Transitioning Times

In late 2017, the #MeToo movement catalyzed a change in our national conversation about sexual assault and harassment. The movement began when actress Alyssa Milano shared accusations of sexual assault and harassment against producer Harvey Weinstein. As other Hollywood mega-stars began to come forward with similar stories, #MeToo went viral. Twitter confirmed to CBS News that over 1.7 million tweets included the hashtag "#MeToo," with 85 countries that had at least 1,000 #MeToo tweets. Long before it became a hashtag, we are also aware that Tarana Burke began the #MeToo campaign in 1997, and we applaud her for her activism, her voice, encouraging others, especially women of color, to use their voices. This movement is shining a necessary light on an issue that has always been present for centuries. Historically, some people who have come forward regarding the violence perpetrated against them have had their voices elevated higher than others, particularly wealthy whit...

In light of October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we wanted to focus on domestic violence and sexual assault on campuses. While sexual assault is a major issue on campus, many don’t realize that intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant issue among college students. Women aged 16-24 experience the highest per capita rate of intimate partner violence in the United States. This is just one of the many eye-opening facts that demonstrate the severity of domestic violence among young people in this country. The following are more statistics showing the frequency of domestic violence and sexual assault, specifically on college campuses. •       21% of college students report having experienced dating violence by a current partner. 33% experience dating violence by a previous partner. •       13% of college women report they were forced to have sex by a dating partner. •       Over 13% of col...

In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, The Mary Kay Foundation SM announced it is awarding $3 million in grants to 150 domestic violence shelters across the country. Transitions of PA has received a $20,000 unrestricted grant to support local survivors of domestic violence in Union, Snyder, and Northumberland Counties.   This year’s grant contribution brings the Foundation’s total investment in its shelter grant program to $50 million.       The Mary Kay Foundation was established in 1996 with the overarching purpose of supporting issues impacting women. In 2000, The Foundation expanded to include ending domestic violence as part of its mission. The Foundation is committed to funding the life-saving work of women’s shelters and the annual shelter grant program has helped finance critical needs including emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling and legal aid. All of these resources support women and children as they seek refuge and r...

Transitions is a crisis center that provides advocacy, empowerment, and education to victims, survivors, families and communities to end patterns of violence and abuse. We are looking to build safer families and communities by combating domestic violence, sexual assault, and other serious crimes. Our services are primarily focused in Union County as well as other surrounding areas. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime. Our goal through this series of blog posts is to educate as well as bring awareness of the severity of these issues. These are some of the shocking nation-wide facts about how common domestic violence is. ·         Intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crimes ·         19% of domestic violence involves a weapon ·  ...

Battling the Domestic Violence blues?  October is a classic 'down' month for people in our field of work.  All year long we address issues that surround domestic violence – we hear about people hurting one another in the place that is supposed to be, meant to be, the safest place on earth.  It is a kind of work that no matter how zealous you may be about getting our positive messages out, and responding to crisis situations, sooner or later it becomes a drain and all of us are susceptible to burnout. In October, with the long, dark nights of winter soon coming, this kind of violence may present itself more prominently, and our work may start to feel overwhelming.  It is only to be expected that as a team, we all start to lose our mojo just a little bit! So, what can we do about it?  Here are seven things that help keep me committed to prevention education and the work we do.  Consider how these may impact your work.  I encourage everybody...

Transitionsof PA , a local comprehensive crime victims’ service center, serving Union, Snyder, and Northumberland Counties received a $20,000 grant from The Mary Kay Foundation ℠. In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, the Foundation has awarded $20,000 in grants to 150 domestic violence shelters in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico for a total of $3 million.              Transitions of PA will use the grant funding to provide critical support for its economic empowerment and financial management programs for survivors of domestic violence. “At Transitions of PA, we are incredibly grateful for support from The Mary Kay Foundation ℠ and its commitment to break the cycle of domestic violence,” said Transitions Chief Executive Officer, Susan K. Mathias. “The most common reason victims stay in or return to abusive relationships is that they don’t have the financial resources to br...

The exhibit of 'An Empty Place at the Table' was created in response to numerous domestic violence homicides in Lackawanna County in 1993. The first exhibit was created by the Women’s Resource Center, Inc., but it is used by many domestic violence centers and similar agencies across the nation. 'An Empty Place at the Table' shows the devastating effects of domestic violence and makes sure that the victims are not forgotten. In addition, the exhibit shows that domestic violence related homicides undoubtedly leave an empty spot at the table. Transitions will be putting up Empty Place at the Table displays in many locations across Union, Snyder, and Northumberland Counties to remember individuals who lost their lives in due to domestic violence. The four people highlighted in the displays are Jean Sanders, whose life was taken by her grandson that she raised on Feb 17, 2013 at the age of 71; Destiny Spencer, whose life was taken by her fiancé and the father of her thr...

On an average day, nearly 11,000 requests for emergency shelter, childcare and other services go unanswered due to a lack of funding at domestic violence nonprofits around the country. Even as demand for services increases, these programs continue to operate with limited resources. Allstate Foundation Purple Purse is trying to change those numbers. Transitions of PA has been selected as one of more than 160 participating nonprofits across the country to be a part of the Purple Purse Challenge, which raises funds for nonprofits serving domestic violence victims. Transitions of PA was chosen for its commitment to providing financial empowerment services to domestic violence survivors. Through the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge at PurplePurse.com , each participating organization can raise program funds. And to encourage public donations, the Allstate  Foundation is investing $500,000 in Challenge sweepstakes and contests. In addition to donating through the Chal...

We've had another eventful October, honoring domestic violence survivors by recognizing the month as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Hope you saw the displays at our local libraries: Our display at the Headstart Health Fair: Eckie is shown with a new haircut and two students at Empire Beauty School to celebrate their annual Cut It Out Event: Our first Invinci-Bowl Event, held at Best Bowl in Selinsgrove: Getting ready to start bowling! Susan speaking to the crowd Tara, encouraging a patron to purchase hot dogs, chips, soda and/or cookies! Susan, with the winning team, from Wood-Mode We also participated in #PurpleThursday, created by the National Network to End Domestic Violence.  Here are the pictures submitted to us of people honoring this day. Thanks to all who helped us commemorate October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month!