Men — as fathers, brothers, coaches, teachers, uncles and mentors — are in a unique position to prevent domestic, dating and sexual violence; yet too many remain untapped as resources. The Futures Without Violence’s Coaching Boys into Men (CBIM) program joined forces with the Texas Council on Family Violence and SafeHaven last year to help change that through a successful implementation of the program in six high schools in Tarrant County funded by the SCORE Foundation.
Domestic violence continues at an epidemic level in Texas and affects individuals in every community, regardless of race, gender, class, religion, nationality, sexual orientation or educational background. In 2008 and 2009, 249 Texas women were killed by their partners, the youngest victim a mere 14 years old.

In fact, the statistics for violence in teen relationships in the state and around the country are staggering. The results from a 2006 Texas-wide dating violence survey conducted by GCI Group Equation Research on behalf of the Texas Council on Family Violence indicate that 75 percent of teens report having experienced dating violence or knowing someone who has experienced it.

But there is hope.

The History of Coaching Boys into Men
First launched in 2001 with support from the Waitt Institute for Violence Prevention and in partnership with the Advertising Council, CBIM’s core goal is to inspire men and teach boys the importance of respecting women and that violence never equals strength. The program began as a national public service announcement (PSA) campaign with TV, radio, print and online components, and has since generated well over $125 million in donated media and numerous local efforts in communities around the country.

Using sports and coaching as metaphors, CBIM includes not only PSAs, but also an online toolkit, Playbook and official Coaches Kit (found at www.coachescorner.org) funded by the Verizon Foundation. Since 2005, CBIM strategies, scenarios and resources help men, and athletic coaches more specifically, mold attitudes and behaviors that prevent relationship abuse, harassment and sexual assault both on and off the field.

Coaching Boys into Men Texas Pilot
The kit curriculum is built on a series of coach-to-athlete “teach-easy tactics and trainings” that illustrate ways to role model and promote healthy relationships and choices among youth. The design guides coaches on how to incorporate the philosophies associated with teamwork, integrity, fair play and respect into routine practice and strategy sessions. Moreover, results from this Texas pilot found desirable shifts in all three measured outcomes: students’ ability to identify abusive behaviors; students’ attitudes and beliefs which may support violence against women; and students’ willingness to intervene when they see forms of abuse occurring. Overall, national CBIM research shows that more men, and parents overall, are talking to kids about violence against women being wrong.

FRI & SAT 11PM—9AM $12.02/hrThe primary responsibilities of the Weekend Resident Advisor (RA) are to provide resident support to residents and families in the Family Shelter. Approve admission to the Family Shelter in accordance with SafePlace policies and procedures. Provides front desk coverage (answering incoming calls, responding to intercoms, serving residents at front desk, etc.). Conducts shelter intakes with all incoming shelter clients and helps client move and settle into shelter. Provide domestic violence and sexual assault crisis intervention and referrals to callers on the hotline during assigned shift. Keeps abreast of new community resource information and strives to make accurate and appropriate referrals to all callers. Provide volunteer training as needed. Requirements: B.A in Social Work or related field or relevant life experience, work, volunteer experience. 1-2 years crisis counseling experience preferred. Ability to respond to clients, on the telephone and in person, in a constructive and supportive manner. Ability to problem-solve and diffuse crises under pressure. Knowledge of domestic violence and sexual assault issues preferred. Knowledge of clerical and computer skills needed. Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

The Expect Respect Counselor (CSD) provides individual safety assessment and counseling for students in middle and high schools in Austin and surrounding areas. This position assists school personnel in identifying and responding to youth exposed to violence or abuse and provides short term counseling, education and referral as needed. The Expect Respect Counselor participates in data collection as part of a 4-year program evaluation funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Works as part of a team to conduct professional training and prevention activities for youth and adults throughout the school year. Requirements: MSW or MA degree in a counseling-related field with appropriate licensure preferred. Experience working with teens. Knowledge of child development and therapy modalities appropriate for teens. Knowledge about sexual abuse and effects of domestic violence on children. Excellent interpersonal communication skills. Preference for English/Spanish fluency. This position is grant-specific.$32,000 – $34,000

Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center is looking for a F/T Children’s Counselor to work with children exposed to family violence. Must have knowledge and understanding of child abuse and family violence issues and at least one year of experience working with children, play therapy, and facilitating children’s groups. Must be able to work two evenings a week, if needed. LPC, LMFT, LMSW, Bilingual in English/Spanish is preferred, but not required. Salary for this position is $29,900 (with an additional $500 if bilingual and $500 with licensure). The salary is grant funded and therefore not negotiable. This is a full-time, non-exempt position. If you are interested and would like more information about HCWC, the position, or how to apply, please contact Michelle Ducote at mducote@hcwc.org<mailto:mducote@hcwc.org>.

Roxanne’s House (HCWC’s Children’s Advocacy Center) in San Marcos seeks a Forensic Interviewer to conduct in-depth forensic interviews with abused and/or neglected children. Primary client population is sexually abused children between the ages of 3 and 13. Responsibilities also include consulting with law enforcement, prosecutors, Child Protective Services and counselors. Testifies in court as necessary. Bilingual in English/Spanish is preferred, but not required. Salary for this position is $29,400 (with an additional $500 if bilingual and $500 with an applicable Master’s degree). The salary is grant funded and therefore not negotiable. This is a full-time, non-exempt position.

If you are interested and would like more information about HCWC, the position, or how to apply, please contact Michelle Ducote at mducote@hcwc.org<mailto:mducote@hcwc.org>.