It’s on us – President, Katy Perry, Brooke Axtell speak out at Grammys

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President Obama, Katy Perry and Brooke Axtell joined forces during this year’s Grammy Awards to send an emotional message that domestic violence is everyone’s issue. (View videos below)

The President called on all Americans to take personal responsibility to stop domestic violence and sexual assault as part of the White House’s ongoing ‘It’s On Us’ campaign. The President’s message was followed by Austin-based writer, activist and performance artist Brooke Axtell, who shared her personal story of domestic violence and a performance of “By the Grace of God” by Katy Perry.

President Obama: “All of us in our own lives have the power to set an example. It’s on us, all of us, to create a culture where violence is intolerable where survivors are supported and where all our young people, men and women, can go as far as their talent and dreams will take them.”

Brooke Axtell: “Authentic love does not devalue another human being. Authentic love does not silence, shame and abuse.”

[button url=”https://itsonus.org/” style=”small”]It’sOnUs.com[/button]

 


25 years

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Reflections and Directions – The Shelter Commemorates 25 years of service to Collier County.

The Shelter’s Story

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Learn more about The Shelter and its mission and outreach in Collier County

Watch the NFL’s harrowing Super Bowl ad

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The NFL has released the 60-second version of a new anti-domestic violence PSA, which will air as a 30-second spot during the first quarter of the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 1.

The NFL donated both airtime and funds to produce the commercial.

 

Chilling new look at sex trafficking

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ABC News correspondent Diane Sawyer reports on sex trafficking in America

World News Videos | ABC World News

The Shelter’s Tamika Seaton on Fox 4 Morning Blend!

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Our Senior Development Officer Tamika Seaton discusses the Gentle’men Against Domestic Violence® (GADV) initiative on Fox 4’s Morning Blend.

CLICK HERE to buy your Men’s Tailgate Party tickets – 4:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 2, at Bay Colony Golf Club!

CLICK HERE for more information on the GADV initiative.

Shelter Advocate featured in award-winning video

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The Shelter is proud to announce that a video created by the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, featuring our Elder Abuse Advocate Vickijo Letchworth has been named Best of Show in the 2014 Aurora Awards.

Our thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Schwartz, whose support makes it possible for The Shelter to assist victims of elder abuse in our community.

Elders are often abused by a spouse, partner, adult child, caregiver, or other family member.  This program focuses on providing seniors with knowledge on elder abuse, emotional support, customized safety planning, direct services, community referrals, transportation, and legal advocacy. It is instrumental in educating the community, raising awareness and decreasing the rates of elder abuse, in turn, increasing the quality of life of many elders. Click here for more information.

The Aurora Award is an international competition designed to recognize excellence in international, independent, corporate, multi-media and education film and videos. To view all of the 2014 winners, go to www.AuroraAwards.com.

Congratulations to the FCADV as well as Vickijo for her exceptional work with victims of elder abuse.

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Bluebird Cottage opens

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A ribbon cutting for Bluebird Cottage, The Shelter’s sixth Transitional Housing cottage, was held Dec. 18, 2014. View the Video below.

Since 2008 The Shelter’s Transitional Housing (TH) program has provided safe, affordable, and supportive transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence and their children who are facing homelessness. It is the goal of Transitional Housing to maintain an empowerment-based, safe and secure living environment for domestic violence survivors.

The Shelter’s Transitional Housing program is comprised of six cottages where residents can live for up to 24 months with an array of supportive services. Prior to entry, adult residents meet with the TH Advocate to create individual service plans. Additionally, a weekly meeting schedule and participation in the weekly life skills group is coordinated. Service plan goals typically include increasing income, decreasing public assistance, and developing skills and abilities which empower the individual to build hope for the future; self sustain, and obtain permanent violence-free housing.

Click Here for more information on the Cottages and how you can get involved or contact Gissa Infante – ginfante@naplesshelter.org, 239-775-3862 ext. 224.

Muffy & Warren Gill – Why we support The Shelter

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Long-time supporters Muffy and Warren Gill share their thoughts on planned giving and leaving a legacy for The Shelter.

Shania Twain Speaks Out Against Family Violence

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Shania Twain has released a new public service announcement in which she encourages victims of family violence to seek help.

“Sometimes home is where the hurt is,” the singer says, adding, “It’s really confusing to be hurt by someone you love. Whether it’s physical, sexual or emotional, abuse is abuse.”

Twain adds that despite victims’ reluctance to talk about the subject, family violence should not be kept a secret. “Violence — especially in your own home — is never acceptable,” she states.

Naples Christmas Parade 2014

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NextGen members, Shelter staff and volunteers took part in the Naples Christmas Parade, Dec. 9, 2014, making their way from Broad Street down 5th Avenue South. More more information on NextGen and how you can get involved, call Tamika Seaton at 239-775-3862, ext 217 or email tseaton@naplesshelter.org

CLICK HERE for Youtube video

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Fox 4 Holiday Morning Blend edition

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Linda Oberhaus joins Stephanie Summers and Carley Wegner of the Morning Blend for a special holiday evening show, Dec. 6, 2014. Linda discusses how The Shelter provides a happier holiday for those affected by domestic abuse and how you can help make the holidays brighter for others.

Linda Oberhaus interview with Fox 4 News – Marco homicide

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CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO

 

By Karl Fortier. CREATED Dec 4, 2014

NAPLES, Fla. – While the violent death of a Marco Island resident – allegedly at the hands of his live-in girlfriend – has shocked many in Southwest Florida, it’s another sad statistic that a local domestic violence expert says could have been avoided.

A Collier County Sheriff’s Office report says that Lisa Troemner, 24, fatally stabbed her 30-year-old boyfriend Trevor Smith in their condo early Tuesday. Troemner entered a nearby 7-11 covered in blood, and allegedly confessed to the crime.

Linda Oberhaus, executive director of the Shelter for Abused Women and Children in Naples, says she isn’t surprised by the weapon Troemner said she used.

“In the majority of domestic violence homicides, what we know is the victims are female,” Oberhaus said. “In cases where victims are male, a knife is typically used as happened in this case.”

Troemner’s Facebook page showed her and Smith as a happy couple. She has posted numerous photos of plants on the page. It seemed a stark contrast to the distraught appearance she showed Wednesday, when she made her first court appearance.

The sheriff’s office report reveals that Troemner told detectives that she tried to kill herself after stabbing Smith.

“A high percentage of cases actually attempt suicide,” Oberhaus said. “Some are successful, some not successful.”

Oberhaus says that while Troemner and Smith’s relationship had a tragic outcome, domestic violence fatalities have decreased since domestic abuse shelters began to spread in the 1970’s. She says she hopes both men and women who find themselves in violent relationships seek help to avoid situations that can turn deadly.

“The best thing they can do is just get help at their local domestic violence center,” she said.

Anyone needing help with a domestic violence situation can call a 24-hour hotline: 239-775-1101.

Avon Foundation speaks out against domestic violence

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speak-out-against-domestic-violenceOn National Women’s Day, March 8, 2013, Avon Foundation for Women Ambassador Salma Hayek Pinault announced the recipients of the 2nd Avon Communications Awards: Speaking Out About Violence Against Women for their outstanding work to bring attention to the need to end violence against women.

The Shelter is grateful for the support we receive from the Avon Foundation. Below is a video series on the Foundation’s efforts to break the cycle of domestic violence.

Fox 4 Morning Blend

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Thank you to Fox 4 Morning Blend, for hosting members of The Shelter’s staff on your show each week during October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month. View all five videos of the shows.

Immokalee Children’s Fair & Peace March

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More than 300 people turned out for the 15th Annual Immokalee Children’s Fair and Peace March, Oct. 27, sponsored by The Shelter for Abused Women & Children. Co-sponsors for the event included Lozano’s Restaurant, Fiesta Tents, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and Collier County Parks and Recreation. Spread across the field at the Immokalee Sports Complex, the fair included games and booths featuring more than 20 community partners. The events were The Shelter’s final outreach during October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Sergio Lopez, a Gentle’men Against Domestic Violence advocate, led over 100 march participants escorted by Collier County Sheriff’s Office as the procession made its way through town from the Sports Complex to Main Street and back. This was the first year that the march was led by a male advocate.

“Once again, we had a great turnout for the fair as well as the march,” said Josie Means, Immokalee Outreach Manager. “This kind of participation really validates Immokalee’s support for The Shelter’s mission to prevent, protect and prevail over domestic violence so that every home can be a safe haven for the family it shelters.”

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The Shelter – We Have a Vision

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No More!

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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is among nearly two dozen current and former NFL players appearing in a new series of public service announcements denouncing domestic violence and sexual assault.

Officials of the No More Project said Wednesday that the players will appear in video and print PSAs to shed light on the issues. Several had personal experiences with the issues, including Troy Vincent, an NFL executive whose mother is a survivor of domestic violence and Pittsburgh cornerback William Gay, whose mother was killed by an abusive partner.

Celebrities, athletes, corporate sponsors and others donated resources for the spots. The new video PSAs will premiere during “Thursday Night Football” this week when the San Diego Chargers play the Denver Broncos.

Previous spots from the group have aired more than 27,000 times nationwide since September 2013, in addition to being shown during the past 4 weeks of NFL game broadcasts.

DVAM flash mob takes on Naples

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Thanks to Nancy and Hank Fowler for putting together this fabulous video on our Domestic Violence Awareness Month Flash Mobs, which were performed all over the Naples area on Oct. 15, 2014. We had a great time and were joined by many other volunteers and community members as we work to prevent, protect and prevail over domestic violence in Collier County.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Flash Mobs

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After months of dance practice, we had a great time raising public awareness of domestic violence, Oct. 15, conducting flash mobs throughout the Naples area. In some locations we were joined by members of the public who had learned the dance on their own. Even our trolley driver joined in! Enjoy a video of our performance at Mercato.