Domestic Violence Awareness Month

This October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is going virtual!  Instead of gathering scores of people in Denver for a rally on the capitol steps, we’re gathering hundreds of people from all across the state (and beyond!) to rally on Facebook. 

Our theme this year is:  Colorado Men Making a Difference:  How Do You Show You Care?  Click here to find out how to join our Facebook campaign.

We are proud to have Governor Hickenlooper’s support for DVAM.  Click here to see a copy of his official proclamation.
 

In addition, on each Tuesday in October you are invited to join us for special DVAM webinars.  Check out the lineup below!  Click on the title of a webinar to register.

Tuesday, October 4th from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Using Social Media in Anti-Violence Work 
Joel Swanson, TESSA of Colorado Springs

Social media is becoming an important part of our social landscape.  How savvy does one need to be to make use of this new platform?  And in what ways exactly can social media enhance our work in the field of sexual and domestic violence?  Joel Swanson of TESSA will describe how he has used social media both to promote Sexual Assault Awareness Month and to gain 900 Twitter followers for TESSA.  Outreach and privacy issues will be explored, and we will discuss the Coalition's DVAM 2011 Facebook photo campaign.  We’ll also be sure to save time at the end for your questions.

 
Tuesday, October 11th from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Engaging Men to End Violence Against Women
Tyler Osterhaus, The Positive Masculinity Project
David Hinojosa, Moving to End Sexual Assault (MESA)
We know that most men are not batterers or abusive in their own relationships, but many do not fully embrace the important role they could play in preventing violence against women. Often viewed as a “women’s issue” getting buy-in from men to acknowledge their responsibility in ending gender violence has traditionally been met with resistance and defensiveness. In this webinar, participants will learn successful techniques for engaging men as allies including; how to meet men where they’re at and speak their language; how to reframe patriarchy and male-privilege to answer the “what’s in it for me?” question; how promoting responsible fatherhood programs are different from father’s rights groups and are partnering with DV advocates to end family violence; and how to build effective grass-roots coalitions that engage men.  

 
Tuesday, October 18th  from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Media Literacy for Youth Advocacy
Kristiana Huitron, CCADV Advocacy and Resources Team
Members of the Children’s Advocacy Committee

In 1996 the average 18 year old had witnessed 25,000 murders, rapes, and assaults on television. Today the average is 200,000.  While anti-domestic violence professionals are faced with the reality of the effects of real life violence, what do these make-believe pretend acts of assault, rape, and murder mean to our work?  What does it mean to us individually, and in relation to the youth with whom we work? Join us as we take a look at how media depicts masculinity, relationships, conflict.  Discuss how media images influence our work, our coping strategies, and the people with whom we are working, and gain ideas for using media literacy as an advocacy tool.

Tuesday, October 25th from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Man to Man: Making a Difference to End Violence Against Women
Tyler Osterhaus, The Positive Masculinity Project

This is an opportunity for men in the community to join a dialogue about how to make a difference!   We know that most men are not batterers or abusive in their own relationships and yet most men do personally know women who have survived violence.  How can men go beyond being decent in their own lives to also becoming part of the larger solution to end violence against women?  There are many ways to be involved, and joining this webinar is a great starting point!  Join me for discussion of positive masculinity and our role as men in building peaceful communities.