February : Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month

VAWA Update: Senate Judiciary Passes S. 1925

Thanks to all of our valiant VAWA Supporters, including MASK Theater- S.1925, the Leahy/Crapo bill to Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, was passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, Feb.2! 

In the past few days, we’ve called upon activists in every state to help send a strong message to the Senate about the importance of this bill and the various provisions in it.  And you did it – key Senate offices were flooded with calls making it clear that ALL of the VAWA bill is important.  You really made a difference!

What exactly passed?

As expected, Senator Leahy offered a “Manager’s Amendment” which replaced the original S.1925 and the new version was accepted by unanimous consent.   The new version  included modifications in response to requests from other Senators and from the field.  It retained key provisions such as the pieces addressing tribal jurisdiction, underserved populations, communities of color and immigration and so many more!  

There were other amendments offered as well.  Two that passed were an amendment increasing penalties for a third offense of drunk driving and a controversial amendment to instate a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison for aggravated sexual assault.

What now?

Our efforts to move VAWA along must continue.  We are still asking local, state  and national organizations and agencies to sign on to the letter in support of VAWA. While the dramatic size and breadth of the list of supporters is impressive, we want to continue to add to it.  Reach out to others in your community and encourage their support.  The current version of the letter can be viewed in the VAWA Supporters Section of 4vawa.org. To add your organization or agency to the list of supporters please email us at reauthorizeVAWA@gmail.com.  

We are also continuing to ask Senators to sign on to co-sponsor S.1925.  Your calls are working!  

 Thank you!

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, 2012

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

January 31, 2012

Presidential Proclamation -- National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, 2012

NATIONAL TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH, 2012

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

     In America, an alarming number of young people experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse as part of a controlling or violent dating relationship.  The consequences of dating violence -- spanning impaired development to physical harm -- pose a threat to the health and well-being of teens across our Nation, and it is essential we come together to break the cycle of violence that burdens too many of our sons and daughters.  This month, we recommit to providing critical support and services for victims of dating violence and empowering teens with the tools to cultivate healthy, respectful relationships.

     Though we have made substantial progress in the fight to reduce violence against women, dating violence remains a reality for millions of young people.  In a 12 month period, one in 10 high school students nationwide reported they were physically hurt on purpose by their boyfriend or girlfriend, and still more experienced verbal or emotional abuse like shaming, bullying, or threats.  Depression, substance abuse, and health complications are among the long-term impacts that may follow in the wake of an abusive relationship.  Tragically, dating violence can also lead to other forms of violence, including sexual assault.  These outcomes are unacceptable, and we must do more to prevent dating violence and ensure the health and safety of our Nation's youth.

     The path toward a future free of dating violence begins with awareness.  As part of my Administration's ongoing commitment to engaging individuals and communities in this important work, Vice President Joe Biden launched the1is2many initiative last September.  In concert with awareness programs occurring across Federal agencies, the initiative calls on young men and women to take action against dating violence and sexual assault and help advance public understanding of the realities of abuse.  The National Dating Abuse Helpline offers information and support to individuals struggling with unhealthy relationships.  For immediate and confidential advice and referrals, I encourage concerned teens and their loved ones to contact the Helpline at 1-866-331-9474, text "loveis" to 77054, or visit: www.LoveIsRespect.org.  Additional resources are available at:  www.CDC.gov/features/datingviolence.

     My Administration continues to promote new and proven strategies to target teen dating violence.  Last November, we announced the winners of the Apps Against Abuse technology challenge, concluding a national competition to develop innovative new tools that will empower young Americans and help prevent dating violence and sexual assault.  As we move forward, we will continue to collaborate with both public and private partners to bring new violence prevention strategies to individuals and communities across our Nation.  To learn more, visit: www.WhiteHouse.gov/1is2many.

     Reducing violence against teens and young adults is an important task for all of us.  This month, we renew our commitment to breaking the silence about dating abuse and fostering a culture of respect in our neighborhoods, our schools, and our homes.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 2012 as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.  I call upon all Americans to support efforts in their communities and schools, and in their own families, to empower young people to develop healthy relationships throughout their lives and to engage in activities that prevent and respond to teen dating violence.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

Texting Abuse PSA

*Disclaim any rights to this PSA*


Our group first saw this video at the seminar on the 12th. (See below blogpost) We thought it was funny, but also really accurate in a lot of ways. Check it out--it's just a minute long. :)

Tell us whatchu think :3

Talking to Teens About Healthy Relationships

Date: Jan 12, 2012
Location: 40 North Bridge Street, Somerville, NJ

MASK attended a seminar tonight on teen dating violence. It was a workshop geared toward parents and health professionals. It covered what one needed to know about the subject to talk to their teenagers.

The seminar was run by Shannon Evans, MSW, LCSW at the Women's Health & Counseling Center. 18 MASK members and a few of our parents made it to this event. It was an amazing group-building and educational experience. Shannon did a wonderful job of keeping discussion flowing and allowing plenty of opportunity for Q&A and interactive audience participation.

After asking a few of the members if they would attend another similar seminar in the future their responses were very positive- "Absolutely" and saying it was "fun and beneficial to the work we are doing" feeling it "helped them a lot."

MASK has been meeting every week working on our presentations for classroom sized audiences. We want to begin these presentations in February (Appropriately, for Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month). Attending amazing seminars like this one tonight are very helpful to meeting this deadline and increasing the effectiveness of our presentation's influence.

Hope you have a wonderful long weekend, everyone.

And please please comment or email us if you have any stories, comments, questions you want to share with us. Or if you need info on how to get involved and/or educated in the subject for yourself!

Peace&Love

~the MASK group~

Mask Theater at the Someys

MASK Theater's Grand Prize PSA

On Saturday evening Dec. 10, 2011, MASK Theater was awarded the grand prize at the Someys! The Someys Video Awards are Leadership Somerset's scholarship program which encourages young people who live or work in Somerset County, New Jersey to become trustees of their communities and leadership resources as they work for the common good. Towards that goal, MASK Theater created a Public Service Announcement for the Resource Center of Somerset as their submission in to the category of Health, Wellness and Safety.

Not only did MASK Theater win the grand prize but a gift of $250 was also awarded to the Resource Center! What a wonderful evening filled with great music and community spirit. Congrats to all who participated in the event!

Below is video our Mask Theater members created for the Resource Center.



Do YOU know the signs of Abuse?