Speaking Up, Vol. 15, Issue 5 Page 1

March 30, 2009

March 30, 2009

Speaking Up, Vol. 15, Issue 5 Page 1

March 30, 2009

March 30, 2009, Vol. 15, Issue 5

Speaking Up, Vol. 15, Issue 5 Page 1

March 30, 2009

Speaking Up, Vol. 15, Issue 5 Page 1

March 30, 2009

LESSONS FROM LITERATURE

An innovative new resource is helping teachers incorporate violence prevention lessons into existing curricula. Developed by the Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF) and the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), Lessons from Literature is a free online resource that gives English teachers a framework to use the novels, poems, plays and stories they are already teaching to help their students build healthy, non-violent relationships.

Its web site – the central hub of the program, where teachers can download a Classroom Manual and access other resources. The Lessons from Literature program includes:

Lesson plans aligned with National Standards for the English Language Arts that address themes of abuse, violence, inequality, family/interpersonal issues, and more;
A Lesson Template that serves as a guide for teachers to create or modify their own lessons;
Materials, including handouts and fact sheets on teen dating abuse, to prepare teachersand students to discuss abuse;
An online resource library of books, poems, songs, movies and more to help build creative and meaningful exercises into pre-existing lessons;
Opportunities for teachers to share lesson plans, ideas, resources and

Lessons continued on page three…

A WEEK OF EVENTS HONORING WOMEN

In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, events were held throughout that week around the globe to shine a spotlight on challenges facing women and girls worldwide. In the United States, President Barack Obama established a White House Council on Women and Girls, Afghani women briefed congressional leaders about the plight of women in their country, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton bestowed the 2009 Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Awards, and more.

Tackling Women’s Issues

President Obama established the White House Council on Women and Girls with a ceremony at the White House on March 11. The new Council will establish a coordinated federal response to issues that affect the lives of women and girls, and seek to ensure that federal programs and policies take into account their concerns, with a focus on women of color and women with disabilities.

The Council will focus on four main priorities during its first year: improving women’s economic security; ensuring that the administration evaluates and develops policies that establish a balance between work and family; finding new ways to prevent violence against women at home and abroad; and building healthy families and improving women’s health care.

“I sign this order not just as a President, but as a son, a grandson, a husband, and a father, because growing up, I saw my

Women continued on page four…

EXPERTS BRIEF CONGRESSON violence AND REPRODUCTIVe HEALTH

“The intersection of sexual violence and reproductive health has been largely unexplored, but it’s time for that to change,” Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF) Public Policy Director Kiersten Stewart said in March, moderating a congressional briefing on the subject. Violence prevention and health experts told congressional staff and advocates that violence against women is associated with negative reproductive health outcomes including more sexually transmitted infections (STIs), higher rates of unintended pregnancy, limited use of prenatal care, and poor birth outcomes. Experts recommended integrating violence prevention into reproductive health education, and funding the health programs in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Jay Silverman, Ph.D. of the Harvard School of Public Health, has conducted research which found that one in three teenage girls abused by a boyfriend becomes pregnant, and one in three teens tested for STIs and HIV/AIDS have experienced domestic violence. “We were shocked when we saw birth control sabotage in our research, but we saw it over and over again,” he said. “The normality of coerced and forced sex is alarming.”

Along with Dr. Silverman, the briefing featured: Andrea Kane, National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy; Tricia Bent-Goodley, Ph.D., LICSW, Howard University School of Social Work; and Bonnie J. Dattel, M.D., AmericanCollege of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. It was co-sponsored by Representatives Lois Capps (D-CA), Michael Castle (R-DE) and Joseph Crowley (D-NY).

“At a time whenteen births are on the rise and unplanned pregnancy among young adults is stalled at a high level, it is more important than ever to focus on critical connections between these issues and domestic and sexual violence,” Kane said. “There is a need for innovative approaches to help teens and young adults have healthier and more respectful relationships, to equip parents to talk to their sons and daughters about the importance of such relationships, and to ensure that women get effective methods of contraception to prevent pregnancy if they are in an unhealthy or violent relationship.”

“The rise in rates of HIV/AIDS and domestic and sexual violence are connected,” Dr. Bent-Goodley agreed. “Even today, there is still a stigma associated with HIV/AIDS transmission or experiencing domestic or sexual violence, and some women will not seek treatment.”

“Studies show that incidences of abuse actually increase during pregnancy, and a woman’s ob-gyn is often the only person she'll confide in,” Dr. Dattel added.“Two very important parts of VAWA that willdirectly help ob-gyns and other physicians care for abuse victims are: the Training of Health Professionals Program; and the Public HealthResponses Program. We encourage Congress to fund them.”

In September, the FVPF launched the KnowMoreSayMore initiative to start a dialogue about how sexual and domestic violence affect reproductive health and the high rates of reproductive coercion that many teens and young women face. It examines the reproductive health consequences of sexual coercion and violence, which include unintended pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, miscarriage, infertility, coerced abortion, and a range of other serious health issues. Its website, at features stories from women who have experienced violence and coercion.

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RIHANNA/CHRIS BROWN UPDATE

In the case that has launched a public discussion about violence among teens, singer Chris Brown appeared in court on March 5 after being charged with two felonies, one count of assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, and one count of making a criminal threat. He did not enter a plea and was granted a continuance. Brown is due back in court on April 6.

Rihanna’s attorney stood with Brown and his attorney during the proceedings. The two have been photographed together, spurring rumors that they are reunited.

The Boston Public Health Commission released a teen survey which finds that 51 percent of Boston-area youth say Chris Brown was responsible for “the incident,” 46 percent say Rihanna was responsible, and 52 percent say both Rihanna and Brown are to blame. It finds female teens no less likely than male teens to come to Rihanna’s defense, and a significant number of those surveyed say Rihanna was destroying Brown’s career.

The program surveyed 200 Boston youth ages 12 to 19 from February 13 to 20, using the Rihanna/Chris Brown case to gauge their attitudes toward teen dating violence. One hundred percent of those surveyed had heard about the incident.

It also found that 71 percent said arguing, and 44 percent said fighting, was a normal part of a relationship; and 35 percent said media were treating Rihanna unfairly while 52 percent said media were treating Chris Brown unfairly.

The Boston Public Health Commission is a part of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funded Start Strong: Building Healthy Teen Relationships Initiative. The Family Violence Prevention Fund is the National Program Office for the Initiative. Last November, the Boston Public Health Commission received a $1 million, four-year grant to launch a Boston-based effort to prevent and reduce teen dating violence, specifically focusing on teaching 11-to-14 year olds about healthy relationships.

“Boston parents need to be aware that our children are facing a crisis,” said Emily F. Rothman, assistant professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Boston University School of Public Health, and an advisor to Boston Start Strong. “Ten percent of Massachusetts youth report having experienced dating violence during their lifetimes. The consequences of dating violence can be severe and long-lasting. Teen dating violence victimization can be a precursor to adult violence victimization, and can increase risky behaviors during adolescence, including substance use, unhealthy dieting and weight control practices, and suicidal behavior.”

Casey Corcoran, Director of the Public Health Commission’s Start Strong program, added, “The case provides all of us with an opportunity to have this conversation with the young people in our lives, and it should serve as a reminder that no one – not even the rich and famous – are immune to abuse.”

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Lessons continued from page one…

experiences with each other and to identify professional development opportunities through this work.

“Teachers are powerful influencers, motivators and leaders,” said FVPF President Esta Soler. “Lessons from Literature is a groundbreaking tool that will make it easy for teachers to help students develop the skills to recognize and avoid dating violence so they can build healthy relationships. We are so proud to partner with the National Council of Teachers of English. Its reach will do so much to position educators to increase awareness about the damaging effects of physical, sexual and verbal abuse.”

Lessons from Literature is designed to easily integrate into a teacher’s existing curriculum. The new lessons empower teachers to encourage students to recognize abuse and its consequences and find alternatives to violence. Teachers in communities from Council Bluffs, Iowa to San Bernardino, California are piloting lesson plans from the program this spring. The novels, Their Eyes Were Watching God and Lord of the Flies, are the first two lessons available.

“Teachers are in a prime position to motivate their students to think critically about social issues, and inspire youth to think and act differently about relationships that go beyond friendship,” said NCTE Executive Director Kent Williamson. “Lessons from Literature gives teachers resources they can use to help students strengthen their academic skills while at the same time learning to recognize abusive situations and choose alternatives to violence.”

One in three teens reports knowing a friend or peer who has been hit, punched, kicked, slapped or physically hurt by a partner. Teens and young women are especially vulnerable to violence. Females ages 16 to 24 experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault, and people age 18 and 19 experience the highest rates of stalking.

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA), Partnership for 21st Century Skills and a Curriculum Council of teachers helped develop Lessons from Literature. The Curriculum Council includes six high school English teachersselected through a national search with more than 500 applicants. The six teachers from public schools across the country are masters in their field and dedicated to helping their students build healthy, non-violent relationships. The Curriculum Council has advised in the creation of every component of Lessons from Literature, including writing lesson plans and recommending strategies to engage teens and other educators.

More than 15 million children in the United Stateslive in families in which partner violence occurred at least once in the past year. ASCA Assistant Director Jill Cook said, “Every day millions of lives are affected by violence in the home and the community. By engaging teens and helping them think critically about abuse, respect and relationships, we have the opportunity to interrupt the cycle of interpersonal violence that affects so many young people and puts them at risk for further violence later in life.”

“If teachers can shape the way young people think and act today, the social norms that currently perpetuate violence will change tomorrow,” Soler added.

Visit for more information and to view the materials.

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Women continued from page one…

mother put herself through school and follow her passion for helping others,” President Obama said at the ceremony. “These issues are not just women’s issues. When women make less than men for the same work, it hurts families who find themselves with less income, and have to work harder just to get by. When a job doesn’t offer family leave, that also hurts men who want to help care for a new baby or an ailing parent.”

White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett will head the Council. It includes Cabinet Secretaries and high-level administration officials. The Council will be responsible for providing recommendations of the effects of pending legislation and executive branch policy proposals; suggesting changes to federal programs or policies to address issues of importance to women and girls; reviewing and recommending changes to policies that have a distinct impact on women in the federal workforce: and assisting in the development of legislative and policy proposals of special importance to women and girls. It acts only in an advisory capacity.

President Obama also named Melanne Verveer the nation’s new Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues. This appointment “is unprecedented and reflects the elevated importance of global women’s issues to the President and his entire Administration,” a White House statement said. Verveer was an aide in former President Clinton’s administration and is co-founder, chair and CEO of Vital Voices. She will need Senate confirmation before assuming the post.

Afghani Women Brief Congress

A panel of Afghan women leaders briefed dozens of congressional staff and advocates on March 9, telling them that women in Afghanistan face huge obstacles and dangers in going about their daily lives – especially when going to school. Zohra Rasekh of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the status of women in her country “poignant, sometimes heartbreaking.”

The briefing also featured: Suraya Pakzad, Founder, Voice of Women Organization; Wazhma Frogh, Country Director, Global Rights in Afghanistan; and Najia Zewari of UNIFEM. Frogh is one of the eight recipients of the 2009 International Women of Courage Award, given the same week by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The Afghan leaders asked lawmakers to put women’s rights at the forefront in any discussions with Taliban moderates. President Obama said recently that he is open to reaching out to moderate members of the Taliban, which concerns advocates because of the Taliban’s brutal treatment of women and girls in the past.

At the briefing, Pakzad discussed her experience secretly teaching Afghan girls to read and write, until the fall of the Taliban in 2001. She now operates a women’s shelter, and says death threats are a regular feature in her life.

The “Women Shaping Afghanistan’s Future” briefing was co-sponsored by Senators Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Richard Lugar (R-IN) and hosted by Amnesty International USA, Family Violence Prevention Fund, UNIFEM and Women Thrive Worldwide.

Women of Courage Awards

On March 11, First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State Clinton honored the eight recipients of the third annual Secretary of State’s Award for International Women of Courage. It is the only award within the State Department that pays tribute to outstanding women leaders worldwide and recognizes their courage and leadership in fighting for social justice and human rights.

U.S. embassies worldwide nominated more than 80 exceptional women for the award this year, because of their extraordinary work advancing human rights. The 2009 winners are from Afghanistan, Guatemala, Iraq, Malaysia, Niger, Russia, Uzbekistan and Yemen. In addition to Frogh, the 2009 recipients are:

Norma Cruz, Guatemala, who fights on behalf of victims of violence and sexual abuse.
Suaad Allami, Iraq, a lawyer fighting the erosion of women’s rights.
Ambiga Sreenevasan, Malaysia, who uses the law to advance human rights, the status of women, and religious tolerance.
Ms. Hadizatou Mani, Niger, who was sold at age 12 for the equivalent of $500 and won a historic decision in the Economic Community of West African States Court of Justice condemning her enslavement. Today she helps others in similar circumstances.
Veronika Marchenko, Russia, who won justice for bereaved families of servicemen who died as a result of cruel and inhumane conditions.
Mutabar Tadjibayeva, Uzbekistan, a human rights advocate and critic of human rights abuses.
Reem Al Numery, Yemen, who emerged as a strong voice on behalf of victims of child marriage after she was forced to marry her 30 year-old cousin when she was 12.

At the ceremony, First Lady Obama said, “The women we honor teach us three very important lessons. One, that as women, we must stand up for ourselves. The second, as women, we must stand up for each other. And finally, as women, we must stand up for justice for all,” according to the Washington Post.

More information on the 2009 International Women of Courage award recipients is available at .

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IN THE NEWS

NATIONAL – Within 30 days, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) must make Plan B, emergency contraception, available to 17-year-olds over-the-counter, without a prescription, and the agency must consider removing the age restriction on the drug entirely. A federal judge ruled in March that the FDA’s previous decision to deny over-the-counter status to Plan B was “arbitrary and capricious” and based on “political” rather than scientific considerations. Also known as the “morning after” pill, Plan B is used by rape victims as well as women who had unprotected sex and do not wish to become pregnant.