Reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act

President Obama signs a bill that both strengthened and reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act.

The new law will provide resources for thousands of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking -- and better equip law enforcement officials to stop violence before it starts. After a great deal of effort and backing from folks like you, it passed with bipartisan support in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

It builds on a law that Vice President Biden first wrote 18 years ago -- which has helped to decrease the rates of domestic violence across the country. It includes provisions aimed at reducing dating violence among teams and strengthening protections for lesbian gay, bisexual, and transgender victims. It also seeks to bring justice to Native American communities -- where rates of domestic violence are among the highest in the country.

In His Shoes Ministries partners with Datev Outreach - visit http://datevoutreach.org

Juvenile Justice Week of Faith & Healing

Juvenile Justice Week of Faith & Healing

March 4-10, 2013

Sponsored by the Healing Justice Coalition

Sign up by visiting:

HealingJusticeCoalition.org/juvenile_justice_week.html

Watch:

10th Annual Dr. King Retreat

Patience, Perseverance and Faith

by Anush Avejic
Originally appears at Inside the Pomegranate

This past weekend was our annual MLK Retreat. We came together - all of us with different reasons - for friendship, for community, for a getaway, for an excuse to get out of work - but all of us came together knowing that we would be spending the next three days together learning about the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his teachings.
There is so much that went on. So much that I'd like to share, but it's so wrapped in emotion. I did a lot of soul searching this weekend. I was able to define my own personal "ah-ha" moments as we shared stories and tried to relate our lives to Dr. King's teaching based on Christ's principles of love and non-violent resistance.
I think what I personally focused on was our ability to effect change when we lead a Christ-centered/love-centered life. I thought about the Montgomery bus boycott and how effective it was in bringing about the civil rights movement. I have known the facts for years, but what never occurred to me was that this change, this boycott, lasted over a year before a result was achieved. Unlike the union strikes of today, an agreement was not reached in a week's or a month's time. Over a year. Why was this important to me? Because it involved patience (not my strong suit), and it involved persistence, and faith. It was a huge sacrifice for the protesters to be without transportation. Given that most did not own their own cars, giving up riding a bus and having to arrange your own ride was not easy. Yet they persevered, because sitting back was no longer an option. And they achieved their goal of equality while riding on the bus. And then the greater gof equal rights was inevitable.
I have a lot of goals in my life as well. And all too often, they seem unattainable. I've been trying to make a go of my jewelry business, but it's difficult with a full time day job...and then family obligations. BUT it's not unattainable. It's going to take time, persistence, patience and faith. So I took this lesson away with me from the weekend. Keep dreaming! Keep praying! Keep believing!
We were also asked to choose one of Dr. King's quotes and share why it spoke to us. If you read my blog a few weeks back ("The Jumper"), I wrote about a person who was contemplating suicide by jumping off a freeway bridge. Our building overlooked the scene and I was taken aback when some of my coworkers were going and coming out of the corner office laughing, making fun and just waiting for the poor man to jump. As disgusted and saddened as I was by their actions, I was more disgusted by my inaction. So you can see why this quote struck a chord with me: "He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it." I still don't know why I remained silent that afternoon, but the following day I did speak out about my disappointment. This quote helped me to focus on the fact that I do need to stand up, even when I'm standing alone.
Finally, on Monday morning, before leaving to come home, we were able to watch President Obama's inauguration ceremony. I don't remember ever being so moved during this ceremony as I was this time around. I think it was because of the emotions of the weekend. And the president's inauguration was the perfect ending to it. We sat in front of the laptop watching. Tears streaming down some of our faces. I thought of how young our country was and how much there was to learn. But I was hopeful because of how far we had come since Dr. King's time. But there was still so far to go. There was still racial tension and hatred. We prayed along with the prayers that were recited, and I was renewed with hope when they prayed in Christ's name. Obama's speech was moving, hopeful and inspirational. It was filled with love and hopefulness, and embracing diversity. And the poem that was read by Bronco was the tip of the iceberg for me. It was filled with imagery of our country. Of all walks of life, or our day, of unity. I posted it here on my blog if you missed it.
So we packed it up, and headed down the hill, forever changed. I'm hopeful for America. And I am hopeful for peace and for change. But if we want change, we need to work toward it. And not lose faith in our dreams. It's going to take patience, inconvenience, perseverance, and faith. It's going to take action, and prayer, and a God-centered life. But it is achievable if we truly want it.

Click HERE to hear this blog entry read by the author in an audio file on Next Step #242

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10th Annual MLK Retreat

Registration is open for the 10th Annual MLK Retreat.

We invite you to register at this link: http://inhisshoes.org/MLK/MLK2013registration.html

The In His Shoes Annual MLK retreat takes place Saturday, January, 19, 2013 through Monday, January 21, 2013 in Big Bear, CA. 

Registration cost for 2 nights lodging, 5 meals, classes and supplies: $235/participant. Early registration is $175! Sign up before Christmas Day (12/25).

Download Flyer

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Walking Against Violence

For more information on Datev Outreach

Standing Up to Domestic Violence

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian is giving his message to the participants of the walk last year on Feb 13.

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text by VERZHINE NIKOGHOSYAN, photo by VAHE SARGSYAN

Over the course of the year, there are many events within the Armenian community, but only a few of them address the real issues happening behind the closed doors of despair and shame: there are families who suffer domestic violence.

This was the main concern of the group consisted of volunteers that gathered together with the supervision of Rev. Fr Vazken Movsesian, the Priest of St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church located in Glendale, California, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, to reach out and understand.

“The vision is two fold,” said Rev. Fr. Movsesian. “First it is to recognize that the problem is real, to bring awareness to the reality of domestic violence within the Armenian community. We can no longer ignore such tragedies. Second, the vision is to provide a solution. I firmly believe that that solution must be holistic – that is, it must include body, soul and mind. Our vision is nothing different than what Christ himself taught us – to heal the sick, to mend the brokenhearted and to proclaim the power of love over evil. What we are doing now is the first step in a bigger project to provide sanctuary, resources and empowerment to the members of our community who suffer domestic violence.”

The project was a long time coming. In 2009, Archbishop gave his consent to start the project on the diocesan level but the lack of funds held it back. The brutal murder of Zaruhi Petrosyan to the hands of her husband and mother-in-low was the last straw. Fr. Vazken and the Domestic Violence task force launched its beginning without any funds available whatsoever.

“We couldn’t wait any longer for anyone else, or for any more money. Even one case is too many and this was too many,” said Rev. Movsesian.

There is not only the case of Zaruhi Petrosyan, but unfortunately many others are affected with the same issue in the Armenian community.

“Sadly I can recall many cases of domestic violence. One specific case that has affected me personally, involved my own family,” said Dr. Anna Gasparian, a chiropractor by vocation who also is a committee member. “It breaks my heart to see my community suffer due to this epidemic. We are survivors and it upsets me to see domestic violence destroy morals and values that our ancestors bravely protected and passed on to us. We, Armenians, believe that family is holy. This belief and understanding has become distorted by the effects of domestic violence. It’s time to regain our vision and see families once again as holy,” she added.

The task force organized another domestic violence walk in the heart of Burbank and Glendale. Last year on Feb. 13, people marched the streets with candles to bring hope and light to those Armenian families that suffer, to raise awareness, under the slogan “Violence Hurts, Love Conquers.”

“One source in the District Attorney’s office (Los Angeles) said that she works with Armenian families who are involved in Domestic Violence, eight hours a day. Of those eight hours, she says the DA’s office prosecutes 2 cases a day,” said Rev. Fr. Movsesian. “This is of epidemic proportion. Furthermore, Armenians cling to a sense of “Amot,” shame. Yes, shame is part of the domestic violence equation in any demographic, but it is even more pronounced in the case of the Armenians. We don’t want to talk about things that are upsetting. We don’t want to air out our laundry in front of others for fear that they may think less of us. But in the end who is hurt?”

These are the main reasons that the domestic violence task force, supervised by Fr. Movsesian will hold its second awareness raising walk on Oct. 25. The purpose of the walk is to raise the issue on the surface where people can start acknowledging the problem and talking about it.

The walk will start at St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church located at 632 W. Stocker St., where the participants will meet at 4 p.m. and walk towards the Diocesan headquarters in Burbank. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian will offer his word and a blessing for the participants of the walk. The future plans of the project will be unveiled and discussed with everyone.

As a result of this hard work the group will open a Domestic Violence Resource Center and the Archbishop Derderian was happy to provide the space in the diocese. Still the group needs funds to be able to start and continue this work.

“We haven’t raised any funds yet. We need $25,000 by January. Then our immediate first years’ budget is hovering around $200,000 for staff and facility. We’re hoping to raise that amount,” said Rev. Movsesian. The center is planned to be opened by Jan. of 2013 on the bottom floor of the Western Diocese headquarters.

“The walk will bring awareness to domestic violence,” said Dr. Gasparian. “There are individuals who care and most importantly the church cares for its children. The center will bring many positive changes to our community but what I am most fond of is that it will bring spiritual healing. For too many that are involved in domestic violence, it seems that there is no hope and no way to change their situation but there is. The center will provide recourses and solutions to individuals seeking help.”

The center will be a place of comfort and help for the victims of domestic violence. The Armenian community gathered once more to address the issue and there is a lot of work still needs to be done to restore the Armenian families and their value for the people who lost their hope.

Everyone is welcome to join the walk. For more information visit the website at datevoutreach.org.

Your Trusted Source for Armenian News
http://yerevanmagazine.com/walking-over-domestic-violence/

Team In Her Shoes - Walking Against Cancer

Congratulations Team In Her Shoes!! A group of us walked 39.3 miles over a 2-day period in Santa Barbara's Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Our team raised over $33,000, surpassing our goal!! In total, the Avon Walk brought in over $4.7 million this year - much of which was distributed immediately at our Closing Ceremony to breast cancer organizations throughout the Southern California area to support the remarkable work they do; work that everyday brings us closer to a future without breast cancer. Check out photos and messages on our team page. And thank you to all of you who supported and encouraged us. We couldn't have done this without you! God Bless.

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Bringing Light to a Dark Subject

Today our feet are walking in the shoes of victims and families of victims of domestic violence. 

It's the disease no one wants to talk about, but everyone likes to discuss when "celebs" like Chris Brown are involved. Sadly, Whitney Houston dies. We remember she was a victim of DV, but in the end, its still quiet on the Western Front - as violence continues to rule the way of the the world.

Here is a press release from a recent walk against Domestic Violence we took within the framework of the Western Diocese - addressing the issue in the Armenian world. It's one part of a larger problem - but still, we've taken the first steps.
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Blessings for the Family
Diocesan Task Force targets Domestic Violence with Walk and Service

Burbank, California – In the West its known as Valentine’s Day, but if you celebrate Christmas on January 6, as do the Armenians, February 14 is the Feast of the Presentation of Christ – 40 days after Christmas.

By the order of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, this day has been dedicated to young couples and families. And so, over 500 people, representing families in all stages of life, gathered at the St. Leon Armenian Cathedral on the eve of the feast to participate in a unique ritual that celebrates the strength of the family. It was also an evening to focus a matter that hurts families and is too often hid and forgotten.

In response to the alarming problem of domestic violence His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Primate of the Western Diocese, formed a task force in September 2011. Father Vazken Movsesian was appointed to head the group and develop programs that would not only heighten awareness of the problem, but also provide sanctuary, spiritual counseling and healing to victims and families.

The first event of the Task Force took place on the feast of Presentation with a 8.8K Walk from the St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale to the St. Leon Cathedral in Burbank. Over 60 walkers, ages 8 to 80, took to the streets under the banner, “Violence Hurts; Love Conquers.” Cars honked in solidarity while walkers discussed and explained domestic violence to people along the route. Officer John Gilkerson of the Glendale Police Department joined the walk to demonstrate the importance of cooperation from the department and the City. Priests, lawyers, artists, mechanics, construction workers, nurses were all there – each of them a testament that Domestic Violence hurts everyone, from all walks of life.

At the St. Leon Cathedral the walkers arrived singing Armenian church hymns. In the sanctuary, the clergy of the Western Diocese led the prayers for the Presentation.

Archbishop Derderian welcomed the walkers and emphasized the importance and seriousness of the evening, as a time for introspection and strengthening of the family. His Eminence is known for tackling some of the large social problems within the community, and this evening proved to be an example of his dedication and passion for making the Church real in the life of the community. The church was filled to capacity with overflow in the courtyard.

Fr. Vazken Movsesian addressed the congregation by explaining the work of the Task Force. The number of reported Domestic Violence cases has escalated in recent years. Fr. Vazken admitted that he was not moved by the statistics because, “One case, is too many.” He noted stories of Whitney Houston and Chris Brown at the Grammys, that were headlining the news that same evening. He therefore challenged the Armenian community to come “Into the Light” and talk openly about Domestic Violence. He further introduced the walkers – some who represented dead victims of violence, daughters, mothers, and recounting stories of families and victims that had become all too personal for him.

At the end of his speech, Fr. Vazken called upon artist Gregory Beylerian to present a specially created icon to Archbishop Derderian. The Mother-and-Child icon donned halos above their heads to reflect power of Christ, that “Violence Hurts; Love Heals.” Artist Beylerian, who also walked with the group from Glendale, made the presentation to the applause of the congregation.

Mashdots Jobanian, Director of Christian Education for the Western Diocese, and member of the Task Force, was called upon to deliver the message of the Day. He spoke about the power of Love over all evil. Quoting from Corinthians 13, recounted St. Paul’s words that all of our efforts and activities mean nothing if they are absent of love. He used the occasion to invite families, husbands/wives, to recommit  to one another in the power of Love. The Holy Spirit was at work in the Cathedral as every word brought a new message of hope for the victims and their families and gave an invitation to families to find God’s love in their families.

Domestic Violence is a real problem within the community. Unfortunately, this type of violence is accompanied by guilt on the part of the victim and many times is kept in the dark. This evening brought the topic to forum. It was a first step in battling the problem. According to Fr. Vazken, “We have an incredible weapon to fight evil, it is the Power of Love. We are the Church – the Body of Christ and therefore, we’re here to bring awareness, offer sanctuary, empower families with knowledge and heal the hurt.”

The Archbishop blessed the congregation, especially the families, the newlyweds and their children. In procession, the entire congregation went to the courtyard where St. Leon parish priest, Fr. Khajag Shahbazian, brought a ceremonial flame off of the holy altar as a symbol of Christ’s Light. Archbishop Derderian lit a bonfire around which the people congregated that evening, to celebrate the power of love, family and God.

The Domestic Violence Task Force accepted sign-ups that evening for people interested in helping in this effort. A commitment of time and energy is required. For more information call the Western Diocese 818.558.7474 or write to info@inhisshoes.org. Copies of the icon of Mother and Child are made available by the artist for $100 each with proceeds benefitting the Domestic Violence Task Force.

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