Thursday's Truth - GI Jane and Sexual Harassment in the Military

Thursday's WWRG blog is reserved for coverage of a women's issue that may be under reported, or just plain lied about.

As many of you know, The Wealthy Women's Resource Guide supports victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence through organizations like Jane Doe No More, Inc.

One of the facts that is seldom publicized is the number of rapes that occur against women who serve in our Armed Forces. Recent surveys have indicated this to be upwards of 1/3.

The truth speaks for itself. Here is a link to one woman's story:
http://www.militarywoman.org/forums/content.php?166-Hey-GI-Janes!

Celebrities, Philanthropies, and Charities: Honor Thy Mother AND thy Father...

...because increasingly, they are both. Although Women of Wealth may find themselves today, Father's Day, providing for their children as both female and male role model, many do not realize that a substantial number of women do so, however, under extremely difficult economic circumstances.

In last Thursday's Truth post, I highlighted the issues of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Many women have bravely left the comfort of a marriage, or co-dependent relationship, to get their children out of harm's way - and break the cycle of abuse.

But here are some sobering facts from U.S. Census Data and Not Just Getting By!: Single Working-Poor Mothers and Education, Mary Gatta, Ph.D., Center for Women and Work, Rutgers University

Single mothers are increasingly running the show with 80% of single-parent families headed by women.

There are 12,905,000 one-parent families in the United States — 10,404,000 are headed by women; 2,501,000 are headed by men.

• 47% of women are on their own.
• 27% are single.
• 20% are divorced, separated or widowed.

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Single mothers lack the financial safety net of a spouse

• 22% of single working mothers earn more than $30,000 per year.
• 14% of single working mothers earn more than $50,000 per year.
• 5% of single working mothers earn more than $75,000 per year.
• 50% of married working women earn more than $40,000 per year.

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Single mothers generally fare worse financially than single fathers

• 16% of all single parent male family households live in poverty.
• 35% of all single parent female family households live in poverty.
• Overall, women earn about 74% of men's wages.

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More than 80% of single moms lack the education they need to advance in a career

• 83% of single mothers have a high school diploma.
• 33% of single mothers have some college education.
• 16% of single mothers have a bachelor's degree or higher.

60% of sales-related jobs in the service sector require skills beyond high school.
Jobs that require advanced skills are experiencing significant growth.
High level skills are required across industries.

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Women are working every day—and not getting ahead

• 99% of all American women will work for pay at some point in their lifetime.
• 60.7% of mothers with children under the age of 3 work.

Women comprise 46% of labor force.
Women's labor force participation is expected to grow to over 2.3 million in 2015.

Whether you are a single mom, married with children, or single with no kids, please take time today, or this week, to reach out to one of your fellow women who may not be as fortunate. Or, give freely of your time and/or money to support an organization that has a scholarship fund to assist single moms with the cost associated with furthering their education, which will help them build a better life for their children.

One such organization is The Women's Independence Scholarship Program.

WISP, Inc. is a private family foundation founded by Doris Buffett and funded through her generosity. The mission of the foundation reflects the midwestern values and no-nonsense approach to decision-making that Doris grew up with in Omaha , Nebraska . Each scholarship is considered an investment, and the decision to grant funds is always based on an expected successful return. Doris Buffett is grateful to her father and brother not only for providing her with the wealth to fund the foundation but also for their inspirational examples of integrity and generosity.

Doris is passionate about her responsibilities as a philanthropist and good citizen; her energy and enthusiasm are boundless. Among her many other roles, she has been a first grade teacher, domestic violence crusader, political activist, mother and grandmother. She is the self appointed Buffett family genealogist and her avocation is historic preservation.

Since its inception in 1999 the Women’s Independence Scholarship Program has awarded more than $16 million in scholarships to some 2,000 women across the United States.

Thursday's Truth - What do we really know about...

...the epidemic of domestic violence?



...the epidemic of child abuse?



...the epidemic of sexual violence?


Here are some shocking statistics courtesy of The Joyful Hearts Foundation:

• Every two minutes someone in the United States is sexually assaulted.
• 1 in 6 women are survivors of sexual assault.
• 90% of sexual assaults are committed by someone the survivor knows

• .Every year, up to 10 million children are exposed to domestic violence.
• Every year, there are up to 3 million reports of child abuse or neglect made.
• Every day, in the United States, 4 children die from Child abuse and neglect.

The painting displayed on this page is one that JHF founder, Mariska Hartigay uses as a daily inspiration: "Its serenity, its powerful stillness, reminds me that I am continuously being invited on a journey-what the artist, Zoe Hersey, calls the "pilgrimage into one's self"."

Let's begin our own pilgrimage by being truthful.

We all see situations that have all the makings of domestic violence- but go unreported.

We have seen "discipline" being applied to a child, when really, it is abuse - physical, or verbal.

And many of you have had "consensual intercourse" with a partner when, in fact, it is Date Rape.

Truth hurts. But the scars these acts leave behind, hurt much more.

As many of you know, I serve on the board Jane Doe No More, Inc. which is dedicated to shortening the time from crime to healing for victims of sexual assault. While there are many places women can go for support, very few take advantage of them. Many are embarrassed, shamed, or scared to report these acts - and get the help they need. Many find themselves abused by the process, adding insult to injury.

JDNM and JHF share similar missions. Both were founded by women who are authentic, and passionate about their mission. I encourage you to take a moment and view the stories of both Donna and Mariska.

But more importantly, stop living a lie, and begin with the truth. The life you save may be your own!