‘Finding the Glass Slipper’
The Jewish Domestic Abuse Task Force of Pittsburgh starts its 2010-2011 programming season in recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month with “Finding the Glass Slipper — Fairytales and Flags of Intimate Partner Relationships,” Monday, October 11, 7 p.m., at Rodef Shalom Congregation.
The program features presenter Janice Goldsborough, medical advocacy supervisor at Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. Goldsborough teaches medical personnel at area hospitals and other health related institutions, provides on-site interventions and is an expert in domestic violence including work with the elderly, children, disabled, substance abuse and victims in the workplace.
Interactive components will add to the discussion followed by Q&A and time to share resources and networking.
“This is top notch programming,” according to Rabbi Aaron Bisno of Rodef Shalom Congregation. “It will definitely help to get the word out.”
Attendees will learn about different types of intimate domestic relationships “which can be described as nonsexual as well as sexual, and affect other family members, colleagues at work, and friends and associates in the community,” explains Shelly Sufrin, JDATF interim director.
“The underlying component of this insidious pattern of behaviors is one of ‘coercion and control’ and can begin with a happy and loving relationship, or not.” Definitions of “intimate” can include spousal, partner, parent/child, adult child/elder parent and teen dating relationships.
Sufrin sites cutting edge research, as part of a training session by Jewish Women International’s Institute to End Domestic Violence, discussing the effects of domestic abuse on children and its impact on school, cell phone and online bullying,
Rabbi Sharyn Henry, also of Rodef Shalom, will offer relevance to Jewish ethics, though learning to develop healthy partner and family relationships is critical to the entire community and women of any religion and ethnicity are encouraged to attend this free program.
Shelly Itskowitz, women’s program director of the Kollel Jewish Learning Center, also a member of the JDATF, firmly articulates that “education is the first step to awareness and change and is critical in changing this ever-growing cycle of violence in every community.”
This program is sponsored by JDATF and is co-sponsored by Rodef Shalom Congregation, Ladies Hospital Aid Society and NA’AMAT USA, Pittsburgh Council.
Reservations are requested but not required. Call (412) 363-1013 or e-mail jdatfpgh@aol.com for more information or visit Finding the Glass Slipper.
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