fax | Norlb Carolina Coalition Against Domeslie Violence P.O. Box 51875 Durham, NC 27717 |
(919) 956-9124 (919) 682 1449 fax | North Dakota Council on Abused Women's Services State Networking Office 418 East Russet Avenue, Suite 320 Bismarck, ND 58501 HOTLINE: 1-800-472-2911 |
(701) 255-6240 (701) 255-1904 fax | Ohio Domestic Violence Network 4041 Noah High Street, Suite 101 Columbus, OH 43214 HOTLINE: 1-800-934-9840 |
(614) 784-0023 (614) 784-0(133 fax | Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault 2200 N Classen BIrd. - Suite 610 Oklahoma City, OK 73106 HOTLINE: 1-800 522 9054 |
(405) 557-1210 (405) 557-1296 fax | Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence 520 N.W. Davis, Suite 31{) Portland, OR 97209 |
(503) 223-7411 (51)3) 223-7490 fax | Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence/ National Resource Center on Domestic Violence 6400 Flank Drive, Suite 1300 Harrisburg, PA 17112 HOTLINE: 1-800-932-4632 |
(717) 545-6400 (717) 545-9456 fax | Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence 422 Post Road, Suite 1(14 Warwick, RI 02888 HOTLINE: 1-800-494-8100 |
(401) 467 9940 (401) 467-9943 fax | South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic
Violence &Sexual Assault PO. Box 7776 Columbia, SC 29202-7776 HOTLINE: 1-800-260-9293 |
(803) 750-1246 fax (803) 750-1222 | South Dakota Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault PO Box 141 Pierre, SD 57401 HOTLINE: 1-800~572-9196 |
(605) 945-0869 (605) 945-0870 fax | Tennessee Task Force Against Domestic Violence RO. Box 120972 NasbvilLe, TN 37212 HOTLINE: 1-800-356-6767 |
(615) 386-9406 (615 ) 383-2967 fax | Texas Council on Family Violence 8701 North Mopac Expressway, Suite 450 Austin, TX 78759 |
(512) 794- [ 133 (512) 794 1199 fax | Domestic Violence Advisory Council 120 North 200 West Salt Lake City, UT 84145 HOTLINE: 1-800 897 LINK |
(801) 538-4100 (801) 538-3993fax | Virginians Against Domestic Violence 2850 Sandy Bay Road, Suite 101 Williamsburg, VA 23185 HOTLINE: 1-800-838-VADV | (804) 221-0990 (804) 229-1553 fax | Vermont Network Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault P.O. Box 405 Montpelier, VT 05601 | (802) 223-1302 (802) 223-6943 fax | Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence 2101 4thAvenue, E - Suite 103 Olympia, WA 98506 HOTLINE: 1-800-562-6025 (separate org. from above) | (360) 352-4029 (360) 352-4078 fax | Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1400 East Washington Avenue, Suite 232 Madison, WI 53703 | (608) 255-0539 (608) 255-3560 fax | West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence 181B Main Sweet P.O. Box 85 Sutton, WVA 26601 | (304) 765-2250 (304) 765-5071 fax | Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic
Violence &Sexual Assault 341 East E. Street - Suite 135A Pinedale, WY 82601 HOTLINE: 1-800-990-3877 |
(307) 367-4296 (307) 235-4796 fax | Other Regional Organizations | Interagency Council Domestic Violence Program 2180 McCulloch BIrd. Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 |
(520) 453-5800 (520) 453-2787 tax | Southern CA Coalition on Battered Women P.O. Box 5036 Santa Menlea, CA 90405 HOTLINE: 1-800-978-3600 |
(213) 655 6098 (213) 655-6098 fax | Delaware Domestic Violence Coordinating Council 900 King Street Wilmington, DE 19801 |
(302) 577-2684 (302) 577-6022 fax | Georgia Coalition on Family Violence, Inc. 1827 Powers Ferry Rd., Bldg. 3 - Suite 325 Atlanta, GA 30339 |
(770) 984-0085 (770) 984-0068 fax | Victim's Services Domestic Violence Program P.O. Box 157 McComb, IL61455 | (309) 837-6622 (309) 836-3640 fax | Maryland Alliance Against Family Violence University of Maryland 525 W. Redwood Sweet Baltimore, MD 21202 |
(410) 545-4545 (410) 706-6046 fax | Otter Tail County Intervention Project Box 815 Fergus Falls, MN 56538 | (218) 739-0983 | Region IV Council on Domestic Violence Traverse County Outreach 1112 1st Avenue N. Wheaten, MN 56296 | (612) 563-4121 | North Carolina Victim Assistance Network 505 Oberlin Road, Suite 151 Raleigh, NC 27605 |
(919) 831-2857 (919) 831-0824 fax | Action Ohio Coalition for Battered Women P.O. Box 15673 Columbus, OH 43215 |
(614) 221-1255 (614) 221-6357 fax | Missouri Shores Domestic Violence Center PO Box 398 Pierre, SD 57501 |
(605) 224-7187 (crisis) (605) 244-0256 (bus.) | White Buffalo Calf Women's Shelter
P.O. Box 227 Mission, SD 57555 |
(605) 856-2317 (605) 856-2994 fax | Women's Coalition of St, Croix Box 2734 Christiansted St, Croix, VI 00822 |
(809) 773-9272 (809) 773-9062 fax | Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewaw Homeless Shelter/Family Violence Programs P.O. Box 529 Bayfield, WI 54814 |
(715) 779-3707 (715) 779-3711 fax | Anti-Violence Project National Gay and Lesbian Task Force 2320 17th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009-2702 |
(202) 332-6483 (202) 332-0207 fax (202) 332-6219 | NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ORGANIZATIONS | Family Violence Prevention Fund 383 Rhode Island Street, Suite 304 San Francisco, CA 94103-5133 |
(415) 252-8900 (415) 252 8991 fax | National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Policy Office P.O. Box 34103 Washington, D.C. 20043-4103 |
(703) 765-0339 (202) 628 4899 fax | National Coalition Against Domestic Violence P.O. Box 18749 Denver, CO 80218 |
(303) 839-1852 (303) 831-9251 fax | National Battered Women's Law Project 275 7th Avenue, Suite 1206 New York, NY 10001 |
(212) 741-9480 (212) 741-6438 fax | National Resource Center on DV Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence 6400 Flank Drive, Suite 1300 Harrisburg, PA 17112 |
(800) 537-2238 (717) 545-9546 fax | Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence Family Violence Prevention Fund 383 Rhode Island Street, Suite 304 San Francisco, CA 94103-5133 |
(800) 313-1310 (415 ) 252-8991 fax | Battered Women's Justice Project Minnesota Program Development, Inc. 4032 Chicago Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55407 HOTLINE 1-(800)-903-011 ext. 1 |
(612) 824-8768 (612) 824-8965 fax | Resource Center on Child Custody and Child Protection NCJFCJ P.O. Box 8970 Reno, NV 89507 |
(800) 527-3223 (702) 784-6160 fax | Battered Women's Justice Project c/o National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women 125 South 9th Street, Suite 302 Philadelphia, PA 19107 HOTLINE 1- (800) 903-0111 ext. 3 |
(215) 351-0010 (215) 351-0779 fax | National Clearinghouse on Marital and Date Rape 2325 Oak Street Berkeley, CA 94708 | (510) 524-1582 | Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence 936 North 34th Street, Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98103 |
(206) 634-1903 (206) 634-0115 fax | National Network to End Domestic Violence - Administrative Office c/o Texas Council on Family Violence 8701 North Mopac Expressway, Suite 450 Austin, TX 78759 |
(512) 794-1133 (512) 794-1199 fax | Battered Women's Justice Project c/o PCADV - Legal Office 524 McKnight Street Reading, PA 19601 |
(610) 373-5697 (610) 373-6403 fax | National Network to End Domestic Violence 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 900 Washington, D.C. 20004 HOTLINE: I (800) 903-0111 ext. 3 |
(202) 434-7405 (202) 434-7400 fax |
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