IMMIGRANT VICTIMS HAVE OPTIONS
The decision to escape violence in the home is one that is almost impossible to make alone. It obviously involves major effort from victims, but it also may involve non-profit advocate groups, social service agencies, and law enforcement. The process that helps victims escape their abusers can be difficult and can be more complicated when the victim is an immigrant or a non-English speaker. A victim may be afraid to ask for legal assistance because she doesn’t speak English or doesn’t speak English well enough. She may also be afraid that she will be deported. Additionally, immigrant victims of domestic violence may believe that they don’t have the same rights or legal protections than their abusers.
EVERY person that needs help from Next Door Solutions can get help, regardless of immigration status. Immigration status is not reported to any other office and a client’s safety, privacy and confidentiality is the most important part of receiving services. ALL victims of domestic violence, including undocumented immigrants have legal rights, legal options and a means to escape their abuser without the risk of deportation or losing their children. One such option is the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which was passed by the United States Congress in 1994. Under the Violence Against Women Act, non-citizens who are married to or who have, within the previous 2 years, divorced U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents can petition to obtain legal permanent residence. So, instead of a victim depending on an abusive partner for immigration status, a victim can apply for residency in a confidential statement without the approval or knowledge of their spouse.
If a victim’s abuser is not a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident, she may not use VAWA to gain residency, but can apply for a U-Visa or a U-Non Immigrant Status. A U-Visa provides legal immigration status to non-citizens who are willing to assist police in the investigation of the crimes against them. To apply for a U-Visa, a victim’s abuser doesn’t need to be a U.S. citizen or even a lawful resident, and the victim does not have to be married to the abuser. The only requirement of the U-Visa is that the violent crime must be reported to the police and applicants must be willing to assist officials in the investigation and prosecution of the crime.
For every case of partner abuse and domestic violence, there usually is a pattern of control placed on the victim to prevent her from leaving. Whether it is financial, emotional, or physical, abusers find many ways to trick their partners into staying. Leaving an abusive partner is difficult enough under such circumstances, but immigrant victims have the added threat of deportation and the loss of their children as well. However, by providing immigrant victims with information about their rights and their legal options, we can give them alternatives to violence, abuse, and torment.
How Do ~YOU~ Define Feminism?
I have been listening to talks by famous thinkers on the TED.com web site. It is a jewel for anyone who wants to listen to provocative and exciting speakers analyzing topical and relevant issues. One of the speakers – Kavita Ramdas in a pod cast entitled “Radical Women Embracing Tradition” gave me a different side of the prism to view the issue of violence against women. I was so intrigued that I want to get it out, look at it and ask your opinion about it.
For me, violence against women has its roots in sexism and its oppressive force felt through domination and second-class citizenry. In that respect, it is not unlike racism, classism and other types of “isms” in our society. However, Kavita points out that the oppression of women differs from other types of oppressions. Classism represents oppression by a ruling class, racism by one race against another. Both are discrete and identifiable political and economic structures.
Oppression of women and the violence used to hold women in place comes through deeply held traditions, beliefs, values, and culture. It is intertwined into contemporary and traditional music, literature and traditions. It is not as distinct. Women must live through and are the keepers of those traditions, beliefs, values, and culture. Although globally cultures vary considerably from one place to another, the common result is the same – women’s bodies are mutilated, raped, beaten and used; free will bent, smashed, and destroyed. We are a commodity regardless of the geography in which we find ourselves.
Women must design actions that include the very culture, values, and beliefs that hold us down. What works in one culture cannot be replicated in another. I gather three thoughts from this analysis. 1. We must devise our own actions. We cannot use civil rights, or anti poverty models. Women in African nations will not use western culture’s models. 2. We must support our sisters and allies in their work, not ask to adopt our solutions or priorities. 3. We must stand together without judging whose culture is worse. Any culture that promotes violence against women cannot be tolerated, yet we must not attempt to destroy all of the moving parts of the underpinnings. We must use the very tools meant to oppress as means to gain freedom.
Next Door Chosen to Receive Sharks Foundation Grant (May 2010)
SHARKS JOIN THE FIGHT
AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
SAN JOSE, CA—The San Jose Sharks are known for being tough on the ice. Now, the Sharks Foundation is getting tough on the issue of domestic violence by supporting Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence.
The Sharks Foundation has pledged $25,000 to support Next Door Solutions, a non-profit organization that provides housing and assistance to victims of domestic abuse and their children.
Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence was founded in 1971 with the goal “to end domestic violence in the moment and for all time”.
Next Door Solutions’ services include a 24-hour emergency hotline and safe shelter, transitional housing in San Jose and Santa Clara, peer counseling and support groups, and legal advocacy.
In addition, Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence offers access to services in over 35 languages and have programs for children, teens, and the elderly.
With the Sharks Foundation joining the team, Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence is that much closer than ever to achieving their goal to end domestic violence.
More information can be found at www.nextdoor.org.
# # #
FOR INFORMATION: http://www.nextdoor.org
Contact: jmarcus@nextdoor.org
(408) 501-7540
We’ve Lost Our “Girl Cell”, But Is It Too Late To Regain It?
Author and playwright Eve Ensler recently stated that she believed all human beings are equipped with a “girl cell”. The cell, according to Ensler, is responsible for compassion, empathy, and vulnerability, all of which are required to sustain future generations. Over time, patriarchy has suppressed this gene by convincing the population that these characteristics are a sign of weakness, not of strength. While I believe Ensler was largely referring to the relationship between an abuser and the abused, her point also illustrates how such desensitization is shaping society’s views of victims today.
A couple of months ago, it became public that female ESPN broadcaster Erin Andrews was the target of a sexual predator. The man was stalking her when she traveled for assignments and even placed hidden video cameras in her hotel rooms. This man was a complete stranger, having only seen her on television, yet he successfully robbed her of her privacy. Erin was living every woman’s worst nightmare.
What shocked me the most about this story was the way in which the public reacted. While this hasn’t happened to all women, can’t we all relate in some way, shape, or form? The response of the public, specifically those made by fellow women, was deplorable. Instead of encouraging Erin or viewing her situation with compassion, people seemed to act as if she deserved the circumstances she found herself in. “She’s on TV- this kind of attention comes with the territory”. “Maybe if she didn’t dress like that, this wouldn’t have happened”. Why is it suddenly appropriate to categorize victims as “asking for it”?
Eve Ensler was right; our compassion and sense of camaraderie has been stripped from us. Victims of domestic violence need to be encouraged and empowered. They need to understand that they are worth fighting for. If they don’t receive this support from their sisters, where else are they supposed to get it? What kind of message does it send to the abusers; that violence against women is okay in certain circumstances? It is imperative for society to regain our “girl cell” and relearn the art of compassion. Only then will we be able to take a collective stand and show the world that violence, under any circumstances, should not and will not be tolerated.
You can see Eve Ensler talk about the girl cell on Ted.Com.
Health Care Reform – Where are Women’s Needs Met?
April 15, 2010
In the overall health care reform, I am relieved to learn that sexual assault and domestic violence cannot be used as “pre-existing conditions” anymore. The practice had carried a chilling message of continued silence– which allowed the carnage carried on at home to remain in the home. However, and I know this may be hard to imagine, but I think Congress largely ignored women’s needs in the overall health care reform debate because the extent of consideration surrounding women’s needs amounted to continued control over our bodies and choices.
As I listened to the debate, I was reminded of the threat women seem to pose to the larger societal structure. Apparently, by opening the health care reform discussion, Congress provided an opportunity for legislation to deny our basic right to reproductive health and justice. The venom spewed around the media about “baby-killing” and the attempts to give insurance carriers to right to refuse coverage of birth control while reimbursing for Viagra was painful just to hear.
When the debate heated up and the bill looked doomed unless the restrictions to our rights were inserted, women’s health needs became dispensable. Women became invisible again. Maybe we had never stopped being dispensable for even progressive legislators dropped our right to reproductive justice. And, justifications for this negligence flew everywhere. I noticed legislators rolling their patronizing eyes when we wanted to fight the exclusions. Afterall, “why couldn’t women take one for the team?” they implied. And, that makes me wonder, whose team? Are we not equals? Where else can a non-medical group legislate a legal medical procedure? Is it just coincidence that this procedure involves women’s choice in reproductive decision making?
I naively believed that our fight for basic rights was over. After fighting for reproductive justice for so long, I thought we could move on. I was wrong, but I’m tired. Young women and men must take up the battle with passion and vigor. This is an emergent issue. If we can’t get recognition from a Democratic president and a Democratic Congress, can we realistically depend on them? Sadly, I don’t’ think so. How can we take this issue to the streets and make our struggle for reproductive justice a priority? I would love to hear suggestions.
Making History Takes Time
March 3, 2010
A dear friend and wise woman gave me this sage advice many years ago as I expressed my frustration with how long it is taking to reduce and ultimately end domestic violence. I often use this as a mantra when I see our reception area fill up on a daily basis. I have been working with the issue of domestic violence since April 1985. When I began, it was legal to beat your wife/partner with impunity in over half the states in this country. It is now illegal in all states. All states have some form of restraining order system and emergency shelters. Some might argue that these efforts represent band-aids, not remedies. I would not disagree.
However, one way to gauge progress is in the public’s tolerance for domestic violence. This past weekend the New York Times broke a news story about New York Governor David Patterson. Apparently and allegedly, the governor instructed staff to intervene in a domestic violence case where one of his closest aides allegedly physically abused his girlfriend. The Governor himself also intervened. The victim did not present in court some say because of the governor’s intervention on behalf of the perpetrator several times including the night before court.
In December 2009, New York State Senator Hiram Monserrate was convicted of domestic violence after a video found him dragging his girlfriend out of their apartment. Allegedly, he cut her face with a knife requiring 20 stitches. Both incidents caused uproars calling for resignations. Ten years ago, silence would prevail. Twenty years ago, both abusers would have been told to take a walk around the block and cool off. The victims would have received lectures from law enforcement instructing them to be better partners. Both instances demonstrate what we already know, that domestic violence happens in every corner of our society – the rich, poor, middle class; unemployed, blue collar, white collar and yes, even in political circles.
I applaud New York City law enforcement for their diligence in arresting the senator. I also commend the informant at the New York Times regarding the Governor’s involvement in the cover up. Maybe, the “good ole boys systems” that collude with batterers and hide these heinous crimes is dissolving. Maybe domestic violence is newsworthy. Maybe the systems put in place a couple of decades ago worked–two careers may be lost as consequences of their involvement in domestic violence incidents.
Granted, I’m not naïve. Political opportunists will use any tool to unseat their opponent. They may even go home and hurt their own partner after giving a searing and public rebuke of the offending one’s bad deed. Somehow, though I will take this as progress. At least our issue is worth using as a political ping-pong ball. There was a time in our not-too-distant past where this issue would not have even raised an eyebrow. Making history does indeed take time but I think we are seeing history in the making.
Justice Prevailed Today
February 22,2010
Today was a good day for justice. Today was a good day for the Schipsi family, relatives, friends and the Santa Clara community. It could not have come soon enough. Fragile hearts were on the line. Today the judge ruled on whether to allow Bulos (Paul) Zumont to post bail. He has been charged with the first-degree murder of Jennifer Schipsi, a warm, generous and loving woman whose life was cut down in a violent act. Today, the prosecutor revealed a small glimpse into the kind of man that is on trial for the murder of Jennifer.
Today we found out that Paul was arrested and convicted of a domestic violence related offense in Washington State in 1994. While in CA, Paul added another two convictions for domestic violence related crimes against Jennifer. In fact, he was on probation for domestic violence at the time of Jennifer’s murder. We also learned that police found the human growth hormone in his home during the search of his property. By his own admission, Paul was using the drug. This drug is known to cause aggressive behavior. Today we were reminded that domestic violence breeds in families. While on the stand testifying in Paul’s defense, his sister acknowledged being a victim of domestic violence. I sensed it was something that slipped out. She blurted it out in the context of domestic violence not being a “big deal”.
I felt great sadness for this woman. Even at this point in our history, some women and men continue to hold on to the notion that domestic violence is part of life, “no big deal”. It’s a no big deal that robs a person of her soul, her spirit and chips away at her ability to believe in anyone ever again. It strips a person of trust and joy. Yet, it’s no big deal. Some small good could come from this horrible ordeal. Perhaps Paul’s sister will find that domestic violence is a big deal, that no one should have to live a life in fear of another human being. It is unacceptable and people who beat up other people in the name of love must be held accountable and face consequences.
Perhaps if when Paul hurt Jennifer the first time, his family would have expressed their disapproval and refused to collude with Paul, perhaps we would not need to sit in this courtroom. If when he turned to them for protection, they would have said, no you must face the consequences. We will still love you but you must stop this behavior.
Today I witnessed the connection between his family’s tacit approval of his prior bad behavior and his action in court. While sitting down at the defense table, Paul raised his middle finger in an offensive gesture directed at the mother of the slain victim. He smirked. Does Paul believe he will never face consequences; that he can walk through life shredding the lives of others and not pay for his deeds? Is that what he learned from his family?
If so, today Paul had a rude awakening. Today the judge denied his bail request. Today, justice was served and it’s just the beginning. If you would like to attend hearings and support the Schipsi family, please email me at kkrenek@nextdoor.org.
A Family’s Agony
January 28, 2010
Last week, Bulos (Paul) Zumont pled not guilty to charges of first degree murder and arson in the murder of Jennifer Schipsi in mid October 2009. A probation violation charge will be added later. His probation stems from an earlier conviction on domestic violence. Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence provided services to Jennifer and grieve the loss of her life.
In an effort to support Jennifer’s family, our staff and volunteers attend criminal hearings in this matter. My personal attendance has given me an intimate view of the grief experienced by a family that has lost a loved one to domestic violence. Often in reading the newspaper about violent deaths, I feel empathy but I go about my business of living, with all the messes and joy life can bring. This time is different. I am witnessing the effects of murder.
The criminal justice system is cold and harsh at best. Comfort for families of murder victims is not the first priority. Their job is to get to the truth, which often brings ugly revelations. The prosecutor in this case, Charles Gillingham is top notch. He is professional and forthcoming. You sense that he knows what he is doing. Unfortunately, what he has to report is gruesome. He cannot sugarcoat the truth.
But another truth exists. This family is in agony. They look like lost souls not knowing what will happen next to exacerbate their grief. For the family of a murder victim new, fresh pain comes constantly. It must be unbearable. As I watch the prosecutor discuss aspects of the case, I see the pins family members wear. Jennifer’s smiling face on the pin reminds us that she was not just a murder victim; she was a vibrant, loving and giving person. The juxtaposition of hearing the grotesque details of her death while looking at the face on the pin is heart wrenching. Watching the expressions on the faces of family members provide the missing link.
If Zumont is found guilty of murder, another charge should be added to the list of charges against him – theft. When Paul Zumont killed Jennifer, he stole a piece of her mother, father, aunts and uncles. He stole a piece from friends and he stole a piece from our community. No one will be the same, certainly not the family nor friends or even those of us who provide services to victims of domestic violence and their children.
This trial will expose the devastation of domestic violence. Unfortunately, it won’t be unusual to us. We see it day after day at Next Door. Now the community needs to see it as well. We made a commitment to raise the shades in homes where domestic violence wreaks havoc on people. We cannot go back and roll them down. Bringing light to the issue, as difficult as it is, sanitizes the space. Light helps us to assess the damage and correct it. Ultimately, we will be a better community for it.
We need your help to bring the light to this case. We want to pack the courtroom in honor of Jennifer, bear witness to her life and demonstrate support for the family. We cannot do this alone. Please email me at kkrenek@nextdoor.org if you can help.
Courtroom Drama
January 22, 2010
In the coming months you will be reading many posts authored by me about the murder trial of Jennifer Schipsi. I will attend many of the hearings and the trial of Bulos (Paul) Zumont, who is charged with murder in the first degree and arson. Allegedly Zumont killed Jennifer (whom he lived with at the time) and then set fire to the house in Palo Alto. The court case moved to San Jose from Palo Alto for security reasons and as the trial goes on, I hope to provide you with a glimpse of the good, bad and ugly side of the criminal justice system.
I rarely sit in courtrooms these days. It is a frustrating experience, however, everyone in our community should observe how the criminal justice system works at least once. We would be better-informed voters when electing or re-electing judges. I am indeed discouraged by what I witnessed in the Honorable Douglas Southard’s court in Palo Alto on three occasions. It was disorganized and unprofessional. No one seemed to know what he or she was doing. Judge Southard didn’t have control of the activities nor did he seem to care. Both time spent on paper work unavailability, and attorneys not presenting themselves in a timely manner waste our taxes. Judge Southard engaged more in casual conversations with attorneys than getting to the business of running a courtroom.
The Zumont case brought tension and stress to the courtroom. Supporters on both sides felt distress and anger. The defendant didn’t help when he walked into the courtroom, still in shackles and gave thumbs up and a wink to his supporters. It took too long for the judge to act on the defendants inappropriate behaviors. At the last hearing date in Palo Alto last week, Judge Southard gave what I thought was an offensive and demeaning mini-lecture to those in attendance. He indicated that people could not come to his courtroom wearing colors and waving banners like a football game. No one carried a banner and the “colors” were purple ribbons worn unassumingly by Jennifer’s friends and family. To liken the actions of both Jennifer’s and Zumont supporters to that of fans of football teams trivialized and minimized this case. Emotions were raw and pain greatly felt, obviously as Jennifer’s mother said in the courtroom: “I just buried my daughter”. One could expect demonstrations of anger and pain like this when each side must sit inside a small courtroom together.
Judge Southard could have stated that respect for the court system must persist even though the situation was painful for all. And then, Judge Southard could have heeded the calling himself and conducted business in his court with the sense of decorum and respect that he was asking of others and that this court case and tragedy deserve.
For the latest on the case, click here.
Find Out How You Can Save Lives
25 Saves Lives Campaign is a brand new giving option that Next Door has just recently
launched. Posted on the Next Door website in November, the 25 Saves Lives Campaign
will help increase donations while making it easier to support Next Door. The 25 Saves
Lives Campaign uses an online platform, which allows donors to make a convenient
recurring $25/month donation charged to a credit card every month instead of a larger
one-time donation. Giving $25 dollars a month is equivalent to about 83 cents a day.
MAKE A RECURRING MONTHLY DONATION.
What can 83 cents a day do? Giving 83 cents a day can give Next Door’s shelters
beds, food, clothing, and other supplies needed. The benefits of giving to Next Door
include: getting women and children immediate safety away from their abusers, providing
knowledge and support for women who are being abused, and providing women
and children with programs so they are able to get back on their feet. A small amount
each month can make a big difference.
