Panel or Workshop Presentation: a 75-minute session consisting of one or more presentations. They can have a research or practice (intervention, program, collaboration) focus. Priority will be given to innovative research or practice that addresses intervention or prevention efforts for children living with domestic violence. Provide three copies of a 500-word abstract(double-spaced) of each presenter's paper, including two or three educational objectives for the presentation/session. In addition, please submit a 50-word description for the conference program. Abstracts should include the submission title, names of all presenters, and one contact person. Presentations with similar topics may be grouped together by conference directors to accommodate time and space limitations.

Poster Presentation: Provide three copies of a 500 word abstract (double-spaced) and also a 50 word description for the conference program. Priority will be given to innovative research or practice that addresses intervention or prevention efforts for children living with domestic violence.

Please Note:

• Presenters are responsible for registration, travel, and accommodation costs.
• Breakfast and lunch are included in the registration fee during the Pre-conference and Conference.

Trafficking statistics published found that over 2.45 million people are trafficked, mostly women and children.  Also, 43% of them are brought to work in the sex industry and 32% are as laborers. 

In 2005, the Council of Europe created the Convention on Action in Trafficking in Human Beings that was signed by 30 countries, but only three have ratified it so far.  The convention would get higher cooperation between states, compensate victims for the crimes against them, and impose higher fines on traffickers.  Also, victims would be treated as such rather than illegal immigrants.

Shortly before this seminar, the Italian cabinet passed a decree regarding the treatment of traffickers.  Under this decree, the traffickers would face tougher penalties for crimes that would provide them with long-term gain, increased jail time, and an increase in the amount of time to investigate crimes so there is a better chance of a conviction. 

Italy has been viewed as being strong in the area of anti-traffickign legislation.  10,000 victims have benefited from their laws between March 2000 and April 2005.  They have given victims training, education and work.  However, Catholic Charity Caritas feels that the initiatives are not fully meeting their goals.  Women are not given enough residency permits to stay in the country.  Also, they are not given legal protection so they are not secure from deportation.

Compiled from ANSA, 19 October 2006.  Italy Urges Action on Slave Trade.  Available http://ansa.it/main/notizie/awnplus/english/news/2006-10-19_1197441.html; also available http://www.wunrn.com.

The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitri Peskov, admits that the words were spoken but claims they were a joke.  He went on to explain on the BBC’s World Today radio program that the translation did not reflect the true meaning because of how complicated Russian is, and that the humor is lost in the translation.  He claims that the President does not welcome rape.

Israeli President Katsav allegedly raped members of his staff, and the Israeli police say that they have enough evidence to charge him with “rape, forced sexual acts, sexual acts without consent and sexual harassment,” along with a possible charge of wire-tapping.

Compiled from BBC News.  20 October 2006.  Putin’s ‘rape joke’ played down.  Available http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6069136.stm; RFE/RL Newsline, 20 October 2006.  Kremlin moves to check damage over Putin rape remarks.  Available http://www.rferl.org/newsline/1-rus.asp.

The national homicide rates of females by male perpetrators varied between states, averaging 1.29 per 100,000.  The highest ranking state had more than double that rate.

Compiled from Family Violence Prevention Fund.  11 October 2006.  Most Female Murder Victims are Killed by Someone they Know, Study Finds.  Available http://endabuse.org/newsflash/index.php3?Search=Article&NewsFlashID=802.

The Report lists three main obligations of the UK under the European Convention on Human Rights: to prohibit and prevent trafficking and related acts; to investigate, prosecute and punish traffickers; and to protect victims of trafficking.  There was an additional Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings adopted by the Council of Europe in May 2005, but the UK has not signed it.  The Report reviews the Convention and explains why it should be signed.

The Report also reviews the UK’s current programs to prohibit trafficking, and while giving credit to the government for its work thus far, the Report points out that they are still far from adequate and needs to put the protection of the victims first.  Some suggestions for achieving this are establishing a national identification and referral system, better training, more comprehensive and financially supported program to assist victims, and to give more assistance in re-integration for victims that have returned to their home countries. 

This report is available in full here.

Compiled from the United Kingdom Parliament, Joint Committee on Human Rights Twenty-Sixth Report Summary, available http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/jt200506/jtselect/jtrights/245/24503.htm.

Stalking: Stalking, defined as “being followed, spied on, or communicated with, without consent at a level perceived to be somewhat dangerous or life threatening” has affected seven percent of women and two percent of men in the United States, according to a study from the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, August 2006 publication.  This problem affects more people under 55 that are unmarried or not cohabitating. 

Prevalence, Impact of Abuse:  In June 2006, the American Journal of Preventative Medicine also found through a random phone survey that 44% of women were affected by intimate partner violence in their lifetimes, 12% having that experience in the last five years.  The abuse is often ongoing, with 14-53% of women facing it 20 or more times.  Also, 15% of the women were abused by multiple partners.  It lasted for over 20 years for five to nine percent.

The study also focused on some risk factors for abuse, including young age, lower income, single parent, and those who experienced or witnessed abuse as a child.  This study gives more urgency to the health care providers to work at locating women facing abuse in their daily work.

Children who Witness Abuse and Bully:  A study published 19 August 2006 in Pediatrics found that children are more likely to bully and are at a greater risk for depression if they have witnessed violence and abuse at home.  This study found no correlation between victimization by peers and intimate partner violence.

Partner Violence Associated with Homicide and Suicide:  Homicide and suicide are both results of some intimate partner conflict.  The 7 July 2006 publication of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found that 32% of homicide victims knew the suspects and 20% of homicides were directly related to partner violence.  The homicide and suicide was most common in the 40-44 age range.  Mental health problems were another factor involved in suicide, but 25% of suicide did involve an issue with a former or current intimate partner.

Asylum Rulings Uneven from Judge to Judge:  The New York Times on 8 October 2006 found that asylum judges are very diverse in their rulings on asylum cases.  In a review of the practices of 208 judges, over ten years, the results ranged from granting ten percent of cases to granting 98 percent.  On average, the judges denied 65% of cases.  The cases sometimes involve women facing gender-based violence.

Compiled from Family Violence Prevention Fund, 16 October 2006.  New Studies Document Prevalence, Cost of Violence, Inadequate Response.  Available http://endabuse.org/newsflash/index.php3?Search=Article&NewsFlashID=806.

The legislation to be introduced in 2007, the International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA), is being written with input from many national and international organizations and will focus on the ways the pre-existing multi-billion dollar international assistance programs can change the status of women in developing countries by helping to eliminate violence.  One-third of women internationally are victims of violence, and in certain countries, this is as high as 70%.  Assistance from these funded programs would be able to help in ending the problem of violence against women.

Education will play a large role in this campaign.  The group seeks to inform the policymakers about the link between domestic violence and poverty, war/conflict, HIV/AIDS, and public health.  The group will also be working with women’s organizations in developing nations, organizing at the grassroots level, and including the media.

Compiled from Women's Edge, "Edge Launches Campaign to End Violence Against Women Globally", available http://www.womensedge.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=280&.

Compiled from: "Domestic Violence Public Awareness Month", Women's Commission at charmeck.org, 13 October, 2006.

"Domestic Violence Awareness Month", National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 13, October 2006.

Through the series, multiple issues related to domestic violence will be explored. The first of the series was launched on 1 October 2006; “Hi-Tech Stalking Devices Extend Abusers' Reach” explored the issue of technology and its use in stalking and domestic abuse.  The series will be able to raise awareness of issues within domestic violence that might not otherwise be recognized by those not immediately affected.

Mary Kay entered the field of domestic violence research in 2000. The company, headed by women, has always maintained a focus on women.  Mary Kay also addresses other women's issues, such as cancer research.  

Compiled from: Dangerous Trends, Innovative Responses, Women's ENews, 29 September 2006.

A Women's enews report as part of their October (Domestic Violence Awareness Month) series called "Dangerous Trends, Innovative Responses" cites areas of previously rural areas of Arizona with growing populations and the lack of capacity of domestic violence services to keep up. The problem is attributed to rapid growth, limited funding and cultural perceptions of domestic violence. 

Arizona governor Janet Napolitano implemented a statewide plan to combat domestic and sexual violence through the Commission to Prevent Violence Against Women. Even though Arizona is one of the few states that increased funding for domestic violence last year, advocates say they are still in need of more money to match needs.

Compiled from: Arizona's Urban Sprawl Stretches Shelter System, Pamela Burke, in Women's eNews, (9 October, 2006).

The Act states that, as a result of rape and incest, there are approximately 25,000-32,000 pregnancies each year.  They also find that 22,000 of these could be prevented with emergency contraception (EC).  Half of these pregnancies currently end in abortion. 

The Act also would provide for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV and Hepatitis-B through the use of antiretroviral drugs. This treatment could help prevent victims from contracting life-threatening diseases as a result of their attack. 

Under the Act, sexual assault victims would not be turned away for inability to pay.  The hospitals would receive funding depending on whether they follow the guidelines, including clearly informing a woman of her options, including EC, defining them for her, and providing these services in a timely manner.  The hospital is required to provide risk assessment, counselling and treatment.

Compiled from: Clinton Introduces Bill to Protect Sexual Assault Victims, Feminist Daily News Wire, October 4, 2006.

The report outlines extensive research that aims to measure the prevalence of intimate partner violence against women, both physical and sexual violence.  The research also includes information on sexual violence from non partner experiences, such as sexual violence experienced as a child and forced first sex.  The report aims to measure the health affects of violence against women on their mental, physical, sexual and reproductive health.

Interviewers sought information not only on women's experiences but also responses to violence against them and services sought.  Fact pages for each country detail data collected for the report.  The study includes recommendations for service providers, policy makers, national governments and international organizations in addressing the public health emergency.

To view the full report or summary report click here.

Compiled from: WHO Multi-Country Study on Domestic Violence against Women: Initial Outcomes on Prevalence, Health Outcomes and Women's Response, Claudia Garcia Moreno, et al., WHO, (WA 309) (2005) (PDF, 205 pages).

The Women’s Leadership Scholarship (WLS) (formerly the Native Leadership Scholarship) program creates educational opportunities for women around the world who are grassroots leaders, organizers and activists demonstrating financial need.   WLS invests in women's leadership and leadership development by supporting non-doctoral graduate education in human rights, sustainable development, and public health.

Pre-applications for the 2007-08 academic year will be available on our website on January 1, 2007.  For more information please visit www.nativeleaders.org. Please distribute this message widely.

Our History                           

 WLS has been granting scholarships since 2001. Our alumni are working around the world to improve the welfare of their communities. Prior to 2006, WLS granted scholarships to both women and men that included a limited number of awards for doctoral level education. Starting in 2006, WLS will only award scholarships to women pursuing non-doctoral level graduate education.

Our Goals

 WLS supports study, research, and leadership training, to assist women in their pursuit of solutions to the critical social, environmental, health and economic problems facing their countries and communities. By granting scholarships to remarkable women who demonstrate effective leadership, innovative solutions, and commitment to their communities, WLS helps develop and advance local expertise and community-based, culturally appropriate solutions. WLS endorses non-traditional leaders who are modeling change and using imaginative methodologies. Academic study, research and leadership training should be based on the scholarship recipient's present or prior experience working with her community.

Course of Study

Scholarship recipients enroll in programs of study that cover a range of human rights and development issues at the non-doctoral graduate level including gender, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, child exploitation, human and drug trafficking, infant and maternal mortality, microbial diseases, conflict resolution, environmental justice, global fair trade, agro-ecology, and sustainable development. WLS is a secular program and does not support programs of study that promote specific religious beliefs.

Scholarships
The WLS awards four to eight scholarships per year, up to US$25,000 per academic year for a maximum of two years. The awards help the recipients meet the costs of tuition, fees, books, educational supplies, housing, maintenance, and travel to and from the home country and the educational institution. WLS awards are paid directly to the institution in a student's account. For foreign women intending to study at U.S. universities, WLS funding for expenses other than tuition and books is subject to a 14% U.S. tax.

Location of Study

Candidates may use WLS funding for non-doctoral graduate study at accredited institutions worldwide. The WLS is committed to promoting the strengthening of research and of institutions of higher learning in the Global South. The WLS encourages students to study in their home country or region provided that the educational institution is accredited for higher education.

Eligibility Requirements

An eligible candidate is a woman leader from a developing country and/or a member of an indigenous tribe or group who...

1. Is committed to grassroots organizing and the needs of her community or indigenous group;

2. Has proof of a bachelor's or a higher degree;

3. Has at least three years of work experience dealing with critical human rights concerns, and other social, educational, environmental, health or economic conditions that threaten life or social stability, that discriminate, or that destroy or deplete her country's or community's resources;

4. Is accepted into a non-doctoral graduate program at an accredited university for full-time study/research related to her work experience;

5. Can show evidence of financial need for educational support;

6. Intends to return to her home country to work, utilizing training and research acquired in the study program.

Pre-applications

All applicants are invited to fill out pre-applications (which will be available Jan. 1 through March 23, 2007) on our website or by request from info@nativeleaders.org.

Deadlines

WLS pre-applications for the 2007-2008 academic year will be available Jan. 1 through March 23, 2007 on our website or by request from info@nativeleaders.org.

After the pre-application period ends, all candidates will be notified about their application status. Incomplete pre-applications will not be considered for review. Unsolicited additional documents provided by the pre-applicant will not be reviewed. Only a small group of candidates will be invited to complete a full application.

The laws of Kyrgyzstan are more advanced than other countries in the area of violence against women.  The women have been active in attempting to utilize these laws, but the police do not treat the crimes as being serious and they are not implemented.  Upon hearing of assaults, the police will often encourage the women to reconcile instead of giving them a safe place to go to get away from the violence.  This leaves the women feeling hopeless and they are stuck in violent situations that often leave them with serious and permanent injury as well as emotional trauma.

Also discussed in the report is bride kidnapping.  The officials often portray it as harmless, but the women of Kyrgyzstan describe it as violent and traumatic.  They are abducted by men they do not know or by acquaintances that use deception.  The women are often raped and have long-term effects from this violation against them. 

Human Rights Watch sent this report to the government of Kyrgyzstan with guidelines for implementation of their laws on violence against women.  They also ask for an increase in the financial and technical assistance that is being given to the programs assisting the victims of these crimes.  Through this report, Human Rights Watch has effectively challenged the government to step up and make this issue a priority.

Compiled from: Human Rights Watch: Human Rights News, “Kyrgyzstan: Bride-Kidnapping, Domestic Abuse Rampant”, available http://www.hrw.org/english/docs/2006/09/27/kyrgyz14261.htm.

1. A statistical overview on all forms of violence against women; 
2. The causes of violence against women; 
3. The medium and long-term consequences of violence against women; 
4. The health, social and economic costs of violence against women; and 
5. Best practice examples for combating and eliminating violence against women.

The Secretary-General sought input from governmental and nongovernmental sources through questionaires, CEDAW reports and general requests for information.  The study found violence against women to be a “widespread and serious problem that affects the lives of countless women and is an obstacle to the achievement of equality, development and peace in all continents. It endangers women’s lives and impedes the full development of women’s capabilities. It obstructs the exercise of their rights as citizens; it harms families and communities and reinforces other forms of violence throughout societies, often with deadly consequences.”

The study provides recommendations on the national, intergovernmental, and UN level, on the action steps governments should take to end the impunity in which violence against women is perpetrated.

To view the full report, please click here.

Compiled from: Secretary-General’s study on violence against women, United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women, last accessed 27 September 2006.

Photographers sold their pictures at auctions over the past year in several cities in Turkey, as well as London, and Washington, D.C.  Proceeds from their photographs have gone to support  Independent Women's Support Organization in Mersin and Women Solidarity Association in Urfa.     

The hard work and international success of the program increased participation to over 200 photographers as well as receiving the 2005 Annual Photograph Award from the Istanbul Photographers and Cinematographers Association (IFSAK).

The New Exhibit "For Women, By Women" can be seen at the Alsancak Culture Center in Izmir's Konak Municipality through Sept. 30. The exhibition can then be seen at the Cetin Emec Art Gallery in Izmir on Oct. 2-15.

For more information please contact Art4Development.Net at Email: fwbw@art4development.net
Tel: 1 877 580 6670.

Compiled from: The Womens United Nations Report Network, http://www.wunrn.com and Hand in hand for women in Urfa, Elcin Sener, The New Anatolian, http://www.thenewanatolian.com/print-15187.html

The number stands at 185 honor killings last year, though such practices often go unreported.  Women who refuse to enter into arranged marriages or are involved in relationships that their family deems inapporpriate often either commit suicide or flee their homes to escape such measures.

The United Nations humanitarian news and information service, IRIN News, suggests that this recent rise is due to widespread discriminatory practices against Afghani women coupled with a lack of law enforcement.  AIHRC also suggests that the increase in killings, especially in the south, can be attributed to the resurgence of the Taliban in the Southern provinces.

Though the Afghan Constitution protects women's rights, the deep-rooted cultural practice is often not treated as murder.  A change in attitudes must first be achieved to end such a detrimental practice.

Complied from: Feminist News Digest, http://www.feminist.org/images/FMF_home_logo.gif and

 AFGHANISTAN: Honour killings on the rise, IRINnews.org, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=55574&SelectRegion=Asia&SelectCountry=AFGHANISTAN (15 Sep 2006)

Some members, such as Swedish Ambassador Anders Olejelund, noted that though there are many national and international agreements, perpetrators who benefit from trafficking are not afraid of symbolic legislation.  Finnish Police trafficking task force member Pirjo Valonen also stressed the importance of cross-sector cooperation on international, regional and local levels. 

Members also discussed the importance of combating the root causes of trafficking as an important part of victim protection.  While Marco Gramenga emphasized that there is still a need for further legislation to increase international cooperation, he noted the centrality of immigration in the search for well-paying jobs that often leads to trafficking. There were conflicting opinions of the role that legalized prostitution might have in increasing trafficking. Still, Malin Bjork articulated the importance of providing regional services for victims and their families and training for officials and organizations, rather than focusing strictly on enforcement.

The Council considered two proposals to be presented during the annual session of the Nordic Council later this year.  One, from the Social Democratic Group, calls for a Nordic Action Plan to combat trafficking, while the other proposal, from the Left Socialist and Green Group (VSG), requests that victim refuges be set up in the Baltic States and Northwest Russia.

Media contact: Karin Arvidsson
kaa@norden.org
+4521717145

Compiled from: Information provided by Womens United Nations Report Network (WUNRN) http://www.wunrn.com and Funding Needed to Combat Trafficking, Nordic Council and Council of Ministers, http://www.norden.org/webb/news/news.aspid=6352&lang=6  (20 September 2006). 

The report stressed the human rights violations against all women, but also focused on specific violence against the population of Romani women.  Some serious claims in the report are the following:

• Forced sterilization of Romani women: practiced beginning in the Communist era, and most recently in 2001 (for documented cases)
• Domestic violence: insufficient training of professionals, therapeutic programs for victims and perpetrators, victim services in various regions, comprehensive services, investigation, and protection from “stalking”
• Legal protection from discrimination: no comprehensive anti-discrimination law, very few cases reviewed by Czech authorities and even fewer with positive results
• Government policy: push for equality has been almost completely at the NGO level.  there is little public awareness and representatives are unhelpful in promoting gender equality.  More serious problems occur with the Romani women.
• Low participation of women: both in government/public life and the study of science and technology.  There is no law helping women increase their representation in the governmental bodies and education is still segregated, giving Romani children less of an opportunity.
• Child support: a bill requiring payment of child support has been rejected, making the situation of single mothers more difficult.  The Czech Republic also has the highest rates of small children placed in state care.

This report illustrates that there is much progress to be made in the Czech Republic regarding its treatment of women.  In response to this report, ERRC states that CEDAW has strongly advised the Czech government to implement reforms in the area of sterilization, including better and ongoing training of professionals, compensation to victims, and legislation regarding consent.  They also ask for the implementation of discrimination laws.

The full Shadow Report is available for download here.

Published in: United Nations: Hungary Coercively Sterilised Romani Woman, European Roma Rights Center, Press Release, 31 August 2006.