Men & Womens Health · Survivor

Twenty Minutes of Rape

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Twenty Minutes of Rape
June 22, 2016

“I so admire this woman, who had the guts to expose what she is going through and share it with the world.”

Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) offered these thoughts on a night when a bipartisan group of 18 members of Congress stood in solidarity, each reading parts of a victim impact statement written by the survivor of a brutal sexual assault that occurred on Stanford University’s campus in 2014. The story has resonated around the world.

In March of 2016, 20-year-old Brock Turner was convicted of three felony counts: sexually penetrating an unconscious person with a foreign object; sexually penetrating an intoxicated person with a foreign object; and assault with an intent to commit rape.

Despite the finding of guilt and the brutal details of the crime—which involved a college party, an incapacitated and unconscious victim, and bystanders intervening when they discovered the victim behind a dumpster not far from campus—Judge Aaron Perksy decided to impose a sentence of only six months. This sentence was far less than the six years recommended by prosecutors, and only one-quarter of the normal two-year minimum sentence. Persky avoided minimum sentence by finding that “unusual circumstances” existed.

The short sentence shocked many, as did a statement written by the perpetrator’s father defending his son’s “20 minutes of action.”

Bringing national attention to the case, CNN anchor Ashleigh Banfield spent more than an hour reading the survivor’s full statement on air. The survivor’s eloquence and emotion, led the story to be carried by media worldwide.

Former Judge Representative Ted Poe (R-TX) spoke to fellow members of Congress about the case. “Mr. Speaker,” Rep. Poe said, “I was a criminal court judge and prosecutor for 30 years, this judge got it wrong.” Poe, who as co-founder of the Congressional Victims’ Rights Caucus has led efforts to protect and support victims of sexual violence, continued: “As a country, we must change our mentality and make sure that our young people recognize sexual assault and rape for the heinous crimes that they are… As a grandfather, I want to know that my granddaughters are growing up in a society that has zero tolerance for this crime.”

Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) led a one-hour “special order” on the floor of those of Representatives, during which members of Congress took turns reading the survivor’s statement. “People must understand rape is one of the most violent crimes a person can commit,” said Speier.

“This event, which was bipartisan and included both men and women, was unprecedented and demonstrates a rising awareness about these crimes and their devastating impact on survivors,” said Rebecca O’Connor,

RAINN’s vice president for public policy. “This case focuses the national spotlight on ongoing challenges and the continued need to teach the difference between criminal acts and ‘20 minutes of action’; the need to support survivors when they bravely come forward and pursue justice against the odds; and the need to get to a place where rapists receive punishment that fits the crime.”

In her statement, the survivor spoke to not only to the crimes themselves, but what happened after: “He is a lifetime sex registrant. That doesn’t expire. Just like what he did to me doesn’t expire, doesn’t just go away after a set number of years. It stays with me, it’s part of my identity, it has forever changed the way I carry myself, the way I live the rest of my life.”

#ActWithRAINN to support survivors and join the fight against sexual violence.

The Judge set a six month jail term when the minimum for the crime is two years. The message sent by the Judge is Sexual Assault is not a traumatic illegal crime. She was violated twice with a foreign object, for which he received two felonies, third for the intent to rape. Can you think of someone you love, a son or daughter dealing with life changing trauma.

Brock’s father read a statement in his sons defense “20 minutes of action” RAPE IS RAPE. RAPE DOESN’T HAVE A MINIMUM TIME TO QUALIFY,  RAPE IS RAPE IF 20 MINUTES OR TWO HOURS. I want to throw up.

Action, Change and Punishment is essential. Another drunk 20-year-old frat party will go on. Who knows how the rapist will up the thrill as he ages.

She and others who make their voices heard are my heroes. 

Xx  Melinda

Men & Womens Health

Lyme: Falling Hazards for the Fearless.

Looking for the Light8 Comments

Growing up with four bothers, I was a fearless tomboy. At 12 years old I was crowned with braces. After a few pops in the mouth my football career was over. Good childhood memories.

Chronic Lyme Diseases affects everyone different, my parasites settled  into my brain. The first sign was the lack of balance. Think about the walk taken after getting pulling over for intoxication. I could take 2-3 steps at most with eyes closed. I have continued to have balance and common sense my husband would say.

The clouds mingled as a storm moved in.Vibrant orange, pinks and every shade of blue. While he walked the dogs, I stood on the hot tub taking photos.

Hours after the rain, I noticed a large earthworm on the storm door. My mission was to save the earthworm. If I bend below the knees, I’m going down.

I diligently dug a hole in the dirt with one knee holding me up.David came running outside just in time for a glorious Circus tryout.. I fell down two bricks stairs, grabbing a landscape light on the way down it stabs me in the stomach. Then a loud crack as my head hit a stone brick. I was stunned and wanted to cry. No time for crying, he is yelling to see if conscious while trying to maneuver me from under patio table. It was time for me to sit and find my legs and damage done by light. He is pulling me up, legs behind me which makes it difficult to stand and do less damage. My head swirled and standing up was the last thing on mind. David rushed me in like a RN working ICU to examine my head. You can see what you think.

A draft of the Lyme Update is almost complete. I will share a TSA shack down story and tips for maneuvering thru security.

Fly’s and Mosquitos also carry Lyme. Be safe this summer.

Xx  M

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Moving Forward · Survivor

Awesome Clouds Sunday Morning, Face Plant by evening *Trying to save Earthworm*

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IMG_1649    MOST BEAUTIFUL CLOUDS, STORM MOVING IN

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FALL HAPPENED ON BRICK STEPS. I WAS TRYING TO SAVE AN EARTHWORM.

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OUCH! Damage to forehead, black eye, scrapes and stabed myself with Landscape light. So glad it was plastic. It tore thru two shirts. My entire for head turned black.

I will include this photo in Falling section. Sometimes, it’s better not to follow me.  Xx  M

Men & Womens Health

Texas Senator John Cornyn: ISIS Must Be Stopped

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Share your thoughts with Senator John Cornyn at http://cornyn.senate.gov/. Contact him whether you live in Texas or not. He is a Senior lawmaker and serves the lead on several committees.

THE LONESTAR WEEKLY

This week we mourn the victims of the horrific terrorist attack in Orlando and their families and friends, and express our appreciation for the first responders who bravely responded to this tragedy. As a country, we now must come to terms with the reality we face: the attack in Orlando was not a random act of violence, but a calculated act of terror. And, the risks of future attacks on American soil are rising, not falling.

It’s not enough to just stop terrorists from buying guns; we must give law enforcement the tools they need to thwart an attack before it happens and take those suspects off the streets. Too often, the FBI and other law enforcement officers have to operate with one hand tied behind their backs because they can’t access key pieces of information in a timely manner.

The President and his national security team think the threat posed by ISIS is something they can merely contain. But ISIS must be destroyed, and it’s long past time the Obama Administration presented a credible, aggressive strategy to do so and prevent future terror attacks on American soil.

Survivor

Brock Turner Gets Six Month Jail Sentence For Sexual Assulting Unconscious Woman..Rape is Rape

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I’m sick to my stomach after reading how Brock Turner serves only six months in jail for Raping an unconscious woman behind a dumpster. If you think raping is okay, you need help. The Judge is accountable for the low jail sentence.  Rape is Rape.  Xx  M

The Stanford Survivor Has a Name. It’s “My Hero.”
JUNE 10, 2016 | BY MAILE ZAMBUTO |

FILED UNDER JHF BLOG > OUR ISSUES SEXUAL ASSAULT IN OUR WORDS FROM THE CEO

I first learned about Brock Allen Turner’s sentence for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman behind a dumpster on the Stanford University campus at the time everyone else did: last weekend. As the coverage was unfolding, I was with Mariska, members of our Joyful Heart Foundation staff and volunteers filming a local series of our NO MORE PSAs for Hawai‘i Says NO MORE.

From morning into the night, we gathered at the Hawaii News Now studios in Honolulu and what we saw during the filming was brave, strong, and compassionate person after person, standing up for each other, for the people they love, for their partners, wives, husbands, children, neighbors, friends, mothers, and fathers, for people they’ve never met, for themselves. They were standing up to say NO MORE to the beliefs and attitudes that misplace blame on survivors, excuse those who cause harm, and allow institutions to look the other way.

And outside of that room, the same thing was happening. People have been standing up and proclaiming the sentiment Joyful Heart’s PSAs have been calling upon all of us to say: NO MORE silence. NO MORE excuses. NO MORE ignorance. NO MORE bystanding. NO MORE violence. NO MORE.

“Prosecutors asked for six years. The defense asked for four months. Yet Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky sentenced him to six months.”
During the last week since Brock Turner’s sentencing, we have read and heard many hurtful, ignorant, and disrespectful statements, and yet we have also witnessed a chorus of voices growing louder and louder; people all over the country making it clear they will not sit quietly by and insisting on deeper examination, accountability, justice, and change.

Turner’s crimes—three counts of felony sexual assault—carry a maximum sentence of up to fourteen years in a state prison. Prosecutors asked for six years. The defense asked for four months. Yet Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky sentenced him to six months in county jail and three years of probation, citing that he was drunk and as a result had “less moral culpability,” the absence of “significant” prior legal issues, his age, and that he feared that a longer sentence in state prison would have a “severe impact” on Turner.

To read the complete article click link.

http://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/blog/stanford-survivor-has-name-its-my-hero

Celebrate Life · Moving Forward

Learning from Chronic Illness *Tid Bits, Falling and Learning To Fly*

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I dedicate this post to the chronically ill, newly diagnosed and their caregivers. You are the Survivors.

It took three painful years to learn I had Chronic Lyme Disease. I’ve had bumps over the years, nothing like Lyme. I’m totally dependent on my husband. Every week he takes countless hours off work. There’s IV Therapy before and after work. Day to-day monitoring the catheter with weekly bandage changes. Out of state doctor appointments once a month, insure medicines are taken properly, on time and everything you can think of.

I didn’t know what life would teach me. Boy have I learned and want to share with you. The ongoing guilt is a challenge for me.Guilt for not getting out of bed, doing laundry, on and on.

I had no concept of how humiliating daily life can get. I march on. At 52, I wear Kotex for daily spills. The agony of not taking extra Kotex on long flight.

I made a list to complete before treatment. HA! It’s hard to prepare for everything when an illness effects everyone different. The post is female oriented, I can’t speak for men. Use your imagination.

Some suggestions will make you laugh and others grateful to know. Here are a few surprises. The list is task you may want to consider.

Any Dental work

Mammogram

Gynecologist

By wardrobe essentials, one size larger, possibly add another half-size or larger.

Shoes become a nightmare, one day your sneakers fit, next day you’re searching for the big ugly pair. Buy a size larger. If you suffer from Edema another half-size makes your day. Edema makes my feet look like melons.

Don’t forget pajamas, undergarments, bra extensions, or Cami.

Your bladder can overflow without warning.

Can’t walk, can’t drive.

Load books, podcast and free College Coursework.

Because the catheter CAN’T EVER get wet, no shower and washing hair a nightmare. I did find a fix. Buy two hairstylist capes with velcro around neck. Wear one backwards the other normal. The backwards one tends to fall forward, I safety pinned arms and pinned back s much as possible. I used 2-1 shampoo, towel close for water in my face and drying towels within distance.

Many households keep rolling due to your efforts.The caregiver will feel like your mother or father at times. Without caregivers, life will weigh you down. Be generous, a thank you goes a long way. Caregivers handle day-to-day task, make appointments, manage medication. Pill maintenance is a full-time job.

I’ll share the next 18-24 month journey to wellness with you.

I can’t express the love in my heart for supporters, friends and followers You’ve stayed by my side in prayer and saying positive words over me.

Xx  Melinda

P.S. The reference learning to fly is Sky Diving from 18,000 feet.

Moving Forward

The Story of my life in 250 words … )

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coffeegrounded's avatarCoffeeGrounded's Blog

Is a writing challenge presented by, Jenni, author of the blog, StoryofMyLifeTheBlog.blogspot.com. She wills us to write about our life in the next 31 days. Our task, should we decide to accept it, is to write about specific items each day. Her outline, found in this post, http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/blog-every-day-in-may-challenge.html, defines the specifics.

It was my daughter, M1, author of the blog, ZuPlusTwo.com, who inspired me. M1 is taking on this challenge. I thought I’d try, too. I’ve been listed as AWOL for several months now, occupied by several life changes, but never forgetting how much I miss my friends, their words, their lives, and their inspirations. Come along as Jenni (and all who offer themselves up on this quest). Take the plunge. Come dive into the water, deep, someone will be here to grab you if you begin to sink (me), cuz…well, I’m good at sinking, and my friends…

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Men & Womens Health

A Heart A Fire Nominated Me for Blogger Recognition Award

Looking for the Light15 Comments

 

A Heart A Fire nominated me for The Blogger Recognition Award. She nominated me months ago. Lyme Disease truly slows you physical and Cognitive ability. I encourage everyone to spend time at http://www.aheartafire.wordpress.com.  You will enjoy her Blog and fantastic writing. Thank you for nominating Looking For The Light Blog for The Blogger Recognition Award

The criteria for this award:

Post an image of award

Thank the person, mention name of the blog and link them to your post

Briefly explain how your blog got started

Give a piece of advice to fellow blogger.

Nominate 15 bloggers for the award and notify them you to accept award as recognition and appreciation of your contribution to a brighter world; the gift of beauty, inspiration, and enlightenment.

A bit of advice to a fellow blogger:

Write what you’re passionate about, show people your personality.  If you are can’t be truthful to yourself, people will know and you’ll burn out fast. Good luck.

I’m not able to include 15 fantastic Bloggers. I feel like a cheater. Those who know me understand the effects of Lyme Diease and how it robs your ability little by little. I’m grateful and wish my body allowed more energy,

Grateful  Xx  Melinda

 

Men & Womens Health

How to Protect the Civil Rights of Sexual Assault Survivors

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May 19, 2016

TED Talks
Karen Eng

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karen Eng is a contributing writer to TED.com, dedicated to covering the feats of the wondrous TED Fellows. Her launchpad located in Cambridge, UK.

My memory attacks me every week. I could not remember how to have the story start here. It’s long, informative and looks like a good resource.  Xx  M

http://www.theredtapeofrape/