CALL for SPW (APA Division 35) Campus Representative Applicants (due 7/7/17)

img src: http://cdn1.theodysseyonline.com/files/2015/07/10/6357213537342645672089225099_feminism.png

Among universities and colleges across the country, SPW Campus Representatives promote feminist scholarship, research, activism and practice; give a face to Division 35 among students; and encourage awareness about diversity and social intersections as they affect women’s lives.  Campus Representatives are supported by their fellow Representatives and the Student Representative as they create and organize programming that highlights feminist thought in psychology on their campus.  

Campus Representative duties, to be accomplished over the 2017-2018 academic year, include:

1) Create and execute at least 2 SPW-related events

2) Write a minimum of 2 FemPop blog posts

Both graduate and undergraduate students are welcome to apply!

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APPLICATIONS DUE BY FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2017. Please find link to the application and information below:

Link to Application: https://goo.gl/forms/zYrcSpXZX0IkN2lN2

Please use this form to apply for SPW (APA Division 35) Campus Representative positions for the 2017-2018 academic year (August 1, 2017-July 31, 2018).

Current Campus Representatives: http://www.apadivisions.org/division-35/leadership/campus-representatives/index.aspx

FemPop Blog: http://fempopculture.blogspot.com/

Due Date: Friday, July 7, 2017

Please email the Division 35 Student Representative, Stephanie Wong (stephaniewong@nyu.edu), with any questions.

Unanticipated Impacts // Becca Fonville, M.A.

Img src: http://www.ebay.com/rpp/womens-shoes

While conducting clinical psychological work on a small private college campus this spring, the Counseling Center hosted an event called, “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.” This event has become very popular on college campuses, and has been running for over ten years. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of sexual assault, gender issues, and violence against women. During the event, men are asked to put high-heeled shoes on and walk a mile to gain perspective. The event was driven from the old adage that says that one cannot understand the experience of another until he or she has spent time in that individual’s shoes. This event has been hosted several years in a row at this college, and had been discussed by the Counseling Center’s staff all year. I was looking forward to being involved in this event because of my own interest in the topic clinically and professionally, but also because I have personal investment in it. As the Center for Disease Control reports, 20% of all women will report experiencing some kind of sexual assault in their lifetimes (2012). I happen to be one of the 20%.

Just like with any event, disagreement and differing views are prominent. I have heard arguments about the use of high heels- is it promoting the idea that sexual violence only occurs to those who fit conventional and traditional beauty ideals? Is it promoting victim blaming by pairing the idea of sexual violence to an accessory? And many other issues commented on: How can walking a mile in some high heels- something some women do daily- be promoting sexual assault awareness or giving a participant a taste of what it is like to encounter sexual assault? How are the two even remotely similar? I have heard all of these statements before, and I agree with some! Regardless of my opinions and feelings, I was incredibly excited to participate in an event that’s sole purpose is to bring about education and awareness – two necessities in changing systems of oppression. No event can be perfect, or really, truly, communicate what sexual assault is like to those who have not experienced it – especially because experiences can be so vastly different.

The event itself did not go as I expected. I expected many many participants- I’m not really sure why. Isn’t promoting sexual assault awareness all anyone cares about and wants to do? Apparently not. Convincing people to participate was much more difficult than I anticipated. Typical responses to not participate were that they had class, a meeting, needed to go eat lunch, needed to check their mail, had homework, etc. . . . Of course all of these responses are realities of college student life, but because of my training and background, I thought it was important to think more deeply about what simply walking by and not participating meant to themselves personally, and also what it was communicating to the community. From my perception, this did not go over so well, which may not be surprising. Most people became defensive and seemingly felt guilty. To me, these reactions are more positive than the few who seemingly showed no remorse for not participating or care for the subject matter. Guilt communicates that some level of emotions are involved.

I was very aware of all of these reactions in the moment. What I was not consciously aware of, however, was my own personal feelings and reactions. I was so caught up in the meaning making of the reactions of potential participants that I was not tuned in to myself. I didn’t realize that my thoughts about others and myself had begun to change in an unhealthy way, and that I had began making the entire experience more personal than necessary, pulling me down. I did not take a break, though it was offered to me several times by my supervisors, but continued to work the whole event. I chose not to care for myself, which made the whole experience much more emotionally draining than necessary.

What I think is so important about this experience is not about the lack of participation in the event, or even about my disappointment in the outcome. My point is it so incredibly important to take care of one’s self, especially in situations like this. I have been told this time and time again. Self-care is crucial when in the helping profession. But until this day, I had never experienced why self-care is discussed so frequently, and why it is sometimes pushed onto individuals still in training. I am also very glad that I had this experience while still in training so that I could have the opportunity to process it with my supervisor. Of course there is meaning behind one’s decision to participate in any outreach event, but there is also meaning behind my actions too. Perhaps I should have tuned into this meaning as much as I was tuned into the meanings of other’s decisions, and I may have taken better care of myself psychologically. I believe I still would have been struck and disappointed in the event as a whole on multiple levels, but the experience may have been less tumultuous, and I may have been able to maintain a more rational mindset.

Additionally, I believe that it is important to keep in mind how decisions such as to participate in an event or not may impact others. I was heavily impacted by the overarching ambivalence of the student body, I believe mostly because of my personal investment and experience with sexual violence. The impact this decision to not participate did not seem to even cross the minds of potential participants. While working the event, I remember wondering if their response would have been different if they knew they were talking to one of the 20%. At the same time, I am sure my disappointment and frustration was coming across to potential participants as I talked to them too, and I was also not thinking about the impact my words may have had on them. Perhaps sexual violence was personal for them as well, and they were still too emotionally raw to publically participate in an event such as this. All of this is to say that I hope I - we can be more gentle with each other, and give each other the benefit of the doubt, and also compassionately encourage each other to think about how our behaviors and words can impact the other.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is a heavily debated event, which is not surprising given its nature and what it is advocating for. However, no event is perfect, and there is no perfect way to advocate for any systemic issues. I do think it is important for all people to consider their choices, what they advocate for, participate in, and what meanings may be behind these decisions, even while in the process of advocating for a cause close to the heart. When these meanings are considered, one may have the opportunity to richly learn about herself, in turn, garnering a deeper understanding of how to care for one’s self and others in the future.

If you’d like more information about the organization and events, their website can be accessed here: http://www.walkamileinhershoes.org/

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/pdf/SV-DataSheet-a.pdf

Written by: Becca Fonville, M.A.

The Shadow of Irish Women: An Irish American Intersectional Feminist on Abortion Rights in Ireland // Meredith A. Martyr

                                         

            I was born and raised a feminist. As I have grown I have come to understand the imperative belief in intersectional feminism. I spent my childhood and teenage years volunteering for one of my United State’s Senators (Paul Wellstone), Planned Parenthood, and Amnesty International. Through these various causes, I found myself drawn towards sociopolitics that were linked to my gender identity and healthcare issues, particularly reproductive healthcare. A woman’s right to choose what to do with her own body was an intrinsic belief that I never questioned. It was my air; the belief I breathed in and out, and took for granted.

            Another large part of my identity is my Irish heritage. I was raised by an Irish mother who breathed in feminist rhetoric with ease and grace. Growing up I heard from my mother’s side of the family about their Irish traditions all wrapped around an idea of sisterhood, education, and a strong work ethic.

            I was in Ireland a year ago presenting at an international mental health conference when I met someone with a pin with the number eight on it. I questioned what it was about and he informed me that it was a pin worn in protest of the eighth amendment in Ireland that women are not granted the right to elect for an abortion. I was fascinated that this country that I am so in love with and is so a part of my identity could so deeply be against all that I am about; a person’s right to choose to do whatever they want to their body. I knew in that moment that I had found an area of research that was both personally and professionally important to me.

            In 1983, Irish legislators passed the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution Act which gave specific recognition to the life of an unborn child and bans all abortion-related services (Human Rights Watch, 2010). Furthermore, Irish medical professionals who assist in abortion procedures are charged with a criminal offense and may receive up to 24 years in prison. The Catholic Church supported this constitutional act via public campaigns and donations to the Irish government (Human Rights Watch, 2010). There have been a series of cases in which Irish women have died due to “back-alley” abortions or where the mother’s life was at risk, but the fetus was still viable. Due to a national and international backlash, the Irish government passed the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act in 2013. This law states that abortion is illegal unless performed in order to save the life of the mother (Hug, 2016).

            An estimated 160,000 Irish women have traveled to Great Britain to receive abortions over the past 33 years (Gentleman, 2015). This is likely a conservative estimate, as it only includes women who provided an Irish home address; most women choose not to disclose this information (Gentleman, 2015). The Irish government continues to receive severe scrutiny from multiple international human rights organizations. In 2016, the United Nations’ (UN) Human Rights Committee declared that Ireland’s abortion law violates the UN’s International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Amnesty International, 2016).

            According to the United Kingdom (UK) Department of Health, about nine Irish women each day travel to the U.K. for access to abortion services. In 2009, 1,200 abortion pills were seized by Irish customs (Bloomer & O’Dowd, 2014), and according to the UK Department of Health (2008), abortion is the most common gynecological procedure for Irish women, with an estimated 1 in 10-15 Irish women of reproductive age having received an abortion.

            Ireland has historically been a country where abortion was made inaccessible to it female citizens. Through restrictive legislation, the Irish government has continued to limit information regarding safe and legal abortion services, and has refused to take legal action against agencies who spread false medical information about abortion procedures to Irish citizens (Human Rights Campaign, 2010). In 2016, an Irish Supreme Court judge ordered the formation of a Citizens’ Assembly of the Eighth Amendment charged with debating whether this Amendment should continue. In April 2017, the Citizens’ Assembly recommended to the Irish government that the Eighth Amendment be revisited due to its potential human rights violation against Irish women (Humphries, 2017). To date, it is unknown what actions may arise in response to this recommendation. Although the Irish government has taken steps towards legalizing abortion in the past couple of years, Ireland continues to have a longstanding anti-abortion history supported by legal rhetoric, religious beliefs, and societal norms/attitudes (Hug, 2016).

            Research regarding abortion stigma experienced by women who reside in countries where abortion is illegal is in its infancy. Given Ireland’s unique religious, cultural, and political framework that continually holds abortion illegal, women residing in Ireland who have had abortions comprise a unique population.

            I defend my dissertation in June 2017 and I will be presenting my research that I performed in Ireland on the unique experiences Irish women have regarding abortion stigma. These lived experiences are hidden behind several patriarchal and historically thick veils that must be undone in order for these historically erased voices to be legitimized. Irish women are collectively screaming out for their narratives to be heard, I feel the presence of my Irish female-identified relatives reaching out as well. It is my ethical, moral, and professional duty as a counseling psychologist-in-training to bring to light the historically unheard voices, identities, etc. and to create systems that support groups that have been historically marginalized. Personally, however, this research project has had so much meaning and purpose. My intersectional feminist identity has been strengthened by this research and my personal identity as an Irish American woman feels fuller.

           

References

Amnesty International. (2016). Irelands Ban on Abortions Violates Human Rights. Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2016/06/irelands-ban-on-abortion-violates-human-rights/

Bloomer, F., & O'Dowd, K. (2014). Restricted access to abortion in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland: exploring abortion tourism and barriers to legal reform. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 16(4), 366-380.

Gentleman, A. (2015). ‘It was the scariest thing I've ever done”: the Irish women forced to travel for abortions. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/31/abortion-ireland-northern-ireland-women-travel-england-amelia-gentleman.

Hug, C. (2016). The politics of sexual morality in Ireland. New York: Springer.

Humphries, Conor (2017). Irish citizens assembly recommends change to abortion laws. Reuters Press. Retrieved from http://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFKBN17O0EA.

Was that Sexual Assault? Why Legal Definitions Matter // Megan Mansfield, M.A.

Img src: Shutterstock.com

            I didn’t realize that what had happened to me was rape until four years later.  To many, I’d imagine this sounds simply ridiculous.  “How could you have not known you were raped?”  Well, I had to ask myself the same question.  Through months of exploration in therapy, I learned about the various protective defenses I had employed in order to get me through the traumatic event and the few following years, which were filled with transitions and uncertainty.  While the therapeutic process was extremely liberating, empowering, and healing, I still felt as though the question may not have been answered in its entirety.  Feeling as though I had exhausted my internal resources, I began to look to the research. “Have other women experienced this?” “If so, why?” “Why was I exhibiting blatant signs of trauma, yet unable to acknowledge having been traumatized?”

            In my search for the answer, I stumbled upon a surprisingly simple suggestion as to why so many women do not label their traumatic experience as sexual assault.  Several recent studies regarding sexual violence have found that survivors of sexual violence may not report their experience due to a lack of understanding that what had happened to them was a crime or because they did not believe the sexually violent act was serious enough to report (Cantalupo, 2012).  It is important to highlight the difference between self-acknowledging a sexual assault and reporting a sexual assault to others; however, this data influenced me to question what the role of simply knowing the definition of sexual assault, may have on ones ability to acknowledge the event as sexual assault.

            Hull, Sheplavy & Hull (2015) conducted a study which looked at undergraduate participants responses to personal experiences of sexual violence before and after reading legal definitions of the state they were residing in, West Virginia. In privacy, participants were asked to indicate their experiences with different types of sexual violence using a five-point scale.  While females were asked about their experiences as a victim, male participants were asked to indicate their experiences as a perpetrator.  While it is crucial that we acknowledge women can perpetrate and males can be victimized, researchers used this approach to align with the more frequent scenario.  Next, all participants read the legal definitions of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment, according to West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services (as cited in Hull et al., 2015).  Immediately after reading the definitions, participants once again rated their experiences with sexual violence.  Results showed that reading the definitions certainly impacted both female and male participants responses. 

            More specifically, 27% of females either agreed or strongly agreed that they had been sexually assaulted before reading the definitions opposed to 29% after reading the definitions.  While 34% of females either agreed or strongly agreed that they had been sexually abused before reading the definitions, 40% reported sexual abuse after.  Following this trend, 57% of females either agreed or strongly agreed that they had been sexually harassed before reading the definitions opposed to 77% after reading the definitions.  Likewise, the male participants reported having perpetrated either sexual assault, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment more so after reading the definition as opposed to before reading the definition (Hull, Sheplavy, & Hull, 2015).

            Due to several limitations, this study alone is certainly not indicative of how the role of knowledge of the law impacts perceptions of sexual violence in the general public. With that being said, I can relate to the women in this particular study because, in addition to finally feeling safe enough to let my protective defenses relax, I had to complete a formal rape crisis counselor training to truly understand my experience. I’d imagine this is especially true for women whose experiences are not portrayed in media or aligned with the narrative known as “stranger danger.”  What had happened to me would never be made into a Law & Order: SVU episode; my experience did not match my perception of what constitutes as rape at the time.

            As a clinician who aims to specialize in trauma caused by sexual violence, I, of course, wonder about how this information could be utilized in a therapeutic setting.  There are a plethora of reasons which may explain the phenomenon of this delayed acknowledgment, and as a therapist, I believe it is so important to meet survivors where they are and allow survivors to use terminology that feels right to them.  With that being said, I do believe this information may help guide clinicians working with trauma survivors who are minimizing their experience or having difficultly understanding their emotions around a particular potentially traumatizing event.  To me, this phenomenon highlights the importance of properly and thoroughly assessing for trauma and sexual assault/abuse as a clinician because it is evident that these words may take on a different meaning to different individuals at different points in their life.  Perhaps exploring these legal definitions during the therapeutic process may help survivors to acknowledge the violation and feel a sense of validation in their psychological and physiological response to a horrific event.  Of course, clinicians would have to simultaneously remain aware of legal definitions which apply to the state they’re practicing in and the fact that in some cases, legal definitions do not adequately encompass all sexual violations.

            Overall, I found the role of knowledge of the law in acknowledging sexual violence to be fascinating, especially because it seems remarkably simple in comparison to the role of psychological protective/defensive factors.  I want to acknowledge that I recognize this study (Hull, Sheplavy, & Hull, 2015) is only a small glimmer of information on the topic. However, I hope its acknowledgment helps survivors and clinicians to gain clarity on one of the many reasons survivors may not acknowledge having been sexually violated.

Written by Megan Mansfield, M.A.

References

Cantalupo, N. C. (2012). “Decriminalizing” campus institutional responses to peer                       sexual violence. Journal of College and University Law, 38, 483-526.

Hull, D. B., Sheplavy, E., & Hull, J. H. (2015). The role of knowledge of the law in                                    perceptions of sexual violence. North American Journal Of Psychology, 17(2),                  251-258.