“This past year, there was an increase in domestic violence reported,” said CBS12 anchor Liz Quirantes, who emceed, citing AVDA’s “lifesaving services.“We are our own worst critic” is often a phrase we use to describe when we, as individuals, are too hard on ourselves. Kim and Roy Balance were the first to pledge in AVDA’s call to the heart donations. Delray Beach Police Chief Javaro Sims, on AVDA’s board, was there with a table of officers in uniform. Sponsors included Boca’s Schmidt Family Foundation and Boca-based businesses including Office Depot and NCCI Holdings, represented by AVDA’s board chair Vicky Mayen. Among other Boca benefactors attending were Marta Batmasian and Elizabeth Dudley. Heidi Schaeffer, who bravely told her own story. Boca supporters also included the luncheon’s co-chairs Anne Vegso and Dr. That’s her picture with Rosemary Krieger, another Boca philanthropist with Ben and an AVDA activist. AVDA also honored well-known and respected Helen Babione for her decades of volunteerism and philanthropy in Boca. Siena Guarini and other club leaders attended and showed a video. Club stands for Stop Abuse and Violence Everywhere. The only way to turn the corner is if more men join women already doing this work.” He noted the new generation of women AVDA honored at this event as the largest team at their Race for Hope and for spreading the message of violence-free behavior in teen relationships. His ‘bystander approach” focuses out changing the culture by calling out bad male behavior and “reframing sexual violence.” Women have been leading this issue for 50 years, he said. A recognized influencer and activist, his latest TED talk, “Violence Against Women is a Men’s Issue,’ Jackson has more than 2.5 million views in 27 languages. Jackson Katz proposed a new way of approaching sexual violence he hopes will change everything. That news gave the fundraiser a new urgency. So, calls for help and AVDA’s shelter were so maxed out, the agency had to put people up in hotels, said president/CEO Pam O’Brien. The pandemic locked down victims with perpetrators. But AVDA’s the only local agency with a shelter and programs like a 24/7 hotline for victims of domestic violence. The adjoining room looked lovely, outfitted in pale lavender, from round table centerpieces to pashminas on every seat. The silent auction was carefully outdoors, with a view of the marina at Royal Palm Yacht Club. Supporters were glad to be back in person at AVDA’s 14th annual Heart of a Women luncheon. “We are proud of the local youth involved in the Commit to Change Program and are excited to share this comic book showcasing their work with the public,” Pam O’Brien, AVDA’s President & CEO. The “Media’s Message” event will be streamed live on AVDA’s Instagram on September 18 from 1-3PM. Select youth, who are a part of AVDA’s Commit to Change Initiative, will hear from music industry veteran, Paul Porter, on the influence of music and media for positive change. By doing the work necessary to change myself and the community I’ve become a better mentor and ultimately better husband and father.” To celebrate the release of this comic book and the Committed Men Campaign, AVDA is hosting an event to promote the message even further. As to why this works means so much to him, Ramon said, “I’m a better man because of the education I’ve received from AVDA. Ramon has been working together with AVDA through the violence prevention program for five years. The creation of this comic book was a collaboration between AVDA’s Violence Prevention Education team, local youth involved in Committed Men, and community partners, such as local independent Hip-Hop Artist/Author, Ramon “Absoloot” Robinson. To date, the youth have created videos, key chains, posters, songs, and this comic book, titled “A Bad Rap” sharing these messages in a relevant form to influence positive change among their peer groups.
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This campaign encourages youth to create and spread positive messages throughout the community about healthy relationships, how to prevent dating and domestic violence, and their role in ending violence for everyone. Through this mentoring, and in an effort to engage young men in promoting healthy relationships, the Committed Men Campaign was developed. In 2015, AVDA was awarded funding from the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) to specifically work with local young men and boys to prevent domestic violence through education and mentoring. Since 2008, AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) has implemented the Commit to Change: Violence Prevention Initiative in Palm Beach County as we believe one of the best ways to change individual’s beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors about domestic and dating violence is through education.