In this issue:

1.) Calling all Sponsors! 2009 Black & White Ball
2.) Back to School: Teen Dating Violence 101
3.) Teen Dating Violence Resources



Calling all Sponsors! 2009 Black & White Ball

Texas Advocacy Project's largest annual fundraiser - the Black & White Ball - is coming up on October 23, 2009! And this year more than ever we need the support of the community. Demand for our services is on the rise; in 2008 alone our hotline calls increased 40%. Just one reason your support is important to our clients - victims of domestic abuse who are on the path to becoming survivors. Become a sponsor of our 2009 Black & White Ball and help ensure our free legal services are available to Texans in need.

2009 Black & White Ball
Friday, October 23
7:00 - 11:00pm
The Four Seasons Hotel in Austin

Join Texas' top lawyer, Honorary Chair Attorney General Greg Abbott, and legendary lawmaker A.R. "Babe" Schwartz as Texas Advocacy Project celebrates 27 years of service. The evening will feature elegant hors d'oeuvres created by Chef Elmar Prambs and one of the city's most amazing auctions of the year. Live auction items include "Breakfast at Tiffany's", a private shopping experience at David Yurman, custom golf clubs from Callaway, trips to Destin and Keystone, signed Tiger Woods memorabilia, UT sport packages, a private concert from Clay McClinton and much more! bRILLIANT Magazine publisher and society powerhouse Lance Avery Morgan will be the evening's emcee. Performing at the Ball is Austin's premier straight-up, can-do-it-all vocalist, Mady Kaye.

As if all of that isn't enough to garner your commitment you can also enter our Bubbles and Bling champagne toast where one lucky person will leave the Ball with a new diamond valued at nearly $7,500!

To purchase tickets or to become a sponsor visit https://www.texasadvocacyproject.org/mailer/www.signmeup.com/65357.

Thank you to Kagan Creative for creating all the graphic design work for the 2009 Black & White Ball. A special thank you to High Beam Events and The Floral Studio who are generously setting the stage for a beautiful Ball.



Teen Dating Violence 101

As kids head back to school this month, we would like to encourage awareness of unhealthy dating relationships - a preventative measure that can help teens stay healthy and safe throughout the school year and into their future.

Fifty percent of Texas teens report experiencing some kind of abuse in their romantic relationships; women ages 16 to 24 are most likely to be victims.

Simply knowing the red flags of an abusive partner can mean the difference between walking away early or ending up in an ever more controlling relationship, affecting both physical and emotional health.

It cannot be stressed enough that dating abuse does not have to include physical harm to be dangerous. Emotional abuse can be extremely harmful to a young adult's health: affecting self esteem, the ability to concentrate in school, and causing depression and anxiety which can ultimately affect physical health. Make sure you and your teen understand the following...

SIGNS OF AN UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIP:
An abusive dating partner is someone who...
Gets angry when you hang out with other friends or people of the opposite sex;
Bosses you around;
Often gets in fights with other people or loses his or her temper;
Pressures you to have sex or to do something sexual that you don't want to do;
Swears at you or uses mean language - yelling, threatening, and name calling;
Uses drugs and alcohol, and tries to pressure you into doing the same;
Blames you for his or her problems, or tells you that it's your fault that he or she hurt you;
Insults you or tries to embarrass you in front of other people;
Makes you feel scared of their reaction to things;
Shows extreme possessiveness - always wants to know where you are going and who you are with - obsessively calling, paging or texting you.

SAFETY PLANNING
If you think you are in an abusive relationship...
Use a journal to keep track of the abuse.
Consider telling your parents or other family members what is happening - they can help screen telephone calls and visitors.
Tell teachers, counselors, and/or security guards about what is happening - they can help you stay safe at school.
If you are ready to break up with your partner, do so over the phone OR in a public place. Breaking up, and immediately after, can be the most dangerous time.
Try not to be alone with the abusive person and avoid contact with them.
Tell your friends about what is happening. Walk to class with them and hang out with them during lunch and after school.
Make a list of phone numbers, including 911, crisis lines, and supportive friends. Keep the list in a safe place or program them into your cell phone. (See our Teen Dating Violence Resource list below for helpful numbers.)
Trust your instincts. If you feel you are in danger, get help immediately!

VICTIMS OF DATING VIOLENCE HAVE LEGAL RIGHTS
If you are a survivor of dating violence you may be eligible for a Protective Order.
A Protective Order may order a person...
Not to commit further acts of violence against you.
Not to harass or threaten you.
Not to go near your home, school, or work.

IF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT NEED A PROTECTIVE ORDER, YOU CAN...
Apply for one through your district or county attorney,
Hire a private attorney, OR
Call the Teen Justice Initiative: (512) 225-9579
or the Dating/Family Violence Legal Hotline: (800) 374-HOPE.
If you are under 18, you will need an adult to apply for the Protective Order for you.

TEEN JUSTICE INITIATIVE
The Teen Justice Initiative is a program at Texas Advocacy Project that works to prevent teen dating violence through statewide outreach and legal education and by providing free and confidential legal advice to survivors of dating violence in Texas, including free court representation to minors seeking protective orders. Senior Attorney Bronwyn Blake, who began the program in 2005, speaks at high schools throughout the state about youth rights and the signs of dating abuse and supplies schools and youth organizations with Teen Dating Violence brochures (outlining the signs of an unhealthy relationship and listing resources where teens can turn for help), Teen Dating Violence Awareness Posters (available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese), and a Youth Rights Booklet detailing the legal rights of Texas youth.

If you or someone you know needs legal assistance to protect themselves from an abusive dating partner, please contact the Teen Justice Initiative at Texas Advocacy Project (information listed below).



Teen Dating Violence Resources

Teen Justice Initiative at Texas Advocacy Project
(800) 374-HOPE
(512) 225-9579
https://www.texasadvocacyproject.org/mailer/www.TexasAdvocacyProject.org
https://www.texasadvocacyproject.org/mailer/www.myspace.com/teenjusticeinitiative 

Texas Youth Hotline
(800) 210-2278

National Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-SAFE (7233)

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline
(866) 331-9474
Live chat at https://www.texasadvocacyproject.org/mailer/www.loveisrespect.org
 

*Header features work by high school student and artist Coralee Trigger,
Texas Advocacy Project 2nd Annual Teen Dating Violence Poster Contest Winner.

family violence legal line

800-374-hope (Statewide)

512-476-5770 (In Austin)

family law hotline

800-777-fair (Statewide)

512-476-1866 (In Austin)

sexual assault legal hotline

888-296-safe (Statewide)

512-225-9290 (In Austin)

technical advocacy hotline

888-325-safe (Statewide)

512-476-5386 (In Austin)