Thank you to all who attended the 2010 "Increasing Access to Justice..." Workshops in the Brazos Valley

For a first time event, "Increasing Access to Justice: Advocating for LGBT Victims of Domestic Violence" went pretty darn well.

• October 22 - 12 to 13 participants. Attendees were from Phoebe's Home, private practice, and Sexual Assault Resource Center. I met some new faces of social workers in our community and really appreciate their input. In addition, to those who came from afar, such as Austin, I am very very greatful.
• October 23 - 7 to 9 participants. Mainly student affairs and University personnel. We were joined by a law enforcement officer partway through and I really appreciated his input. Great learning was had

After all is said and done, we came away with a net earning of $113, which I hope to share some with the project partners, and put the bulk into next year's program. The financial statement for this event will be posted on a separate page in the next few days.

I could not have done this without all of the following project planning partners:

• Brazos Valley Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers
• Texas Advocacy Project

Other partners on the project that I am indebted to:

• Aggie Allies
• Brazos Valley Area Agency on the Aging
• Texas A&M GLBT Resource Center

And special thanks to:

• GLBTA
• an Anonymous donor of baked refreshments for both days
• GLBT Professional Network

Most of all, I could have not done this at all without the sponsorship of

• Brazos Progressives
• Brazos County Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Katy Stewart
979.820.1048

State and Local groups raise awareness of same-sex domestic violence
October 22-23 Brazos Valley

Bryan/College Station, TX – Equality Texas Foundation in partnership with Texas Advocacy Project, the local chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, and ALLGO – a statewide queer people of color organization, present “Increasing Access to Justice: Advocating for LGBT Victims of Domestic Violence” on October 22-23, 2010. Training consists of a daylong workshop for professional law enforcement and social service providers, on Friday, followed by the same workshop open to the general public on Saturday.

Education includes basic information on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) family violence, legal and protective orders, and basic skill building for enabling community members to address domestic violence in the Brazos Valley.

Registration for the event is $10, with an additional $10 for those interested in obtaining professional continuing education credits. Scholarships are available per inquiry.

Workshop I: Geared towards social service professionals

October 22nd: 8am to 5pm

"Brazos Room", Brazos Valley Area Agency on Aging

3991 East 29th Street, Bryan, TX 77805- 4128

Parking available in front at no charge

Workshop II: Open to the general public

October 23^rd: 8am to 5pm

Cain B-111 (the POD) Texas A&M University

http://aggiemap.tamu.edu/

Parking at CAIN Hall on the weekends and in the Koldus Parking Garage

Venue brought to you by Texas A&M Aggie Allies

Interested parties may contact Katy Stewart at (979) 820-1048 or by email at katystewart@equalitytexas.org or Ed Lane at naswbrazosvalley@yahoo.com.

Domestic Violence Facts

• Approximately 25-33 % of same-sex relationships involve abuse.


• Domestic Violence is the 3rd most severe health problem facing gay men today, behind HIV/AIDS and substance abuse.


• In at least one study, lesbians reported that 41 % had been abused during a relationship with another woman.


• A study of transgendered people revealed that 50% of respondents had experienced relationship abuse.


• Studies show the incidence of domestic violence in same-sex couples is comparable to the rate found in opposite-sex couples.

Find Help

If you or someone you know needs help; you can call the Project’s Family Violence Legal Hotline: (800) 374-HOPE.

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Project Particulars

Presentation of “Increasing Access to Justice: Advocating for LGBT Victims of Domestic Violence” is a joint project between the planning partners of Equality Texas Foundation, Texas Advocacy Project, and the Brazos Valley Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. Talent for the presentation is also provided by members of ALLGO, a statewide queer people of color organization. More information on each of the project partners is contained below.

Equality Texas Foundation envisions a state where all Texans are treated equally, with dignity and respect. We believe equality is a commitment to compassion, diversity, inclusivity, justice, respect and responsibility. Equality Texas Foundation educates and engages the public about policies and their effect on Texans of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

www.equalitytexas.org

Texas Advocacy Project is a statewide non-profit organization providing free legal solutions, and access to justice for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The Project provides invaluable legal services to people trying to escape the dangerous daily dilemma of domestic violence – helping thousands of Texans across the state. For more about their programs and ways to support their mission please visit their website at TexasAdvocacyProject.org.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with 145,000 members. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.

http://www.naswdc.org/

ALLGO, a Texas statewide queer people of color organization

http://allgo.org/allgo/

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