Women & Children

Justice
Action for Justice
Advocating for Justice
Women & Children

Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children

Nearly three decades after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, considered to be the blueprint for advancing women’s rights, gender disparities are still prevalent. Moreover, they are deepening as a result of the spread of COVID-19. For example, according to a recent UN Policy Brief, violence against women has increased by 25% in many places around world due to the pandemic and women are all too often bearing the brunt of the emotional and financial fallout. 

Violence against children is also a serious concern. Globally, it is estimated that up to 1 billion children aged 2-17 years, have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence or neglect in the past year. Violence occurs in many settings, including the home, school, community and over the internet.

We invite you to join us on our journey toward justice. 

Please choose to journey with us as we commit to see with new eyes what is happening in our world, to pray for God’s wisdom and guidance, and to act.

Pursuing Indigenous Justice

In keeping with the International Presentation Association (IPA) focus on eliminating violence against Indigenous and tribal people, this month we invited Eric Anglada to share the history of Indigenous communities who have lived in the area surrounding what we now call Dubuque, along with other Indigenous justice issues.

Eric shared that the region surrounding Dubuque is known as the “Driftless Region” or “The Refuge,” because it was unglaciated 15 – 20,000 years ago, meaning people were able to live here while most of the Midwest was covered with glaciers. This land is home to the Ho Chunk, among other Indigenous groups. This area is also known for its sacred mounds, built around 2,500 – 800 years ago, which were created out of a sense of this being sacred land. The people were living in equilibrium with the land.

Eric outlined how colonialism has created many interconnecting justice issues. On the land that we now know as the United States of America, this began with the Doctrine of Discovery, when Pope Alexander VI gave permission for European Christians to explore and conquer land, writing that Indigenous people have no inherent right to the land because they were non-Christian. This then became legalized in the U.S. in 1823 in Johnson v. M’Intosh, which reiterated that Indigenous people have no inherent right to the land.

Colonialism has led to much suffering and violence, including slaughtering many Indigenous people. Nearby, the Blackhawk War occurred in 1832. Beginning in the late 1800s, another form of violence involved native children being stolen and forced into boarding schools, 80 of which were run by the Roman Catholic Church. These boarding schools tried to strip the children of their Indigenous identity, and one school’s slogan was even, “kill the Indian to save the man.” Indigenous women have also been disproportionately affected. 84% of native women experience violence in their lifetime and they are murdered at a rate that’s 10 times the national average, often occurring where corporations bring in many workers to build the oil pipelines.

Eric often repeated the phrases, “what you do to the people, you do to the land” and “what you do to the land, you do to the people.” He shared that the climate crisis was catalyzed by the invention of the steel plan in 1837, which led to torn roots releasing an abundance of carbon. Additionally, bison had previously helped the prairie thrive, but due to a mass slaughtering of them, their population decreased from 60 million in 1491 to 25 free roaming bison in 1908. Eric shared that Iowa is the most biologically altered state in the U.S.: 99% of prairies, 95% of wetlands, and 75% of its forests are gone. Even though there has been much violence committed against the people and land, many groups are working to bring healing, which will be shown below.

See

In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis urges us to allow Indigenous people to reclaim their land:

“It is essential to show special care for Indigenous communities and their cultural traditions. They are not merely one minority among others, but should be the principal dialogue partners, especially when large projects affecting their land are proposed…When they remain on their land, they themselves care for it best.” –Laudato Si’, paragraph 146

There are many Indigenous groups recovering the land and starting the healing process. A few that Eric shared are:

Reflect

  1. In what ways do I see the lasting effects of colonialism in the U.S.?
  2. How can I support legislation or local projects that center the voices and lives of Indigenous people?

Act Now:

  • Consider donating to Honor Native Land Fund. This group of non-native people is partnering with Great Plains Action Society, an Indigenous-led group, and is trying to raise at least $500,000 to help native peoples in Iowa to purchase land to reclaim their Indigenous life and food ways. This effort can help to heal effects of colonialism and climate change. Donate here:

    https://honornativelandfund.org/

Please choose to journey with us as we commit to see with new eyes what is happening in our world, to pray for God’s wisdom and guidance, and to act.

Offering Radical Hospitality

In keeping with our charism, we explore this month the concept of radical hospitality. Radical hospitality refers to an expansive and committed welcome to all regardless of background, beliefs or circumstances. We are called to particularly welcome and include those who face barriers to belonging. More than politeness, radical hospitality calls for a generous sharing of time, resources and life together. It includes offering support without judgment and fostering relationships of deep connection. Radical hospitality involves collaboration to combat barriers to inclusion and the creation of paths to access and safety in support of true communal belonging.

See

Hospitality has a deep tradition in Christianity. It is a fundamental value in Benedictine spirituality: “all guests are to be welcomed as Christ.” Yet many groups are marginalized today and don’t receive a warm welcome – sometimes in church, let alone in society. Women and children who belong to these groups suffer particular harm.

Sessions in a recent workshop attended by Justice Promoters and Presentation people, identified societal groups who may be shunned:

  • Political refugees, resettled refugees
  • People suffering addictions to alcohol and drugs
  • Those incarcerated or recently released from confinement
  • LGBTQ+ communities
  • People lacking formal identification documents
  • Immigrants

Reflect

  1. What biases do I harbor against members of these marginalized groups?
  2. If I can choose not to be fearful, what prevents me from welcoming others?
  3. What groups can I identify as being pushed away from the safe shelter of my hospitality?

Act Now:

  • Take the risk to make eye contact with, greet or even stand up for a person whom society marginalizes.
  • Identify within yourself the groups you are reluctant to accept as a guest, the folks you size up as “other” and not necessarily welcome.

Please choose to journey with us as we commit to see with new eyes what is happening in our world, to pray for God’s wisdom and guidance, and to act.

International Day of Peace Speaker Addresses Toxic Polarization

The Sisters of the Presentation co-sponsored the annual International Day of Peace speaker at Loras College on September, 21.  Dubuque native, Peter Coleman, professor of psychology and education at Columbia University was the keynote speaker. Coleman is the author of the book, The Way Out: How to Overcome Toxic Polarization, and has spoken widely on conflict resolution and sustaining peace.

Dr. Coleman began by outlining the almost fourdecade trajectory of polarization in the U.S. by noting that conservatives and progressives continue to see each in more and more negative terms. This polarization affects how and where people decide to live and who they spend their time with which perpetuates the cycle of polarization. 

Unfortunately, Dr. Coleman sees no easy answers to these problems and encouraged the audience not to look for linear solutions, or in other words, that fixing one problem will solve everything. Instead he spoke of toxic polarization as a “cloud problem” the kind of problem that has so many variables that it resists easy answers.

Dr. Coleman did offer hope in the fact that there are many organizations working at every level of society which are attempting to bridge the polarization by allowing people from both groups to meet, listen, and get to know each other.  One unexpected discovery that he addressed was that literally walking with someone with whom you disagree is more helpful that sitting on opposite sides of a table. 

Ultimately, the problem of toxic polarization is abundantly clear in our country and Dr. Coleman encouraged those gathered to do the hard of work of listening well, engaging those whom you disagree with and continuing to nurture those relationships through the difficult moments.

See:

Check out Coleman’s book at https://www.thewayoutofpolarization.com/

Reflect:

  • How often do I listen to someone with whom I disagree without formulating responses while they are speaking?
  • How often do I engage in conversation without the goal being to make the other person agree with my position?
  • Do I make living in relationship with people more important than surrounding myself with people who think like me?

Act:

Dr. Coleman encourages the use of more websites like the following which help people encounter information that might be outside of their typical news bubble.

https://www.allsides.com

Please choose to journey with us as we commit to see with new eyes what is happening in our world, to pray for God’s wisdom and guidance, and to act.

Mental Health and Violence Against Women

In keeping with the International Presentation Association (IPA) focus on eliminating violence against women and children, the Justice Promoters are continuing our series of opportunities to See, Reflect and Act on two focus areas. These are mental health and immigration/migration. There will be four opportunities sent throughout the year.

This month we are focused on childhood trauma and poverty and the connection to later life potential health issues and violence.

Refugees, Asylum-Seekers, Immigrants, Migrants and Title 42

See:

  • TITLE 42: On March 20, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an emergency regulation to implement a specific aspect of U.S. health law. Section 265 of U.S. Code Title 42 permits the Director of the CDC to “prohibit … the introduction” into the United States of individuals when the director believes that “there is serious danger of the introduction of [a communicable] disease into the United States.” The HHS regulation allows any customs officers—which includes officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) such as Border Patrol agents—to implement any such order issued by the CDC.
    Learn more: https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/guide-title-42-expulsions-border

  • WHO IS AN IMMIGRANT? There is no internationally accepted legal definition of an immigrant, however they are people understood to be staying outside their country of origin, who are not asylum-seekers or refugees. Immigrants leave their country by their choice because they want to work, study or join their family. Others feel they must leave their country because of poverty, political unrest, gang violence, natural disasters or other serious circumstances that exist in their country. Many people do not fit the legal definition of a refugee but could nevertheless be in danger in their country of origin.

    In most cases someone in the United States needs to sponsor an immigrant or file an immigration petition agreeing to be financially responsible for the applicant. The person wanting to immigrate must undergo a medical exam and show proof of Covid vaccination, and then wait for an interview. The process can take from 1 ½ to 3 years and cost between $4,000 and $11,000.
  • WHO IS A REFUGEE? A refugee is a person who has fled their own country because they are at risk of serious human rights violations and persecution there. The risks to their safety and life were so great that they had no choice but to leave and seek safety outside their country because their own government cannot or will not protect them from those dangers. Refugees have a right to international protection. People outside of the United States must apply for refugee status and be facing persecution in their country related to race, religion, nationality or membership in a particular social group or political opinion. Those granted refugee status may eventually apply for a Green Card (also known as Permanent Resident Card) and eventual citizenship.

  • WHO IS AN ASYLUM-SEEKER? An asylum-seeker is a person who has left their country and is seeking protection from persecution and serious human rights violations in another country, but who hasn’t yet been legally recognized as a refugee and is waiting to receive a decision on their asylum claim. Seeking asylum is a human right. People who have already made it to the United States border or the interior (by lawful or unlawful entry) can apply for asylum status. With or without counsel, an asylum-seeker has the burden of proving that he or she meets the definition under Section 101(a) (42) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Once an applicant is conditionally approved for resettlement he or she must complete a health screening to identify medical needs and to ensure that those with a contagious disease do not enter the United States. Sponsorship assurance must also be obtained from a U.S. based resettlement agency.  

Reflect:

  • Whose voices dominate in discussions about immigration? Why? Whose voices are missing?
  • What do refugees, and those who work closely with them recommend in order to improve the situation?
  • In what ways does migration enhance or diminish human dignity?

Act now:

Please choose to journey with us as we commit to see with new eyes what is happening in our world, to pray for God’s wisdom and guidance, and to act.

Mental Health and Violence Against Women

In keeping with the International Presentation Association (IPA) focus on eliminating violence against women and children, the Justice Promoters are continuing our series of opportunities to See, Reflect and Act on two focus areas. These are mental health and immigration/migration. There will be four opportunities sent throughout the year.

This month we are focused on childhood trauma and poverty and the connection to later life potential health issues and violence.

See:

Reflect:

  • Given this data, be aware that many of the people you encounter today have had traumatic life experiences which may impact how they respond to you. Just be aware and be kind to everyone. Consider asking permission before touching.

Act now:

Please choose to journey with us as we commit to see with new eyes what is happening in our world, to pray for God’s wisdom and guidance, and to act.

Mental Health and Violence Against Women

In keeping with the International Presentation Association (IPA) focus on Eliminating Violence Against Women and Children, this month we continue our series on how mental illness and violence intersect, particularly in the lives of women. We invite you to continue to be faithful in your response to these opportunities.

See:

  • Watch the Oscar award-winning documentary, Period. End of Sentence, about a group of local women in Hapur, India, learning how to operate a machine that makes low-cost, biodegradable sanitary pads. This not only helps improve feminine hygiene by providing access to basic products but also supports and empowers the women to shed the taboos in India surrounding menstruation – all while contributing to the economic future of their community.

Reflect:

  • Think about the obstacles to attaining menstrual health the women in the film experienced. Think about the cultural taboos and restrictions that Indian women face and how women all over the world share some of those obstacles. Ponder on the limited access to information and supplies and how this was true for the women of the film, women globally and even true for women within the United States. What infrastructure systems are in place here in the U.S. that might not be available globally? What infrastructure systems are in place in urban and suburban communities that might not be as readily available in rural communities? What can we do to demystify menstruation and help others to see that it is a women’s health issue with a great impact on the lives of women everywhere?

Act now:

  • Go to the Women’s Voices for the Earth webpage and take action on local and national legislation that helps women take greater control of their menstrual health.

Please choose to journey with us as we commit to see with new eyes what is happening in our world, to pray for God’s wisdom and guidance, and to act.

Mental Health and Violence Against Women

In keeping with the International Presentation Association (IPA) focus on Eliminating Violence Against Women and Children, this month we continue our series on how mental illness and violence intersect, particularly in the lives of women. We invite you to continue to be faithful in your response to these opportunities.

See:

Reflect:

  • Consider the person with no insurance or Medicaid and their limited or non-existent access to mental health care. Every other developed country gives access to mental health treatment through their health care systems and coverage, which include universal health care.

Act now:

  • Advocate for mental health coverage to be on an equal footing with physical health coverage in insurance. Further info available here. Advocate for universal health care for all, regardless of employment or immigration status. Here is the vision the American Medical Association (AMA) has regarding health care reform.

Please choose to journey with us as we commit to see with new eyes what is happening in our world, to pray for God’s wisdom and guidance, and to act.

Mental Health and Violence Against Women

In keeping with the International Presentation Association (IPA) focus on Eliminating Violence Against Women and Children, this month we continue our series on how mental illness and violence intersect, particularly in the lives of women. We invite you to continue to be faithful in your response to these opportunities.

See:

Reflect:

  • Reflect on the TED talk and consider your own perceptions around mental illness. Consider the language you have used related to mental illness.

Act now:

  • Now that you have been offered a different perspective from which to consider mental illness, work to change your language in this arena. If you feel it appropriate, talk with others about their perceptions and language as well.

Please choose to journey with us as we commit to see with new eyes what is happening in our world, to pray for God’s wisdom and guidance, and to act.

Mental Health and Violence Against Women

This month we begin a series of three presentations on how mental illness and violence intersect, particularly in the lives of women. We invite you to continue to be faithful in your response to these opportunities.

See:

Reflect:

Please call to mind anyone you’ve known or encountered, or possibly yourself, who has/had a mental illness. These illnesses cover a multitude of diagnoses (depression, eating disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, substance abuse, etc.). Reflect on your response to those people and/or encounters.

Act now:

Share your reflection with someone. Talk about the impacts on your life and on the life of the person you called to mind. Was there any level of violence that this person encountered that may have been at least partially a result of the mental illness?

Please choose to journey with us as we commit to see with new eyes what is happening in our world, to pray for God’s wisdom and guidance, and to act.

Migration/Immigration: Title 42 Challenges for Families Seeking Safety

On August 2, 2021, the Biden administration extended a Trump-era policy that allows migrants to be expelled back to their home countries to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in holding facilities. Known as Title 42, this ruling denies migrants their legal right to seek asylum. Our justice action this month offers education on Title 42’s challenges for families seeking safety in the United States.

See:

In March 2020, the Trump Administration banned anyone from entering the U.S. to seek asylum. This legal maneuver is called Title 42. Learn about Title 42 by watching this short news report.

Reflect:

The U.S. finally allowed Esmeralda to enter to formally seek asylum after she waited more than 500 days on the Mexico border. She’s safe in the U.S. with her four children now, preparing for their court hearing, says the Kino Border Initiative.

“My family is very good now, thanks be to God, but I can’t help but think about all of the people who are still waiting,” she said recently.

While waiting to apply for asylum, Esmeralda became a powerful advocate in the #SaveAsylum movement. She still wants to pressure the Biden Administration to completely end the use of Title 42. “My mission hasn’t ended,” she said.

How do I follow Esmeralda’s example of determination and care for others?

Act now:

Protect women and children in migration by asking President Biden to end use of Title 42 on the Ignatian Solidarity Network website.

Please choose to journey with us as we commit to see with new eyes what is happening in our world, to pray for God’s wisdom and guidance, and to act.

Migration/Immigration: Intimate Partner Violence: Additional Threat to Undocumented Women & Children in the U.S.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects one in three women. But undocumented migrant women in the U.S. are particularly vulnerable to intimate partner violence. That’s because their abusers often use their undocumented partner’s immigration status as a means of control. What does that mean? What does it look like?

See:

• Watch a video of our associate Dora Serna as she shares one chapter of Silent Voices in the Shadows, written by our Sister Paula Schwendinger.
• Hear one undocumented woman’s experience when intimate partner violence forced her to decide to seek help. Alternatively: Read the chapter found ON THIS LINK.

Reflect:

• How would it feel to face this situation?
• What special considerations should we keep in mind as we advocate for these women and children?

Act now:

• Sign the petition asking Congress to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act that will protect these women and children.
• Learn more: Read this PDF from the National Organization for Women

Please choose to journey with us as we commit to see with new eyes what is happening in our world, to pray for God’s wisdom and guidance, and to act.

Migration/Immigration: Violence Escalates Against Migrant Women and Children

Yolani has lived in Mexico on the border with the Untied States for more than a year. She is waiting to continue her asylum process within the U.S., where she can be reunited with her husband and daughter.

See:

Reflect:

  • How does Yolani feel? How would you feel in her position?
  • How did Mary and Joseph feel as they fled for safety to Egypt with baby Jesus?
  • How do you feel about protecting migrant women and children from violence?

Act now:

  • Learn more by watching Oh Mercy, a short documentary about the lives of people waiting for protection in the United States.
  • Volunteers on the border are welcoming migrants as they reenter the U.S. to plead their asylum cases and helping those who still must wait in Mexico. You are invited to donate to one of the following organizations:

    Sister Norma Pimentel’s agency:
    Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley
    955 W. Price Rd.
    Brownsville, TX 78520

    Working to resettle Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) asylum seekers:
    Annunciation House
    P.O. Box 11189
    El Paso, TX 79995-1189

    Helping migrants stranded in Mexico
    Kino Border Initiative
    PO Box 159
    Nogales, AZ 85628-0159

Please choose to journey with us as we commit to see with new eyes what is happening in our world, to pray for God’s wisdom and guidance, and to act.

See:

Please take a few minutes to watch the Pope’s prayer intention from February 2021 to end violence against women.

Reflect:

Gracious God, look upon the victims of domestic violence with compassion and guide their journey through the legalities of obtaining an Order of Protection so that they might have the chance to begin a new life free from fear and pain.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Act now:

There is never any time but now, and there never will be any time but now.

Ways to Take Action to Help End Violence Against Women