Teen Dating Abuse in the Limelight: Rihanna and Chris Brown

It's nearly impossible to not have heard of Rihanna and Chris Brown's domestic violence scandal. About.com's Linda Lowen blogs a great entry about the incident, explaining that this high-profile case brings teen dating abuse out in the open. Check it out:
Rihanna and Chris Brown Bring Teen Dating Abuse and Domestic Violence Out in the Open

Domestic Violence in the Media: effective and supportive?

This is an advertisement for the Women's Aid Federation in England. As the national domestic violence charity, Women's Aid runs some pretty unsettling advertisements. However, its effectiveness cannot be denied. "What will it take to get people talking about domestic abuse?"

The following is a victim's entry on community.feministing.com's blog. After being in an abusive relationship in the past, she says she continues to suffer, and the media isn't helping the cause.

The victim writes, "The media both locally and nationally, often sensationalize graphic incidents in order to gain viewer ratings. The media also marginalizes victims, mirroring and in some cases creating, the notion that victims of domestic violence must have done something to deserve the abuse. There have been several incidents in which reports dehumanized a victim of abuse, substantiating the criminal act committed by the one in power (usually a male), by casting the victim in a negative light." Read more of what she says: Domestic Violence, Athletics, and the Media

Is the media deterring from the efforts to diminish domestic violence? Does the media sensationalize the victims, furthering their suffering? How do we get around this?

By spreading awareness of the immensity of this issue, you can help make people realize that domestic violence is NEVER okay. By gaining more awareness, domestic violence can be put further in a negative light, while offering more and more support for its victims.

February: Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

According to an ABC News story, 80 percent of teens know a dating abuse victim. In the same study, nearly one in three teens said they had received sexual or physical abuse or threats. The story goes on to say the economic recession has made this high level of abuse worse.

Has the economic recession prompted teens to act more aggressively and abuse their significant other? Check out the news story below.
Study: High Numbers of Teen Dating Abuse - ABC News

What can we do about this alarming trend?

After Congress dubbed February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, more national focus has been placed on this dangerous problem. Government representatives, public officials, advocates, service providers, schools, parents and youth are all asked to join in programs and activities to promote awareness and prevention of teen dating violence. For more information about Teen Dating Violence Prevention Project, you can visit http://www.teendvmonth.org/ This Web site offers ways you can spread awareness in your community.

We want to hear from you! Tell us how you've made an impact in your community and inspire others to join in the prevention of relationships' emotional and physical abuse.

Photo taken from http://www.dosomething.org/. Check this Web site to find facts about dating abuse and signs you're in an abusive relationship.

Women Empowered in Winter Olympics

Now that the Olympics kicked off Saturday, we're all enjoying the exciting winter events. Men and women compete for the gold as they represent their countries. However, did you know that in the first Winter Olympics in 1924, women were able to compete in only two events? Women's empowerment has come a long way since then. Now, in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, women compete in 13 of the 15 total events.

You can see this photo and more featuring the women athletes of this year's Winter Olympics on NYDailyNews.com's "The Women of the Vancouver Winter Olympics" feature. http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/galleries/hottest_female_athletes_of_the_2010_winter_olympic_games_in/hottest_female_athletes_of_the_2010_winter_olympic_games_in.html

Women's equality in sports is just one aspect in the progress of the empowering of women.

Interested in ways you can help the cause through sports? Women's Sports Foundation offers great resources concerning women in sports and news on current issues and research. Grants, scholarships, tools and tips are some of the features their Web site has to offer. Make sure to check it out! http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/Home.aspx

Feeling Helpless as a Victim of Domestic Violence

According to Amnesty International, one out of every five women is a victim of domestic violence. Their advertisement is featured with a few others, all stating their messages in a simple and clear stance.

One of YWCA's core goals is the effort to eliminate domestic violence. Check out Amnesty International's advertisement and tell us your take on its effectiveness.

http://www.smashingapps.com/2009/03/20/31-masterpieces-of-creative-and-clever-advertising-concepts.html

Is the intended anti-domestic violence message strong? Does it leave you wondering, what can I do about it? A feeling of helplessness when a victim of domestic violence does not need to be the answer for you or a loved one.

For more information about YWCA Knoxville's transitional housing for domestic violence victims, go to www.ywcaknox.com. YWCA Knoxville currently has five VAP advocates working with the Knoxville Police Department in efforts to diminish domestic violence. The VAP makes phone calls to victims, makes personal contacts with victims, hosts weekly-ongoing support groups, and assists in Orders of Protection. The program is the only court advocacy non-shelter program and has advocates in criminal and civil courts.

If you or a loved one is a victim of domestic violence, don't feel alone or helpless. YWCA has branches across the globe in 122 countries. By striving to eliminate domestic violence through support and awareness, a better future can be possible.

World YWCA: Haiti Update / World YWCA and Member Associations News / YWCA News / Home - World YWCA

The tragic earthquake in Haiti caused World YWCA to immediately seek contact with the YWCA of Haiti in support for its members, families and friends. A call for support of donations and immediate relief assistance was made and funds channelled through YWCA's ecumenical partners and through the Red Cross. The importance in support for women and girls suffering from HIV and for survivors of violence remains a forefront mission for YWCA. Reconstruction of communities in Haiti is imperative to continue assistance to victims of domestic violence and other horrors.

World YWCA has established information sharing relationships with other organizations directly related to their efforts, such as the Alliance of Youth CEOs, GBV in Humanitarian Crisis Cluster (International), ACT International and more. YWCA members have been able to make alternative living arrangements for some of their immediate families, but the majority still need support and promises of safety. The recovery of communities is the first step to ensuring safety and stability back in Haiti after this great tragedy. Currently, YWCA members in Haiti are engaging the community response efforts around the clock.

World YWCA continues to request growing support and capacity building for the recovery and reconstruction of the country.

Read the full article, featured on World YWCA's Website:

World YWCA: Haiti Update / World YWCA and Member Associations News / YWCA News / Home - World YWCA

Benefits of Pregnancy Exercise prompts Baby Bump Fitness class at YWCA

Benefits of Pregnancy Exercise: The Benefits of Pregnancy Exercise

Research indicates that exercise can improve chances of conception, reduce labor time, improve mother/baby outcomes and reduce recovery time after birth. According to the article above, the benefits of pregnancy exercise are endless. Everyday symptoms of pregnancy are lessened with consistent physical activity. The article lists benefits such as improved posture, increased energy and stamina, reduced constipation and bloating, better sleep and more.

YWCA recognizes the importance of these pregnancy related issues and now offers a Baby Bump Fitness Class. The class includes a Water Aerobics session and a Land Fitness session to accommodate all fitness levels. Each class is designed to benefit Planning, Pregnant or Planning mothers.

The class is taught by a certified birth doula, Abigail Hallmark. More information about the ideology behind birth doulas can be found on her Website, http://www.hallmarkdoula.com/

YWCA offers Baby Bump Fitness: Water Aerobics on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30-7:30 PM and Baby Bump Fitness: Land Fitness on Saturdays at 4:00-5:00 PM For more information about the Baby Bump Fitness class, call (865) 523-6126. YWCA members pay $2.50/class and nonmembers pay $5.00/class.