LIFE AT THE CROSSROADS:Understanding Domestic violence and its Intersection with Disability Presented by Project SAFE A Local Collaboration between VIBS Family Violence & Rape Crisis Center and United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Suffolk Inc. Overall Objectives > Staff will gain a better understanding of domestic violence > Staff will gain an understanding of the intersection of domestic violence and disabilities > Acquire a vocabulary for sensitive and comfortable discussion of the issues of domestic violence > Staff will recognize the different types of abuse: physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and verbal Overall Objectives > Understand the unique dynamics of domestic violence against survivors with disabilities > Staff will learn how to respond more effectively in working with a survivor with a disability > Staff will learn what resources are essential in working effectively with a survivor with a disability Ground Rules > Use respectful language and tone > Be respectful of everyone’s different experiences > Create a safe place to: * Ask questions * Make mistakes * Learn from each other National statistics on domestic violence > One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime (The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence) > Somewhere in America a woman is battered, usually by her intimate partner, every 15 seconds (UN Study On The Status of Women, Year 2000) > 86% of family violence victims are female (The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence) National statistics on domestic violence > About 50% of all women will experience some type of domestic violence in their lifetime (The American Medical Association) > Battering is the greatest single cause of injury to women in the US, more than car accidents, muggings, and rape COMBINED New York State Statistics on Domestic Violence > In 2005, there were 123,649 orders of protection filed. (The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence) > In 2006, there were 50,088 reported cases of domestic violence. (The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence) > In 2006, 38,674 adults and 20,119 children were assisted by domestic violence programs. (The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence) New York State Statistics on Domestic Violence > In 2006, 133 women and 28 children were killed as a result of domestic violence. (The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence) > In 2010, 5 women from Suffolk County were murdered by an intimate partner Myths VS Facts About Domestic Violence > Myth: Domestic violence is not common Fact: Domestic violence affects 1 in 4 women > Myth: People who batter are mentally ill and can’t help themselves Fact: Battering is a learned behavior and can change over time Myths VS Facts About Domestic Violence > Myth: Alcohol / drugs causes domestic violence Fact: Domestic violence is an issue with power and control. > Myth: People who are batterers need anger management Fact: Anger management will actually make the batterer more dangerous by validating their anger Myths and Facts About Domestic Violence > Myth: Survivors likes the abuse and that’s why they stay Fact: Survivor’s are faced with many obstacles in leaving and is in 65% - 75% more danger when leaving abusive relationship > Myth: Couple counseling is helpful in addressing and rectifying domestic violence Fact: Couple counseling is contraindicated as it can be very dangerous for the victim Myths and Facts About Domestic Violence > Myth: Domestic violence only occurs in uneducated, minority, or dysfunctional families Fact: Domestic violence affects every demographic group, regardless of race, ethnicity, economics, class, sexual orientation, occupation, or education Definition of Domestic Violence Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation. Domestic violence occurs within intimate relationships, and abusers can be spouses, partners, boyfriends/girlfriends, family members, or caregivers. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. Domestic Violence is: > about one person using force/violence or the threat of force/violence as a tactic to gain and maintain power and control over another > a pattern that alternates between caring behaviors that reinforce the relationship and violent behaviors that intimidate the victim > caused by the perpetrator, not the victim or the relationship Domestic Violence Can Occur Between People Who Are: > Married > Divorced > Have a child in common > Cohabiting > Dating or formerly dating > Same sex couples > Related by blood or marriage > An intimate relationship that is non-sexual and non-romantic but includes one party caring for and providing for another adult’s primary needs Forms of Abuse > Physical > Verbal > Emotional > Sexual > Financial > Stalking > Jealousy & Isolation > Threats & Intimidation > Destruction of Personal Property > Injury to Family Pets Tactics of abuse > Physical: hitting, smacking, punching, kicking, biting, restraining, shoving, withholding access to medical care, threats of violence, etc. > Sexual: forcing sex or sexual acts, withholding sex, forcing pregnancy or abortion, knowingly transmitting STD’s, forcing the viewing of or participation in pornography, etc. > Isolation: Controlling access to family, friends, services; controlling access to or breaking computers, phones, etc. Tactics of abuse > Emotional: Using ridiculing language, name calling, disclosing personal information, withholding affection, etc. > Economic: Controlling access to money, misusing or stealing money, fostering financial dependency (i.e. not allowing job, getting her fired), etc. > Exploiting the Children: Threatening to get full custody, threatening to report her to Child Protective Services, making children ridicule her. Tactics of abuse > Minimizing, Denying, Justifying, and Blaming: Minimizing abuse; saying “all I did was push her”; denying abuse, calling her “crazy” or “delusional”; justifying the abuse, saying she “provoked him”; blaming; “If you only would have listened to me than I would not have hit you”. SENSITIVITY IN TALKING WITH SURVIVORS > Service providers should refrain from using non-violent terms > Let the survivor guide you in what feels most comfortable for them in communicating and understanding > Straightforward terminology may be re-traumatizing for the survivor > Don’t blame the survivor > Be non-judgmental > Provide legal information, but don’t impose an agenda Characteristics of a batterer > Control > Entitlement > Selfishness or Self-centeredness > Superiority > Possessiveness > Confusion of love and abuse > Manipulative > Contradictory statements and behaviors > Externalization of behaviors and responsibility > Denial, minimization, & victim blaming > Serial battering Common experiences of survivors > Abuse is often consistent and escalates over time > Abuse can take on many different forms (physical, emotional, sexual, financial, etc.) > Manipulation, threats, power & control tactics are used by abuser > Abuser isolates her from support systems and services Common experiences of survivors > Occurs without regard to race, age, class, culture, economic status, disability, gender, income, sexual preference, or education level. > The decision to leave an abuser may be confusing, difficult, and scary, and is always potentially dangerous. Effects of Domestic Violence on the survivor > Physiological changes to brain structures resulting in diminished communication pathways, logic and reasoning skills > Heightened sense of fear, guilt, self-blame, wariness, hyper-vigilance > Lack of trust with justice departments, medical professionals, community, family > Low self-esteem and insecurity, embarrassment > Anxiety and depression, worry about future > Post traumatic stress disorder > Poor health, self neglect Effects of Domestic Violence on the survivor > Can result in permanent or temporary disability (i.e. TBI, spinal cord injury, PTSD) > Constant, inescapable reminder of abuse > New health challenges; exacerbation of existing health issues > Dramatic changes in family dynamics (lose custody, abuser becomes primary caregiver, increased dependence on abuser for daily needs) > New or additional economic / employment challenges > May struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, anger Common Barriers to Disclosing Domestic Violence > Fear of losing housing and family > Fear of police involvement, children being taken away > Shelter requirements (legal action or proof of domestic violence) > Emotional, psychological, and mental implications of disclosing Common Barriers to Disclosing Domestic Violence > Shame, embarrassment, and guilt felt by the survivor > Fear of judgment > Fear of loss of financial support > Fear of reprisal by abuser Safety Planning > An individualized plan focusing on identifying specific strategies and interventions that may increase the safety of a woman being abused. > May be developed for women living with, dating, or preparing to leave an abuser > May include a checklist of items to take when leaving > May include strategies for at home, the workplace, or other public places. > Is NOT a guarantee of safety, but can assist in improving safety. Safety Plan Components > Secure extra money in a place unknown to the abuser > Carry order of protection at all times and leave copies at locations frequented on a daily basis (employment, service programs, etc.) > Prepare a “go” bag with overnight essentials including extra medication, medical supplies and adaptive equipment and keep bag in safekeeping. > Make extra copies of car / house keys and leave them in a secure location Challenges that prevent a survivor from leaving an abusive relationship > Loves her partner; partner is not always abusive > Abuser may make frequent promises to change > Blames self as cause of abuse > Children (i.e. losing custody, impact of leaving, foster care, CPS involvement) > Financial challenges; risk of homelessness, poverty > May not recognize what is happening as domestic violence challenges that prevent a survivor from leaving an abusive relationship > Religious or cultural beliefs > Drug and alcohol abuse (abuser’s and/or survivor’s) > “He needs me” > Fear of unknown > Fear of retaliation and further abuse > Fear that the abuser will hurt himself or family > Fear of stigmas > Survivors are in 65 to 75% more danger when leaving than at any other time Statistics on Disability and Domestic Violence > 92 % of women with disabilities ranked violence and abuse as the top priority of topics that affected their lives (Source: Berkley Planning Associates (1996). Priorities for Future Research: Results of BPA’s Delphi Survey of Disabled Women. Oakland, CA: Author). > Women with disabilities and women who are deaf are at least one and one half to two times more likely than women without disabilities to experience abuse (Source: Stimpson, L., and Best, E. Courage Above All: Sexual Assault and Women with Disabilities. Prepared for Disabled Women’s Network Ontario, 1991) Statistics on Disability and Domestic Violence 97% to 99% of abusers are known and trusted by survivors who have an intellectual disability > 32% were family members or acquaintances. > 44% had a relationship with the survivor specifically related to the person’s disability (i.e. residential care staff, transportation provider, personal care attendant) (Accessing Safety Initiative Website: Baladerian, N. Sexual Abuse of People with Developmental Disabilities, Sexuality and Disability 1991) Statistics on Disability and Domestic Violence > The risk of being physically or sexually assaulted for adults with developmental disabilities is likely 4 to 10 times as high as it is for other adults. (Accessing Safety Initiative Website, Sobsey, 1994) Myths and Facts About Domestic Violence > Myth: No one would hurt or commit an act of violence against a woman with a disability FACT: Women with disabilities are just as likely as women without disabilities to be victims of domestic violence. In addition, for women with the abuse tended to last longer and involve more than one perpetrator. Myths and Facts About Domestic Violence > Myth: Caring for a person with a disability is stressful; therefore, abuse in those situations is understandable, expected, or justified by the circumstances. Fact: While it can be stressful to care for someone else, stress is, in this and most cases, used as an excuse for abusive behavior. Most people experience stress, as a caregiver or in general, but do not respond by abusing other people. Caregiver Stress vs. Domestic Violence > Stress Model: Abuse to an individual with a disability is caused by stress experienced in response to the demanding responsibilities of being a caregiver. Interventions seek support for both the caregiver and person being abused > Power and Control Model: Person makes a purposeful decision to be abusive with the goal of gaining control over partner. Based on a belief of entitlement. Interventions seek safety of woman being abused and accountability of the abuser. Caregiver Stress vs. Domestic Violence Problems with Stress Model > Ignores needs of women being abused > May increase potential danger > Is victim-blaming > Excuses abusers action, reduces accountability > Woman abused may feel self-blame, shared responsibility > Discourage women from seeking help > Abuse is not caused by stress Caregiver Stress vs. Domestic Violence POINTS TO REMEMBER: > Safety Primary focus of any intervention should be the safety of the person who is abused. > Accountability All forms of abuse are unacceptable. Abuser has sole responsibility for abuse. > No Excuses Everyone experiences stress; it is not an excuse for abusive behaviors VULNERABILITY FACTORS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO DOMESTIC violence > Inaccurate societal views of people with disabilities. > Insufficient education about safety and domestic / sexual violence, personal rights, appropriate sexual relationships and proper responses to victimization. > Dependence on service providers, primary caretaker, family member or intimate partner for a range of living skills and personal assistance. VULNERABILITY FACTORS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO DOMESTIC violence > Lack of education about perpetrator motives. > Lack of credibility in the eyes of the criminal justice system. > They are viewed as easy targets. Tactics of Abuse:Physical > Forcing mobility without assistive device > Causing injuries by taking advantage of disability > Withholding food, personal care, medications > Overmedicating or misusing medication to cause pain Tactics of Abuse:Physical > Refusing to comply with safety or medical recommendations > Ignoring symptoms of illness > Unnecessary use of restraints Tactics of Abuse: Sexual > Threatening to leave or deny care if she doesn’t consent to sexual activity > Abusing intimate body parts; grabbing genitals while providing care > Taking advantage of lack of understanding about sex > Forcing sterilization Tactics of Abuse: Isolation > Controlling access to or breaking communication devices > Controlling access to or breaking mobility devices > Taking away service animals > Misusing medication for sedation > Firing/harassing aides, nurses, personal assistants Tactics of Abuse: Emotional > Killing or threatening to harm service animals > Ridiculing disability > Discounting feelings by attributing them to disability > Ignoring her presence and requests > Denying her pain and needs Tactics of Abuse: Economics > Coercing her to become payee, sign checks or other financial documents > Fostering financial dependency > Cancelling health insurance > Exploiting power of attorney Tactics of Abuse:Exploiting the children > Exploiting disability to get custody > Undermining her authority as a parent based on her disability > Minimizing her or ridiculing her as a parent because of disability Tactics of Abuse: Using Privilege > Exploiting lack of accessible service providers > Exploiting her disability to undermine her credibility to service providers, courts, police > Exploiting privilege of being a person without a disability > Controlling clothing, food, activities, medications Tactics of Abuse: Using Privilege > Belittling her intelligence > Stating that she is lucky to have a relationship > Making unilateral decisions > Emphasizing her dependence and vulnerability Tactics of Abuse: Minimizing, denying, justifying and blaming > Blaming her disability as the cause for abuse (i.e. “burden”, stress of caregiving) > Denying her pain; minimizing challenges caused by her disability > Exaggerating her disability; denying her abilities > Justifying the abuse EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SPECIFIC TO A SURVIVOR WITH DISABILITIES > Difficulties with systems collaboration > Separation from support network / loved ones during recovery or residence in rehabilitation or care center > Adjustment to living with a disability in cases where no disability was present prior to violence EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SPECIFIC TO A SURVIVOR WITH DISABILITIES > New health challenges; exacerbation of existing medical issues > Dramatic changes in family dynamics (lose custody, abuser becomes primary caregiver, increased dependence on abuser for daily needs) > New or additional economic / employment challenges Traumatic Brain Injury & Domestic Violence > Growing concern and recognition in the domestic violence context > Caused by: Blow to head, shaking of brain, or loss of oxygen to brain > Often not identified or misdiagnosed > Can result in mild, moderate, or severe impairments to cognition, behavior, and physical functioning > Screening for TBI – HELPS Screening Tool Additional Challenges that prevent a survivor from leaving an abusive relationship > Lack of coordinated services between domestic violence and disability agencies > Service providers not accessible physically, architecturally, and/or attitudinally > Loss of service provider and/or obtaining new service providers if relocating > Lack of knowledge or awareness of available supports and services > May lose primary caregiver > Mistrust of systems Additional Challenges that prevent a survivor from leaving an abusive relationship > Lack of coordinated services between domestic violence and disability agencies > Service providers not accessible physically, architecturally, and/or attitudinally > Loss of service provider and/or obtaining new service providers if relocating Additional Challenges that prevent a survivor from leaving an abusive relationship > Lack of knowledge or awareness of available supports and services > May lose primary caregiver > Mistrust of systems > Shelters claiming to be accessible usually are not Additional Challenges that prevent a survivor from leaving an abusive relationship > May face threat of nursing or group home placement > May already have little choice over provisions of care or living arrangements > Lack of affordable and accessible housing > Lack of accessible, reliable, and affordable transportation Additional Challenges that prevent a survivor from leaving an abusive relationship > Require assistance to physically leave house; communicate with service providers > May have little choice but to stay with abuser until all supports are coordinated and in place > Rely on abuser for basic needs – access to food, medication, toileting and personal care, finances, or adaptive equipment for mobility and communication Additional Challenges that prevent a survivor from leaving an abusive relationship > May not be perceived as a credible witness by police, victims services, her attorney, or the courts > Face double discrimination from sexism and ableism > If abuser is also a person with a disability, she may face additional challenges (i.e. reluctance to vacate abuser from the home, misbelief that abuser is not capable of offense) Additional Challenges that prevent a survivor from leaving an abusive relationship > Might not be fully informed of their rights or about domestic violence, may not recognize what is happening as wrong and a crime > Safety concerns for service providers or service animals > Stigmas and discrimination (including from disability community) Additional Challenges that prevent a survivor from leaving an abusive relationship > Increased isolation from or loss of disability community > Communication barriers can make disclosures and reaching out for support more difficult Mandatory Reporting Requirements VIBS mandates: *Only mandate is to report suspected or known child abuse to Child Protective Services *No mandates covering persons with developmental disabilities *Professional discretion utilized regarding Adult Protective Services for people with developmental disabilities Mandatory Reporting Requirements UCP Mandates: *NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities highly regulates agency responsibilities in allegations of abuse and other incidents of harm. *People with developmental disabilities certified by OPWDD who attend programs and services certified by OPWDD which accept OPWDD funds – ALL allegations of abuse/harm must be reported and investigated according to stringent regulations, subject to audit. Criminal Laws Addressing Abuse of a Person with a Disability > Penal Law 260.25 Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person: “Knowingly acts in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a person who is unable to care for her/himself because of physical disability, mental disease or defect.” Is a class A misdemeanor. BARRIERS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN DISCLOSING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE > Fear of losing primary caregiver and services > Fear of inaccessible shelter accommodations > Fear of group home placement > People with developmental disabilities have additional concern that multiple entities become informed as part of mandated report process – they don’t just tell one person BARRIERS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN DISCLOSING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE People who are totally dependent on caregivers may not be able to communicate about the assault, or may not realize what it is. Safety Plan Components for Survivors with Disabilities > Create a code word with neighbors, children, and family > Know and practice accessible escape plan > Secure copies of all legal and disability paperwork in safekeeping > Set-up alternative personal assistance for possible emergency purposes > If you have a payee for your SSI/SSDI benefits and the payee is your abuser, contact the Social Security Administration to change your payee SAFETY PLANNING FOR SURVIVORS WITH DISABILITIES SAFETY PLANS SHOULD: > Take into account environmental and social barriers > Support and encourage self-determination of the person > Consider the diversity of needs that may exist if abuser is also primary caregiver ? SAFETY PLANNING FOR SURVIVORS WITH DISABILITIES > Be developed with people, not for them > Be consistent with principles of health literacy Possible Signs Of Domestic Violence > Multiple injuries and/or bruises > Seasonally inappropriate concealing clothing > Obvious pain or restricted movement > Changes story about relationship / family life > Hyper-vigilant behavior Possible Signs Of Domestic Violence > Anxiety, depression, PTSD > Avoidance of former social contact Why Screen for Domestic Violence? > Domestic Violence is a public health concern, affecting one of every 4 women > Domestic violence has devastating effects on the survivor which may impede and interfere with her services > Identifying domestic violence helps service providers and organizations to deliver services more appropriately and safely Tips to Keep in Mind When Screening for Domestic Violence > All individuals seeking / receiving services should be screened for domestic violence regardless of whether they exhibit physical and/or psychological symptoms > Always interview survivor individually, in private, away from partners, family members, caregivers or personal care attendants. If a third party is present to accommodate the needs of the survivor, service providers should, at the soonest possible time, get the survivor alone. Tips to Keep in Mind When Screening for Domestic Violence > Advise survivor about program’s confidentiality policies and mandatory reporting obligations before requesting disclosures. > Use the language the survivor with whom you work uses when referring to his/her experiences. Be cautious about using violent referent language. Tips to Keep in Mind When Screening for Domestic Violence > Maintain eye contact and eye level > Maintain a nurturing / supportive tone > Respect boundaries > Do not ask “why” questions, as they can feel blaming. > Be flexible – survivor may disclose after trust and relationship built, when its safe to talk, or after an incident Tips to Keep in Mind When Screening for Domestic Violence > Identify and use appropriate language that recognizes personal caregivers, or other specialized support personnel as potential abusers/ perpetrators/ stalkers. Avoid using words like “husband” or “boyfriend” until you better understand the relationship with the abuser/ perpetrator/ stalker. > Ask questions designed to elicit broad responses and give you a full picture of her/ his experiences and relationships Sample Questions to Ask When inquiring about Domestic Violence > Has anyone ever hurt or threatened you or your children? > Has anyone ever put his/her hands on you against your will or forced you to do something you did not want to do? > Has anyone ever forced you to have sex or made you do things during sex that make you feel uncomfortable? > Does anyone withhold money from you when you need it? ADDITIONAL Questions to Ask A Survivor with a Disability When inquiring about Domestic Violence Does anyone react to your disability differently in private ? Does anyone ever do things that take away your independence? Does anyone prevent you from using resources and support that you need to be independent? Does anyone keep you from accessing any services or organizations? TYPES OF DISCLOSURES > Testing the waters > Tentative approach > The “Inappropriate” Question > A disguised disclosure > Vaguely > Using exact words Handling Disclosures of domestic violence > Remain calm > Use active listening skills > Be non-judgmental > Acknowledge her strengths and action steps > Help reduce her guilt, shame, or self-blame > Adhere to mandatory reporting requirements Handling Disclosures of Domestic Violence > Listen intently – story may get confusing. > Support survivor’s feelings > Offer safety planning as appropriate Things to Say to a Survivor of Domestic Violence > I am afraid for your safety (and the safety of your child/children) > The abuse often gets worse, not better > You do not deserve to be abused > You have the right to be in a non-violent environment > You are not responsible for the abuser’s behavior > Refer her to VIBS or gain additional guidance from Project SAFE Order of protection (oop) > Can be issued against family members, current or former intimate partners, caregivers, acquaintances, strangers, etc. > Is a court-issued legal document > Judge requires the abuser to comply with terms and conditions for a specified time period Order of protection (oop) > Duration of order varies based upon type of proceeding and nature of offense > If violated, an offender can face civil or criminal contempt charges together with the new offense (i.e. criminal contempt + stalking) Conditions of an oop > Stay away provisions, vacate home > Limiting or preventing communication > Firearms provisions > Refrain from the commission of further DV offenses > Restitution Conditions of an oop > Counsel fees > Child support, custody/visitation > Counseling and batterer accountability programs Different Types of OOP Stay Away Order: the abuser is court-ordered to vacate the home if he/she resides with the survivor and/or is ordered to stay away from the survivor both in the physical sense and in communication. Refrain From Order: the abuser is allowed to remain living in the same home as the survivor and/or is allowed to have physical contact and communication with survivor but must refrain from specified actions and behaviors Additional Options for Survivors > Screening for domestic violence and notification about domestic violence services for all Temporary Assistance applicants > Domestic Violence Liaison (DVL) in Dept. of Social Services office Additional Options for Survivors DVL to determine if person is “credible” and if certain welfare requirements will place survivors and their children at further risk of abuse or more difficult to escape domestic violence. Who to Contact For Assistance > VIBS Hotline is 24 Hours 360 – 3606 > Project SAFE collaboration representatives can be contacted for further assistance on the intersection of domestic violence and disability *Kathleen Cammarata (VIBS) *Ruth Reynolds (VIBS) *Clarice Murphy (VIBS) *Pat Caso (UCP) *Dana Waite-Esposito (UCP) Project SAFE’s Mission VIBS Family Violence and Rape Crisis Center and UCP-Suffolk will work together to promote a safe, accessible and responsive service environment for women in Suffolk County who are survivors of domestic and sexual violence with a physical and/or developmental disability. We will accomplish this by creating sustainable changes in our organizational cultures through: Project SAFE’s Mission > Fostering collaboration > Sharing resources and knowledge > Enhancing the existing service delivery system > Implementing policies and procedures that reflect best practices of professional ethics, trust, open communication, and true understanding of the challenges and needs of survivors with disabilities CREDITS Project SAFE collaboration team and Organizational Workgroup utilized the following organizations training materials in creating this power point. Accessing Safety Initiative: Funded by the Office on Violence Against Women. The website address is: http://www.accessingsafety.org Building Bridges Project: This project was a collaboration between Empire Justice Center, New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and Center for Disability Rights, Inc. New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault: As an umbrella advocacy organization for rape crisis agencies throughout New York State. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape: “Professional Guide for Identifying Sexual Assault in Individuals with Developmental Disabilities” Safe Place, Austin, Texas: “Stop the Violence, Break the Silence: A training guide” CREDITS RAINN: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. The website address is: www.rainn.org National Coalition on Domestic and Sexual Violence