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Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES - 05132003 - C67 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Contra f v�v•" y 4l �..,✓'fes. .v 'y y FROM: JOHN SWEETEN, County Administrator Costa DATE: May 13, 2003 Countly SUBJECT: 2002 ANNUAL. REPORTS FROM BOARD ADVISORY BODIES SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMME'NDATIO'N: RECEIVE 2002 amended Annual Report submitted by the Commission for Women, BACKGROUND: On June 18, 2002,the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 2002/377, which requires that each regular and ongoing board, commission, or committee shall annually report to the Hoard of Supervisors on its activities, accomplishments, membership attendance, required trainng/certification (if any), and proposed work plan or objectives for the fallowing year, on the second Tuesday in December. Annual reports shall follow the following format and shall not exceed two typewritten pages: Advisory Body Name: Advisory Body Meeting Time/Location: Chair(during the reporting period): Staffperson (during the reporting period): Reporting Period: 1. 6-Ay-dies (1/2 page) If. Accomplishments (1/2 page) I'I'I. AttendanplBepresentation (1/4 page) IV. Training ertlfr (1/4 page) V. Proposed Work Plan/Obiectives for Next Year (1/2 page) As the deadline has been only recently established, we expect that the annual reports will filter in over the next several weeks. These reports will be transmitted to the Board upon receipt and reminders will be sent advisory bodies that have not filed annual reports. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: SES SIGNATURE: " [ RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR C3 RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE aMPROVE Q OTHER SIGNATURF(B}k .._. r ACTION OF B0ONx 1 �{ APPROVE0 AS RECOMMENDED 9 OTHER M VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND X UNANIMOUS CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND (ABStNT._EO� 1 ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF AYES: NOES: SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. ABSENT: ABSTAIN: DISTRICT III SEAT VACANT ATTESTED May 13, 2003 Contact: GINA MARTIN(925)335-1900 JOHN SWEETEN,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR cc: STAFF,INTERNAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE CHIEF CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPVS aAL s By: eputy ADDENDUM TO THE CONTRA COSTA COMMISSION FOR WOMEN'S ANNUAL REPORT December,2002 STRATECIC PLANNING On Tuesday, September 17, 2042, the Contra Costa Commission for Women met to develop a strategic plan for the next three to five years. The goals of the Commission are reflected in the plan. Goals from Strategic Worm Pian 1. Strengthen the Commission's identity and capacity as a leadership and advocacy body with the ability to mobilize groups of women. 2. Help women,to develop a collective voice to influence public policy and affect positive change in their lives. 3. Collaborate with others to encourage girls to recognize and realize their potential. ACCW CONVEN'T'ION In August 2002, the Association of California Commissions for Women met in Sacramento for their annual convention. Seven Contra Costa Commissioners attended and received training and shared resources with Commissions throughout the state, After the convention, the Contra Costa Commission for Women voted to take action on a report entitled "Men, Women and Police Excessive Force: A Tale of Two Genders"presented at the convention by the National Center for Women and Policing, a division of the Feminist Majority Foundation(copy of report attached). GIRLS AND THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM—Collaboration with the Contra Costa Circle The Contra Costa Coalition of Bay Area Regional Action Coalition and the Contra Costa Commission's Girl's Outreach Committee were given a tour of the county's Martinez juvenile hall on October 14. Both groups are working on the needs of girls in the juvenile justice system. Findings from our tour and staff interviews agree that there are few, if any, transition programs for girls corning out of juvenile hall,with the result that girls tend to recycle back into the lockup after release, or are lost in the system. Many girls currently in juvenile hall have not committed new crimes but are there because they failed to appear for a probation or court appearance or for other status offenses. Young women ages 13-18 that may have already experienced abuse in their own families find the system then becomes the abuser. This is not acceptable. Good pilot programs do exist for girls"at risk"of entering the juvenile justice system in Contra Costa County, but these programs face crippling budget cuts. The Circle of Care program, run by Community Violence Solutions, reaches around 50 girls in three areas of the county. They have lost $700,000 in funding. Programs for young women are at risk from the budget crisis at the state and local levels. __ ECONOMIC STATUS OF WOMEN At this year's annual state commission meeting, Commissioners were given copies of a report entitle "Failing to Make Ends Meet". The report compared what it costs a single woman with two children to live in four different counties in California, based on the actual cost of living in those areas(copy of report attached). Although we do not have a comparison that is specific to this county, the point is made by other counties that there remains a large disparity or gap between income and cost of living for women in a variety of low-wage jobs typically held by women. There is still much to be done to increase the economic security of women and children in Contra Costa County, California and.the United States. 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In 1993 the Committee applied for and received non-profit exempt status. The membership was inrireased to 26 members and transferred to the County Health Services Department in 1994. In 1999, the Board of Supervisors agreed to formally change the Committee's name to the Contra Costa Commission for Women, The Commission was formed to educate the community and advise the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and other entities as necessary on issues relating to the changing social and economic conditions of women in the County,with particular emphasis on the economically disadvantaged. As such the goals of the Commission are as follows: • To provide a focal point for women's issues in Contra Costa County. a To offer referrals to resources for women who need assistance with issues such as sexual harassment, child support, sexual assault, domestic violence, health and economic security. o To legislatively advocate on behalf of women. © To organize and co-sponsor conferences, forums and public hearings which address women's issues. Strategic Plan Goals for 2001-2002 o Help women develop a collective voice to influence public policy and affect positive change in their lives. © Identify sources of information, services and resources to empower women in Contra Costa County. to Strengthen the Commission's identity and capacity as a leadership and advocacy body with the ability to mobilize groups of women a Develop a fundraising program to achieve the Commission's mission and goals. �J Commission Focus for 2001-2002 • Passage of the Convention for the Elimination of All Farms of Discrimination against Women(CEDAW)locally and nationally a Outreach to Girls o Collaboration with other organizations CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN(CEDAW) What is it? CEDAW is a United Nations Treaty that ensures equal protection for women and girls including economic development,,education, safety and health care.Adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly,it is often described as an international bill of rights for women. CEDAW consists of a preamble and 30 articles,which define what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination. In its implementation, it also provides protection for people of color and other disenfranchised groups. Where is it recognized? 165 countries have ratified CEDAW. The United States,which signed the treaty in 1980 and had significant input,is not one of the countries that have ratified CEDAW.It has been held up in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for the past 20 years. However, in June 2002, Senators Biden and Boxer announced hearings in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for CEDAW.The Contra Costa Commission for Women has sent letters in support of C'MAW to Senator Boxer and Senator Feinstein. Local Implementation In the United States, 12 states, including California, eleven counties and 20 cities have endorsed CEDAW or have adopted it on behalf of them:jurisdictions.Among forward thinking city and county governments, in 1998''San Francisco became the first city in this country to adopt an ordinance implementingCEDAW locally.A task force has been established to work with their Commission for Women and City departments to identify discrimination against women and girls and to implement human rights principles.The first two departments to perform the self-analysis were Public Works and Juvenile Probation. Results were reviewed to evaluate the department's adherence to the principles of CEDAW.Recommendations on how the departments could better protect and promote women's rights through their operations were made and implemented. Simply participating'in this process created a"sensitivity" to gender-related issues that had not previously existed. On October 26, 1999, as a direct result of the efforts of Soroptimists of the USA, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors passed unanimously resolution No. 99/551 in recognition and support of CEDAW. Since 1999,The Contra Costa Commission for Women has supported de facto implementation. The Contra Costa Commission for Women supporta and recommends the passage of an ordinance to unify,complete and codify the work begun is Contra Costa in the area of human rights. The Commission has made passage and implementsrtion.of CEDAW a top priority. We ask the Board of Supervisors to make this a priority for our county. (See attached editorial Brom the Contra Costa Times-March 29 2002) OUTREACHTO GIRLS According to the 1998 Girls Report of the National Council for Research on Women, "Girls require and deserve the awareness, attention, and commitment of a wide range of individuals and institutions to promote their healthy development...educators, a range of professionals,public officials, and ether members of the community should strengthen their efforts to create a safe and supportive climate that nurtures girls and encourages them to develop and pursue their goals." The Contra Costa Commission for Women believes in three key outcomes for girls. ® Girls do not experience violence in any of its farms. o Girls feel good about themselves. a Girls are prepared to lead economically secure lives. To further these objectives the Commission established a Girl's Page on our website www.womensggMMi sion.com.This pages was established in consultation with the Contra Costa Countywide Youth Commission.The page has links to sites that promote our key outcomes for girls. Girls can also read about topics and information of importance to them. The first essay on the Girl's Page was written on nate Rape by Maria Rameriz a staff member of Community Violence Solutions and honoree of the 2001 Women's Hall of Fame in the category of Women,Working for Justice. ' In addition, girls are encouraged to read about women in politics in the book"Nine and Counting",the life stories of women senators.The Contra Costa Commission for Women has presented the book"Nine and Counting" to all high school and community libraries in Contra Costa County. The Commission has been holding panels during their regular sessions with local representatives serving girls and women in Contra Costa County regarding issues that affect girls. Panel members included: a Susan Gage of the Circle of Care Program of Community Violence Solutions o jewel Aviles of the Girl Scouts of the Bay Area © Emily Guess of the Countywide Youth Commission o Br. Barbara Bunn-McCullough of The Perinatal Council v Saki Cabrera Strait of The Perinatal Council © Valerie Burgess of the Sister-to-Sister Program of the American Association of University Women Specifically, panel members were asked to address three questions: 1.) What are the biggest challenges faced by girls in their program"? 2.) Are there public policies that could be changed or implemented that would help girls meet these challenges? 3.) What should elected officials and other decision-makers understand about changing or implementing policy to be supportive to girls"? Our findings'from the panel discussion are the following; v Over the last 20 years, girls are entering the juvenile justice system at an alarming rate. Prevention and intervention programs are needed to help at-risk girls avoid incarceration or successfully complete probation. More services are needed for these young women in Contra Costa. o There is a need for additional programs for young girls in Contra Costa. __ o Programs for boys are more readily available and financially supported. Funding for girl's programs remains a continuing issue. o According to a survey done by the Perinatal Council, 43% of the births in Contra Costa are to Latina young women.To raise these children,young women drop out of school.These young women face many obstacles. Solutions include. to develop an empowerment model,work where.the population resides, support education needs,provide information and; support for parenting, make sure there is access to medical care for young women and children. o Girls often experience an emphasis on body image not on intelligence. 'There is a constant struggle to decipher society's confusing messages about girls. Under these conditions girls often experience harassment and stress. Mentoring programs offering role models to girls should be encouraged and supported. We recommend that the Board of Supervisors financially support programs that encourageeducation,promote health,prevent violence and lend,opportunities for economic success for girls,especially girls at risk for entering the juvenile justice System and young women of color. Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence is the type of policy that benefits both girls and women. We support the slogan of the American Association of University Women. "When we shortchange girls,we shortchange America" WORKING IN COLLABORATION Members of the Contra Costa Commission for Women are taking a leadership role in the Bay Area Regional Action Coalition-BARAC.Aileen C. Hernandez, BARAC Project Director and Marilyn Fowler, Coordinator of the California Women's Agenda-CAWA convened this group.. BARAC seeks to strengthen the linkages and develop more focused collective action among organizations for women and girls in five Bay Area Counties-Alameda, Contra Costa,Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo.Through a series of meetings throughout Contra Costa various women and women's groups are in the process of identifying issues of importance to women throughout the county. Commissioners have networked with women who support a common agenda specifically in the areas of Health, Social and Economic issues and Environmental justice. Groups participating in BARAC include:Diablo Valley College Women's Studies Program, Los'Medanos College, Girl's Incorporated of West Contra Costa County, YWCA of Contra Costa County, Contra Costa Health Services,American Association of University Women,Neighborhood House of North Richmond, Contra Costa Chiild.Care Council, Soroptimist International, Planned Parenthood, Common Bond,Community`Violence Solutions, STAND'I Against Domestic Violence,United Methodist Women, WOVA, and Common Bond. In addition, Members of The Contra Costa Commission for Women and Commissioner Sharon'Kayfetz both attended and co-sponsored the eleventh annual Women In Action Lobby Day(WIAL D) in Sacramento on April 23, 2002. Commissioners visited the offices of Contra'Costa Assembly and Senate representatives to advocate for legislation to end violence against women. (See attached handout) WOrAMN'S R&M OF FAhm In celebration of Women's History Month, the Contra Costa Commission for Women and the Board of Supervisors sponsored the St'annual Women's Hall of Fame honoring Centra ................................................................................................................................................I.................................................... Costa women who have made outstanding contributions to our community. On March 26,h, 2002, 300 people gathered at the Centre Concord to acknowledge the following honorees: • Theodora (Theo)Atkinson, Women Contributing to the Arts. • Eva Grace Garcia, Women Creating Community • Laura Hoffineister,Women Demonstrating Leadership • Susan Prather, Women Working for justice • Pauline M.Velez, M.D., M.B.A.,women Improving Health Care • Lisa Owens Viani, Women Preserving the Environment COMMSSION HONORED The Soroptimist International of Pleasant Hill honored the Contra Costa Commission for Women on April 25,2002 in recognition of outstanding work in "Advancing the Status of Womenly ATTACHMENTS; List of Commissioners Attendance record CEDAW Editorial WIALD Handout Nine and Counting picture Soroptimist Article ..................................... ................................ WEDNESDAY JANUARY 9 2002_ , Worung to mspwe ♦ ! � .mow. k: YOM* WoMen t'M B�Utiderwood S'rl�F Wt�r'IF.yt The Contra Costa Commission for Women is working to inspire young women to enter politics lay,sup- plying schools and libraries thmughout the county with of"Nina and Counting." The book is about the paths of nine women senators to their current leadership positions. ortu.xrrrotio�nes�srr The commission is distributing MEMBERS OF THE Contra Costa Commission for Women---(front row,k)pereshteh Wier, 50 copies of the book, donated Dominique Nguyen,Laurie Phillips,Joan Conley,Deedee Jensen,Argentina Dauila-t uevano, (back and signed,by Vara Boxer row)Elaine Swensen,Kathleen`lander,Clara Bridges,Mitzi Sales,Lindsay Johnson,Sharon Barone and Dianne Feinstein, the two and Julia Halsne,standing in front of the Concord Library—are donating copies of the book, "Nine California senators featured in and Counting,'to libraries throughout Contra Costa County. the book. ""We're hung yob women Kayfetz brought the idea for- a librarian in Contra Costa The convention is an interna- wili'be inspired by this book," ward to the group, and it took County, said that•before the tional human rights document said C—rnissionerJulia Hatsne. approximately six months for commission's efforts to get with provisions for local irnple- Metnbers of the commission the commission to receive the copies of "Nine and Counting" mentation. Mitzi said that the have been attending school board books after the project was first into the system,there were only commission must"think global- meetings to present a signed envisioned. The commission three copies available. ly and act locally," and that is haver copy of the book.to worked in collaboration with Paperback copies'of "Nine one of the reasons it is taking or each s du)W disarict in the aunty the offices of the two senators. and Counting"that are available the project. The comrnissionen. to be placed in high school' `"Ms book gives examples of in local bookstores include an will hear a report on CEDANA b"brar es.'Flus comrni sws oal everyday women ---- most had appendix that introduces the .from community organization, is to have at least one copy o rhe passion that speared them four additional women senators at its next meeting at 3 p.m book in every high school and along, creating a drive to to take office since the original Tuesday,Jan. 15, at 2425 Bisst public library within the area that become members-of public ser- publication of the book. Lane in Concord. it sem..The project should'be vice,"said Halsne. The Commission for Women It is also currently preparing completed by late.Tanury; The mission of the;Contra is also currently working on the for its Women's Hall of Fath "We recognize that there Costa Commission for Women local implementation of the ceremony in March. It will rec aren't a hvaays great role models is to improve the economic sta- United Nations Convention on ognize women who have mad for girls in our community,and tuts, social welfare and overall the Elimination of All Farms of outstanding contributions to th this book is a terrific example of quality of life`of women in . Discrimination Against Women communities of Corina Cast "men,just like they ase:'said Contra Costa County.The com- (CEDAW). The Contra Costa County.'Me commission will b Mitzi Sales,chairwoman of the mission participates in projects County Board of Supervisors accepting nominations for rhes commission.'It shouts they can like the book distribution to passed a resolution,supporting awards until Friday, Jan. 1 really make a difference.". work toward its goals. • the implementation of the docu- Call the Commission for Wome Commissioner Sharon Commissioner Joan Conley, ment,in October 1999. at 92"70-505. ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST' OMEN Violence against women--domestic violence,rape and sexual assault—affects women worldwid-,regardless of age,race,sexual orientation or socio-economic level. Although awareness ofviolence against women as a serious problem has increased in recent years, abuse of women remains widespread in our society. Violence against women, especially withal the family,' s still more likely to go unchallengedthan violence directed toward Vis,such as a neighbor, -worker or acquaintance. Violence continues to be a major problbm throughout our communities---in our homes, workplaces and schools. Domesttk Violence Battering is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence. uttering occurs when one person believes he or she is entitled to control another. Domestic abuse affects millions of victims, including elderly people, pregnant women,children and teens. o Domestic violence is the single major cause of injury to American women,exceeding accidents,muggings, and gang violence.x a Women of all races are equally likely to be victimsof domestic violence.2 o As many as four million women experience serious assault by an intimate_partner every year. o Nearly one-third of adult women report having been assaulted by a partner:4 o One in six pregnant women report physical or sexual abuse during pregnancy.s o The number of women who have been murdered by their intimate partners is greater than the number of soldiers frilled in the Vietnam Wars o Women are five to eight times more likely than men to be battered by an intimate partner. Q Women who are battered are much more likely to be injured than men who are battered! o The rate of intimate-offender attacks on women separated from their husbands is approximately 25 times higher than that of married woen.5 o As many as 10 million children are exposed to domestic violence each year.10 o Domestic violence is not limited to mried''couples. Domestic violence can occur in a variety of relationships including abuse of elders by family members,abuse between dating couples, and abuse between lesbian and gay partners'. o More than half a million elderly Americans suffer some form of domestic'abuse.k o An average of 28% of high school and college students experience dating violence at solve point.YZ g Young women, between the ages of 16 and 24 in datingrelationships experience the highest rate of domestic violence and sexual assault.rs Somal Ass#auk and a Every 46 seconds, a woman is raped in the United States.14 o A woman is physically attacked in the United States every rune seconds. o Approximately 91%of rape and sexual assault victims are female,rs o (tape is committed primarily against young people. Of women who report being raped at some point in their lives,21.6%ofrape victims were under 12 years old, 32.4%were 12- 17 years old, 29%were 18-24 years old, and 16.6%were over 25 year's old when they were fuv gaped.This translates to 5411/o of women victims who were under>18 at the time of the first rape and 83%of women victims who were under the age of 25.x'Rape is the costliest crime in the U.S.,exacting$86,500 in tangible and intangible costs per victim:.18 Hate Crime k Hate crimes victimize people because of race, religion, ethnicity,gender, sexual orientation,and disability. crimes are committed to cause fear or injury to a person solely because ofwho he or she is. These crines also instill fear in other members of the victim's community and therefore have a widespread impact.More than 2000 hate crime offenses were reported by California law enforcement agencies in 1999.Of these offenses, 60%were motivated by race or ethnicity, and 67,6%were physically violent offenses. Although there were 2044 reported offenses, only 372 hate crime complaints were filed b ,Prosecutors which resulted in a total of 174 hate crime convictions(a 46:8%conviction rate). s The most recent example of brutal, widespread hate-motivated violence came in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks an September 1 Ph. to the fallowing weeks and months, fear and misconception led to numerous bate crimes against innocent Afghan-Americans throughout the United States. During that time, our country experienced the harmful effects of intolerance and ignorance with respect to the diversity of people that make up our nation's population, Effects Of Violence Violence against women and girls has profound, far-reaching effects beyond immediate physical injury. Women.who experience physical or sexual abuse are at increased risk for numerous long- term health problems including depression, chronic pain, difficult pregxiancies,post-traumatic stress,gynecological problems, and substance abuse. Their children.are more likely to be stillborn or die in infancy,20 In addition to the devastating effects on the victims, the current epidemic of violence against women is costly to society. Domestic violence victims utilize amental heath services, law enforcement agencies, domestic violence programs, and child protective services. Injuries caused by violence result in increased health care costs, Women who are battered have more than'twice the health carp:needs'and costs than those who are not abused.21 Moreover, violence creates barriers to economic self-sufficiency.Fifty-seven percent of homeless families identify domestic violence as a primary cause of homelessness.22UP to W o of women receiving welfare have been victims of domestic violence at some paint in their lives and as many as 30%have been abused during the previous year.23 Children who are exposed to domestic violence in their homes are deeply affected by their experience. This exposure can have significant negative effects on children's cognitive, emotional and social development, including poor academic performance, low self-esteem, behavior problems, depression,anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, children who witness violence at home are five times more likely to become batterers or victims when they become adults>2. Juvenile offenders are four times more likely to have grown up in households where they saw violence.25 Recommendations rs Prevention and early intervention is the key to stopping the cycle of violence in our society. Violence prevention must be a statewide priority. We must ensure that laws and,judicial procedures supportand protect'victims of violence. It is vitally important that police officers are given education and training in domestic violence and sexual assault, and that judges are knowledgeable about the dynamics involved in these situations. However, we need to treat violence against women in a context broader than law enforcement. Violence should be treated as a health concern. More than ten years ago, the I.T.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared.'violence the number one health problem for women and the situation has not improved.Healthcare providers are in a unique position to identify and assist victims of domestic'violence, fret incest medical professionals do not effectively respond to patients who have suffered violence. With education and training, health care providers can do much to address the needs of abused women and girls. Violence should also be treated as a human rights issue. Personal safety should be considered a right to which'we are all entitled. Abusers must be held accountable for their actions. We need violence prevention'and awareness-campaigns, including prevention education for children and teens in all of our schools, We must increase the involvement of men in domestic and sexual violence prevention.Full disclosure of campus crime data and reports should be required. We must increase the availability of job training programs and educational opportunities for victims. Child custody and visitation laws must protect women and children from abuse. Programs providing services for victims, including culturally sensitive services designed to reach underserved populations, must be£ufly-funded. Conclusion To effectively combat violence against women, we must change attitudes and beliefs that permit abusive behavior, The prevalence of violence against women stems from social inequities that make men feel they are entitled to abuse women to"beep them in their place." It is only when women achieve true social and economic equity that gender-based violence will no longer be accepted and instead will be looked upon as the horrendous violation-it is. cmadens , 1. Mediascope Press; Violence, Women and the Media,Issue Brief Series, 2000. . 2. US Department ofAgriculture; Safety,:Health and Employee Welfare Division,Domestic Violence Awareness Handbook. 3. American Psychological Association; Violence and the Family:Report of the American Psychological Association Presidential 'Task Force on Violence and the Family, 1996. 4. The Commonwealth Fund;Health Concerns Across a Women"s Lifespan: The Commonwealth Fund 1998 Survey of Women's Health. S. McFarlane, Parker, Soeken, &Bullock;Results from a study of prenatal clinics, 1992. 6. NOW website(www.canow.org). 7. US Department of Justice; Violence by Intimates: Analysis of Data on Crimes by.Current or Farmer Spouses,Zoyfriends and Girlfriends, 1998: S.., Straus,M. and Gelles, lt..;'Physical Violence In American Families, 1990. 9. , US Department of:Agriculture; Safety,Health and Employee Welfare Division,Domestic. Violence Awareness Handbook- 10., andbook10:David 4nd Lucile Packard Foundation;The Future of Children,Domestic Violence and Children, 1999. 11.National Center on Elder Abuse, 1996. 12.Brustin, S.;Legal Response to Teen Dating Violence, Family Law Quarterly,vol. 29,no. . 2,331, 1995. 13.Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report: Intimate Partner Violence, 2000. 14.National Victim Center;Rape in America: A Report to the Nation,•1992. IS. The Commonwealth Fund;First Comprehensive National Health Survey of American Women, 1993. 16. Office cif Justiee Programs, US Department of Justice;Sex Offenses and Offenders: An Analysis ofData on Rape and Sexual Assault, 1997, 17.National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs,US Department of Justice; Prevalence, Incidence,and Consequences of Violence Against Women: Findings from the National Violence Against Women Survey, 1998. 18. Office of Justice Programs,US Department of Justice,The Extent and Cost of Crime Victimization: A N'ew Look, 1996. 19.California Department of Justice;Report on Date Crime in California, 1999. 20. Johns Hopkins SchoolofPublic Health and the Center for Health and Gender Equity; Ending Violence Against Women Report, 2000. 21. NOW website(www.ca ow.org). 22.The United States Conference ofayors; A Status Report on Hunger and Homelessness in America's Cities, 1999. 23.'Tolman,R.M. and Raphael; J.; A Review ofResearch on Welfare and Domestic Violence, Journal of Social Issues, 2000. 24.NOW website(Www.canow.org). 25.NOW website(www.caaow.or;g). ' Back women's ,fights. NI TED STATES HAS COME a long way to be- come the supporter of women that it is. Amer- ican women make so many of their own life choices that it is amaziand outrageous to ng hear haw women in other parts of the world are trued. In some parts of the world,women can't be in public without a male family member?We're shocked.They aren't allowed to handle their own finances?They can't buy a house or a goat?Or have a job?We're stunned.They have no legal rights?We're aghast.They can't pick their own spouses,let alone have a voice in their government?We're appalled.They can be bought and sold?We're horrified. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Dis- crimination Against Women (CEDAW), the United Nations' document that is an international"Bill of Rights"for woken,is trying to change that.Women,who often point to We' stern nations, including the United States, as they strive for fair,equal and humane treatment,can use this canon as a source of information and even a lever. it has helped nations establish domestic violence laws,citizen- ship and inheritance rights, and educational opportunities. Yet the UnitedStates is one of only 23 countries that have not ratified CEDAW;we are the only industrialized nation to balk. Instead of being linked to Great Britain and Switzerland,or even Australia,we're in league with Afghanistan and Iran. What does this say about our commitment to interna- tional human rights?What does it say about our opinion of ,w.omen?We act as if we haven't"had our own inequity problems,as if this cannot apply to us, so what does it matter. But it does matter, because we are the example of how far you can go, because the list of"regulations" is things we primarily already support. There is nothing in this document that should get our dander up. It calls for safety of women in the workplace, prevention of discrimination on the grounds of marriage and maternity, equity in education, health care and eco- nomic and political opportunities. Although the united States is far ahead of many nations in these and other regards, CEDAW can benefit us as well. There are few rules that protect pregnant women on the job. It would help promote the development of programs that direct women toward vocational, mathematical and scientific fields.It discourages teen pregnancy and drop- ping out of school.The document is abortion-neutral; "re- productive rights"is not code for abortion. That primarily Catholic nations such as Italy and all the countries in Latin America support it should be an indication of that. Although all those dedicated to CEDAW's goals must re- port on their efforts, it does not supersede federal auton- omy or interfere with states' rights. Confirming our sup- port would perhaps make us more conscious of how the nation more subtly discriminates and move to rectify those problems. More important, however, is the voice it would give us in the U.N. committee and on human rights. Also, when we haven't ratified this convention, it makes us ap- pear hypocritical to the world.We preach a good sermon; xxrSxxi urosx'Y xxrs.S7t/'rlitrii7!#n lixrw}7V i#�+ h ATs.....r 71f,.-tis.-«i..s Ct',I'tI Cabo I (Member of County Advisory Body) By signing below,I certify that on *I watched the entire video training tape:`"The Brown Act and Better Government Ordinance-What You Need to Know as a Commission,Board,or Committee Member." 3 By signing below,I certify that on f I watched the entire video training tape:"Ethics Orientation for County Offic s." ame of Member of Advi Body) (Date) Return this Certifrcat o�n to the chair or staff of your advisory body. Your Cert +catio that you have completed'these training activities will be included in your advisory body's annual report to the Board a0upervisors. The chair or staff to your advisory body must keep all ce?W*ations on,f le. '� IJ:iBRl+tt�`ltpwyrert,�pd Cerdrication (Member ofC� Advi Body) By signing below,I certify that can I watched the entire vide©training tape: `"The'Brown Act and Better Government ce-IJV hat You Need to Know as a Commission,Board,or Committee Member." Q By signing below,I certify that o I watched the entire video training tape:"Ethics Orientation for County Of ictals." e "Wember 4A- cKisotrfyF—B—oWdy) (L atd .return this Certification to the chair or staffof j'of your advisory body. Your Certification "-" that you have completed these training activities will be included in your advisory body's annual report to the Board ofSupervisors.'S'upery cors. The chair or staff to your advisory body must keep all certfcatvns on file. __ Certification (Member of County Advisory Body) By signing below,I certify that on t Z Z40Z,_I watched the entire video training tape: 'The Brown Act and Better Government Ordinance-that You Need to Know as a Commission,Board,or CommitteeMember." By signing below,I certify that on Z I watched the entire video training tape:"Ethics Orientation for County Officials." "44 (Name of Member of Advisory Body) (Date) 7 f lleturn this Certification to the chair or staff of your advisory body. Your Certification that you have completed these training activities will be included in your advisory body's annual report to the Board cqf,Supervisors. The chair or sta,f to your advisory body must keep all certifications on f le. r ...•• X:1BltFl�titC7ltrx�xrtapd Certification (Member of County Advisory Body) By signing below, I certify that on � II watched the entire video training tape: "The Brown Act and Better Gaverfu sent�l—�iri►ance-What You Need to Know as a Commission,Beard,or Committee Member." By signing below,I certify that on_i - 11 , I watched the entire video training tape:"Ethics Orientation for County Officials.-, (Dame of Advisory Body) --�--- .. Return this Cert0cat on to the chair or staff of yr ur ad' jsory body, your Certification that you have completed these training activities will be included in your advisory body's annual report to the Board ofSupervisors. The chair or staff to your advisory body must keep all certifications on file. t Certification (Member of County Advisory Body) By signing below,I certify that onrr -"/7�d v' - ,I watched the entire video training tape: 'The Brown Act and Better Government Ordinance..What You bleed to Know as a Commission,Bayard,or Committee Member." By signing below,I certify that on --f7-,D'2- , I watched the entire video training tape:"Ethics Orientation for County Officials.,, (Name of Mem" of.Advisory Body) (Date) Return this Certification to the chair or staff of your advisory body, your Certification that you have completed these training activities will be included in your advisory body's annual report to the Board of'S`upervisors. The chair or staffto your advisory body must keep all cent,fications on file. N vM w w w a, r�. w a a+ a< a, W a W > W ta. a 00 w art a w w <C as t a G+ w as 04 0a P, a, w > W > 1", a a, > a 04 > A. a Q 3 3 It f ! ! ! It ! 3 ! f ! ! C►. a at A, a W @ a a, 00 LL > W W p, a + ar W + rs, 04 Ao w p., Aw CL. ca 04 ts. w W > w + @ a csa p, w w Q ay c w w > a+ w W w 0. R. + a, a+ a4 a, q > w w a > a. as cL1 w a r� > d , a, w W + as w a4 a w > AN Aw w cq w 'KC > w + 04 O� w + 12.1 c, L io r! a A. ti, + a a as 0a a. 4 > w + GL ria CL W G4 Fla G1+ w W a. w w ow w as a w > o, + w A.+ 44 + a G. as a, a R. g Ix � d u , w a za a A is A z W u C4 .en.+ ICT. .tn.. �10 w °�° o' N . � ••� b � � > 8a a� a> � a� ai a> a> v s> a> � � ar v w eu a> ai v c a+ ++. btl bA d4 bA bA � by bA !ffl 4tT Ea41 bfl b0 dA GR bA Contra TO: BOARD of SUPERVISORS ...� � , F FROM: JOHN SWEETEN, County Administrator Costa �. DATE: May 13, 2003 County SUBJECT: 2002 ANNUAL REPORTS FROM BOARD ADVISORY BODIES SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATION: RECEIVE 2002 amended Annual Report submitted by the Commission for Women. BACKGROUND: On June 18, 2002, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 2002/377, which requires that each regular and ongoing board, commission, or committee shall annually report to the Board of Supervisors on its activities, accomplishments, membership attendance, required training/certification (if any), and proposed work plan or objectives for the following year, on the second Tuesday in December. Annual reports shall follow the following format and shall not exceed two typewritten pages: Advisory Body Name: Advisory Body Meeting Time/Location: Chair(during the reporting period): Staffperson (during the reporting period): Reporting Period: 1. Activities (1/2 page) 11. Accomplishments (1/2 page) III. Attendance/Representation (1/4 page) IV. Training/Certification (1/4 page) V. Pr, r ppsed Work Pian/Obiectives for Next Year (1/2 page) As the deadline has been only recently established, we expect that the annual reports will filter in over the next several weeks. These reports will be transmitted to the Board upon receipt and reminders will be sent advisory bodies that have not filed annual reports. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: CD-YES SIGNATURE: ' gi:RECOMM'ENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR ❑RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE p-APPROVE 0 OTHER SIGNATURE($) # ACTION OF BO ON ,Y.1.�,► 1,1? .. APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED FLI OTHER VOTE OF SUPERVISORS i HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND X UNANIMOUS CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND (ABs-NT I+ ) } ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD of AYES: NOES: SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN, ABSENT: ABSTAIN: DISTRICT III SEAT VACANT ATTESTED _ May 13, 2003 Contact: GINA MARTIN(925)335-1900 JOHN SWEETEN,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR cc: STAFF,INTERNAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE CHIEF CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPVS By: Putt ADDENDUM TO THE CONTRA COSTA COMMISSION FOR WOMEN'S S ANNUAL REPORT December,2002 STRAJECIC PLAL4MNG On Tuesday, September 17, 2002, the Contra Costa Commission for Women met to develop a strategic plan for the next three to five years. The goals of the Commission are reflected in the pian. Goals from Strategic Work Plan 1. Strengthen the Commission's identity and capacity as a leadership and advocacy body with the ability to mobilize groups of women 2. Help women.to develop a collective voice to influence public policy and affect positive change in their lives. 3. Collaborate with others to encourage girls to recognize and realize their potential. ACCW C0N3ENTl0N In August 2002, the Association of California Commissions for Women met in Sacramento for their annual convention. Seven Contra Costa Commissioners attended and received training and shared',resources with Commissions throughout the state. After the convention, the Contra Costa Commission for Women voted to take action on a report entitled "Men, Women and Police Excessive Farce; A Tale of Two Genders"presented at the convention by the National Center for Women and Policing,a division of the Feminist Majority Foundation(copy of report attached). GALLS AND TME aff ENI E JUSTICE S STEM_Collaboration with the Contra Costa Circle' The Centra Costa Coalition of Bay Area Regional Action Coalition and the Contra Costa Commission's Girl's Outreach Committee were given a tour of the county's Martinez juvenile hall on October 14. Both groups are working on the needs of girls in the juvenile justice system. Findings from our tour and staff interviews agree that there are few, if any, transition programs for girls coming out of juvenile hall,with the result that girls tend to recycle back into the lockup after release,or are lost in the system. Many girls currently in juvenile hail have not committed new crimes but are there because they failed to appear for a probation or court appearance or for other status offenses. Young women ages 13-18 that may have already experienced abuse in their own families find the system then becomes the abuser. This is not acceptable. Good pilot programs do exist for girls"at risk"of entering the juvenile justice system in Contra Costa County,but these programs face crippling budget cuts. The Circle of Care program, run by Community Violence Solutions, reaches around 50 girls in three areas of the county. They have lost $700,000 in funding. Programs for young women are at risk from the budget crisis at the stag and local.levels. J ECONOMIC STATUS OF WOMEN At this year's annual state commission meeting, Commissioners were given copies of a report entitle"Failing to Make Ends Meet". The report compared what it costs a single woman with two children to live in four different counties in California, based on the actual cost of living in those areas (copy of report attached). Although we dei not have a comparison that is specific to this county, the point is made by ether counties that there remains a large disparity or gap between income and crest of living for women in a variety of low-wage jobs typically held by women. There is still much to be done to increase the economic security of women and children in Contra Costa County,California and the United States. 7 ba to -10A ~ ' tot Vol 0 tb o vsa its Sa ot x� •.,i,, '� � `� Ci ,� � ,� fl� �, CEJ ,,.. � � ,,,,. 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CONTRA COSTA COUNTY commusiox rOR WOMEN ANNUAL REPORT 2001-2002 HwoRy or THE COMIMION The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors initially established the Commission in 1980 as a Task Force on the Employment and Economic>Status of Women.The Task Force was established for one year with a specific agenda to develop and analyze the County employment profile of CETA!s female participants and prepare analyses, findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors,The Task Force was formally designated as an Advisory Committee on the Employment and Economic Status of Women in 1982. The Committee operated with a sunset date: however, in May 1989,the Board of Supervisors continued'the Ufa of the Committee without a sunset date. In 1993 the Committee applied for and received non-profit exempt status.The membership was inqreased to 25 members and transferred to the County Health Services Department in 1994. In 1999, the Board of Supervisors agreed to>formally change the Committee's name to the Contra Costa Commission for Women. The Commission was formed to educate the community and advise the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and other entities as necessary on issues relating to the changing social and economic conditions of women in the County, with particular emphasis on the economically disadvantaged. As such the goals of the Conunission are as follows: u To provide a focal point for women's issues in Contra Costa County. ca To offer referrals to resources for women who need assistance with issues such as sexual harassment, child support, sexual assault,domestic violence, health and economic security. • To legislatively advocate on behalf of women. • To organize and co-sponsor conferences,forums and public hearings which address women's issues. Strategic Plan Goals for 2001-2002 * Help women develop a collective voice to influence public policy and affect positive change in their lives. * .Identify sources of information, services and resources to empower women in Contra Costa County. * Strengthen the Commission's identity and capacity as a leadership and advocacy body with the ability to mobilize groups of women * Develop a hu-idraising program to achieve the Commission's mission and goals. 1 11 1 I'll."I ........... ..... Commission Focus for 2001-2002 • Passage of the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) locally and nationally . a Outreach to Girls o Collaboration with other organizations CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION or ALL FORMS or DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN(CEDAW) What is it? CEDAW is a United Nations Treaty that ensures equal protection for women and girls including economic development, education,safety and health care.Adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, it is often described as an international bill of rights for women. CEDAWconsists of a preamble and 30 articles,which define what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination. In its implementation, it also provides protection for people of color and other disenfranchised groups. Where is it recognized? 155 countries have ratified CEDAW.The United States,which signed the treaty in 1980 and had significant input, is not one of the countries that have ratified CEDAW. It has been held up in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for the past 20 years. However, in June 2002, Senators Biden and Boxer announced hearings in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for CEDAW. The Contra Costa Commission for Women has sent letters in support of CEDAW to Senator Boger and Senator Feinstein. Local Implementation In the United States, 12 states,including California, eleven counties and 20 cities have endorsed CEDAW or have adopted it on behalf of their jurisdictions. Among forward thinking city and county governments,in 1998 San Francisco became the first city in this country to adopt an Wince implementing CEDAW locally.A task force has been established to work with their Commission for Women and City departments to identify discrimination against women and girls and to implement human rights principles.The first two departments to perform the self-analysis were Public Works and Juvenile Probation. Results were reviewed to evaluate the department's adherence to the principles of CEDAW. Recommendations on how the departments could better protect and promote women's rights through their operations were made and implemented. Simply participating in this process created a"sensitivity" to gender-related issues that had not previously existed. On October 26, 1999, as a direct result of the efforts of Soxoptimists of the USA, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors'passed unanimously resolution No. 99/551 in recognition and support of CEDAW.Since 1999,The Contra Costa Commission for Women has supported de facto implementation.The Contra Costa Commission for'Women supports and recommends the passage of an ordinanee to unify, complete and codify the work begun in Contra Costa in the area of human rights. The Commission has made passage and implementation of CEDAW a>top priority. We ask the Board of Supervisors to make this a priority for our county. (See attached editorial from the Contra Costa Times-March 29,2002) _ ........ ............... ......... ........... OUTREACHTO GIRLS According to the 1998 Girls Report of the National Council for Research on Women, "Girls require and deserve the awareness, attention, and commitment of a wide range of individuals and institutions to promote their healthy development...educators, a range of professionals,public officials, and other members of the community should strengthen their efforts to create a safe and supportive climate that nurtures girls and encourages them to develop and pursue their goals." The Contra Costa Commission for Women believes in three key outcomes for girls. o Girls do not experience violence in any of its forms. • Girls feel good about themselves. o Girls are prepared to lead economically secure lives. To further these objectives the Commission established a Girl's Page on our website www.wornen§gommission.com. This page was established in consultation with the Contra Costa Countywide Youth Commission.The page has links to sites that promote our key outcomes for girls. Girls can also read about topics and information of importance to them. The first essay,on the Girl's Page was written on Bate Rape by Maria Ramerz a staff member of Community Violence Solutions and honoree of the 2001 women's Fall of Fame in the category of Women.Working for justice. ' In addition, girls are encouraged to read about women in politics in the book"Nine and Counting",the life stories of women senators.The Contra Costa Commission for Women has presented the book"Nine and Counting" to all high school and community libraries in Contra Costa County. The Commission has been holding panels during their regular sessions with local representatives serving girls and women in Contra Costa County regarding issues that affect girls. Panel members included: • Susan Cage of the Circle of Care Program of Community Violence Solutions a jewel Aviles of the Girl Scouts of the Bay Area • Emily Guess of the Countywide Youth Commission a Br. Barbara Bunn-McCullough of The Perinatal Council o Saki Cabrera Strait of The Perinatal Council © Valerie Burgess of the Sister-to-Sister Program of the American Association of University Women Specifically,panel members were asked to address three questions: 1.) What are the biggest challenges faced by girls in their program? 2.) Are there public policies that could be changed or implemented that would help girls meet these challenges? 3.) What should elected officially and other decision-makers understand about changing or implementing policy to be supportive to girls' Our findings'from the panel discussion axe the following: o Over the last 20 years, girls are entering the juvenile justice system at an alarming rate. Prevention and intervention programs are needed to help at-risk girls avoid incarceration or successfully complete probation. More services are needed for these young women in Contra Costa. o There is a need for additional programs for young girls in Centra Costa. ............................................................ o Programs for boys are more readily available and financially supported. Funding for girl's programs remains a continuing issue. ❑ According to a survey done by the Perinatal Council, 43% of the births in Contra Costa are to Latina young women. To raise these children"young women drop out of school.These young women face many obstacles. Solutions include: to develop an empowerment model,work where,the population resides, support education needs,provide information and support for parenting, make sure there is access to medical care for young women and children. o Girls often experience an emphasis on body image not on intelligence. There is a constant struggle to decipher society's confusing messages about girls. Under these conditions girls often experience harassment and stress. Mentoring programs offering role models to girls should be encouraged and supported. We recommend that the Board of Supervisors financially support programs that encourage education, promote health,prevent violence and lend opportunities for economic success for girls, especially girls at risk for entering the juvenile justice System and young women of color. Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence is the type of policy that beneffts both girls and women. We support the slogan of the American Association of University Women. "When we shortchange girls,we shortchange America" WORKING IN COLLABORATION Members of the Contra Costa Commission for Women are taking a leadership role in the Bay Area Regional Action Coalition-BARAC.Aileen C. Hernandez, BARAC Project Director and Marilyn Fowler, Coordinator of the California Women's Agenda-CAWA convened this group. BARAC seeks to strengthen the linkages and develop more focused collective action among organizations for women and girls in five Bay Area Counties-Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo.Through a series of meetings throughout Contra Costa various women and women's groups are in the process of identifying issues of importance to women throughout the county. Commissioners have networked with women who support a common agenda specifically in the areas of Health, Social and Economic issues and Environmental justice. Groups participating in BARAC include:Diablo Valley College Women's Studies Program, Los Medanos College, Girl's Incorporated of West Contra Costa County,YWCA of Contra Costa County, Contra Costa Health Services,American Association of University Women, Neighborhood House of North Richmond, Contra Costa Child Care Council,Soroptimist International, Planned Parenthood, Common Bond,Community Violence Solutions, STANDI Against Domestic Violence, United Methodist Women,WOVA, and Common Bond. In addition, Members of The Contra Costa Commission for Women and Commissioner Sharon Kayfetz both attended and co-sponsored the eleventh annual Women In Action Lobby Day(WLUD)in Sacramento on April 23, 2002. Commissioners visited the offices of Contra Costa Assembly and Senate representatives to advocate for legislation to end violence against women. (See attached handout) womws HALL or rA= In celebration of Women's History Month,the Contra Costa Commission for Women and the Board of Supervisors sponsored the e annual Women's Hall of Fame honoring Contra Costa women who have made outstanding contributions to our community. On March 26th, 2042, 300 people gathered at the Centre:Concord to acknowledge the following honorees: v Theodora (Theo)Atkinson,Women Contributing to the Arts o Ezra Grace Garcia,Women Creating Community o Laura Hoffineister, Women Demonstrating Leadership o Susan Prather,Women Working for justice ❑ Pauline M.Velez,M.D., M.B.A.,women Improving Health Care • Lisa Owens Viani,Women Preserving the Environment COBTIA SSION HONORED The Soroptimist International of Pleasant Hill honored the Contra Costa Commission for Women on April 28, 3402 in recognition of outstanding work in "Advancing the Status of Women" ATTACHMENTS; List of Commissioners Attendance record CEDAW Editorial WIAL D Handout Nine and Counting picture Soroptimist Article ...... _ ......... . . . ........_ ......... ........... __ a WEDNESDAY. JANUARY 9 2442 WorUngtomspire_ YOM* Y` Y women By Bey Underwood i 573rtprrF.N The Contra Costa Commission for Women is worms to inspire young women to enter politics by sup- plying schools and libraries throughout the county with copies of"Nine and Counting." The book is about the paths of nine women senators to their current leadership positions. nr ►iroxcee�srr The commission is distributing MEMBERS OF THE Contra Costa Commission for Women--(front row,!-r)Fereshteh Miller, 54 copies of the book, donated Dominique Nguyen,Laurie Phillips,Joan Conley,Deedee Jenson,Argentina tau -t evano, (back and sued by Barbara Boxer row)Elaine Swenson,Kathleen lander,Clara Bridges,Mitzi Sates,Lindsay Johnson,Sharon Barone and Dianne Feinstein, the two and Julia Halsne,stand in front of the Concord library--are donating copies of the book,"Nine California senators featured in and Counting,"to libraem throughout Contra Costa County. the book. "W'e're hoping young women Kayfetz brought the idea for- a librarian in Contra Costa The convention is an interna- willbe inspired by this book," ward to the group, and it took County, said that ,before the tional human rights document said Commissioner Julia Halsne. approximately six months for commission's efforts to get with provisions for local imple- Members of the commission the commission to receive the copies of"Nine and Counting" mentation, Mitzi said that the have been attending school board books after the project was first into the system,there were only commission must"think global. meetings to present a signed envisioned. The commission three copies available. ly and act locally," and that is hardcover copy of the book-to worked in collaboration with Paperback copies of "Nine one of the reasons it is taking or each school dim in the county the offices of the two senators. and Counting"that are available the project.The commissioners to be placed in high school "This book gives examples of in local bookstores include an will hear a report on CEDANk libraries. The conuigssion's goal everyday women -- most had appendix that introduces the .from community organizatiom is to have at least one copy of the passion that speared there four additional women senators at its next meeting at 3 p.rn back in every high school and along, creating a drive to to take office since the original Tuesday,Jan. 15, at 2425 Bissi public library within the area that become members of public ser- publication of the book. Lane in Concord. it serves..The project should be vice,"said Halsne. The Commission for Women It is also currently preparin3 completed by We January The mission of the Contra is also currently working on the for its Women!s Nall of Fam "We recognize that there Costa Commission for Women local implementation of the ceremony in Manch. It will rec aren't always great rale models is to improve the economic sta- United Nations Convention on ognize<woten who have mad for girls in our community,and tus, social welfare and overall the Elimination of All Forms of outstanding contributions to th this book is a terrific example of quality of life of women in . Discrimination Against Women communities of Contra Cost women just like they are,"said Contra Costa County. The corn- (C£DAW). The ftntra Costa County.The commission will t; Mitzi Sales,chairwoman of the mission participates in projects County Board of Supervisors accepting nominations for thes commission,"it shows they can like the book distribution to passed a resolution, supporting awards until Friday, Jan. u really snake a difference." work toward its goals. • the implementation of the docu- Call the Commission for Wome Commissioner Sharon Commissioner Joan Conley, rnent,in October 1999. at 825-374-5055. LOBBY ez �.�* 70 ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN Violence against women-domestic violence, rape and seal assault--affects women worldwide, regardless of age,race, sexual orientation or socio-economic level. Although awareness of violence against women as a serious problem has increased in recent years, abuse of women remains widespread in,our society. Violence against women, especially within the family, is still more likely to go unchallenged than violence directed toward others, such as a neighbor, co-worker or acquaintance. Violence continues to be a major problbm throughout our communities---in our homes, workplaces and schools. Domesde Kalence Battering is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation,often including the threat or use ofviolence. Battering occurs when one person believes he or she is entitled to control another. Domestic abuse affects mullions of victims, including elderly people, pregnant women, children and teens. a Domestic violence is the single major cause of injury to American women, exceeding accidents, muggings,and gang violence.n Q Women of all races are equally likely to be victims of domestic violence. o As marry as four million women experience serious assault by an intimate partner every year. 0 Nearly one-third of adult women report having been assaulted by a partner'. o One in six pregnant women report physical or sexual abuse during pregnancy.5 o The number of women who have been murdered by their intimate partners is greater than the number of soldiers killed in the Vietnam War. o ''omen are five to eight times more likely than men to be battered by an intimate partner.7.' o Women who are battered are much more likely to be injured than men who are battered! o The rate of intimate-offender attacks on women separated from their husbands is approximately 25 times higher than that of married women.9 • As many as 1'3 million children are exposed to domestic violence each year. 1° o Domestic violence is not limited to married"couples. Domestic violence ran occur in a variety of relationships including abase of elders by family members, abuse between dating couples, and abuse between lesbian and gay partners, oMore than half a milli elderly Americans suffer some form of domestic abuse.�r • An average of 28%of high school and college students experience da$ing violence at some point.12 Q Young women,between the ages of 16,and 24 in dating relationships experience the highest rate of domestic violence and seal assault. Sw=W AssamU a pe o Every 46 seconds, a woman is raped in the United Mates,14 o A woman is physically attacked in the United States every nine seconds.15 o Approximately 9'1%of rape and sexual assault victims are feniaW6 o Rape>is committed primarily against young;people. Of women who report being raped at some point in their lives,21.61%of rape victims were under 12 years old,32.4% were 12- 17 years old, 29%were'18-24 years old, and 16.6%were over 25 years old when they were first raped.This translates to 54%of women victims who were under 18 at the time of the first rape and 83%of women victims who were under the age of 25.17 Rape is the costliest crime in the U.S.,exacting$86,500 in tangible and intangible costs per victim.18 Hate CHMes Hate crimes victimize people because of race, religion,ethnicity,gender, sexual orientation, and disability. Hate crimes are committed to cause fear or idiury to a person solely because of who he or she is. These crimes also instill fear in other members of the victim's community and therefore have a widespread impact. More than 2000 hate crime offenses were reported by California.lav enforcement agencies in 1999. Of these offenses, 60%were motivated by race or ethnicity, and 67.6%were physically violent offenses. Although there were 2000 reported offenses, only 372 hate crime complaints were filed by prosecutors which resulted in a total of 174 hate crime convictions(a 46.8%conviction rate). 4 The most recent example of brutal, widespread hate-motivated violence came in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks an September I Ph. In the following weeks and months, fear and misconception led to numerous hate crimes against innocent Afghan-Americans throughout the United States: During that time, our country experienced the harmful effects of intolerance and ignorance with respect to the diversity of people that make up our nation's population, Ef,feW of Vw1ence "Violence against women and girls has profound, far-reaching effects beyond immediate physical injury. Women who experience physical or sexual abuse are at increased risk for numerous long- term health problems including depression, chronic pain, difficult pregnancies, post-tra imatic stress,gynecological problems,, and substance abuse. Their children are more likely to be stillborn or die in infancy." In addition to the devastating effects on the victims,the current epidemic of violence against women is costly to society.Domestic violence victims utilize mental heath services, law enforcement agencies, domestic violence programs, and child protective services. Injuries caused by violence result in increased health care cots.Women who are battered have more than twice the health care needs and costs than those who are not abused.21 Moreover,violence Creates barriers to economic self-sufficiency.My-seven percent of homeless families identify domestic violence as a primary case of homelessness.n Up to 60%of women receiving welfare have been victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives and as many as 30%have been abused during the previous year.23 Children who are exposed to domestic violence in their homes are deeply affected by their experience. This c%posure can have significant negative effects on children's cognitive, emotional and social development, including poor academic performance, low self-esteem, behavior problems, depression,anxiety,and past-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, children who witness violence at home are five times more likely to become batterers or victims when they become adults.". Juvenile offenders are four times more hely to have grown up in 25 households where they saw violence. Recommendvions Prevention and early intervention is the key to stopping the cycle of violence in our society. Violence prevention must be a statewide priority. We must ensure that laws and judicial procedures support and protect victims of violence. It is vitall 1. Mediascope Pass; Violence,Women and the Media.,Issue Brief Series,2000. . 2. US Department of Agriculture; Safety,Health and Employee Welfare Division, Domestic Violence Awareness Handbook. 3. American Psychological Association; Violence and the Family:Report of the American Psychological Association Presidential Task Force on Violence and the Family, 1996. 4. The Commonwealth Fund,Health Concerns Across a Women's Lifespan: The bin monwealth Fund 1998 Survey of Women's health. S. McFarlane,Parker, Sockean,&Bullock;Results from a study of prenatal clinics, 1992. f:. NOW website(www.canow.org). 7. US<Department of Justice; Violence by.Intimates: Analysis of Data on Crimes by,Current or Former Spouses,'$oy&iends and Girlfi iends, 1998: 8, Straus,M. and Gp11es,R..;'Physi*Violence in American Families, 1990. 9. ' US Department'ofAgriculture; Safety,Health and Employee Welfare Division,Domestic. . Violence Awareness Handbook, 10;David and Lucile Packard Foundation; The Future of Children,Domestic Violence and. Children, 1999. 11. National Center on.Elder Abuse, 1996. 12.Brustin, S,;Legal Response to Teen Dating Violence,Family Law Quarterly, vol. 29,no; .. 2,331, 1995. 13. Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report: Intimate Partner Violence, 2000, 14. National Victim Center,Rape in America: A Report to the Nation, 1992. 15.The Commonwealth Fund;Fust Comprehensive'Na_t€c t.Health Survey of American Women, 1993. 16. Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice; Sex Offenses and Offenders: An Analysis cif Data on Rape and Sexual Assault, 1997, 17.National ,Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs,.US Department of Justice; Prevalence,Incidence, and Consequences of Violence Against Women: Fundings from the National Violence Against Women Survey, 1998. 18, Office of Justice Programs,USS Department of7ustice;The Extent and Cost of Crime Victimization: A New Look, 1996. 19. California Department of Justice;Report on Hate Crime in California, 1999. 20. Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and the Center for Health and Gender Equity; Ending Violence Against Women Deport, 2000. 21; NOWwebsite(w w. tow.org). 22. The United States Conference of Mayors; A Status Report on Hunger and Homelessness in America's Cities, 1999. 23 :Tolman,R.M. and Raphael, J.; A Review of Research on Welfare and Domestic Violence, Journal of Social Issues, 2000. 24.NOW website(wwwxanow.org). 25:NOW website(www.canow.org). Back women's .rights. NrrED S'T'ATES HAS COME a long way to be- come the supporter of women that it is.Amer- ican women make so many of their oven life choices that it is amazing and outrageous to hear how women in other parts of the world are treated. In some parts of the world,women can't be in public without a male family member?We're shocked.They aren't allowed to handle their own finances?They can't buy a house or a goat?Or have a job?We're stunned.They have no legal rights?We'reaghast.They can't pick their oven spouses, let alone have a voice in their government?We're appalled.They can be bought and sold?1,%'re horrified. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Dis- crimination Against Women (CEDAW), the United Nations' document that is an international"Bill of Rights"for women, is trying to change that.Women,who often point to Western nations, including the United States,as they strive for fair,equal and humane treatment,can use this canon as a source of information and even a lever. It has ' helped nations establish domestic violence laws,citizen- ship and inheritance rights,and educational opportunities. Yet the United States is one of only 23 countries that have not ratified CEDAW;we are the only industrialized nation to balls.Instead of being linked to Great Britain and Switzerland,or even Australia,we're in league with Afghanistan and Iran. What does this say about our commitment to interna- tional human rights?What does it say about our opinion of ws men?Vole act as if we haven't had our own inequity problems, as if this cannot apply to us, so what does it matter. But it does matter,because we are the example of how far you can go, because the list of"regulations" is things we primarily already support. There is nothing in this document that should get our dander up. It calLs for safety of women in the workplace, prevention of discrimination on the grounds of marriage and maternity, equity in education, health care and eco- nomic and political opportunities. Although the United States is far ahead of many nations in these and other regards, CEDAW can benefit us as well. There are few rules that protect pregnant women on the job. It would help promote the development of programs that direct women toward vocational, mathematical and scientific fields.It discourages teen pregnancy and drop- ping out of school.The document is abortion-neutral; "re- productive rights"is not code for abortion.That primarily Catholic nations such as Italy and all the countries in Latin America support it should be an indication of that. Although all those dedicated to CEDAW s goals must re- port on their efforts,it does not supersede federal auton- omy or interfere with states' rights. Confirming our sup- port would perhaps snake us more conscious of how the nation more subtly discriminates and move to rectify those problem's. More important, however,is the voice it would give us in the U.N.committee and on human rights. Also, when we haven't ratified this convention, it makes us ap- pear Hypocritical to the world. We preach a good sermon; tahtir rano„'t cRro cuillintt to 1vP�1V its w R'T....... a_ �rr.....r Certification (Member of County Advisory Body) By signing below, I certify that on_ I watched the entire video training tape:`°The Brawn Actand Better Government Qrdb ce-VVhat You Need to Know as a Commission,Berard,,or Committee Member." 3 By signning below,I certify that on 94u. I watched the entire video training tape: ",Ethics Orientation for County off ic s" acne of Member of Adv` Body) (Date) Return this Certification to the chair or stafjof your advisory body. Your Certification " Mat You'have completed'these training activities will be included in your advisory body's annual report to the Board of Supervisors. The chair or stafflo to your advisory body must keep all cer i, ,cations on file Certification (Member ofCoulft Adv )ry Body) J a � By signing below,I certify that on I watched the entire video training tape: "'I he Brown Act and Better Government e--What You Need to Know as a Commission,Board,'or Cornmittee Mere By signing below,I certify that o I watched the entire video training tape:"Lthics Orientation for County Offi ctats." i o � 61 Member ofA is�rry Body} (Dam' Return this Certification to the chair or staffof your advisory body. You rCertification that you have completed these training activities will be included in your advisory body's annual report to the Board of Supervisors. The chair or staff to your advisory body must keep all eertYfications on file. t "" xuasxr,�c .......... _ _ ................... Certfficat on (Member of County Advisory Body) By signing below,I certify that on 2 I watched the entire video training tape: 'The Brown Act and Better Government Ordinance-What You Deed to Know as a Commission,Board,or Committee Member," By signing below,I certify that on P�5z;zda',I watched the entire video training tape:-E&ics Orientation for County Officials." _.I, (Name of Member of.Advisory Body) (Date) I ' "� -- Return this Certification to the chair or staff o,f your advisory body. Your Certification that you have completed these training activities will be included in your advisory body's annual report to the ward off Supervisors. 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