Earlier this spring, I sent a note to our supporters about the impact of the economic crisis on rates of domestic violence. A recent report in the St. Paul Pioneer Press indicates that the deepening recession is leading to a dramatic increase in reported incidents of violence in the home.
But the down economy doesn't cause domestic violence - it only amplifies it and reduces women's capacity to escape abusive relationships. It serves as a powerful reminder that our work ending domestic and sexual violence must continue.
In a recent visit to the Sheila Wellstone Institute, US Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN) talked of the importance of continuing to make these issues a priority in government and public policy. The SWI steering committee lobbied for full funding for critical federal legislation, such as the 2010 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) funding. The SWI steering committee was also clear about funding for domestic trafficking and prostituted women and children who witness violence, a very important issue to the late Sheila Wellstone.
At SWI, we work hard to continue the legacy of Sheila Wellstone, who was a champion in the effort to end domestic and sexual violence, a fierce advocate for victims and their families, and passionate about empowering survivors and ensuring that their voices were heard.
Our work in 2009 is crucial to continue Sheila Wellstone's legacy. Here are some of the goals for SWI this year:
- Mobilize the grassroots to advocate for full funding for the national Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)for 2010.
- Address the specific policy needs of Native American women, who experience the country's highest rates of sexual violence and lack the critical resources they need to confront these alarming rates.
- Public policy advocacy to end human trafficking in Minnesota, both domestically and internationally.
- Engage survivors and their advocates in safe voting and policies that best serve their safety and family needs, and ensuring the safety of survivors as they exercise this basic civil right.
- Build capacity and skill in the domestic violence movement by strengthening partnerships and collaborations with like minded organizations
The current recession makes our work at the Sheila Wellstone Institute all the more urgent as we organize to end domestic violence and sexual assault with survivors and advocates. Our meeting with Senator Klobuchar ensures the ongoing work of SWI, working alongside underserved and marginalized communities, in a long campaign to ensure safety for women and develop leaders to speak with a strong and clear voice. We will be silent no more.
Click here to support the Sheila Wellstone Institute.
COMMENTS
My conspira-theory
There are moments when I get a sense that a faction,probably a fascist faction, is undermining the citizens of this country. 'They' can bring people to their knees economically, no food in the food pantries, union busting and unrealistic minimum wage, that isn't even close to being what's necessary. When we are completely broke, 'they' have all the money, most services and necessities are outrageously priced, a higher education is out of the question, health care is still an option, ...wait, how is that different from right now? 'They' are out of control, controlling us, and we can only fight back by not letting them be in control of our basic necessities. Have you seen what the FDA is attempting to do to farmers? Have you read Taylor Caldwell's "Devil's Advocate"? Are we so blinded by the charisma of our new president that we can't hear and see some things that most certainly need to be dealt with. Is it right for the DOE to be planning a new nuclear weapons plant? Can we educate the people that are attending Tea Parties to the truth; because their own efforts, though citizen worthy, is still misguided by the rhetoric of the right wing talk show hosts? We need those people to understand that 'they' hate them as much as 'they' hate us. When 100% of this country's leaders via corporate thievery has complete control of your life...Start a co-op. End capitalism's excesses. Be fair. Do no harm. Do something. Think. Watch Democracy Now and Link TV.
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