Violence PreventionTis' the Season for Joy Not Pain
I recently read an article about the increased rate of domestic violence during the holidays, which really breaks my heart. The holidays are supposed to be filled with fun with family and friends, not a time for living in fear of violence. “Holiday stress” is no excuse for abuse (nothing is).
Power of Girls is Inspiring and Transformational
The tenth Power of Girls program event inspired all involved through hands-on opportunities to learn about healthy relationships, help address domestic violence through philanthropy, and more. Read 5-year staff member Deanna Gamoian's take on her first experience with the event.
Power of Girls inspires teenage girls and their mentors
Power of Girls is a day-long session that educates and inspires teenage girls, their mothers and mentors, and encourages children and families healing from domestic violence.
Lessons for a Lifetime
What did participants learn at Power of Girls? How were they impacted? So many of the "take aways" from this program go well beyond the day of the event...
Three Reasons You Will Not Want to Miss PBS's Women, War & Peace Series
Women, War & Peace, a 5-part PBS series, starts October 11th. Read why you will not want to miss out on watching it!
Power of Girls Inspires Life-Long Lessons
Power of Girls is an amazing program providing a unique opportunity for girls age 13 to 16 and a special woman in their life to learn lessons that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. When I found out about Power of Girls and heard the reactions of participants, I wished something like this was offered when I was a teenager... and I'm sure to tell anyone I know who could benefit from this program today.
Female Offenders: Facts and Challenges Faced
Julie Koegel, Grants Officer for Women's Fund of Central Indiana, shares some facts and information about the issues female offenders are faced with as they work to re-enter our communities.
My Time at the Women's Prison
A site visit hosted by Women's Fund gives 18 women an inside look at the Indiana Women's Prison.
Victims of Abuse are in Danger if We Don’t Help
Victims of domestic violence are in desperate need of help. A shortage of shelter space may cause women and children to be placed in a dangerous situation. There are simple things we can do to help make a difference - and possibly save a life.
Women’s Fund Reminds Us of Indiana’s Safe Haven Law
July is Safe Haven Month in Indiana and Women's Fund reminds readers that women have a choice – and an opportunity to provide a safe home for their newborn child.
Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence: Educating Children
The domestic violence statistics continue to be staggering. The only thing new to me lately is the attention the most recent violence has received in the media. Unfortunately, domestic violence occurs every day all across this city; families of every socio-economic background experience violence in their homes. Why?
Grantee Highlight: Prevail, Inc. Serves Victims of Abuse
Women's Fund provides support to Prevail, Inc. to help victims of domestic violence in Hamilton Co.
Lawrence Taylor's failures reflect our own
Contributed by Women's Funding Network Hall of Fame linebacker and Dancing With the Stars personality, Lawrence Taylor, may face up to four years in jail. Taylor is accused of third degree rape after having paid for sex with a 16-year-old girl in May. His next court appearance was scheduled today, June 24.
Education is Key to Violence Prevention
I was taken aback when reading the New York Times column posted on the Women's Fund Facebook page last week. The article highlighted a group of 14- and 15-year-old boys' "draft" of girls in their Maryland community. I won't go into the details, but you can read the column by clicking here. What may be viewed by some as innocent adolescent behavior may also foreshadow long-term issues with respect for women, which can lead to dating violence and domestic abuse.
Title IX Protection Doesn't Just Apply to Sports
Title IX is a U.S law best known in the world of high school and college athletics. It was originally instituted to ensure gender equity in education. When I played sports in high school it meant that girls had equal rights to education and athletic opportunities as the boys. In fact, my freshman year, there was a girl on our varsity football team – and she actually played! What I think is often overlooked is that Title IX is not just about sports.
Challenging what we know
Contributed by Raquel Richardson, Principal, Silver Square :: Marketing + Design. We know the sun will come up tomorrow. We know the leaves turn colors in the fall. We know the earth is round. We know the truth – until we don’t. Our world has a funny way of keeping us off balance and adding in those little idiosyncrasies that make us pause and take note, challenging what we know.
Serious (and very scary) Stats Shared During Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. After reading some alarming statistics, I think it should be an issue we pay close attention to year-round in order to better protect young girls.
Too Many Children are Victims
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. In this blog post, Abigail explores the issue and asks the question: will you help?
National Crime Victims' Rights Week
April 18-24 is National Crime Victims' Rights Week, a time focused on recognizing the rights of crime victims and raising awareness on ways to help victims.
Teach them that violence has no place in good relationship
A Letter to the Editor regarding Heather's Law, as published in The Indianapolis Star. As an advocate in the effort to prevent teen violence and keep our community's children safe, I was pleased to learn that earlier this week Governor Mitch Daniels signed “Heather’s Law” – a bill enabling schools to address dating violence through education programs and policies for students in 6 through 12 grade.
New Law Designed to Prevent Teen Violence
Over the years, Central Indiana has experienced an increase in teen girls who are in more violent relationships. In 2005, 13.5% of Indiana high school girls reported they had experienced dating violence (had been hit, slapped or physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend) in the last 12 months. This translates to approximately 5,000 Indianapolis area girls, ages 15-18, who experienced dating violence in one year alone.
Internet Safety Concerns for Girls (and Women)
Recent news about the use of internet has me worried for myself, my daughter and my friends. I have a few ideas to help, but welcome more.
Inspired By a Victim of Child Abuse
Last week I attended a kick-off event for Child Abuse Prevention Month, hosted in partnership by Prevent Child Abuse America, Prevent Child Abuse Indiana and The Villages. Throughout the event, child advocates spoke about the importance of child abuse prevention and the devastating cycle of domestic violence. Statistics shared were stark. Each year, more than 20,000 Hoosier children are abused and neglected – that equates to 56 children being harmed every day and one child each week losing his or her young life to child abuse.
Startling Domestic Violence Stats and the Work Being Done to Support Victims
By: Julie K. Koegel, Grants Officer for Women's Fund of Central Indiana
Insights Into Issues Facing Women & Girls
Julie K. Koegel, Grants Officer for Women's Fund of Central Indiana, shares some valuable insight into issues facing women and girls.
Healthy Relationships: Among Many Ways to be Healthy
Recently we posted a question to our Women's Fund Facebook fans: "What makes you feel fit and healthy?" It was awesome to see the diverse responses of many of our fans.
Human Trafficking is Unfortunately Here
Human trafficking is here – you may not see it, but it is happening in our community. Women's Fund is one of several organizations working to raise awareness and prevention of the issue.
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