News & Notes - October 2015
Our fearless leader_
Roberta L. Hacker,
Executive Director
Last week, I went to Harrisburg to attend the second annual commemoration of domestic violence victims in Pennsylvania. On the roll call were the names of the 114 women, children, and men who lost their lives this past year. Sixteen victims were from Philadelphia County. 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. The movement against  domestic violence has expanded in strength and in allies, and garnered national attention. But the commemoration highlighted how much more work there is still to be done, how many more people we still have to reach. 

Despite the urgent need for our work, this October we are struggling to keep our doors open. The Pennsylvania budget impasse, now well into its fourth month, means that WIT hasn't received the funding we need to continue our free counseling, advocacy, and support services. 

It is a public scandal that the people who will suffer the most in this political stalemate are the ones who can afford it least. I urge you to contact your representative to stop the grandstanding and pass a viable budget. Lives are at stake. 
Aaron from Clarifi
Aaron,
Clarifi counselor
FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT AT WIT

Financial abuse is present in 98% of abusive relationships, with signs ranging from subtle control - "I'll take care of the finances" - to more overt methods, such as forbidding the victim to work or ruining her credit.

Last month, WIT partnered with Clarifi (formerly the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Delaware Valley) in order to provide a series of free financial empowerment workshops for our clients. The workshops -  "Banking Basics," "Good Credit for Life," and "Rent Smart" - were well-attended and popular with WIT clients. 

Financial dependence on an abuser can severely hamper a survivor's ability to stay safe and independent. WIT plans to host more financial literacy workshops in the future to aid survivors in their recovery and empowerment. 
FIGHT THE FEAR WITH WAVE

We had a great turnout for last Saturday's free WAVE Self-Defense workshop! Prevention Director Corinne Lagermasini, CEAT (Community Education & Training) Coordinator Zoe Nesin, and volunteer WAVE instructor Christina Freedom  led participants in practicing boundary setting, verbal assertiveness, awareness training, and easy-to-learn physical techniques.

Special thanks to the Looking Out Foundation and Brandi Carlile for sponsoring the workshop as part of the Fight the Fear Campaign! 

After a great WAVE workshop_
After-class group picture!
 
WAYS TO SUPPORT WIT: WORKPLACE CAMPAIGNS

Does your workplace participate in a workplace giving campaign? Please consider giving to WIT in support our lifesaving services in the community! Here are our agency numbers for a workplace giving campaign:

United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
Donor #00533

Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)
Donor #58103
PA State Employee Combined Appeal (SECA)
Donor #4101-0533

IN THE NEWS 
114 men, women and children: PA's domestic violence victims, survivors honored in Harrisburg
Read More at Penn Live

Sobering Stats for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Learn More in U.S. News

Bureau of Sex Slavery 
Read More in The Nation
A Legal Loophole May Have Cost This Woman Her Life
Read More in The Huffington Post

Judge Jails Domestic Violence Victim for Failing to Testify
Learn More in The Huffington Post