During this economic downturn, Center for Domestic Peace has been asked numeroustimes about the trends we are noticing due to the economy. Nationally, domesticviolence organizations have reported alarming increases: 80% of domestic violence

shelters report an increase in women seeking assistance from abuse, and 73% attribute thisrise in abuse to financial issues. Our 24-hour hotlines experienced an all-time high record ofcalls this past year. Does this suggest that economics play a role in domestic violence?

First, consider the influence of the current economic crisis on domestic violence.

Similar to our experience in Marin, domestic violence practitioners know that a downeconomy does not cause domestic violence. It can, however, contribute to intensifyingdomestic violence where it already exists; there may be more opportunity for abusewhen unemployed couples interact more frequently and have more challenges to resolve.National statistics cite that domestic violence is more than three times as likely to occurwhen couples are experiencing high levels of financial strain than when they are experi-encing low levels. Some researchers have theorized that underemployed and unemployedmen have higher levels of stress due to the social stigma around financial success thatis tied to their masculinity and perceived social status. When men’s belief system ofdominance and control is challenged, domestic violence can occur or escalate; these socialnorms must be taken into consideration when understanding the nexus between econom-ics and domestic violence.

We’ve also noticed that survivors have a harder time finding safe, secure housing forthemselves and their children if they’ve decided to leave the relationship. In 09/10,requests for shelter were at an all-time high. More than a third of domestic violencevictims nationally become homeless as a result of leaving an abusive relationship. It hasbeen reported that fewer people are divorcing because they can’t afford to leave, as theiroptions have narrowed.

Second, consider that domestic violence can lead to financial problems for individuals ofevery economic class and can entrap them in poverty.

Marin is a community of considerable wealth, and women who are financially secure mayseem to have access to more resources. However, victims of domestic violence in moreaffluent communities often face special challenges – geographic isolation, unfamiliaritywith service agencies, and social status concerns. Many victims lack access to cash or creditcards, or even information about the amount and location of family finances, living onlywith an allowance used to monitor and control their behavior and whereabouts. These fac-tors, including risk of economic instability when leaving an abusive partner, can contributeto prolonged stays in violent relationships.

Batterers can also interfere with a victim’s ability to maintain stable employment by engag-ing in employment-related sabotage, such as visibly injuring victims, repeatedly harassingthem at work, or ruining childcare arrangements. A woman who must attend court hear-ings or enter a shelter might lose her job due to time missed from work. All these factors cansignificantly reduce options for employment and economic self-sufficiency, putting victimsat a higher risk of poverty.

Low-income women in particular often face multiple levels of bias and discrimination thatreduce their options for safety and financial security, e.g. landlords may not want to leaseto a single mother whose rent is subsidized by the government. This can contribute to pro-longed stays in violent relationships. Many services are provided only in English and failto respond to the needs of diverse cultures. Money can mean mobility, choice, bargainingpower, and access to enforcing laws that protect her against such discrimination.

Finally, consider how society’s safety responses are being impacted by the recession.

Cuts in funding for law enforcement, courts, and prosecution are impacting the capacityof the criminal justice system to hold offenders accountable and protect victims’ safety.Foundations and government funders have reduced and/or redirected resources, provid-ing less support for shelters in California. Safety net services such as housing and com-munity clinics have been reduced or eliminated. With demands for services at recordlevels, the new normal – fewer resources and greater need – challenges organizationslike Center for Domestic Peace to do more with less. We continue to work on solutions tothis dilemma.

So as you can see, yes, economics play a complex role in domestic violence. On page three,learn about the success and effectiveness of the economic empowerment program at ourtransitional housing facility, Second Step.

Dear Friends and Supporters,We did it! After several years, many volunteerand staff hours and a lot of detail work, welaunched Center for Domestic Peace, our newname and brand, last October with this news-letter and a grand event. As you may recall,the name change came after much analysisand introspection about who we are and whowe want to be. The new name better reflectedour current programs and future vision. Andhere we are a year later. Many in the commu-nity have commented on its positive nature,embracing its optimism and focus on theoutcome we are striving for. We also want toacknowledge that some told us it sounds “likea homeland security organization” or it feelstoo “lofty”. This is who we are now, while stillthe home of Marin Abused Women’s Services.Our services are all the same, serving ourcommunity uninterrupted for 34 years.

Every October, while putting the newslettertogether during Domestic Violence AwarenessMonth, we reflect on the issues and how theyimpact our community. With the two cases inthe news this summer, the conviction of JamesMitchell in the brutal death of Danielle Kellerand the killing of Marin County Sheriff’sDeputy Jim Mathiesen, we are remindedof the danger and lethality of domestic vio-lence. Our heart goes out to their familiesand friends, and to the community as weheal from these devastating losses. We are sograteful to those who dedicate their lives toprotecting and serving us.

Here at Center for Domestic Peace, we arefocused on a violence-free tomorrow. We workevery day to not only ensure the immediatesafety of those in need, but also to inspire ourcommunity to take action. We have includedin this issue a copy of the Individual PeaceAgreement we created last year in our effortsto promote a peaceful community. We inviteyou and your family to cut out the agreement,talk about it, sign it, and post it proudly insolidarity. Let’s all work together for a peace-ful tomorrow.

Cristy EganChair, Board of Directors

Economics and Domestic ViolenceCenter for Domestic Peace Newsletter • Fall 2011

“Money is a current, a carrier,a conduit for our intentions…Money carries the imprimaturof our soul.”

Lynne Twist,The Soul of Money:

Transforming your Relationshipswith Money and Life

The recent political budget fights inSacramento and Washington challengeus to look at what is left on the table

after all is said and done. Regardless of politi-cal party affiliation and rhetoric, the questionremains: what does money and spending meanto us? What are the values that are imbedded inchoices politicians make? What are the valuesthat are reflected in the people we elect to makethose decisions for us? And what values arereflected in the decisions we make about ourown use of money?

Almost daily, Center for Domestic Peace isblessed to receive donations from our com-munity. They come in the form of in-kinddonations – bedding, clothing, and toys for thefamilies at shelter and transitional housing. Andthey come in the form of financial contribu-tions - sometimes small amounts, sometimeslarger gifts, sometimes from events organizedby civic groups on our behalf. During the pastfiscal year alone, we have been the beneficiaryof rock concerts, soccer games, theatrical perfor-mances, supermarket campaigns, church collec-tions, and club-organized drives. And thanks tothe creative, dedicated, and enterprising people,groups, and businesses in our community, forthe past four years in a row we have reached ourfundraising goals.

What is constant, regardless of the size, form,or source of the donation, is the meaning thatCenter for Domestic Peace attaches to contribu-tions. While certainly all gifts to the organiza-tion provide vital support for programs, we areinspired to also recognize every donation as astatement of solidarity with the commitmentand ideals that Center for Domestic Peace holds.Often we find notes attached to checks filledwith words of encouragement and appreciation.Once, a sister sent a contribution to thank usfor helping her brother through the ManKindprogram. Recently, a mother donated to us tohelp a child because her young son was spareda life-threatening event. Years ago, an elderlygentleman bequeathed us a property to “helpwomen” because he never forgot his childhoodfriend who grew up in a violent home.

For all of you who are able to donate to Centerfor Domestic Peace, we are grateful for yourgiving. Your gifts speak to us. We recognizethem as a conduit for your intentions to stand insolidarity with the day-to-day work of the orga-nization, and the long term vision of domesticpeace for all.

We Applaud You —OUR SUPPORTERS!

Every year at Center for Domestic Peace, we are inspired by the amount of supportwe receive from the community. Thanks to your generosity and your commit-ment to domestic peace in our community, we were able to meet our 2010-2011

fundraising goal!

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thanks to those who generously gave clothing,household items, bedding, furniture, and volunteered their time. Even the smallest dona-tion of an outfit or a towel can help rebuild the life of a woman in our shelter.

The following is a list of supporters who donated $150 or more between July 1, 2010and June 30, 2011. Although space limitations prevent us from mentioning all our donors,we are most grateful to each and every one.

$10,000 and aboveAnonymousBlue Shield of California FoundationCalifornia Prison Industry AuthorityJoanne & Peter Haas Jr. FundKaiser PermanenteThe Joan Leidy FoundationMarin Community FoundationThe San Francisco Foundationvan Löben Sels/RembeRock FoundationThe Women’s Foundation of California

$5,000 - $9,999Anonymous (Three Donors)Bewley-Motluk Charitable FoundationJohn BuckleyGhilotti Contruction and DRL InvestmentsMargaret E. Haas FundHarrington Group, Certified Public

Accountants, LLPAnn LaurensonClaire SavageSunshine Lady Foundation Inc.Town of San AnselmoNancy Warfield

$1,000 - $4,999AnonymousAutodesk, Inc.Bank of MarinMichele BaroodyHathaway BarryThe Barstow FoundationSteve Benting and Margaret WartonBarbara and Robert BleckmanBrayton Purcell, LLPBunnell BuildersDonald O. and Ronald R. Collins FoundationJane Conway and Ken SmoleMaki DaijogoDandelion FoundationDon DayreCharis Denison and Scott HummelPhilip EconomonFrancine Falk-Allen and Richard FalkFred Gellert Family FoundationDarlene HaleRonald JorgensenMeredith KertzmanLittle Flower FundMassage Heights NovatoJane MillerMs. Molly Foundation on behalf of

Molly Maid of MarinCynthia MurrayAntoinette NiesThe Outdoor Art ClubPrivate OceanRotasa FoundationRichard and Monica SchoenbergerThe Schultz Foundation

Gila ShoshanyAmanda TopperThe TJX FoundationValley Spokesmen Touring ClubMarion Weinreb & Associates, Inc.WestAmerica BankWhatever Publishing, Inc.

dba New World LibraryMichael Whipple

$500 - $999Anonymous (Two Donors)Geoffrey BaylorJames BowblissMarilyn BurnsChurch Of Our Savior - Andy Clark FamilyCity of San RafaelLincoln and Laura CollinsDonna GarskeGatian’s FundAlan and Elsie GregsonCarrie HarrisLarry and Stephanie HartSuzanne HerreroStephan and Leslie JohnsonArnold JugeAndrew LachmanDee and Richard LawrencePeggy Learning and Claude BishopKathleen and Rich LevinChrista and Mark LopezThomas LumsdenPurple Lady/Barbara J. Meislin FundAnn MoreiraNorth Bay FC Wave Soccer TeamHelen PassRoy and Jan PhillipsDixie RuudSan Rafael Lions ClubSpencer SiasLaurie SmithSusan SorensonSt. Paul’s Episcopal ChurchTamalpais Residents AssociationMark Liberatore and Monica TraylorUnion Bank FoundationMarilyn WeinbergEric Winkler

$150 - $499Pat AssimakisLeeAnn BartoliniLynne BehrNeal and Linda BirnbaumAnne-Marie Bonfilio and W. Had Blackman Jr.Colleen Bourke GeigerSylvia and Rich BramanteBrewer Phillips Hair DesignErica BrownVirginia CannonPhillip and April Cassou

24-HOUR HOTLINESEnglish 415.924.6616Spanish 415.924.3456Men’s 415.924.1070

Carla ClementsMichael DalyPat DavisMary DelaneyDominican College Sisters

of Saint DominicThomas DooleyEric DoneyRachelle DorrisCristy EganSara Ellis ConantDonna FranzblauRose Gavin and David WeinstockThe Larry and Carie Haimovitch

Charitable FundLynette HeckmannJoanne HivelyStan HoffmanHoly Innocents Episcopal ChurchLinda Jenkins WardSusan Johann GilardiLarkspur Blues and RockKate KainSusan KayKathy King and Jerry CahillJoyce KleinerTracy KostiukSue KramerJoseph KreinsCatherine LangridgeLevi Strauss FoundationKathy and Jeffrey LovoldDenise LucyCatherine and Richard MacDonaldMarin AcademyMarin Lutheran Church WomenMitra MartinJerome MayerJulie McClureBritt McEachernAlithea McHaleJohn and Tina MehanSpencer and Roberta MichelsJan and Mark MontoyaNovato Senior Citizens Club Inc.Richard and Gail OdgersThe Pasha GroupGino PasqualePaul and Melinda PresslerDavid ProctorRand-Montgomery FundKathy and Bob RichardsJo Ann RichardsonRuth RosenRoss Police Officer’s AssociationYesenia SanchezKristin SchlesingerSandra SchlesingerRichard and Phyllis SchlobohmJolie SchwabEllen SigmanStephen & Britt ThalTown Center Corte MaderaAndrea TrioloUpper Cervical Health Centers

of AmericaRobert and Diane WagnerSamuel WaltersMarie WatersJennifer WellerWells Fargo Bank Employee GivingRob WellsDiana WhippleMary Frances WhitnallWoodring & AssociatesIngrid Woods and Steven CummingsMailine WongJanis and David Zaiken

Center for Domestic Peace’s8th Annual Luncheon,

In Celebration of MothersANOTHER SUCCESSFUL EVENT!

This past May, friends and supporters of Center forDomestic Peace gathered together to celebrate and to raisemoney for Center for Domestic Peace’s direct services andprevention programs. With your help, we brought in over$55,000! We would like to extend our sincerest gratitudeto everyone who made this event such a great success, andespecially to our featured speaker Jan Yanehiro and to ourmistress of ceremonies Dana King. Mark your calendarfor our next event on May 11, 2012!

We deeply appreciate the support of all our partners.

Lead Business Partners ($5,000)

Patron Business Partners ($2,500 - $4,999)Autodesk

Marin Independent JournalPrivate Ocean

Community Partners ($1,000 - $2,499)Bank of MarinBrayton Purcell

Bunnell BuildersWeinreb Segal Family Fund

WestAmerica Bank

Social Partners ($100 - $999)Comforts

Kappe & DU ArchitectsTown Center Corte Madera

Woodring & Associates

Donations of Baskets, Goodsor Gift Certificates

Economic Empowerment forResidents at Second Step

Sarah, a resident of our transitional housingprogram, Second Step, has demonstratedtremendous strength and determination.

Although she entered in crisis, in only fourmonths she secured employment, purchased avehicle, obtained affordable child care for her twoyoungest children, re-gained custody of her twooldest children, and completed the paperworktowards securing a Section 8 HUD voucher withthe Marin Housing Authority.

How did Sarah accomplish these successes? Theintensive supportive services provided by SecondStep help residents address factors that placethem at-risk for long-term poverty including theability to obtain a job, earn a living wage, and

successfully maintain economic independence andstability. Second Step is a 21-unit housing projectthat offers survivors and their children a secondchance to begin rebuilding their lives in a peacefulhome. Through an economic training moduleand case management, residents receive educationin financial fundamentals and planning; debtreduction; how to procure child support; creditcard management; and other relevant financialtopics. Residents also receive assistance in securingemploymentandenrollinginaneducationprogramand/or job training. Second Step also recentlyadded a curriculum for youth (13-18) that coverssetting financial goals, how banks work, managingmoney, and giving back (helping others).

Residents are focusing on reducing overallexpenses and increasing savings. This is oftenthe fastest way to have a more solid financialfooting. By adding an emphasis on savings, resi-dents have an increased sense of security and apersonal budget that they alone control withouthaving to first further their education or receivehigher pay. Ultimately, families are learning howto have more money in their pocket at the end ofthe month.

In a three year follow-up study conducted by aprofessional evaluator, on average, former resi-dents reported that they were all in stable hous-ing situations. All reported having adequate foodand clothing, good relationships with their chil-dren, and positive feelings about current worksituations, and the majority felt safe and self-sufficient. All reported their children were doingvery well both physically and mentally.

As of June 2011:

n 76% of the residents increased their income sincetheir start in the Second Step program.

n 71% of the residents are currently employedor attending school.

n 81% of the residents use some form of electronicor documented budget.

A.G.Ferrari Foods •Adventure Cat Sailing Charters • Allure MagazineAmy Leonhardt • Anonymous • Argonaut Hotel • Ariane DobrinAtlantis Casino Resort & Spa • Barbara Leicht • Barefoot CaféBath & Body Works • Batool • Bay Area Discovery MuseumBay Club Marin • Bay Model Visitor Center • Beach Blanket BabylonBerkeley Repertory Theatre • Blue Waters Kayaking • Blues Jean BarBrick & Bottle • Castelli Collection • Champagne Salon & Day SpaCorte Madera Fire Department • Crinella Winery • Cristy EganDeckers Outdoor Corporation - UGG Australia • Diamond SportsCards • Elan Fitness Center • Embassy Suites • ERGObaby, inc.EO Products • EricaTanov • Extreme Pizza • Fairmont Hotels & ResortsFineArtsBySharon.com • Golden Gate Highway and TransportationDistrict • Green Gulch Farm/Green Dragon Temple • Hearst CastleHeath Ceramics • Hornblower Cruises & Events • Hotel ShattuckPlaza • Incredible Adventures • Inn Marin • Intercontinental MarkHopkins Hotel • Jean-Philippe Dobrin Photography • Jennifer WellerJessica Bartolini • Joan Meisel • Joshua Ets-Hokin PhotographyJuicy Couture • King’s Ransom • Kiss My Face • Lark TheaterLaser Center of Marin • Law Office of Cassie Rubald • LeeAnnBartolini • Liquid Fusion Kayaking • Liz Sebahar • Luna BarsMaki Daijogo • Malia Mills • Mandarin Oriental San FranciscoMarin Country Mart • Marin County Sheriff’s Dept. • Marin TheatreCompany • Mary Kielich • Matthew Taddei • Method Home • M’GeeJohnston and Don Russo • Mill Valley Car Wash • Mill Valley PoliceDepartment • Milvali Salon & Cosmetics • Modern Sailing School &Club • Mt. Tam Quilt Guild • Neiman Marcus • noun photographyOsher Marin Jewish Community Center • Pat Assimakis • PetalumaSeed Bank • Peter Olivetti Photography • Phyllis Galanis • Pier 39Rafael Florist • San Francisco Wax Museum • Rachelle DorrisRick Brandis • Ricochet Ridge Ranch, Inc. • Rock Wall Wine CompanyRossValleyPlayers•RoyalCoachCarWash•Sandbox•SheriHendersonSid Sall • Simco Restaurants • Simple Radiance • Sol FoodSorella Caffe • Straus Family Creamery • SusieCakes • TerranovaThe Buoyed Effect • The Counter • The Marine Mammal CenterThe Melting Pot of Larkspur •The Oakland Athletics •The Pelican InnThe Spinnaker • The Walt Disney Family Museum • TJ’s GymTom Price Dealerships • Toss Designs • Upper Cervical HealthCenters of America

Special Thanks:Mother’s Day Event Committee: Jessica Bartolini • LeeAnn BartoliniPat Davis • Ariane Dobrin • Surime Dobrin • Phyllis GalanisAlex Jennings • Janet Oelklaus • Jennifer Weller

Table Captains: Jessica Bartolini • LeeAnn Bartolini • Milena Belloni DixonLisa Canepa • Laura Collins • Maki Daijogo • Rachelle DorrisCristyEgan•DonnaGarske •AlexJennings •KaiserPermanente •KateKainTracy Kostiuk • Denise Lucy • Gwen Mauvais • Jennifer Weller

Second Step Program Manager Encarny Aguado-Amsems and Economic Development AdvocateRamon Manrique.

Pea

ceW

atch

isa

publ

icat

ion

ofC

ente

rfo

rD

omes

tic

Pea

ce73

4A

Stre

etSa

nR

afae

l,C

A94

901-

3923

Tel:

415.

457.

2464

Fax:

415.

457.

6457

E-m

ail:

adm

inis

trat

or@

c4dp

.org

ww

w.c

ente

rfor

dom

estic

peac

e.or

g

RET

UR

NSE

RV

ICE

REQ

UES

TED

NO

NPR

OFI

TU

.S.P

OST

AG

EPA

IDSA

NRA

FAEL

CA

PERM

ITN

O.3

52

October DomesticViolenceAwareness Month Activities

Ways you can participate:F Cut out, sign and post the Individual Peace Agreement above,showing your commitment to healthy relationships; wear a purpleribbon in solidarity; shine a purple light in your window, office orstorefront; raise a purple flag at your school.

F Become a certified Domestic Violence Advocate by taking our 40hour training, beginning October 11. Information is available on ourwebsite.

F Join us on October 4th 12:00-1:00 pm on the National Call for Unity,hosted by The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence. Cometo 734 A Street, San Rafael and join us on the call and in the momentof silence for those who have lost their lives to this crime. RSVP to457-2464. You may also visit our events page to register for the callindividually.

F Join us for at the West End Village Celebration held SundayOctober 9th from 11:00am-7:00pm. Between H & Shaver on 4th St.,San Rafael. Look for our banner!

F Join us for our annual Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, memo-rial and reading of the names of those killed by domestic violenceon October 28, 12:00 – 2:00 pm at Center for Domestic Peace, 734 AStreet, San Rafael. RSVP at 457-2464.

F Volunteers and staff will be placing informational stickers inbathroom stalls around the county to remind those in need that helpis available.

F Volunteers and staff will be posted at several Safeway and TraderJoe’s stores on various days to bring awareness and offer IndividualPeace Agreements to the community.

F San Rafael police cars will show their support with a PurpleRibbon campaign.

F The Silent Witness campaign – a collection of life-size silhouettesof domestic violence victims with a description of how each was killed– will be on display in various locations throughout Marin County,including Center for Domestic Peace.

To find out how to get involved please call 415.526.2541.

Starting today I will:

1) Acknowledge and accept responsibility for not always practicing healthy behaviors in allmy relationships.

2) Immediately end any form of physical violence that I may have been committing.

3) Educate myself about all forms of domestic violence and abuse outlined as the PEEVS (Physical,Emotional, Economic, Verbal, Sexual, Spiritual, and Stalking forms of abuse).

4) Learn more about my own behaviors and how they may appear unreasonable, abusive, orthreatening to others, respecting those who offer me insights.

5) Eliminate any form of the PEEVS toward my partner, former partners, children, and others.

6) Hold myself accountable and make amends to others, if appropriate, for the harm my behaviorhas caused.

7) Seek assistance to stop my behaviors if I begin to falter in this Peace Agreement.

8) Educate others (my partner, children, co-workers) about this Peace Agreement and invite themto sign.

9) Promote social policies and practices that create more opportunities in support of domesticpeace for youth and adults.

10) Contact Center for Domestic Peace if violence occurs in my interpersonal relationships orcommunity and if I need assistance understanding what to do to “take action.”

11) Expand my commitment to equality in all my relationships by valuing and respecting diversityinclusive of gender, race, age, class, and sexual orientation.

By making these agreements and living by them, I create and maintain healthy, loving, and equalrelationships for myself, my partner, my family, and my community.

SIGNATURE DATE WITNESS

We invite you to sign this

individual peaceagreementas a step toward

promoting peace at

home and in the

community.

A mixture of education ,

changing relationships,

negotiation, and

dialogueis necessary to

achieve the

personal and societaltransformation

reflected in

this IndividualPeace Agreement.

P A