“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world...would do this, it would change the earth. ”
William Faulkner
The District UN Committee Chair, Sandra Vosper, has developed a UN guide for clubs - United Nations Committee Guide. It was compiled to help clubs observe Zonta/UN Advocacy days and develop UN programs.


The 16 Days of Activism Tool Kit - Scroll down and click on the tool kit. You will find valuable information in the tool kit and be sure to read the opening letter which gives helpful advice on how to customize your program.

Fall Conference Speaker, Gayle Manley discussed "Neighbours, Friends and Families At Work' which is an Ontario-based campaign to raise awareness of the signs of domestic abuse so that employers, co-workers or people close to those at-risk can help.  The presentation 'Domestic Violence in the Workplace, Neighbours, Families and Friends, illustrated the basic components of the campaign including why workplaces need to be involved, recognizing the warning signs and signs of high risk, understanding the dynamics of domestic violence and why victims do not leave and how to intervene safely and respectfully.  To learn more about the Neighbours, Friends and Families At Work campaign and for helpful tools and resources, click here.  



 Gayle is a member of the Sault Ste Marie Zonta Club

 


Are you concerned about someone you think is being abused?  Recognizing the warning signs and risk factors of women abuse is the first step.

He put her down                                                
He
does all the talking and dominates the conversation
He
checks up on her all the time, even at work
He
tries to suggest he is the victim and acts depressed.
He
acts as if he owns her
He
lies to make himself look good or exaggerates his good qualities
He
acts like he is superior and of more value than others in his home
.

She may be apologetic and makes excuses for his behaviour or becomes aggressive and angry.
She is nervous about talking when he's there.
She seems to be sick more often and misses work.
She tries to cover her bruises.
She makes excuses at the last minute about why she can't meet your or she tries to avoid you on the street.
She seems sad, lonely, withdrawn and is afraid.
She uses more drugs or alcohol to cope.   

 This information applies equally to gay and lesbian relationships.  The situation may be more dangerous if, in addition to the warning signs:  the couple has recently separated; the couple has custody and access issues; he has access to weapons; he is convinced she is seeing someone else; he has a history of abuse and he threatens to harm her children, her pets or her property.

Safety Planning is a top priority.  Here are some important things you can do to increase your safety:

 1.  Tell someone you trust about the abuse
 2.  Gather important documents; all personal identification, financial and legal papers, house deed/lease, address book, medication and money/credit   cards.
 3.  Put together valued pictures, jewelry and objects of sentimental value, as well as toys and comforts for your children.
 4.  Carry a photo of the abuser and your children with you.
 5.  Contact a women's shelter or the police.  Ask for an officer who specializes in women abuse cases.  He/she can help you do futher safety planning.
 6.  Consult a lawyer.  Keep any evidence of physical abuse (such as photos).  Keep a journal of all violent incidents, noting dates, events, and threats and witnesses.
 7.  Make sure your children's school or day care centre is aware of the situation and has copies of all relevant documents.
 8.  Do not tell the abuser you are leaving.  Leave quickly.
 9.  Do not return to your home, unless accompanied by the police.
10. Never confront the abuser.

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                     
  


 

 

 

 

 

 

Advocacy Resources

International Service Program (ISP) 2010-2012
Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Gender-Based Violence in Rwanda |
project description | ppt | script | video
Safe Cities for Women Project in Guatemala City, Guatemala and San Salvador, El Salvador |
project description | ppt | script | video
Elimination of Obstetric Fistula and the Reduction of Maternal and Newborn Mortality and Morbidity in
Liberia | project description | ppt | script | video | Life After Fistula Story pdf
Zonta International Strategies to Prevent Violence Against Women (ZISVAW) Program 2010-2012

Comprehensive Strategy to End Burns Violence Against Women in Cambodia, Nepal and Uganda |
project description | ppt | script

Security and Empowerment for Women and their Families: Ensuring a Gender-Responsive
Humanitarian and Early Recovery Response in Haiti | project description | ppt | script | video
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