White Ribbon Campaign (unedited) Part 2

White Ribbon Campaign (unedited) Part 1

Clinton Square Kickoff

Vera House White Ribbon Campaign Kickoff
By Marci Haines

The Vera House Foundation kicks-off it’s 10 day White Ribbon Campaign to raise awareness about domestic violence. The kick off took place on Friday, March 28th in Clinton Square. Despite the snow, about 100 members of the community participated in the walk, which ended in Armory Square. To conclude the walk, supporters tied white ribbons around tree trunks, lampposts and street signs to represent the motto NEVER COMMIT, CONDONE OR REMAIN SILENT ABOUT DOMESTIC OR SEXUAL VIOLENCE. Vera House is grateful for the loyal and generous support of so many regional government offices, businesses, agencies, schools and religious organizations for the annual White Ribbon Campaign. Click here to see photos from the event.

Take Back the Night

By Lauren Braun
Take Back the Night is the culmination of the White Ribbon Campaign at Syracuse University, which has been running since March 28. The campaign, which involved the Steps in the Right Direction march and the ongoing sale of white ribbons, wristbands, and lapel pins, is "committed to ending the silence that so often hides abusive behavior toward women" according to Rev. Thomas V. Wolf of Hendricks Chapel (SU Division of Student Affairs). Take Back the Night is an opportunity for members from the SU campus and surrounding community to join together against sexual and domestic violence. The combined rally, march, and speak-out begins at 7:00pm on April 16 at Hendricks Chapel.

Survey Results

1. Universally, what percentage of women do you think has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused during their lifetime?
Response
Percent Response
Count
20-30% 14.0% 7
30-40% 20.0% 10
40-50% 18.0% 9
50-60% 30.0% 15
60-75% 18.0% 9

2. What percentage of American women report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives?
Response
Percent Response
Count
20-30% 52.0% 26
30-40% 30.0% 15
40-50% 8.0% 4
50-60% 10.0% 5
60-75% 0.0% 0


3. Are all women, regardless of their race, equally vulnerable to violence by an intimate?
Response
Percent Response
Count
Yes 78.0% 39
No 20.0% 10
Unsure 2.0% 1


4. About what percentage of all female victims of intimate violence report an injury of some type?
Response
Percent Response
Count
20-30% 50.0% 25
30-40% 32.0% 16
40-50% 14.0% 7
50-60% 0.0% 0
60-75% 4.0% 2


5. Based on your answer to question 4, what percent of these females do you think seek medical assistance?
Response
Percent Response
Count
20-30% 64.0% 32
30-40% 16.0% 8
40-50% 8.0% 4
50-60% 10.0% 5
60-75% 2.0% 1

History of Vera House

History of Vera House
By Joe Librizzi

The Vera House was originally founded in 1977 by a group of individuals who felt strongly about making a change to end all domestic and sexual violence. The foundation was named after its leader, Sister Mary Vera. Initially the members of Vera House sought out to create an emergency sheltering service for women in crisis. However, since its founding, Vera House has also focused on many issues of domestic violence including: outreach and advocacy, domestic violence education programming, children’s counseling, the Syracuse Area Domestic and Sexual Violation Coalition.
In 2005, two agencies, Vera House and Rape Crisis Center merged together with similar missions and goals to better serve the Central New York community. The Rape Crisis Center was founded in 1974 by a group of individuals who believed there was a need for support and advocacy services for adult rape victims. The Center expanded its mission throughout the years by providing services to child victims of sexual assault and their families, as well as providing a 24-hour response for victims of sexual assault.




Goals of Vera House
➢ To end all domestic and sexual violence
➢ To assist families in crisis
➢ To support those affected by domestic and sexual violence
➢ To live safe, self-sufficient lives
➢ To empower women and children
➢ To promote a culture of equality and respect in relationships

Visit Vera House Website:
http://www.verahouse.org/index.htm





White Ribbon Campaign
A Public Awareness Campaign Against Domestic & Sexual Violence



The White Ribbon Campaign is a 10-day event that helps to raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence. During this period thousands of Central New Yorkers wear a white ribbon or white wristband showing their support for Vera House and their concern over domestic and sexual violence. The Campaign is lead by men every year and encourages all members of the community, men and women, to take part in the different events.


The 2008 White Ribbon Campaign Events:

➢ Steps In The Right Direction…A March To End The Silence & Stop The Violence
o Friday, March 28th (12pm)
o A walk that marks the start of the campaign where white ribbons will be tied around trees and lampposts.

➢ White Ribbon Campaign Breakfast
o Wednesday, April 2nd (7:30am)
o An inspirational program celebrating the White Ribbon Campaign


➢ White Ribbon Campaign High School Challenge
o Monday, March 31st – Friday, April 4th
o A competition between the city high school and suburban high schools. The school that sells the most white ribbons in the city and suburban areas will receive a prize.



Find out more information about the White Ribbon Campaign:
http://www.verahouse.org/news&events/White%20Ribbon%20Campaign%202008.pdf

White Ribbon Campaign on NCC News

This year Vera House held its 14th annual White Ribbon Campaign to prevent domestic violence. The week long event takes place in the beginning of April which is sexual violence prevention month.  This interview, with Vera House Spokesperson Mike Bristol, ran at Syracuse University on Monday March 31st 2008 and was conducted by Joseph Mauceri.  The unedited version will be available soon.