MSOE Counseling Services
Newsletters for Mental Health
By Jennifer Worman
February 2013
In 1994 the Violence Against Women Act became the first major law to help government agencies and advocates work together to fight against domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violence against women. Despite the gains made with this legislation violence against women remains a problem for women of all ages. Twenty-two percent of college women have been the victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or threats of physical violence, and one in five women have been sexually assaulted while in college. Women of all backgrounds can become the victims of violence and abuse, which can be perpetrated by strangers but is often done by someone they are close to. Violence does not just hurt the person being abused, but also friends, family, and the whole community.
Warning signs of an abuser:
- Controlling behavior
- Excessive or threatening contact (texts, calls, internet, other forms of communication)
- Obsessive jealousy
- Physical violence (hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, etc.)
- Put downs and name calling
- Sexual pressure
Warning signs someone is being abused:
- Making excuses for partners bad behavior
- Fear of partner
- Isolation from family and friends
- Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
- Noticeable changes in eating patterns, or in alcohol or drug use
- Loss of self-confidence
- Depression
How can you help stop violence against women?
- Call the police if you see or hear evidence of domestic violence/violence against women
- Support a friend or family member who may be in an abusive relationship
- Encourage the victim to seek medical and psychological assistance
- Volunteer at a local domestic violence shelter
- Become an activist
Join the 1 Billion Rising on Feb 14th
- Stand up with 1 Billion women and those who love them as they rise up in an effort to end violence against women.
- This rising is not just for women but men are essential in ending the violence as well. All men and women are invited to participate.
- Rising locations in Milwaukee: UW Milwaukee, Aurora Sinai Medical Center, MATC, Riverside University High School, or start one of your own.
- If you are unable to attend a rising event you can also participate by changing your profile picture to the One Billion Rising logo on February 14th, organize an online social gathering, or tell everyone you know about One Billion Rising.
- See their website for more details or to sign up for a Rising event. http://www.onebillionrising.org/
Violence Hotline Numbers:
- National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673) - National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) - ChildHelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4663) - National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-273-TALK (8255) - National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline
1-866-331-9474
Milwaukee Contact Numbers:
Sexual Assault Treatment Center (SATC)
Aurora Sinai Medical Center
945 N. 12th St.
(414) 219-5555
Sojourner Family Peace Center Hotline
(414) 933-2722
Helpful Websites:
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MSOE Counseling Services creates monthly newsletters on mental health concerns and psychological issues. You can view the complete list of downloadable Counseling Services Newsletters.
MSOE Counseling Services is located on the second floor of the Kern Center (K-230). To schedule an appointment with a counselor, call (414) 277-7590 or visit the Counseling Services homepage.