Bullying is a power and control imbalance that has plagued school children for generations. Bullying can be divided into two categories, direct (physical and verbal) and indirect (social exclusion and rumors). Studies show boys to be more involved in direct bullying and girls in indirect. Interpersonal Violence (IPV) exposure in the home is correlated with behavior problems and a higher propensity for aggression as seen in direct bullying but not with indirect bullying.

Most recent studies divide students into the following groups: bullies (perpetrators), victim-bully (victim of bullying as well as perpetrator), victim (victimization only). Adolescents with high parental support are less involved in all forms, making parental support a protective factor. Having more friends is associated with more bullying (bullies) and less victimization in both types of bullying supporting the “friendship protection hypothesis”.

Interesting findings in bullying research show that bullies as well as their victims (in the victim-bully group) are more likely to engage in violent behavior than children never involved in bullying. The victim-bully group stands out as the most vulnerable group with poorer psychosocial function than the other groups. Bullies are not found to be depressed loners but students with a network of friends for support.

Bullying Prevention Education should focus on the basic cause of bullying which is a power and control imbalance. Children who are victims should be empowered and helped to build a peer support network. The victim-bully group  should be assessed  with special attention to the “fringe group students” to make sure they are protected from bullying as well as prevented from perpetrating violence against others. Physically violent bullies should be assessed for IPV at home and in their dating relationships. Conflict resolution skills and anger management training should become part of any discipline plan directed at those who are physically violent, especially if they are experiencing IPV in the home environment. 

Article by Pam Dennington, Education Coordinator

To RSVP for the event, please email bethanyc@intermtn.biz. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

Detailed in the findings from the 2010 “Mary Kay Truth About Abuse” survey revel alarming trends including:

· 88 percent of domestic violence shelters expect their overall situation during the next 12 months will be worse than now, or the same as now, in light of the economy

· Three out of four domestic violence shelters (77 percent) report an increase in women seeking assistance from abuse

· 75 percent of shelters attribute this rise in abuse to “financial issues”

· 54 percent of shelters link this increase in domestic violence to “job loss”

· More than half (57 percent) of women in the shelters can’t find employment due to the economy

· 51 percent of shelters nationwide note the abuse is more violent now than before the economic downturn.

 These statistics are extremely important because it is showing that even though there may be an upturn in the economy, shelters are not optimistic when it comes to the number of clients that will need their help.

The Mary Kay Foundation has been involved in assisting individuals suffering from domestic violence for many years. There is a Mary Kay Domestic Violence Shelter Grant that is rewarded to 150 domestic violence shelters nationwide in the amount of $20,000. Domestic Violence Prevention of Texarkana has received one of the grants to assist our shelter and the clients who reside there. To date, the Foundation has donated nearly $22 million to women’s shelters and domestic violence programs across the United States.

We are hoping to do many more awareness events such as this. If you have a group that might be interested in helping, please call Ashley Smith at 903-794-4000. Together, we can make a difference!

Volunteers are the heart of Domestic Violence Prevention. Together, we can make a difference!

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.  ~Washington Irving

This year, in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we will host a candlelight vigil walk around the lake at Spring Lake Park. The event will start at 5pm with a cookout. The walk will take place at approximately 6:30pm. If you are interested in attending or would like to help out during the event, please contact Ashley Smith or Terri Ward at 903-794-4000.

Let’s show our support to our community members who have been affected by sexual assault and help destroy this silent epidemic!

*If it rains on Saturday, watch the website for a re-schedule date.

This year we want to remember a special lady how helped us get the show started. Mary Brown and her husband Jim Brown were very instrumental in helping DVP get this event off the ground 12 years ago. Being car enthusiast themselves, they were able to offer suggestions and provide support to help make the show run smoothly. Mary passed away this year and we wanted to honor her by naming the car show in her memory.

If you are unable to attend the show but would like to make a donation in her memory, please send your donation to PO Box 712, Texarkana, TX 75504. For those who would like to register a car or motorcycle, please call Ashley Smith at 903-794-4000 for more information on how to register. This is going to be an event that you won’t want to miss!!!

This year, Domestic Violence Prevention, Inc. is celebrating 30 years of service. We are planning many fun events to celebrate this milestone. Please stay tuned for more information on an upcoming dance-a-thon, antique/classic/custom car and motorcycle show, and casino night! It is going to be a great year and we look forward to celebrating it with you!