CCSF Newsletter September 2023

If wrongs can be thwarted, let them be thwarted. And if right can be attempted, let it be attempted.
Jared Bridges

Dear Friends,

One of our goals at CCSF is to bring understanding and compassion to our community members who suffer in the trials of domestic abuse. We want to cast a vision for us all that this scourge will be eradicated in the future. We want to not lose that most important ingredient of our ultimate goal– hope. Thank you for caring.

Our September e-news includes:

Why We Do What We Do

Futures Without Violence

The Science of Hope

Addendum

Reminder, Northshore Schools Foundation

Financial Abuse Resource

Missions Fest Seattle 2023

We are looking ahead to Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month in October!

Stop the Abuse, Heal the Family, Change the Future

Email: ccsf.hope@gmail.com

Website: https://www.ccsfhope.org

Twitter: @CCSFDV

Why We Do What We Do

By HH

The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, WASPC, recently issued a summary of crime in Washington State for 2022. You might have heard that domestic violence rates went up during the lock down years. Unfortunately, this report speaks to an increase in crime, a drop in the number of officers available to respond to that crime, and a record homicide rate, noting a dramatic increase in homicides since 2019. WASPC’s report also notes that 45.9 percent of all crimes against persons were domestic violence-related.

Think about that. Nearly half of all crimes against persons were committed by someone in their own household. That is why we do what we do. We work to end this scourge by constantly creating awareness of domestic violence and associated issues, highlighting news stories, featuring problems and solutions, and offering resources. It is clear there is much work to be done to cultivate healthier households in our state. Thank you for standing with us in the fight for peace and justice.

Futures Without Violence

By LK

In a recent email from Futures Without Violence, we can think of the critical role the healthcare community plays in spotting and supporting victims of domestic violence. The goal of Futures Without Violence is “to ensure the health care community can become not just allies, but leaders, in the work to end abuse. And to support this change, we’ve created tools, trainings, and protocols that allow healthcare providers to support survivors of violence, promote prevention, and advance quality, equitable health care for all.”

Futures Without Violence has developed materials that tens of thousands of health care providers– and others– use each year. They include a new toolkit, which is helping the nation’s 15,000 community health centers develop partnerships with local domestic violence and sexual assault prevention programs. They have developed more than two dozen videos that help health care providers respond to domestic violence and reproductive coercion, and help advocates integrate health services into their work. They offer a safety care tool, You Matter, which supports teens who had adverse childhood experiences– often witnessing domestic violence– developed for young people, adolescent health providers, and school-based staff. Futures also has a special focus on creating tools to help address the domestic and sexual violence that contribute to our country’s black maternal health crisis.

The Science of Hope

A recent article from domesticshelters.org, entitled The Science of Hope explores how DV survivors can apply the science of hope to their lives. The assertion is that “the more hope a person has, the greater likelihood they’ll have success in reaching their goals.” The author of the article, Amanda Kippert, states that “hope is simply the idea that we have the ability to shape our lives.” (See the Addendum.)

The author refers to Casey Gwinn, J.D. who states, “A goal without a plan is just a wish thrown into the universe.” Gwinn is the co-author of the book Hope Rising: How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life. Gwinn, a former prosecutor, is also the president of Alliance for HOPE International. Mr. Gwinn believes that hope is something that can be learned, cultivated, and restored.

Kippert explains the Hope Score and talks about the concepts that make up hopeful thinking. The article recognizes that abusers can rob victims of hope. The article offers examples of how DV survivors ca n think and act hopefully.

Finally, Mr. Gwinn refers to his own journey and references God’s role in our lives. Essentially, the article tells us that “Hope is what perseveres long after trauma ends. It can be the driving force for survivors to continue on, set goals, and achieve them.”

Addendum

By LK

Goal setting and planning are good. But never underestimate the love God has for us, and His grace and mercy which He gives to those who call on Him. “The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” (Psalm 147:11) “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19)

Reminder, Northshore Schools Foundation

As the school year begins, don’t forget that you can support local students through your donations of books, unused gift cards, musical instruments, vehicles and more. See the Northshore Schools Foundation website to learn more.

Financial Abuse Resource

Annuity.org offers these resources about financial abuse. Financial abuse is present in the majority of abusive relationships, but is often overlooked or misunderstood.

Missions Fest Seattle 2023

Missions Fest Seattle will be November 3rd and 4th at Bellevue Presbyterian Church. Come listen to the many speakers, hear the beautiful music, and tour the booths of mission organizations from around the world. God is doing amazing work through their efforts! We will have a booth there as well. Stop by to visit us!