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from Domestic Violence | |||
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Dear Friends of SWIC:
Schuylkill Women in Crisis (SWIC) is pleased to have been able to meet the needs of 1,014 victims of domestic violence last year, in spite of economic challenges nationwide and the state budget impasse. We are thankful for our donors and for the commitment of our staff who worked with SWIC, without certainty about the next week’s paycheck, to make sure services continued uninterrupted. We are also pleased that the Board of Directors had the foresight to conduct a capital campaign in 2008 to expand shelter services, and we are grateful to donors who are fulfilling their commitments. In the past year, SWIC turned away the greatest number of victims seeking shelter in its history, with 20 women and 15 children denied shelter when it was filled to capacity – further proving the dire need for shelter expansion. In addition, SWIC’s efforts to improve community response to victims have resulted in increasing numbers of victims relaying positive experiences with law enforcement, prosecution, faith leaders, educators, medical professionals, and employers. Our efforts to build bridges with the faith community resulted in SWIC’s first Annual ARISE (Awareness Raising, Information Sharing Event). With our system partners, SWIC organized a seminar on strangulation – open to law enforcement, prosecution, and medical professionals – which has greatly improved community response to victims. We continue to move forward. National studies conclude that the greatest safety measure domestic violence victims can take is seeking services from a provider, such as SWIC. We know that many people are cutting back on gifts this year, even within their own families, but we know firsthand how vital SWIC’s services are. Your gift to the 2009 Annual Holiday Fund Drive may be the most important gift you give this season. We at SWIC wish you and yours a joyous holiday and a happy new year! Warmest regards,
Earn 79% of Male Counterparts Women in Pennsylvania earned 79% of their male counterparts' salaries last year, according to data released by the state's Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median weekly earnings for female full-time wage and salary workers in Pennsylvania last year was $642, compared to male earners' $815, the Labor Department said. This ratio was one of the highest ever reported in Pennsylvania, according to BLS regional commissioner Sheila Watkins. Nationwide, women earned $638, or 80% of their male counterparts' median $798. The ratio has narrowed from the 1979 figure of 62% (the first year such data was collected), but has declined from the high of 81% in 2006 and 2007. The ratio varied across the country, with women in Wyoming earning 68% of their male counterparts' salaries, and women in the District of Columbia almost even with men, at 92%. 
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 4% of all workplaces train employees on domestic violence and its impact on the workplace. Big Lots Distribution Center in Tremont is one employer trying to make a difference both in and out of their workplace.
Recently, Big Lots invited Schuylkill Women in Crisis (SWIC) to conduct informational sessions about domestic violence and its effects on the workplace to supervisors of the distribution center. Domestic violence is a concern for both victims of domestic violence, as well as their coworkers. It has a harmful effect on a company’s productivity, attendance, and increases in insurance and medical costs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that the annual cost of lost productivity due to domestic violence equals $727.8 million. The national health care costs of domestic violence (often absorbed by employers) are high, with direct medical and mental health care services for victims amounting to $4.1 billion. On a personal level, domestic violence is a major safety concern. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) for 2003, homicides were the second leading cause of death on the job for women. 15% of the 119 workplace homicides of women in that year were attributed to a current or former intimate partner. Coworkers are also not immune to the effects of domestic violence on the workplace, as they may be hurt in either a fatal or non-fatal incident that may occur on work property. Educating employees and supervisors is helpful in many aspects. Employees experiencing domestic violence can receive information on how to get help. Those not in abusive relationships can learn signs to look for and how to approach others they suspect are being abused. Big Lots is just one Schuylkill County employer taking the steps to eliminate abuse and help victims. Are you interested in a domestic violence presentation in the workplace? Informational sessions can be tailored to your company's needs. Please call SWIC at 570.622.3991 for more details. Holiday Shopping Special 
The Grateful Thread, a weaving business operated by Schuylkill Women in Crisis (SWIC), will be open for holiday shopping from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tuesday, December 1, through Saturday, December 5. Come see many of our popular items available in seasonal and holiday colors and also the handmade artistry of several consignment artists. The store is located at 20 North Centre Street, Pottsville. And check out The Grateful Thread’s new website and online store at www.gratefulthread.org. swicagency@comcast.net with the subject line "Unsubscribe" 570.622.3991 . . . . www.s-wic.org Thank you for supporting SWIC and the fight against domestic violence! |