Some of you on this site are already aware that this quarter, will be the live launch of the
FINA BELLA DV Program I've been working on for some time. This program will be encompassing many elements within the issue of DV and not just a band aid attempt. Amongst others, it attempts to:
1) convince the abused individual to come forward.
2) to remove the individual (and children) from the abusive home.
3) to provide therapy, education, job security, a place to stay (after the shelter), medical care and life planing to name a few parts of the program.
4) Assistance to the abuser to turn him from an abuser to a non abuser.
5) educational material at the school level in an attempt to identify and stop abuse before it starts or continues
6) have corporations actively behind this program and supporting the victim and enacting a zero tolerance mandate
7) involving external partners (that work in unison) such as police, medical, hospitals, shelters (and half way housing after the fact), legal, women's groups,social workers.... and the list is longer than this.
While I have the complete program mapped out on paper, it is a work in progress and when launched, will continue to grow and be added to. The most important aspects will be put in place to assist those abused and their security while the rest of the program is implemented. The reason for the delay on parts of the program, is because I have identified a number of areas that will take negotiation and convincing to make happen.
I have a growing number of women that want to be involved with me in the project when launched. Some of these women are from the media, some in the medical/legal/ HR, etc professions, and some are women who were abused but survived it and now are helping others in one way or another to become survivors also.
I am a business man, so it goes without saying that I am a realist. Yes, I have carefully put a program together to meet DV head on. Yes, I'm in it for long run. Yes, I have researched to know where the road blocks will be and the plus/minuses of this issue. I can give you a lot of yeses. But being a realist, I know I will encounter "lip service" from the companies, the partners and many others if I try to do this on my own. I am a drop of water in a huge ocean. What I need, are women (and any men who will step up to the line) standing behind this issue/program. I need this so I can stand before the Dragon and say I have a passionate community that will not take no for an answer.
I am not suggesting riots on the streets..... far from that. The issue is violent enough. But I do need voices. Lots of voices. If I may quote Margaret Mead for a moment,
'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, commited people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.' I agree, but it takes a movement to
sustain the
change.
My question is, would you be willing to add your voice behind this issue???
Regards,
Richard
richard@finabella.net
Fina Bella Woman's Community Site for Sharing
www.finabella.net www.finabella.org www.finabella.ca
"There is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women"
- Madeleine K. Albright ( Past US Secretary of State)