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What Kind Of Legislators Have We Elected?

May 7, 2013

Thank goodness Congress passed legislation to help ease the burdens of air travelers due to sequestration. We can’t have our under- worked and over- paid Congress being inconvenienced at the airport – but we can certainly continue to cut money from programs that help save lives – like VAWA. I can only conclude that waiting in line at an airport must be a life threatening condition.  I don’t know how else to say this but our legislators are unfeeling, inept MORONS!

As soon as Congress passed VAWA, the sequestration kicked in, which means $20 million are being cut from VAWA and thousands of victims will not have access to services that can save their lives. In Iowa alone, over 70,000 victims will not be able to access recovery programs and shelters. By cutting this funding, victims will no longer have a safe-place to go when their situation at home becomes dangerous. I suppose they can always choose to be homeless—at least they won’t have to stand on line at an airport!

I grew up believing that being a legislator was an honorable profession – it no longer is. Now, in order to stay in office, all legislators need to do is “sell” their vote to the highest bidder. This week’s winner in sequester roulette are the airlines. My only question is “When do those who really need and deserve our help win?” Those folks must have a lousy lobby. 

Posted 1 week ago

Louisiana Cutting Domestic Violence Program Funding

April 23, 2013

 In a state that has the third highest number of females murdered by males in the nation, Louisiana is debating to slash domestic violence programs by about 40 percent. This would be a $1.4 million budget cut, on top of $1 million already cut earlier this year (http://www.shreveporttimes.com/viewart/20130409/NEWS01/130409029/Public-gets-turn-talk-about-Louisiana-budget-). These numbers are truly sickening.

 Programs in danger of being cut are mainly residential centers. Mary Claire Landry, director of the New Orleans Family Justice Center, told WWLTV in an interview “We will not be able to provide services in every parish across the state like we’re doing now. We will not have the number of beds available for women who are seeking safety in the middle of the night.” In addition, advocates, counseling, and 24-hour crisis hotlines are all on the chopping block as well.  A very dangerous situation for victims.

 A spokesman with the Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) said safety remains a priority and it is working to allocate money appropriately.

 “Domestic violence funding in Louisiana is based on an outdated funding model focused too much on shelters instead of prevention, education and outreach,” said Trey Williams, communications director for DCFS. “DCFS continues to work with domestic violence providers in moving away from costly residential care.”(http://www.wwltv.com/news/Massive-proposed-cuts-could-gut-domestic-violence-programs-say-directors-202631351.html). In my opinion the DCFS is spouting nonsense. Yes more money needs to go toward education and prevention but not at the cost of safety which is what cutting residential services would do.

 Louisiana’s domestic violence support programs have had it hard over the past few years, with Hurricanes Rita and Katrina diverting funding from programs. Other challenges include access for victims, since much of Louisiana is rural and without public transportation. In addition to issues on the ground for victims and domestic violence support programs, legal advocates are challenging Louisiana’s domestic abuse battery law. The law includes only opposite-sex partners who are currently living, or have previously lived, in the same residence. (http://www.ncadv.org/files/Louisiana.pdf). Louisiana’s law needs to be updated to be more inclusive…

Posted 3 weeks ago

Guns and Domestic Violence

April 22, 2013

 Dear Readers I want to thank Sheryl McCabe who helps me in researching and writing my blog posts…Thank you Sheryl…

Guns and Domestic Violence

 As we all know 46 U.S. senators voted against the bipartisan plan to have background checks for gun sales. That kills a bill that 80 - 90 percent of Americans supported (http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/17/us-usa-guns-idUSBRE93F00D20130417). “All in all, this is a pretty shameful day in Washington,” President Barack Obama said - And it is. Something as simple as a background checks—something we do with credit cards and even to become employed—was shot down. In my opinion the bill barely scratched the surface of our firearm problem.

 Although the bill would have provided an extra barrier to prevent dangerous people from acquiring firearms and ban assault weapons, domestic violence victims/survivors need more than what this bill offered - They need surrender laws. At this time, abusers with certain restraining orders against them, or convicted of certain domestic violence misdemeanors, are prohibited from being able to purchase or possess guns (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/malika-saada-saar/gun-violence-and-domestic-violence_b_3039071.html). The National Instant Criminal Background Checks System (NICS), the federal entity responsible for background on gun shoppers, has stopped more than 2 million potential gun sales to banned purchasers. That’s a good thing…The problem is an abuser can still purchase a gun from unlicensed, private sellers. Like at a gun show or simply using an online site like Armslist.com. 

 Surrender laws remove guns temporarily from someone with a protective order against them. Surrender laws are a proactive move to protect those being abused or otherwise targeted for violence. According to a recent study by the Violence Policy Center (VPC), “female intimate partners are more likely to be murdered with a firearm than all other means combined“ (http://www.vpc.org/studies/wmmw2012.pdf).

 Guns, just being in the home, endanger people around them. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) reports, “Firearms in the household increase the odds of lethal versus nonlethal violence by a factor of 6.1 to 1. – That’s Huge! Women who were previously threatened or assaulted with a firearm or other weapon are 20 times more likely to be murdered by their abuser than are other women.” This means that the cards are stacked against women when guns are in the household.

 The NIJ recommends to law enforcement and judicial officials “if we  are to prevent lethal violence- abusers need to be disarmed and we must keep them disarmed” -  Except, this doesn’t happen. Many states have no versions of surrender laws and judges rarely use their power to remove firearms (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/18/us/facing-protective-orders-and-allowed-to-keep-guns.html?_r=0). 

 If we have a right to protect ourselves, shouldn’t we have a right to be protected? Not just for domestic violence victims, but for everyone. We need laws to protect us from those who wish us harm. That shouldn’t be so much to ask for.

 

Posted 3 weeks ago

Hey Florida Don’t Suspend GPS Monitoring Institute Better Oversight

April 9, 2013

Two counties in Florida have suspended a GPS monitoring program after a shooting in a public park. The shooter, Wilfred Gregory, cut off his monitor on Sunday, which wasn’t noticed until several hours after the shooting. He was released from jail March 13 on a burglary, petit theft and domestic violence charge, according to Central Florida News 13 (http://www.cfnews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2013/4/2/judge_suspends_gps_p.html).

 Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr. made the decision to suspend the program for future entrants because the potential flaws in the system that the incident exposed. Gregory removed the monitor a little before 7p.m. and the police weren’t notified until after 1 a.m. He is still at large.

 The major concern is that the private companies monitoring the GPS are failing to track the individuals.  “It seemed odd this private company was ordered by the judges to monitor these defendants,” said Laura Williams, a domestic violence survivor and local victim advocate. Two years ago she found that vendors contracted to run the GPS program failed to track suspects (http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/domestic-violence-group-concerned-over-suspension-/nXB4J/)

 GPS monitoring helps keep domestic violence victims safe as one of the last lines of defense. Without it, victims are left exposed. According to the National Institute of Justice, “A half-dozen batterer program studies published between 1988 and 2001 and conducted across the United States documented reabuse, as reported by victims, ranging from 26 to 41 percent within five to 30 months.” (http://www.nij.gov/topics/crime/intimate-partner-violence/practical-implications-research/ch3/repeat-abusers.htm) This means we can’t assume that once the law gets involved and the punishment is given, that the abuse stops. It’s a problem that stays with both the victim and the perpetrator. This incident in Florida certainly shows that these programs need to have oversight. But to put a stop to the GPS monitoring program completely puts a strain on the victims and the programs that support them.

Posted 5 weeks ago

Sequester – If You Don’t Think It Affects Domestic Violence Victims – Think Again – It Does

April 4, 2013

 Here we go again - Politics has crippled the Violence Against Women Act. At least 106,020 fewer victims will not receive lifesaving services, crisis intervention and counseling due to the sequester according to Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and the Campaign for Funding to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. Last month, the House of Representatives renewed VAWA, which provided funding insurance for programs dealing with domestic violence victims. But as the sequester goes into effect, five percent of funding is gone (http://campusprogress.org/articles/will_women_will_be_less_safe_because_of_the_sequester/ ).

 That’s a $2 million budget cut. Washington D.C. is playing a dangerous game and women are paying the price of their inept governing.

 Without the federal funding, many of these programs that fall under VAWA will struggle to serve the populations who need these services. In America, an average of three women a day are killed by a current or former partner. Domestic violence affects one in four women and 15.5 million children every year (http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/healthcare/290321-sequestration-cuts-threaten-to-undermine-vawa-programs). Yet, these facts and figures don’t attract philanthropists. Domestic violence programs receive less than 1 percent of private support. This is a shameful statistic!

 The cuts undermine the basic safety for women in their own homes.  As Congress delays a solution for this sequester, the situation for VAWA programs and the victims they serve suffers. Apparently, a fourth of the female population is a cheap bargaining chip in Congress.

Posted 6 weeks ago

Shocking Images Tell A Story

April 3, 2013

 Lebanese non-profit KAFA (http://www.kafa.org.lb/profile), featured this week by Business Insider, made waves across the globe with their new ad campaign. The ads feature women who were victims of abuse with bruises and wounds in the shapes of waveforms of the words used against them.

 Since the Arab Spring’s revolutions, human rights groups and news organization have reported the exclusion of women in the political process as Islamists have taken the reins (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/vivian-norris-de-montaigu/women-and-the-reality-of_b_2323377.html ). Violence against women, including honor killings, has remained untouched issues for many countries throughout the Middle East.

 The images are shocking, but expose a missing piece in our society. Would the United States ever have a public service announcement like this? On the subway? On the television?

 Various videos and internet campaigns have sprouted up to connect to women who experience domestic abuse. Last year, make-up artist and YouTube video blogger Lauren Luke posted a video of her covering bruises with make-up (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-XHPHRlWZk). The bruises were fake, but the message was part of Refuge.org’s “Don’t’ Cover Up” campaign. “Sixty-five percent of women who suffer domestic violence keep it hidden,” a black screen reads at the end of the video. It was a popular video, gaining coverage from big news sources like ABC News, The New York Daily News and The Huffington Post.

 Although there’s word out on the internet, there should be a broadening scope of how to get in touch. And also, how to help women talk about their abuse.

 Read more at:

http://www.businessinsider.com/lebanese-anti-domestic-violence-ads-2013-3

Posted 6 weeks ago

The Woman Without A Face Speaks Up

April 1, 2013

 Only days after Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings held the Dallas Men Against Abuse rally, the “woman without a face” (http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Unthinkable-Acts) Carolyn Thomas spoke as the keynote speaker for Brighter Tomorrows’ annual fundraising luncheon the Irving Convention Center outside Dallas Wednesday (http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/irving/headlines/20130327-domestic-violence-survivor-shares-story-support-for-dallas-awareness-campaign.ece ).

 “[Domestic abuse has] always been a dirty little secret that nobody wants to talk about,” Thomas said. “They may bring it up every now and then, but then you don’t hear anything about it.”

 She said she sees Rawlings’ rally and campaign as promising. “With him bringing it to the forefront in Dallas, it will maybe help Waco or other surrounding counties and cities to do the same thing,” she said.

 

Thomas was shot in the temple by her then-boyfriend Terrence Kelly on Dec. 5 2003 (http://www.carolyn-thomas.org ). She lost her right eye, her nose, teeth, facial muscles and bones. After 14 surgeries and wearing a prosthetic nose, she calls herself a survivor. “I was left here to do a job,” she said in an interview. “I do my best … to try to save lives and keep young girls and women from going through what I did.”

 Hopefully, Dallas can confront its rise in domestic violence with a joint effort between Rawling’s focus on men’s responsibility and Thomas’s strength to speak out about her own personal experiences. In fact, the whole nation should be looking at these two as a model to confront the silence.April 1, 2013

 

 

Posted 6 weeks ago

Thank You Dallas Men Against Abuse!

March 28, 2013

In an effort to bring men into the conversation about domestic violence (http://www.dallasmenagainstabuse.com/)   Dallas Men Against Abuse, brought of thousands of men to Dallas City Hall last Saturday. Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings told the crowd, “You can call a guy who hits a woman a lot of things, but you cannot call him a man.”

Rawlings organized the rally in response to (http://rhrealitycheck.org/article/2013/03/23/thousands-of-dallas-men-rally-against-domestic-violence-its-our-problem/ ) the murder of 40-year-old Karen Cox Smith, who was allegedly shot by her estranged husband. A warrant for Ferdinand Smith arrest was already issued when he was accused of trying to strangle his wife.  According to the Dallas Police Department husbands and boyfriends killed 26 wives or girlfriends in 2012, up from 10 domestic murders in 2011. The DPD receives approximately (http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2013/mar/25/mayor-rawlings-community-against-domestic-violence/?refscroll=506 13,000 calls for domestic violence each year.

Former Dallas Cowboys’ Emmitt Smith and Roger Staubach and current Dallas Cowboys Brandon Carr and Dez Bryant were in attendance. “If you have any women in your family that you cherish, take a step back and think about how you’d feel if someone laid a hand on them,” Carr said.

Local sportscaster Dale Hansen, known for his humor and Cowboys commentary, also spoke. But his words were more personal. He talked about his experiences with domestic violence. “My dad was the biggest, strongest man I ever knew, and he hit my mom and broke her nose,” said Hansen. “Never has such a big man looked so small in the eyes of a little boy.”

Dallas is raising awareness about their issue of domestic violence by invited men into what is often trivialized to be a “women’s issue.” By bringing the entire community together, Dallas can take a step toward ending the silence on domestic violence.

 

Posted 7 weeks ago

The Steubenville Rapists Are Not Victims – They Are Perpetrators!

March 19, 2013

Dear Readers, I am so angry. By now many of you have seen the YouTube video where CNN breaks the news that the Steubenville Rapists were convicted (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cvUCDjLDIk).

Both CNN reporters lamented the fact that the two rapists had “such promising futures.” It begs the question, what about the future of the victim who has now received death threats? (http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/19/us-usa-crime-ohio-idUSBRE92I01M20130319?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&dlvrit=60573).

 I do not care about the “promising futures” of the rapists – they should have thought about their futures before they raped a teenage girl and put a photo of her naked body on the Internet. CNN said “it was emotional” as Ma’Lik Richmond, one of the convicted rapists, cried as he apologized to the victim’s family; however, if you listen closely, he is really crying for himself and the fact his life, as he knew it, is now over. Mr. Richmond you raped a teenage girl and now you must pay the price—you and your accomplice are not the victims.

As for CNN, this type of reporting perpetuates a culture where rape is acceptable – and I for one am not going to view CNN again.  In fact, I am suggesting that we boycott CNN for a week in protest. We need to take a stand against people, legislators, and organizations—especially news organizations—whose reporting degrades women. CNN’s recent reporting of the Steubenville does just that.

Posted 8 weeks ago

Chris Brown You Disgust Me

March 13, 2013

Chris Brown just cannot shut his filthy mouth. According to TMZ, while Mr. Brown was partying at Emerson Theater in Hollywood, he warned Rihanna and any other man “who might want a piece of her,” to back off because, as he claimed, “that’s my PUSSY.”

 (http://www.tmz.com/2013/03/09/chris-brown-rihanna-thats-my-emerson-theatre-video-drake/).

It is evident that Chris Brown is a misogynist – any man who demeans women as he does, clearly hates them.

This continued acceptance of celebrities who degrade and abuse women must come to an end because it glamorizes abuse. Abuse is not glamorous just take a look at Rihanna’s face after Chris Brown beat her (http://i2.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article1732203.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Rihanna’s+face+after+boyfriend+Chris+Brown+attacked+her.jpg).

There is nothing alluring or beautiful about that.

Posted 9 weeks ago

Showing category "The Economy and Domestic Violence" (Show all posts)

Domestic Violence Agency Loses Its Funding

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Monday, February 6, 2012, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

A Washington D.C. domestic violence agency lost its funding (http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-domestic-violence-agency-weave-to-close-leaving-clients-scrambling/2012/02/01/gIQA2kpflQ_story.html).According to the Washington Post the agency lost two government grants due to possible mismanagement of funds. My purpose in writing this post is not to pass judgment on the agency but to highlight that another domestic violence agency has closed.

The days of non-profits relying on grants is o...


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What Are Shelters to Do?

Posted by Maurice Bretzfield on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

Today Maurice Bretzfield (www.mauricebretzfield.com) internet and business strategist is a guest blogger and talks about how shelters can survive uncertain economic times.

Women’s shelters across our country are facing a crisis. The economic downturn has caused a perfect storm of increased demand for services and decreased funding. The decrease in contributions to the support of these shelters has been across the board – since 2008 shelters have seen that federal, state and local governm...


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Is Domestic Violence Being Swept Under The Rug?

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

I just read one of the best articles I've read in a long time regarding domestic violence. It's published by the Toledo Blade (http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2012/01/15/Domestic-violence-everyones-problem.html) and titled “Domestic Violence – Everyone’s Problem”. The article cites the CDC’s recent report about the prevalence of domestic violence in the U.S.

I have also talked about these stark statistics (http://www.thebusinessofme.com/the-business-of-me-blog/the-numbers-are-out...


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Locked Out

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

A recent article that appeared on the INDYchannel.com talks about the lack of long term affordable housing for women fleeing abusive relationships (http://www.theindychannel.com/news/30083298/detail.html).The article points out that “Fifteen years ago, city officials reported that Indianapolis needed 200 long-term transitional housing units. In a city of nearly 1 million people, Indianapolis has just 46 units.”  That was fifteen years ago and the situation is no better now.

Now women an...


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Another Shelter Facing Deep Cuts

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Friday, December 9, 2011, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

Marion County in Ohio has a local domestic violence organization, Turning Point (http://turningpoint6.com/) which has been serving domestic violence victims and their families for over 30 years. Turning Point provides a number of outreach programs for the community to educate, support and prevent domestic violence.

The beginning of November the Marion County Board of Commissioners held a meeting to talk about certain tax levies that were on the ballot the following week. On November 4th Caro...


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Unsustainable

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Thursday, December 8, 2011, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

On August 9th I posted a blog about waiting lists at women’s shelters due to decreases in funding (http://www.thebusinessofme.com/the-business-of-me-blog/page/2). A recent story which appeared in The Columbus Dispatch tells the story of Tatiana and her daughter who had no choice to stay at a motel as the local shelter had no room for her (http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2011/11/27/lacking-shelter.html).  In preparation to leave Tatiana managed to save $500 but that soon dwindl...


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People Will Die

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Wednesday, October 12, 2011, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

I am so angry with all the yelling, posturing and politicking going on across the country. Nothing is getting done and I fear nothing will get done. The entire country is seething and none of our politicians care – in fact they are using the electorate as pawns for their own agendas.

OK, I got that off my chest now to the real business of what it on my mind. People will die! Note: Topeka, Kansas voted to eliminate the law against misdemeanor domestic battery. This means that Topeka, KS wi...


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As The Economy Worsens So Does The Abuse

Posted by Maurice Bretzfield on Thursday, September 15, 2011, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

According to an article in Business Wire (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/mary-kay-responds-to-national-increase-in-domestic-violence-with-campaign-to-give-hope-give-joy-and-give-dreams-2011-09-15) on average three women are murdered each day by their intimate partner.

The article goes on to say “Domestic violence shelters throughout the United States report the economy continues to significantly affect women -- with domestic violence increasing for the third straight year and government...


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Jobs As We Know Them

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Thursday, September 1, 2011, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

I had lunch yesterday with a fantastic woman. When we first met she told me that she was building a business helping others improve their overall health – but that is only part of her story. This wonderful woman is also a teacher in the public school system for twenty years, specifically working with inner city high school students.

As we talked she told me that she always had more than one job as she needed to supplement her teaching income.

I am appalled that teachers need to suppleme...


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Deplorable!

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Tuesday, August 9, 2011, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

On July 29th the www.indystar.com ran a story about domestic violence shelters so overcrowded that the shelters have started waiting lists (http://www.indystar.com/article/20110730/LOCAL18/107300333/Demand-forces-some-women-s-shelters-start-waiting-lists?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CCommunities%7Cp).

I can’t even imagine a woman calling for help and a safe place for her and her children and being told they will put her name on a waiting list. Deplorable!

According to the article “A ...


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Hip Hip Hooray for The “Job Creators”

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Monday, August 8, 2011, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

It seems it’s no longer “correct” to call rich people rich. We now have to call them what the right wing of our political system claims they are and that is “job creators”. To date many of us do not see what jobs the “job creators” have developed, but I can share one industry that these “job creators” have developed – prostitution!

That’s right prostitution and if you have not read the Huffington Post article about “sugar babies” then please read it http://www.huffi...


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It Just Does Not End- But There Is Help

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Wednesday, July 27, 2011, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

The Woodlands Villager of Houston (http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/woodlands/news/article_6d5126b5-816e-5dba-92c8-523300255aec.html) posted an article about the financial struggles of the Montgomery County Women’s Center.

It seems the Montgomery County Women’s Center relies on federal grants and The United Way as its main funding sources – and those sources have reduced their funding by 50%.  According to Sarah Raleigh the executive director of Montgomery County Women’s Center “For...


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Ugh The News Is Scary

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

Yesterday I talked about how the state of the economy is affecting non-profits. I also mentioned that there is “talk” about limiting the tax deductibility of charitable donations. Here is an article in yesterday’s “The Jewish Week” (http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/national/nonprofits_fear_tax_limit_charitable_deductions)that expands on this issue.

I don’t have a crystal ball – I don’t know where all this gloomy talk about deficits, double dip recession or cut-backs will en...


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Danger – Danger and More Danger

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Tuesday, July 19, 2011, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

It’s been sometime since I blogged as I have relocated to NYC and it took me some time to get settled. 

In my last post I talked about the New Hampshire State funding cuts and in the short span of a month,  Minnesota has shutdown and the U.S. may default. WOW things have gotten really bad.

I don’t know if the U.S. will default. The atmosphere is so contentious in Washington D.C. so no matter what happens, I fear government grant levels will not be the same. We know that they are talki...


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The “New Normal” Strikes Again

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Tuesday, June 21, 2011, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

Many of you know that I said I would not be posting any blogs until my move is complete. However,   I saw this article today about New Hampshire State funding cuts which will force The New Hampshire Coalition against Domestic and Sexual Violence to cut services and had to post it http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2011/06/21/nh_domestic_violence_coalition_fears_loss_of_funds/.

 

I have said it before nonprofits need to find new streams of revenue or they may face cutti...


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Uh Oh, What’s Next?

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Wednesday, June 8, 2011, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

Last night I had dinner with some friends and part of our dinner conversation surrounded the news about a possible “double dip recession”. If you Google the term “double dip recession” you will get a slew of articles. Some of the writers are not concerned about it and some are saying a “double dip recession” is inevitable and it’s only a matter of time. Others are saying that we are already in a depression. All of my dinner companions were definitely concerned and some were down...


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A New Solution

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

My previous six posts http://www.thebusinessofme.com/the-business-of-me-blog.php all talk about the struggles nonprofits have and the challenges they face in the light of the economy and downward spiral of charitable giving and increasingly rare government funding.

I talked a lot about how important it is for nonprofits to be more entrepreneurial if they are to survive. I even posted a “real life” story of a nonprofit in the South Bronx who has lost all its funding and is in dire jeopar...


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A Tale Of A Struggling Nonprofit – Welcome To The “New Normal”

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Friday, May 13, 2011, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

My friend Dr. Sharon Ufberg has written an article (http://bit.ly/iVMC2G) about a wonderful organization in the South Bronx whose funding has dried up and is struggling to stay open. This is a real story about how the “New Normal”, that I have been blogging about, is affecting nonprofits. The question is whose next?

 Read my blog to find out what I have been saying about the “New Normal” and how it is affecting nonprofits. I even talk about some solutions.

This is a very serious...


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Welcome to “The New Normal”

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Thursday, May 12, 2011, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

On May 5th I wrote about “The New Normal” http://www.thebusinessofme.com/the-business-of-me-blog/the-“new-normal” and how nonprofits need to be more entrepreneurial if they are to make up the funding gap from lost donations and government funding. Today the New York Times ran an article titled “Squeezed Cities Ask Nonprofits for More Money” http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/12/us/12nonprofits.html?hp.

The article talks about how some cities are asking their large nonprofits who own...


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One Idea

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

In yesterday’s post http://www.thebusinessofme.com/the-business-of-me-blog.php I related a conversation I had with a director of a women’s shelter who was thinking of opening a gift shop so her organization could earn money.

Let’s take a look at what it takes to open a physical store:

Location: The store will need to be located where it will get sufficient traffic and attract customers requiring a lease commitment.

Inventory: The store will need to be stocked with inventory. Even if...


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Being Entrepreneurial

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

Zira J. Smith Ed.D. Of the University of Illinois Extension gave a presentation titled “How Non-Profits Become Self-Sufficient”. One of the slides is titled “Innovation is not Entrepreneurial” and I agree with Ms. Smith. Innovation, according to Ms. Smith is not making brochures prettier, implementing new programs and reaching out to new audiences and still relying on the same old foundations, organizations, donors and government agencies for funding.

I was talking to a non-profit d...


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The “New Normal”

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Thursday, May 5, 2011, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

If you Google the term “New Normal” you will get a list of articles that talk about how the current economic crisis has changed the way people are spending and saving in order to make ends meet. Now if you Google the term “New Normal Non Profits” you will get a slew of articles on how nonprofits are struggling to meet higher demand for services with less funding.  

I have been speaking to a number of women’s organizations recently about the “New Normal” and how it is affecting ...


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A Bad Situation Is Getting Worse

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Tuesday, April 26, 2011, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

According to a report by Mary Kay domestic violence is on the rise for the third straight year (http://www.marykay.com/content/company/2011survey.pdf) and the economy is taking a toll on both shelters and survivors.  The Mary Kay report confirms an earlier report by The National Network to End Domestic Violence. In a post I wrote on March 23rd I talked about the affect the economy is having on the services shelters provide http://www.thebusinessofme.com/the-business-of-me-blog/a-day-in-the-li...


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A Day In The Life Of Domestic Violence Organizations

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Wednesday, March 23, 2011, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

Each year the National Network to End Domestic Violence conducts a one-day survey of domestic violence services.

This is a snapshot of domestic violence services provided in the United States on just one day. I’d like to share some of the startling results with you.

On September 15, 2010 the survey showed that despite helping over 70,000 people on that day, domestic violence programs were unable to meet over 9,500 requests for services because of a lack of funding, staffing and resources...


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Economic Abuse Is Dangerous

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Thursday, July 22, 2010, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

When I left my ex-husband I was 39 years old and during our marriage he dominated the family finances. I was a vice president with a Wall St. insurance company and I would turn over my earnings to my ex-husband who gave me an allowance that I had to account for. I did not even have my own checking account until I left him.

The abuser controls the finances as a means of control over the victim. Women arrive at shelters bewildered and scared and so many don’t even have a credit card or any ...


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FreeCreditReport.com Is Not Free

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Tuesday, March 2, 2010, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

FreeCreditReport.com is not free. FreeCreditReport.com will send you a free credit report but only if you enroll in a $14.95-a-month credit-monitoring service and then cancel it within a week. This is an obvious deceptive marketing practice. The site for truly free credit reports is www.AnnualCreditReport.com.

The Huffington Post yesterday had an article that outlines that one of the provisions of the Credit Card Reform Act is the requirement that organizations of phony “free” credit r...


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“When It’s Ok To Walk Away From Your Home”

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Monday, March 1, 2010, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

That is the title of a Wall Street Journal article which ran on February 26th. The article sites instances where it may be wise to walk away from your mortgage and give the house back to the lender.

The author of the article, Brett Arends, states the following; “Sure, a strategic foreclosure may hurt your credit score. But if you're in financial difficulties, it has probably already suffered. And your credit score is not the only thing in life that matters”.  

The article continues, ...


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Is it really the economy Part 2?

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Thursday, January 21, 2010, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

In San Juan County in New Mexico the Family Crisis Center has seen a rise in pleas for help according to a news report on KOB.com.

Yes the economy does have an effect on the increase in domestic violence but as I said yesterday the root cause is really one person in the relationship wishing to be in control by force if necessary.

The economy is not the root cause since other factors are usually evident, the economy can cause tenuous relationship to boil over.

Read the entire article http...


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Is it really the economy?

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Wednesday, January 20, 2010, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

A recent article in Newstimes.com reporter John Pirro writes about two domestic violence cases in CT.  It’s a story of two different men who abused their families.

One a immigrant construction worker from Ecuador who murdered his wife and will serve 55 years behind bars, the other a successful man who served in both the administrations of George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush who beat his wife to unconsciousness when she asked for a divorce.

Domestic Violence is an equal opportunity crime; ...


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Diets and Budgets

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

Diets and Budgets get the same reaction from many of us.  We ate that chocolate chip cookie now we have to deprive ourselves and go on a diet because we have been bad.  We overspent and now we have to deprive ourselves again.

Budgets are not a punishment they are a roadmap which will help us achieve our goals.  For example, if we want to get more education to advance our career we need money set aside to achieve that goal.  It is the budget that helps us monitor the use of our money so we ca...


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Bankruptcy is a business decision

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Monday, January 4, 2010, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

There are times when we must make some very difficult decisions and bankruptcy may be one of them.  Bankruptcy is a business decision you make so you and your family can move forward.

According to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts bankruptcy filing for businesses and individuals are up 35% for the year ending June 30th over the previous year.

We live in very tough economic times and sometimes if we are to move ahead we may have to do things we would never have thought we would ...


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Domestic Violence and the Economy

Posted by Nancy Salamone on Wednesday, December 9, 2009, In : The Economy and Domestic Violence 

It is no surprise that the incidents of domestic violence are on the rise in part due to the current worsening economic situation.

High unemployment and rising foreclosures have led to economic stress that has affected millions of families.  The stress has led to the hike in calls to domestic violence hotlines. 

The National Domestic Violence Hotline conducted a survey from November 12 to December 31, 2008 asking the callers on the hotline about the connection between financial issues and...


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Nancy Salamone


Nancy Salamone’s career and personal accomplishments are vast and varied. For more than three decades Nancy has shown extraordinary leadership during her business career and through her personal endeavors. Her accomplishments include 25 years as an executive for major Wall Street financial services companies, her devotion to “giving back” through her non-profit work, her teaching and her visionary creation of “The Business of Me”, a curriculum that teaches financial self-sufficiency to women survivors of domestic violence. Write to me at nancy(@)thebusinessofme.com or for general information write to info(@)thebusinessofme.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

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