I was excited to find a doctor talk about the treatment medications for mental illness and side effects including weight gain. His approach is working with the lowest amount medication and stay very aware of the metabolic issues. I’m a firm believer mental illness effects everyone in family and their peers. He shares ideas on how to work with/off set the weight gain. After thirty plus years with Bipolar Disorder, taking over 40 medications, weight gain is a given with certain types of drugs.
If you have a child,spouse or family member with mental illness please watch the video together to open dialog. Young girls have many pressures with weight already. Open dialogue may help down the road. He provides a short overview of types of drugs with high risk of weight gain or metabolic problem.
Tell Congress to Support Accountability for Students with Disabilities!
The Senate has introduced a bipartisan bill to rewrite the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (also known as No Child Left Behind). The bill includes important provisions that support students with disabilities, but does not go far enough to assure accountability for student outcomes.
The final bill must include provisions protecting students from the harmful use of restraint and seclusion in school, provisions that ensure that schools are assessing the academic progress of students with disabilities, including mental health conditions, and measures that hold schools accountable.
Action Needed: Contact your Senators today to thank them for their support for students with disabilities and ask that the final bill include provisions designed to ensure that students with disabilities, including mental health conditions, are given the opportunity to reach their full academic potential and are protected from harm.
It was always having a heart-to-heart with one or maybe two other people at a time, sitting on a bathroom sink or on a stoop. This was how I had shared my story up until 2013, when I took a deep breath and, for the first time, recounted my sexual assault—and everything that followed—publicly at a Joyful Heart event.
My name is Sukey Novogratz, and I write to you today not only as a proud board member and supporter of the Joyful Heart Foundation, but as a survivor with a call to action.
When I was 17, the summer after my senior year in high school, I was doing a summer theater program at a prestigious, picturesque Ivy league school. It was unfamiliar terrain for me.
On the night of my rape, I had gone out with some new friends from my res hall. We were playing drinking games, and I chugged a glass of OJ and vodka. It wasn’t long before everything started melting away from me. I learned later that’s what Rohypnol, the date rape drug, does to you.
Over the next eternity of hours, I flew in and out of consciousness as three young men raped me over and over that night, leaving me naked, drugged, bruised and left for dead in the boathouse by the river.
It’s not just what happened that night that sticks with me. It’s everything that happened afterwards: the campus police who had neither the power nor the intention of bringing charges. The judiciary committee, who said things like, you’re Puerto Rican, correct? We hear you’re a sexy dancer. What makes you think you were raped? The three boys who assaulted me who walked into my hearing while I gave my testimony, prompting me to pass out cold.
Many things have changed for the better since my assault. But all too often, I hear about survivors whose stories are frighteningly close to my own. Rapists who, time and time again, just get away with it. And those victimized, like me, are told to change residence halls, change schools or simply let it go.
It is for these reasons I am part of the team behind The Hunting Ground, a new documentary that takes a deep and much-needed look at rape on college campuses. I signed on as an Executive Producer of the film because I believe in its power to bring change. And yes, there is great potential—and a great need—for change.
That’s where you come in. There are four things I’m asking you to do. Do one, do them all.
See the film. The Hunting Ground is playing in theaters across the country. Find one near you.
Host a screening. By bringing the film to your campus, community or organization, you can ignite a vital conversation about this issue. You can organize one or attend one of many that are already happening. Get started.
Take the pledge. As students, alumni, parents and teachers, we must all commit to holding our institutions accountable. Add your support.
Donate to Joyful Heart. I know I am not alone when I say that Joyful Heart helped me find something in myself I didn’t know was still there: a certain joy, a fearlessness. I am honored to support Joyful Heart’s transformative work today, and I urge you to join me. Get started with a $25 donation.
To me, change looks like an end to our society’s victim-blaming attitudes—the ones that expose themselves in the likes of those questions that I heard. It looks like holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes. It looks like supporting one another and all survivors with compassion, care and a resolve to do better.
“But I don’t believe that life is supposed to make you feel good,or to make you feel miserable either. Life is just supposed to make you feel.” Gloria Naylor
(March 19, 2015) — “Testing rape kits should be an absolute priority for the United States,” declared Vice President Joe Biden after touring a Maryland State Police crime lab responsible for analyzing evidence for crimes of sexual assault.
Biden was in Baltimore to draw attention to the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), which will award up to $24 million to local law enforcement agencies working to test rape kits and investigate open cases.
President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2016 budget proposal also includes $20 million for backlog-related research at the Justice Department, and $105 million for reducing the DN A backlog and related purposes. Rebecca O’Connor, RAINN vice president for public policy, and Smith have been lobbying Congress to communicate the importance of not cutting funding. “At a time when the national spotlight is trained on the rape kit backlog and efforts to move more rape kits from law enforcement evidence rooms to public crime labs for testing, it’s imperative that Congress provide at least level funding for this critical program.”
Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), who joined Biden, urged the public to remember that “behind every kit, there’s a victim, and behind every victim there’s a predator. When you get a predator off the street, you not only do justice to the victim, but [prevent “future crimes].” Mikulski is the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Rape survivors Debbie Smith, after whom the primary federal DNA law is named, and Helena Lazaro joined the political leaders at the press conference.
Biden, a lead sponsor of the Debbie Smith Act, noted that he can still remember the day Smith told her story to a Senate committee in 2004, spurring Congress to act to reduce the testing backlog.
The vice president noted that SAKI is intended to complement the Debbie Smith Act and the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Report (SAFER) Act, passed by Congress as part of the 2013 reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
SAFER, which requires that at least 75% of DNA funds go towards reducing the backlog and will help law enforcement agencies audit their unsubmitted rape kits, is awaiting implementation by the Justice Department.
Also pending are details of a national grant initiative announced by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., last year. The DA pledged $35 million in funding to help jurisdictions working to address backlogged kits.
President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2016 budget proposal also includes $20 million for backlog-related research at the Justice Department, and $105 million for reducing the DN A backlog and related purposes. Rebecca O’Connor, RAINN vice president for public policy, and Smith have been lobbying Congress to communicate the importance of not cutting funding. “At a time when the national spotlight is trained on the rape kit backlog and efforts to move more rape kits from law enforcement evidence rooms to public crime labs for testing, it’s imperative that Congress provide at least level funding for this critical program.”
We are a group of mothers, fathers, students, and concerned citizens in Oklahoma. We urgently need your help to make sure that a crucial bill to help stop the rape and victimization of young girls in our state is heard in the Oklahoma State House. HB 1362 is a vital bill that will make sure that victims have support, that school officials are trained to handle these situations, and that our students are effectively taught about consent and proper boundaries. It is essential that this bill is passed, not just for the safety of Oklahoma’s students, but also as a signal to the rest of the country that this type of legislation is needed to protect all of our young people.
House Bill 1362 successfully made it out of the Common Education Committee on Tuesday, February 24th — but now the real fight begins. The next step is a vote on the house floor, and if the bill is voted down it will be two more years before this essential legislation can be reintroduced.
Last fall, we organized the group Yes All Daughters after three teenage girls in our hometown of Norman, OK were raped by the same classmate and then bullied out of school after they reported their assaults.We organized a peaceful protest and the school district responded by creating a task force to address issues related to victimization and bullying. The perpetrator was arrested following our protest and is currently awaiting trial on First Degree Rape charges.
HB 1362 was introduced as a direct result of the assaults on these three girls, and our work to bring their stories to light. But the work is not done. There is no guarantee that the Oklahoma State House will pass this legislation, even though the rape and sexual assault of minors is still an enormous problem in Oklahoma.
Last week, in the town just over from Norman, four more students (all aged 18 and 19) were arrested for the alleged gang rape of a girl under the age of 16. We cannot continue to let this problem go unchecked in our state.
Girls ages 16-19 are four times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault, yet this bill was not on the agenda until our last-ditch effort compelled legislators to read it in committee. We must demand that House Bill 1362 become a priority among the Oklahoma State Legislators.
Sign the petition. Stand with us against sexual violence. No more silence. No more shame.
Vote for stronger punishment against Domestic Violence in South Carolina
My name is Melissa Davis Walker, I am a survivor of domestic violence and I am tired of living in a state with the highest rate of domestic violence in the country. We need laws that protect victims from the people that abuse them. Currently, the laws are failing victims and they make little sense. First time offenses hold a 30 day sentence. But if you beat a dog, you could get up to 5 years. Tell Governor Nikki Haley and the South Carolina legislature that victims deserve stronger laws that protect them from the threat of domestic violence, pass Bill S3.
For 13 years, my five children and I lived in fear. My husband threatened, beat and choked me for the duration of our marriage, and I felt like the law couldn’t protect me. It was only when my son bravely confided in a school official after my husband pointed a loaded shotgun at his head, that we finally got the legal support we needed to put him behind bars. If he had only been charged for attacking me, he would be walking free today, and I might not be here to tell my story.
South Carolina is ground zero in the domestic violence fight. The toll of domestic violence is especially high on women. The state has the highest rate of female murders at the hands of men in the country, most attributed to domestic violence. Last year South Carolina’s murder rate for women was more than double that of the nation. Despite all this, there are few resources for victims of domestic violence and lax laws to punish their abusers.
The state is considering a bill that will require harsher punishments for offenders in the hopes of stemming the cycle of abuse. Bill S3 will allow the government to base punishment not on the number of times a person has committed the crime, but on the severity of the injury caused to the victim. No longer would a first time offense put you behind bars for a mere 30 days with a chance at release after serving just 15.
We must make sure this becomes law. Our laws reflect our values, and currently, our values are not adequately represented in our legal system. This doesn’t just reflect poorly on the state of South Carolina, but nationally, as domestic violence is a serious issue all throughout the United States. Victims’ lives must be protected and this law is a step towards that. Tell Gov. Nikki Haley and the South Carolina Legislature that women matter, pass Bill S3.
LETTER TO
South Carolina State Senate
Take action to save victims of domestic violence.
Change.org Petition Petitioning Andrew Eulass, Michelle Gallo, Dr. Paul Gordon Don’t allow our daughter to be segregated because of her Down Syndrome
The first thing you might notice about our daughter Hiba is that she has Down syndrome. But to those who know her, Hiba is a beautiful, intelligent, and compassionate 9-year-old. She loves math and her favorite show is “Doc McStuffins.” If you ask Hiba what she wants to be when she grows up, she will tell you “a doctor.” This is not surprising considering how much she loves helping people. As her parents, we see a child with all the potential of any other child. Unfortunately, her school system has kept Hiba segregated from other students and it has taken its toll on her education and spirit. All they seem to see is a child with Down syndrome.
Down syndrome does not define our daughter. We are asking Glen Ellyn School District 41 to allow Hiba her legal right to be fully integrated and allowed to learn alongside “typical” students at Churchill Elementary.
For the past 5 years, Hiba’s education has been spent in isolated, 1-on-1 settings. It has been painful to watch Hiba not be responsive to this education approach. She has become depressed, withdrawn, and as a result, hasn’t performed well in her studies. Hiba knows she is being treated differently and separated from the “normal” kids.
Districts across the US have diversified the classroom to include both children with disabilities and those considered “typical” for the past few decades. Education research and organizations like the National Down Syndrome Society endorse full inclusion in education settings. This approach would allow Hiba to be fully integrated into the general education classroom with her “typical” peers the entire school day. She would be learning the same things, but with a modified lesson plan, technology support, and 1:1 aide in the classroom. This plan would be developed by a well-known inclusion specialist. We know this is the best approach for Hiba.
Educational inclusion won’t just benefit Hiba. When children with disabilities are educated alongside their “typical” peers, research shows academic and social benefits for everyone. True acceptance of diversity begins in the school environment. It is then carried out in the home, workplace, and community.
Glen Ellyn School District 41 insists this is not the best approach for Hiba. They point to how she has behaved and performed in the isolated classroom. School officials can’t see these are symptoms of being segregated and exactly why Hiba belongs in a classroom with her “typical” peers. This is why we started the petition. We need you to help Hiba get in a classroom setting where she will thrive. Your voice can make all the difference.
Our dream is for Hiba to be afforded all the same opportunities as everyone else so she can achieve her full potential and be a kind, active member of society. Please sign and share our petition calling on Glen Ellyn School District 41 to allow Hiba to be fully included and allowed to learn alongside “typical” students at Churchill Elementary.
Change.org Petition Petitioning Andrew Eulass, Michelle Gallo, Dr. Paul Gordon Don’t allow our daughter to be segregated because of her Down Syndrome
The first thing you might notice about our daughter Hiba is that she has Down syndrome. But to those who know her, Hiba is a beautiful, intelligent, and compassionate 9-year-old. She loves math and her favorite show is “Doc McStuffins.” If you ask Hiba what she wants to be when she grows up, she will tell you “a doctor.” This is not surprising considering how much she loves helping people. As her parents, we see a child with all the potential of any other child. Unfortunately, her school system has kept Hiba segregated from other students and it has taken its toll on her education and spirit. All they seem to see is a child with Down syndrome.
Down syndrome does not define our daughter. We are asking Glen Ellyn School District 41 to allow Hiba her legal right to be fully integrated and allowed to learn alongside “typical” students at Churchill Elementary.
For the past 5 years, Hiba’s education has been spent in isolated, 1-on-1 settings. It has been painful to watch Hiba not be responsive to this education approach. She has become depressed, withdrawn, and as a result, hasn’t performed well in her studies. Hiba knows she is being treated differently and separated from the “normal” kids.
Districts across the US have diversified the classroom to include both children with disabilities and those considered “typical” for the past few decades. Education research and organizations like the National Down Syndrome Society endorse full inclusion in education settings. This approach would allow Hiba to be fully integrated into the general education classroom with her “typical” peers the entire school day. She would be learning the same things, but with a modified lesson plan, technology support, and 1:1 aide in the classroom. This plan would be developed by a well-known inclusion specialist. We know this is the best approach for Hiba.
Educational inclusion won’t just benefit Hiba. When children with disabilities are educated alongside their “typical” peers, research shows academic and social benefits for everyone. True acceptance of diversity begins in the school environment. It is then carried out in the home, workplace, and community.
Glen Ellyn School District 41 insists this is not the best approach for Hiba. They point to how she has behaved and performed in the isolated classroom. School officials can’t see these are symptoms of being segregated and exactly why Hiba belongs in a classroom with her “typical” peers. This is why we started the petition. We need you to help Hiba get in a classroom setting where she will thrive. Your voice can make all the difference.
Our dream is for Hiba to be afforded all the same opportunities as everyone else so she can achieve her full potential and be a kind, active member of society. Please sign and share our petition calling on Glen Ellyn School District 41 to allow Hiba to be fully included and allowed to learn alongside “typical” students at Churchill Elementary.
You are the best twin sister I’ve never met. We have lots of good times in our future knocking out our Bucket List.
I’m so happy you’ve met a man who knows how to treat a women. Take your time, fall in like first. if you see a future and have done all the homework possible, allow yourself to see where it goes.You deserve a man to hold you at end of day. When you find the right man, the kids will let you know. You need a strong man who can love your children as his. A gentleman to teach the boys how to act towards their mother and all women. Most importantly show them love by doing things together, boys seem to learn better when they don’t know their learning.
I thought the first video was hilarious. The Bryan Adams song is an old favorite of mine. I hear the words of deep love, forever love. I hear them whispered in my ear.
Just a loving word of advice in your new relationship. You are not in charge of everything, don’t make all decisions and remember staying up late to surf is not worth missing snuggle time.. XO Warrior
Four months ago I wrote the last Lyme Journal Entry. I thought my strength would allow me to blog through the illness. Then the 5-6 month point turned my life upside down and it’s been hell. I fired my Lyme doctor and not taking meds at this time. I know many are wondering why the hair photo? I was losing hair by the handful and showering was nearly impossible with longer hair. When you can’t stand, lift your arms or sit down without falling, showering is a problem. I planned a nice Army shave but David would not help. I grabbed the scissors and cut eight inches off. Feels great, looks like crap. Who cares?
I’m sure people have noticed my positive attitude is quickly sliding. The mounting problems are not all Lyme-related. My cat Truffles is dying, lack of communication from my doctor, getting so sick, and walking some days is extremely painful. Our bed was too hard so I moved to a couch months ago. I live on the couch now. Not bad for sleeping except all the animals want to go out, poke me in the back, and the cat wants to attack me. Even attempting to get enough sleep is impossible. With Chronic Lyme Disease sleep is your best friend and a key to survival.
Let me share some Lyme politics for newbies.
Most of the expert Lyme Literate Doctors, are not practicing. Several years ago doctors were watching people die using CDC standards, which state patients can only receive 2-4 weeks of antibiotics at most. The Lyme doctors who understood how the viruses worked knew 4 weeks was a joke. The doctors worked together helping each out calling in antibiotics for the other patients. I have Chronic Lyme, and it can take 1-3 years to get well. Medication is one of the many ways to heal. Getting enough sleep is number one after the meds., take supplements, gluten-free diet and eat foods to help your body heal. No Coffee and drink only electrolyte water.
There was a huge division among Lyme doctors when the CDC allowed several doctors to patent the virus. Makes no sense to me. For years patients were clueless of the division. Both sides fought hard with the CDC to prove their data, from the videos on YouTube it looks like the battle was lost before the presentations started. The expert Lyme Literate doctors were quite vocal and a witch hunt is what followed the meeting. Doctors appeared before the Medical Board and were not able to practice, some for up to a year. Several doctors lost their clinic and everything they owned trying to keep their patients alive. It is a complete mess the CDC let happen, needless to say, I’m pissed. Just a little more background info to burn into your brain.
Many Chronic Lyme patients become so sick they are not able to work. The first reality is you no longer have insurance and can not afford new insurance if you could buy. I’ve watched video after video on YouTube of people with good-paying jobs, racking up several thousand dollars in doctor bills and many having to file bankruptcy, losing everything. One video told of a couple who owed their parents $500,000. Lyme affects everyone in your family, friends, your health, and financial security.
It’s going on Spring in some parts but summer will be here quickly. I don’t want any of you or your family members to struggle with a virus that looks like a worm. The viruses travel through the blood until they can find a way to your major organs. Lyme likes to get cozy in the liver, kidney, heart, and brain. I have three tick-borne illnesses and Epstein Bar Virus. I have cognitive issues, my eyes constantly see things moving by my peripheral vision and balance are fleeting. I was in the bathroom two days ago about to reach for the medicine cabinet. I slammed into a wall hurting my writs and several fingers. If that wasn’t enough I slid down the wall falling on the toilet and hurt my leg. The doctors don’t know how much of your ability will come back if any. You have to keep fighting.
Why I fired my doctor. My husband and I formed an impression at the first appointment, not so good. I was desperate to start treatment and had no other options.
* I start a couple of drugs until the Lab work is back. At the follow-up appointment, the first words out of his mouth are you are in a great deal of pain. REALLY? His communication and organization skills are lacking. No pain meds were prescribed. He has to call someone in to bring him something several times during the appointment.
*I’m loaded down with over 50 pills to take a day plus 15-20 supplements and sleep all I can. The equation doesn’t work. I have gastro issues and the high-powered antibiotics made me nauseous all the time. I asked to have a PICC line in my arm to give my stomach a break. He did not plan to use a PICC line? Almost every patient gets a PICC line so they can fill you full of drugs and bypass your stomach. My wheels are turning. He had lab work for me to do, but I didn’t do it. He never asked about the Labs. He said my Lead levels were three times higher than normal, in the dangerous range. No follow-up test was ordered, it was like “So you know”. I’m scared, my brain is on overload, the test said current and ongoing exposure. I spent about two weeks looking for an answer. I looked at the top of the report one day, it wasn’t my report. Admin acted like no big deal. HIPPA laws are not new.
With the list of experts I start going down the list, ONE of the leading Lyme Literate Doctors still practices. The doctors called before the Medical Board and CDC. Now are full-time advocates/researchers. I phoned his office in DC and they are taking patients. When you have cognitive issues filling out 50 pages is crazy. I stayed up last night to get everything I could without waking my household. With God’s help, I will finish the paperwork tomorrow and get an appointment in the next month.
ILADS is the professional organization Lyme Literate doctors belong to. I saw the tab on site for ILADS Protocol on Lyme. I jumped for joy. Let’s hit them with our best shot. We have boxing gloves on and the truth will come out. The document was extensive for the different stages of Lyme or other tick-borne illnesses. I felt so happy that others may not have to suffer shortly. The document was well-researched by leading scientists, leading hospitals, and large populations of people. I cheered when I read research that outlined how the current system is incorrect, and they went all out. On the issues of insurance, extensive research with real patients exposed what the CDC is keeping from the public. If you want to learn more about Lyme, YouTube has so many videos, you might not have to go anywhere else. If you like the medical jargon go to the ILADS site.
A shout out to others who suffer from Lyme or tick-borne illness. I think of you, pray for you, and send good karma your way.
The Bridge School is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure that individuals with severe speech and physical impairments achieve full participation in their communities through the use of augmentatation & alternative means of communication (AAC) and assistive technology (AT) applications and through the development, implementation and dissemination of innovative life-long educational strategies. The Bridge School is an internationally recognized leader in the education of children who use augmentation and alternative communication and has developed unique programs and trained highly skilled professionals in the use of state of the art assistive technology. Please look at the great work the school does and how you can help. http://www.bridgeschool.org
A couple music favorites from my wild child days. By 12 years old I already lived a lifetime, the drugs probably kept me alive. Read my About Me page and you may agree. I would break a kilo of marijuana down to four finger bags in a couple of hours. Using old fashion sandwich bags, just roll and lick to seal. My 21-year-old boyfriend was a dealer and we would sell kilo in two nights. This became our Friday ritual every two weeks. There is a long story behind how a drug addicted 12-year-old missed out playing with Barbie’s. I had Angels guiding my path. XO Warrior
A couple music favorites from my wild child days. By 12 years old I already lived a lifetime, the drugs probably kept me alive. Read my About Me page and you may agree. I would break a kilo of marijuana down to four finger bags in a couple of hours. Using old fashion sandwich bags, just roll and lick to seal. My 21-year-old boyfriend was a dealer and we would sell kilo in two nights. This became our Friday ritual every two weeks. There is a long story behind how a drug addicted 12-year-old missed out playing with Barbie’s. I had Angels guiding my path. XO Warrior
This Throw Back Thursday is a peek into my heart. For me a good love song is all about conviction of the words. Joe Cocker is one of a kind, he doesn’t sing well but I love his music. This particular Joe Cocker video touched me because of the tribute to Princess Diana.
CRITICAL UPDATE FROM NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI)
The Clay Hunt SAV Act Passed! Thank Your Members of Congress!
Thank you for your mental health advocacy! Thank you for contacting your Senators and Congressmen to make your voice heard. Thank you for your support of suicide prevention for our military and veterans community.
Your phone calls, emails and tweets helped to pass the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act unanimously through both the Senate and the House. The bill is now on its way to be signed by President Obama.
Among other things the Clay Hunt SAV Act requires an annual assessment of mental health care and suicide prevention programs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and implements a pilot loan forgiveness program for psychiatrists that agree to serve in the VA.
Please pass the thanks along to your Senators and Congressmen.
New Congress, New State Legislatures, Consistent Theme: Combating Sexual Assault
(January 28, 2015) — With the start of the 114th Congress and, across the nation, new state legislative sessions underway, federal and state policymakers are pledging to make sexual violence a major focus of their work.
“RAINN’s public policy team is currently working with hundreds of members of Congress and state legislators,” says Rebecca O’Connor, RAINN’s vice president for public policy.
“We expect to see a lot of action from our best allies in Congress to advance ongoing priorities and new legislation.”
O’Connor says there are three questions she’s been hearing frequently from legislators.
1. “How should schools handle sexual assault cases?”
What is the role and responsibility of a college or university in the fight against sexual violence? What standards should apply to investigations, and when and how should law enforcement be involved? How can we best protect students from these crimes and support those who are victimized? These are just some of the questions in a debate that a White House Initiative elevated to the national level last year. “We’re working closely with federal lawmakers to shape legislation that will be re-introduced this session and is sure to once again make front-page news,” says O’Connor.
2. “What can be done to end the backlog of rape kits?”
The secret is out: Untested rape kits are a national problem. While good progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to ensure sexual assault forensic exam kits are correctly processed so victims get answers and rapists are held accountable. Congress agrees, having renewed the nation’s largest anti-rape kit backlog initiative, the Debbie Smith Act, sustained funding for the program, and approved new spending fighting the backlog. “RAINN is closely monitoring the Justice Department’s implementation of the SAFER Act and new DNA initiatives,” says O’Connor. “In addition, RAINN, together with the National Center for Victims of Crime and Natasha’s Justice Project, is at the helm of the Rape Kit Action Project (RKAP), which last year advised lawmakers in 20+ states as they developed rape-kit laws. With RKAP support, seven states passed such laws last year and we expect to help many more do so this year.”
3. “How can professional sports leagues be part of the solution?”
The media has intensively covered how the NFL has dealt with domestic violence and sexual assault issues, and Congress has also been keeping tabs on these efforts. Last month, a Senate committee hearing featured testimony from representatives of the NHL, NBA, MLB, and their players’ unions regarding their efforts to respond to and prevent sexual and domestic violence. “Continued national dialogue – including new legislation – is likely in the year ahead. RAINN has held discussions with sports leaders as well as members of Congress about steps leagues can take to improve,” says O’Connor.
Other issues likely to be taken up by Congress and states this year include: legislation to improve the process of compensating victims of child pornography; bills to incentivize states to block rapists from asserting parental rights over children conceived through rape; and efforts to ensure that victims’ interests are prioritized and protected throughout implementation of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).
Stay informed about these and additional policy initiatives, and be sure to check out opportunities to act with RAINN.
Your action on Change showed sex trafficking victims that they are not alone. In fact, they have an important new ally.
Some experts estimate that every year, 100,000 children — many of whom are homeless — are forced into prostitution in the United States. They have lived through unspeakable pain, and have nowhere and no one else.
But they do have Covenant House… and now they have you.
At Covenant House, we provide vital shelter and lifesaving support to every kid who shows up on our doorstep. Working in 27 cities across 6 countries, we reach tens of thousands of kids in need every year by getting them off the streets and into the safety of our shelters.
How we reach homeless kids
Raising
community
awareness
Searching for
kids in the most
dangerous parts
of town
Creating change
at the local, state
& federal levels
Visiting schools
to promote
prevention
36,154 kids were saved last year.
Just like you, we believe that every kid deserves a safe place to live and the support and resources to build a future of love, hope and success — no matter who they are, where they’re from or what they’ve been through.
In the coming months, our kids are going to need your support. Whether it’s helping to get legislation passed or making sure we’re prepared for extreme weather and other emergency situations, you can protect vulnerable kids by ensuring they have a safe place to sleep… and people who believe in them and will always fight for them.
Please make sure you’re following us on social media to get all of our updates.
Together, we’ll give these kids the futures they deserve.
Thank you,
Kevin Ryan
President
Covenant House | 461 8th Ave. New York, NY 10001 | (800) 388-3888 | covenanthouse.org
We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization
April Childs
Watkinsville, GA
Jan 26, 2015 — Here is the response from DA Fred Bright concerning this case.
“We fully recognize that the 14-year-old child involved is a victim. Our office does not arrest individuals and was not consulted about the case initially. From the time we first received this file, we expected no active prosecution against her and our only goal has been to obtain counseling, treatment, care, and protection, which she is now receiving. On December 1, 2014, we, along with the child and her lawyer requested, and the Juvenile Court Judge agreed and signed an order to hold her case in abeyance. That order means that her case is automatically dismissed upon successful completion of treatment, counseling, and care. These services will hopefully rehabilitate her so that she can get the help she needs.
We have reviewed the matter and met with the law enforcement officers from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Eatonton Police Department who conducted the investigation. The State is prosecuting the adult defendants for statutory rape and related charges when appropriate. The cases against the adult offenders are expected to be presented to the next Grand Jury in Putnam County scheduled for March, 2015 for indictment. We hope these prosecutions will protect her and other youth of our communities in the future.
Yesterday, I spoke to the Attorney General and his specialist in Human Trafficking, who will be helping us with this prosecution. They applauded our efforts and told me, “you’re doing all you can.” We look forward to working with them to bring justice to this case.”
While this is great news for this specific case, it has made me aware of the greater issues of the possibility of this happening in other parts of Georgia due to gaps in victim protections in the law, as well as media presentation of human trafficking cases. I will continue to educate and advocate in those areas so that Georgia can continue to improve its treatment of victims of child sexual exploitation. Thank you all so much for your support in this issue, and good luck to those of you facing similar issues in your own states.
It’s only been a couple days since we shared the exciting news that a new NO MORE PSA is running during the Super Bowl this Sunday, and there’s already been a huge positive response.
“How can I help?”
This is probably the question YOU’RE going to get while you’re watching the game on Sunday, so we thought we’d send along a few quick tips to help you speak up about these issues and provide you with ways you can help loved ones affected by domestic violence or sexual assault.
Tip #1. Start a conversation by telling your friends that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced domestic violence, and 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men have experienced sexual assault at some point in their lifetime. This is a great way to get the point across that these issues are serious and that many people we love have been affected by domestic and sexual violence.
(If your friends want to read more about these statistics, you can point them here: Avon’s 2013 NO MORE Study.)
Tip #2. Speak up when you hear offensive comments that degrade women, men, or victims of abuse. Hey, it’s a Super Bowl party — there’s a good chance that someone is going to make some inappropriate remarks. The best thing you can do is speak up and tell them that you’re not comfortable with that kind of talk. Simply doing that can help your friends understand that it’s not cool for them or anyone to degrade a person.
Tip #3. If someone you know discloses that they are experiencing abuse now or have in the past, remember this could be the first time they’re telling someone. Reassure them that you believe them and that the abuse was not their fault. The most important thing you can do in this moment is listen and support them.
Most of all, make sure to be patient, non-judgmental, and respectful of their decisions. Ask them if they’d like to talk to a professional counselor, and offer to sit with them while they call a national or local hotline.
Tip #4. Make sure that your friends know whom to call to get help.
For immediate help, call 911 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) Teen Dating Violence Hotline: 1-866-331-9474 or text “loveis” to 22522
The Super Bowl is a time for us all to get together and have a good time. And, when our ad is on the air, your friends and family are going to have questions about it. Make sure you’re ready to speak up so everyone you care about knows how important these issues are to you and your community.
We can’t thank you enough for saying #NOMORE to domestic violence and sexual assault by helping spread the word on Sunday.
It’s interesting the events our mind suppresses or forgets. I have no problem or emotion talking about the physical and emotional abuse at the hands of my mother and step father. I have disassociated memories of sexual abuse by my father. I know it. My therapist and I have talked about it, she doesn’t push and knows if the door opens I’ll talk. What I will not do is force my mind and body to endure pain it’s not ready for. I have a good perspective on what I’ve survived and the methods our mind uses to deal with our deepest pain. I’m not sure if this particular memory was forgotten or suppressed. I had no emotion as my therapist was almost brought to tears.
I saw a story on the news about a 8-year-old girl tortured by her parents in some way. I don’t recall the circumstances. I always plan what I want to talk about but this day was different. I sat down and the memory of the little girl crossed my mind. I asked her if she had heard the story then adding my thoughts. I started to cry which I do easily for others in pain. As we talked about what type of parent would do that, a childhood memory flooded over me. The tears dried and it was if I was talking about someone else. When I was 8 years old I started having terrible side pains and daycare called my mother. She didn’t take off early and it was maybe 3 hours before she arrived. At that point I could barely walk and could not walk and breath. The supervisor thought I had an appendicitis attack and should get to the hospital right away. It was Halloween night and I didn’t want to miss out on the candy but pain was taking over my small body. My mother was angry for ruining things for my brother, nothing new about that. I guess we did not have insurance since the first hospital turned us away. We are talking early 1970’s. She drove to the county hospital and I waited on a bed until the people bleeding and dying received treatment. Halloween night is one of the busiest nights of the year with more shootings than normal. The emergency room was full and I was outside a mans curtain to wait my turn. During this time my mother left to take my brother to trick or treat. I didn’t realize until a nurse asked where she was. I said she talked to a nurse and went home. She was a big woman and I knew nobody gave her any shit. Asking why in the hell my mother would leave me there. My answer did not sit well with her, I knew a beating was in store for me. One thing to keep in mind is the county hospital is in the hood in one of the worst areas of Dallas. This is not a place an adult would feel comfortable let alone a child. I was on my side crying in pain and saw the man thru the curtain. He was an older man and he had what looked like wires coming out of several places on both arms. My eyes caught his, I ask does that hurt. He was a kind man saying not as bad as my pain did and then where was my mother. I told him how upset I was that my brother would not share his candy with me. He looked shocked my mother would leave me there. My mother eventually came back in the greatest of moods and was raising her voice at the big nurse. I was rooting for her to punch my mother if the mouth or grab her by the neck. I have no doubt it happened many times getting drunks under control.
The doctor didn’t think I needed surgery, just to stay overnight for observation. For a second I was glad until rolled to my room. The hospital was so overcrowded I hade to sleep in a baby bed. That is the last thing a kid (big girl) wants to hear. I cram myself in the bed and they pull the side up. It was so dark in there I thought I was alone until babies started crying. Which made it much worse for me. Not only did I have to sleep with my legs pulled up, babies are crying and my mother is home in her comfortable bed.
You would think at this point in the story I would feel some emotion but my mind switches back to the little girl. My mind turned a switch, my story was over, no big deal, that was my mother, that was my life. I couldn’t help but cry for the other girl. How can people do that to their children. As I’m talking to my therapist my story and pain never crosses my mind again. That was several years ago, it buried itself and popped back up last week.
Please read the original petition. I wanted to cry and vomit reading how Darren was brutally murdered. How can two prison guards ignore Darren Rainey beg for his life? Original Petition http://wp.me/p45hs8-pw . The prison and two prison guards have not faced charges for the death of Darren Rainey.
Please support our new petition
Steven Wetstein Miami, FL Dec 5, 2014
Friends,
Thanks greatly for all your support to date. We are still working hard for a federal investigation of the Darren Rainey case.
Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Mike Crews resigned last month, under the pressure of the numerous cases of brutality toward prisoners that have come to light, starting with that of Darren Rainey.
Unfortunately, Crews’ number two, Timothy Cannon, who has spent 25 years in the DOC, has been appointed as interim DOC Secretary. Please support Stop Prison Abuse Now’snew petition, at https://www.change.org/p/richard-scott-appoint-independent-department-of-corrections-secretary?just_created=true, urging Governor Rick Scott to appoint a different permanent DOC Secretary, one who is independent of the system they must reform.
Richard Scott: Appoint Independent Department of Corrections Secretary After a string of brutal inmate deaths–like that of Darren Rainey , who was locked into a scalding shower until he died–Florida…
Please read the original petition. I wanted to cry and vomit reading how Darren was brutally murdered. How can two prison guards ignore Darren Rainey beg for his life? Original Petition http://wp.me/p45hs8-pw . The prison and two prison guards have not faced charges for the death of Darren Rainey.
Please support our new petition
Steven Wetstein Miami, FL Dec 5, 2014
Friends,
Thanks greatly for all your support to date. We are still working hard for a federal investigation of the Darren Rainey case.
Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Mike Crews resigned last month, under the pressure of the numerous cases of brutality toward prisoners that have come to light, starting with that of Darren Rainey.
Unfortunately, Crews’ number two, Timothy Cannon, who has spent 25 years in the DOC, has been appointed as interim DOC Secretary. Please support Stop Prison Abuse Now’snew petition, at https://www.change.org/p/richard-scott-appoint-independent-department-of-corrections-secretary?just_created=true, urging Governor Rick Scott to appoint a different permanent DOC Secretary, one who is independent of the system they must reform.
Richard Scott: Appoint Independent Department of Corrections Secretary After a string of brutal inmate deaths–like that of Darren Rainey , who was locked into a scalding shower until he died–Florida…
Earlier this month, Georgia Police busted a prostitution ring involving 11 men and a 14-year-old girl. Not only do they plan to prosecute the child predators, but they have charged the 14-year-old victim with prostitution as well. Sixteen is the age of sexual consent in Georgia. District Attorney Fred Bright is charging a statutory rape victim with a crime she’s not legally old enough to commit. Help me tell him child prostitution victims need help, not prison.
My name is April Childs. I am a parent and Georgian, and I work as a forensic interviewer of children. My job entails interviewing victims of child abuse and sexual assault. I can take their testimony and transmit it to prosecutors so the victims don’t have to endure the stress and humiliation of taking the stand and seeing their accuser. I have worked with more than 500 children and helped them tell their story to officials so their abusers could be duly prosecuted. That’s why I was so shocked when I heard about Chief Kent Lawrence and District Attorney’s Bright’s plan to charge this young girl with prostitution, further victimizing her and punishing her for an act she couldn’t have legally consented to.
What the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuitplans to do with this young girl goes against any legal, therapeutic or even common sense protocol. The law–both federal and state–recognizes that children do not have the emotional capability to consent to sexual activity. As a vulnerable population, children should be protected from predatory adults, as well as helped to heal from traumas inflicted upon them. Charging a victim of statutory rape does exactly the opposite. It places blame on the victim which is counterproductive to the healing process.
Join me and tell DA Fred Bright to respect state law and human decency and refuse to prosecute the victim.
Theresa Kinley Norcross, GA Jan 6, 2015 — I would like to thank everyone who signed or commented on my petition to Cigna. Unfortunately, Cigna is quite accustomed to people complaining about the level of care they provide–or don’t provide–to their premium paying customers; they simply blocked the petition and signatures. The insurance companies’ behavior has finally received some attention from the media, specifically a 60 Minutes piece about Anthem denying care to the seriously mentally ill. I would like to build on that momentum by launching a website dedicated to the stories of those who, in addition to battling serious mental illness, must also battle their insurance companies to get treatment. To the insurers trying to cut costs these people don’t matter; we know they do matter. I would like to encourage anyone with a story to tell about the their experience in dealing with an insurance company while seeking treatment for a mental illness to visit http://fixmentalhealthcare.wordpress.com to submit your story.
Thank you again and God bless you all.
Fix Mental Health Care
Fix Mental Health Care
Mission Statement: With this website we are seeking to raise awareness of the harm the health insurers do to those…
lookingforthelight.blog 