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The Prevention Perspective: May 2021

24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 208.343.7025 24-hour Rape Crisis Hotline: 208.345.7273 (RAPE)

Tracy Darling-DeMarcus, Prevention Program Manager

Preventing domestic, dating or sexual violence requires a myriad of strategies. There are individual, relational, community and societal level factors that all play a role in violence prevention. Social norms are one of the most powerful societal and community influences in shaping behavior. When those norms support harmful behaviors or normalize the tolerance of violence, it is more likely to happen. There are a number of harmful social norms that impact violence and one of these is the norm of privacy and silence.

Many people avoid talking about issues they view as embarrassing or shameful, like mental illness or relationship abuse. For generations, domestic and sexual violence have been treated as taboo and seen as an issue to be kept private or “no one else’s business”. But privacy and silence can lead to dangerous inaction, hopelessness and harm.

During May, Mental Health Awareness Month, we are challenged to break the stigma around mental illness, which means critically examining the beliefs we hold around privacy and silence. Do we value privacy or comfort more than someone’s health and safety? How can we challenge this harmful social norm? Break the stigma, break the silence.

 

 

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EVENTS

Dec 11

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WCA Mission Tour

Join us for a 35 minute virtual tour to learn about our mission of safety, healing and freedom through the stories of clients and the impact of our services. The WCA Mission Tour aims to inspire and educate about the complexities and realities of domestic abuse and sexual assault, both here in the Treasure Valley […]

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Concert for Cause

Mark you calendars for 2023 Concert for Cause – December 14th Thursday, December 14th 94.9 The River is excited to present headlining artist Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness with Michigander and Arlie for their 2023 Concert for Cause benefitting the WCA! Join us at The Knitting Factory Concert House in Bodo for an evening of […]

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Dec 28

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Join us for a 35 minute virtual tour to learn about our mission of safety, healing and freedom through the stories of clients and the impact of our services. The WCA Mission Tour aims to inspire and educate about the complexities and realities of domestic abuse and sexual assault, both here in the Treasure Valley […]

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2024 TWIN Awards

The WCA will honor the women who have been chosen as this year’s TWIN Cohort at its 31st Annual Tribute to Women and Industry (TWIN) Luncheon at Noon on Wednesday, April 3rd, at the Boise Centre. “These are women who have made outstanding contributions to the Treasure Valley business community,” WCA Executive Director Bea Black said. “It […]

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