NOW For Domestic Violence

"...we must fight to bring domestic violence out of the darkness of isolation and into the light of justice...." --
Sen. Barack Obama

NOW and Violence Against Women

http://www.now.org/issues/violence/

"October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and it is time to put a stop to violence against women. You can be part of the solution by supporting those who will work to bring hope for women".

"We'll stop treating this as just a woman's issue, and start recognizing that when a woman is attacked, that abuse scars not only the victim, but her loved ones, sending currents of violence that ripples across our society." -- Sen. Barack Obama

Vote Hope. Spread Hope. Give Hope.
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In October 1997, while pregnant with Sabrina I stayed in a "safe house" - Help for Abused Woman and their Children Shelter - H.A.W.C. http://www.helpabusedwomen.org/

I am thankful I got out and now I speak out. After hearing my interview in August 2009 on WBUR - 90.9 Boston's NPR News Radio Station - I recieved an invite to speak on about my experiences on Wednesday October 29, 2008 at UMASS Worcester by a Medical Student who student formed Worcester: "The Bigger Picture".

Here is the link to the interview

http://www.wbur.org/news/2008/79443_20080818.asp

Define Domestic Abuse - See this link

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_violence


My "Call of Action" to YOU is - "Help STOP Domestic Violence" in YOUR local area!
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The Violence Against Women Act: Celebrating 10 Years of Prevention by Pat Reuss, Senior Policy Analyst by Pat Reuss, Senior Policy Analyst

http://www.now.org/nnt/fall-2004/vawa.html

"We must demand funding and leadership from our political leaders and insist on measures that will lead to true prevention, accountability and the eventual eradication of sexual and domestic violence".

"We must demand funding and leadership from our political leaders and insist on measures that will lead to true prevention, accountability and the eventual eradication of sexual and domestic violence". The Violence Against Women Act: Celebrating 10 Years of Prevention.

by Pat Reuss, Senior Policy Analyst by Pat Reuss, Senior Policy Analyst

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History of NOW - National Organization for Woman

The National Organization for Women is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States. NOW has more than 500,000 contributing members and more than 500 local and campus affiliates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Since our founding in 1966, NOW's goal has been "to take action" to bring about equality for all women. Both the actions NOW takes and its position on the issues are principled, uncompromising and often ahead of their time. NOW is a leader, not a follower, of public opinion.

www.now.org

"Worcester: The Bigger Picture" invite

“Domestic violence does not only happen to adults. Forty percent of girls age 14 to 17 report knowing someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend, and approximately one in five female high school students reports being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner.”
Dianne Feinstein quotes (American Senator, b.1933)

I got the below invite today and I gladly accepted the chance to speak from a medical student who is organizing "Worcester: The Bigger Picture". Turns out the student heard my radio interview on WBUR - 90.9 Boston NPR News Station !!

http://www.wbur.org/news/2008/79443_20080818.asp

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Dear Ms. Raftery,

I am a second-year medical student at UMass Medical School in Worcester. This year I am co-leading an optional enrichment elective for first and second year med students and nursing students called "Worcester: The Bigger Picture." One of the classes is going to be about domestic violence but we are still looking for a speaker. I heard you on NPR recently and thought you would be a wonderful speaker for this class. It would be on a weekday evening at 5:30 sometime this fall, speaking to a group of about 20 students. I was wondering if you by any chance might be interested in speaking to us?

Thank you very much,

Sincerely,

MSII
UMass Med School

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Something I learned at the 2008 "Get Paid to Speak Champ Camp" in Calgary - AUDIO is instant!! Thanks Champs!!

What are YOU doing to let others know that YOU are an expert on certain topics and that YOU will gladly speak to their groups?


Champions' EDGE use my affliate link to find out more!!

http://www.worldchampionsedge.com/edge/index.cfm?affiliateid=936

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FACTS

Domestic violence

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_violence

"Domestic disturbance" redirects here. For the 2001 film, see Domestic Disturbance.
Domestic violence (also known as domestic abuse or spousal abuse) occurs when a family member, partner or ex-partner attempts to physically or psychologically dominate another. Domestic violence often refers to violence between spouses, or spousal abuse but can also include cohabitants and non-married intimate partners. Domestic violence occurs in all cultures; people of all races, ethnicities, religions, sexes and classes can be perpetrators of domestic violence. Domestic violence is perpetrated by both men and women.

Domestic violence has many forms, including physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, intimidation, economic deprivation, and threats of violence. Violence can be criminal and includes physical assault (hitting, pushing, shoving, etc.), sexual abuse (unwanted or forced sexual activity), and stalking. Although emotional, psychological and financial abuse are not criminal behaviors, they are forms of abuse and can lead to criminal violence. There are a number of dimensions including mode - physical, psychological, sexual and/or social; frequency - on/off, occasional, chronic; and severity – in terms of both psychological or physical harm and the need for treatment – transitory or permanent injury – mild, moderate, severe up to homicide.

Recent attention to domestic violence began in the women's movement, particularly feminism and women's rights, in the 1970s, as concern about wives being beaten by their husbands gained attention. Awareness and documentation of domestic violence differs from country to country. Estimates are that only about a third of cases of domestic violence are actually reported in the United States and the United Kingdom. According to the Centers for Disease Control, domestic violence is a serious, preventable public health problem affecting more than 32 million Americans, or more than 10% of the U.S. population.[1]

Popular emphasis has tended to be on women as the victims of domestic violence. However, with the rise of the men's movement, and particularly masculism and men's rights, there is now advocacy for men victimized by women.

WBUR - 90.9 Boston NPR News Station

Hey folks - I was interviewed on WBUR - 90.9 Boston's NPR News Radio Station a few weeks ago and it aired last thursday. Here are some of the emails that I have been getting!

Here is the link http://www.wbur.org/news/2008/79443_20080818.asp

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Hi Sherry,

The piece on domestic violence aired this morning on Morning Edition. Here’s a link to our website if you missed it: http://www.wbur.org/news/2008/79443_20080818.asp.

Bob really enjoyed the interview with you. We’re really impressed with how far you’ve come. Surely you’ll provide inspiration for others struggling with domestic violence who will have heard your story this morning.

I hope the Toastmasters Conference in Calgary went well! Best wishes in the future.

Thanks for everything,
Sarah

_________________________
Sarah Bush
Field Producer, Morning Edition
WBUR-FM (90.9) -- Boston's NPR News Station
617-353-0171 (office)
617-353-4747 (fax)
sbush@wbur.bu.edu

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Sherri,

We can't thank you enough for sharing your story and helping us spread the word about the public health advisory and all that we are and can be doing.

Please keep in touch.

Best,

Toni


Toni K. Troop
Director of Development and Public Relations
Jane Done, Inc.
Direct dial: 617-557-1807


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Sherri -- I just heard you on WBUR. Thank you for doing what you're doing -- you are eloquent and courageous. What you are doing will help a lot of women. Thanks, again and congratulations on your award.


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Sherri: I heard your name mentioned on WBUR this morning about 5:55am. Did you
get interviewed about Toastmasters? I have been rummaging around their website
but haven't found the piece yet. If you could direct me where to look I would
appreciate it. Don

Don Bannon


MBTA Design Dept.
500 Arborway
Boston, Ma 02130
617-222-1825


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Hi Sherri,

I woke up this morning to your interview on WBUR. Not necessarily what should get people on the air but it sounds like things are improving. Congratulations on your Toastmasters award.

Best wishes.

Jordan Hegedus, CLU, ChFC
Beacon Insurance Group, Inc
528 Loring Ave
Salem, MA 01970
978-744-3030