The Price Of A Life?

The Price of a Life?

Family and domestic violence was put on the plate of Susan Murphy-Milano the day she was born. She didn’t ask for it, it asked for her, perhaps knowing that somewhere in her soul was something that could make a difference in the way that cases of domestic violence were handled. Living and breathing it daily in her home growing up, she survived for a reason, and, in my opinion, that reason is to help the helpless, to guide those who are living in violent chaos and having a hard time making sense of their own lives. She has been doing it for over 20 years!

This year Susan Murphy-Milano wrote and published the book, Time’s Up: A Guide on How to Leave an Abusive and Stalking Relationship and laid the procedures she created and used during the last 20 years of working directly with victims of violence. Point of fact…not one woman in 20 years died while on Susan’s watch, and that alone should speak for her knowledge and expertise.

This book is even more important to Susan because it was written to be something that will be used by victims who cannot be helped by her personally. Each day hundreds of emails come into her box seeking her help. Most inquiries are those in which someone will die, the “high risk” cases of a woman living in the danger zone, reaching out desperately in the eleventh hour. Susan is only one person, and realizing that, she offers the Time’s Up book and the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit to all who need it.

After the book was launched in April, 2010 on her murdered mother’s birthday, there have been many accolades and great reviews, but that is not enough! While all the good things said and written about Time’s Up are flattering, it’s not enough to get this book into the hands of the victims who are being beaten and killed every day. This book was not written and distributed for the sake of book sales, or for flattering words, it was written for one purpose only…..to save lives.

How many celebrities have supported the issue of domestic violence and how many organizations have been built around the need to help? Thousands of people have taken to the streets to educate and bring awareness to the general public, and yet, we are seeing lives lost in epidemic proportions due to family violence. Many wonderful laws have been passed, many advocates have spoken to Congress, and every day people still look the other way. Why?

In order to get Time’s Up, and the information contained to the victim who needs it right now is a daunting task taken on by one woman with a passion and a mission to save lives. Susan Murphy-Milano is not out to become the next media darling looking for a gig on the latest news talk show, although she would definitely appear if asked, she would appear as the spokesperson for those who cannot speak for themselves because they are frozen with fear wondering how long they have to live!

Each time you read a story on the Internet of another stalking or domestic
violence related death post a comment with the link to the “Time’s Up” book and Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit and Video with step-by-setp instruction in Chapter 4 for a victim to create (example of the video is below). Let others know the prescription is now available for world-wide use to every victim of stalking and domestic violence. Send an email each time to a reporter after you see a story on domestic violence and tell them about the prescription. Write the producers of news and crime shows so they mention it each time they discuss a tragic case where another woman has been murdered and the person of interest has yet to be arrested. Ask bloggers, Internet sites the drudge report, huffington post, smoking gun, mom logic or reporters, radio show personalities to consider writing a review on the information and strategies in the book. Also, if you would, leave a comment on Amazon.com.

Time’s Up’ is more than a manual, a handbook, it’s more than just another book, it’s a ‘Lifesaver,’ a surefire roadmap chocked full of ways to document evidence and protect yourself; in protecting yourself, you are also protecting your children from a life with an abuser. With your help we will eventually see a copy of ‘Time’s Up’ in every library, every police department, every school, every church and every shelter where those who need help can utilize it and protect themselves from an abuser.

“Times Up” needs national exposure. It wasn’t written to impress the professionals. It was written to save lives.” Peter Hyatt, Investigator, State of Maine Statement Analysis Labratory for Scientific Interrogation.

So, what is the price for a life? What more do we need to do? All of the “yays” and “shares” and pats on the back only go so far in these two issues which are consuming many! How much do we have to pay to scream from the rooftops until people “get it?” If one missing person’s family is given the peace of mind they deserve, if one victim of a violent relationship is spared their life, is it worth it? Who are those “in charge” that can make a difference and why are they not stepping up to the plate? Is it money, fame, recognition that they want? What’s the price they are willing to pay? And why, oh why, does it have to come down to money?

Yes, the cure is here and now available. Spread the word about the prescription. Susan needs your help to accomplish this important milestone. Without you the victims will continue filling the cemeteries.

Been there, done that…” Susan Murphy- Milano has turned a tired phrase into demonstrable realism through the gift of her newly published book, “TIME’S UP: A GUIDE ON HOW TO LEAVE AND SURVIVE ABUSIVE AND STALKING RELATIONSHIPS.

Thank you.
Take care and STAY SAFE!
Anny 

Throw HER a Personal Safety Life Vest…

I was a student with the immediate understanding of the S.P.E.A.R. system prior to becoming a P.D.R. certified instructor with Blauer Tactical Systems. I believed as a student and firmly believe as an instructor that the S.P.E.A.R. system is by far the most realistic and automatic personal safety/self-defense system to learn. Personal safety/self-defense is NOT martial arts or a sport – it is entirely about protecting and defending yourself mentally, emotionally, spiritually and ultimately physically realistically.

An excerpt from Tony Blauer:
RESEARCH
The core of P.D.R.™ (Personal Defense Readiness) is based on the S.P.E.A.R. SYSTEM™ (Spontaneous Protection Enabling Accelerated Response) which is the first genetically & behaviorally inspired self-defense course of it’s kind. It is the only self-defense method that fully integrates the body’s reflexive responses and instinctive survival mechanisms making the S.P.E.A.R. SYSTEM the easiest, most natural way to protect yourself. Our program also includes unique and patented learning models but most importantly, we have pioneered research on how to manage and overcome fear.

Strategically & tactically speaking, our courses are based on how real confrontations actually occur! We have been leading the scenario/behavioral approach to training for over 20 years. Our curriculum is based on a ‘3-Dimensional’ theory that creates confidence on emotional, psychological and physical levels.

OUR TEACHING DOCTRINE
We only teach realistic self-defense skills that are street applicable. Students are exposed to aggressive as well as defensive role-playing to simulate encounters and to prepare them to react ethically as well as decisively to real-life aggression. Our curriculum covers verbal defusing tactics, choice speech principles and a host of other behaviorally researched strategies.

OTHER BENEFITS
Training in our system engenders personal evolution: Our breakthrough research on fear management is the foundation of our program and understanding and directing fear is the key to overcoming any obstacle in life. We’ve had many individuals participate in the program and experience transcendent applications in their professional life and in intra-personal relationships.

Our system fosters respect for yourself and others by developing virtues like self-discipline, humility, assertiveness and character. Since our program is so focused around the managing of one’s fears, it directly works the ‘esteem’ and ‘ego’ centers of anyone sincerely studying the system, ultimately leading to greater self-knowledge and personal evolution.

Training events are now being scheduled for Fall 2010, email me for your Organizer packet; give yourself, family, friends – the gift of life.

Take care and STAY SAFE!

Anny

“Army Wives” and Guest Star, Wynonna Judd Speaks Out Against Domestic Violence…

I’m a week behind but I caught up on Army Wives over the weekend and I am elated that the show has once again brought much needed attention to the fact that domestic violence is alive and kicking in all branches of our military.

Ft. Marshall has again experienced a no longer taboo subject, domestic violence once again. The commanders and spouses come together to support and encourage fellow Army Wife Marisol (guest-star Gina Rodriquez) to be honest about her husband’s abusive actions.

The show captured so many aspects of the violence from the actual assault to the victim trying/wanting to conceal the abuse to the honeymoon phase to the military spouses reaching out to help to the commanders taking a strong stance and much more. Here watch for yourself…..a powerful message and episode, Army Wives, bringing awareness to domestic violence.

Commending the cast of “Army Wives”, Producers, Wynonna Judd for their support and advocacy. Thank you.

Rapid Fitness, Downtown Raleigh, NC Hosting Violence Prevention Training for Females…

Rapid Fitness, Downtown Raleigh, NC Hosting Violence Prevention Training for Females…

Anny Jacoby and The Realistic Female Self-Defense Company Hosted By Rapid Fitness on June 12

May, 2010….Each day the news reports yet another attack or assault on a female, or worse a murder.  Females, by nature, are considered the “weaker” sex, with less strength and bulk than males.  This unlevel playing field makes females more susceptible to attack by males, and, in some instances, other females.

Anny Jacoby has the system that will help level that playing field, and she and her staff teach females how to protect and defend themselves, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and, if necessary, physically in the event of an attack.

Jacoby is the President and Founder of The Realistic Female Self-Defense Company and Project Safe Girls.  She has devised specific programs for all age groups and all physical levels to help teach them to detect dangerous situations and how to defend themselves should an attack arise.

Jacoby says, “Education and awareness are the keys to bringing attention to the issue of female assault.  A female has every right to protect herself if found in a situation where she is being attacked, whether by a stranger or intimate partner.”

Anny Jacoby is a certified personal self-defense instructor, earning her certification from Blauer Tactical, which is known for their trainings with law enforcement and military organizations.  The S.P.E.A.R. System taught by Blauer Tactical is successful at teaching exclusive maneuvers which help ward off or take down an attacker.  In the case of females, it gives her an advantage and an opportunity to get away from the attacker.

Realizing the “red flags” and developing your intuition is also an area which Jacoby teaches during the awareness presentation segment of her training classes.  She speaks about empowerment, self confidence and using your intuition to decide how to react to an attack.   She also describes the different types of attacks as well as types of violence a female may encounter.

Recognizing the importance of giving females all the advantages afforded to them, Rapid Fitness invited Anny and her staff to conduct a training event in their downtown Raleigh location on Saturday, June 12.  The event is not just for Rapid Fitness members, but is open to the public.  Any female who wishes to learn how to protect and defend herself is welcome to attend.

EVENT DETAILS:

Date:  Saturday, June 12, 2010

Time:  1PM to 6PM

Location:  Downtown Raleigh Rapid Fitness Center

501 W. North Street

Registration deadline is June 5.  The public is encouraged to register.

The fees for this event are 50% off the regular price, $100 per female.

For details and registration forms contact Kristi Bruce

919-803-3084

Email: kristi_bruce@yahoo.com

or in person at the downtown Rapid Fitness location

For more information: www.annyjacoby.com www.rapidfitness.com

Contact: contact@imaginepublicity.com

843.808.0859

UVA Student: Love’s Killing Isn’t at All Shocking…

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (May 5) — The death of fourth-year University of Virginia student Yeardley Love is unquestionably tragic, but is it really as shocking as the media coverage would have us believe? Looking at the prevalence of dating violence nationwide and specifically at the University of Virginia — where more than 100 cases of dating abuse have occurred in the past decade (and those are just the ones that have been reported) — the answer is an unequivocal “no.”

According to Justice Department figures, every day in the U.S., three women are murdered by their intimate partners. Eighty-five percent of intimate partner violence (IPV) is perpetrated against women — overwhelmingly against women who are between the ages of 20 and 24. While the details of Love’s case make it seem sensational — a varsity lacrosse player at a prestigious school allegedly killed by her lacrosse player ex-boyfriend — statistically, it merely fits the pattern.
Love’s death also exposes an unfortunate reality of college life that’s often obscured or silenced in communities, university and otherwise, nationwide.

At U.Va., it’s not so much that resources and advocacy about the dangers of dating violence don’t exist; it’s that students generally don’t think the statistics apply to them.

“The perception often among students is that such violence exists only for unhappy married couples,” said Claire Kaplan, the director of Sexual and Domestic Violence Services at the University of Virginia Women’s Center (where I’m the website managing editor). “In reality, IPV affects all types of relationships and all backgrounds and personalities of people.”

Kaplan argued that “cultural, social and institutional silence surrounding partner abuse is embedded in every person at U.Va.” It is part of a larger problem: People are culturally conditioned to dismiss violent and jealous acts perpetrated by men as “boys will be boys,” while the predominantly female victims are blamed for putting up with such behavior when things begin to turn sour.

It also doesn’t help that even those paid to ensure the safety of students don’t always seem knowledgeable about the facts surrounding dating violence. Early Monday morning, before news of Love’s death was widely known, a message from U.Va. Chief of Police Mike Gibson was circulated to students, faculty and staff. It did not sit well with fourth-year student Molly Conger. “The advice [he] offered … consisted entirely of strategies to avoid becoming the victim of violence at the hands of a stranger,” she said. “Locking doors and walking home with a friend will do little if that friend is the one who will later beat or rape you.”

In a bitter irony, some U.Va. students were already getting the right message before Love’s slaying. In April, they heard from Liz Seccuro, a 1988 graduate of U.Va. and a sexual assault survivor who travels the country sharing her story. She returned to her alma mater to address a Take Back the Night rally sponsored by the university. Chillingly, her remarks specifically addressed the dangers of intimate partner violence.

“The time has come,” Seccuro said, “to blame people who perpetuate these crimes.” But that won’t happen unless U.Va. and other schools “make a big push to educate students and be more institutionally proactive about interpreting such situations of abuse as what they are.”

Mary Beth Lineberry is a 2009 graduate of the University of Virginia and will receive her master’s degree in English literature from the school later this month.

Advocate Pens Comprehensive Guide on How to Survive Abusive Relationships

Advocate Pens Comprehensive Guide on How to Survive Abusive Relationships

Author: David Lohr; ID. Investigate Life

April 10, 2010

David Lohr has been writing about crime and criminals for over 15 years. Readers and critics alike regard Mr. Lohr as one of the most prominent crime writers of the 21st century.

According to Susan Murphy-Milano, Susan Cox Powell and Stacy Peterson are great examples of women who could have benefited from her newly released book “Time’s Up!”

“With the proliferation of deaths due to domestic violence, something has to be done, something different, and something effective,” said Murphy-Milano, a domestic violence expert.

Susan Powell, 28, went missing under suspicious circumstances from West Valley City, Utah in December 2009. Police have named Susan’s husband, Joshua Powell, a “person of interest” in the case and have said they believe he has information that could help locate her.

Stacy Peterson was 23 years old when she went missing in October 2007. When questioned by police, Stacy’s husband, Drew Peterson, 56, claimed his wife had left him. Police found no evidence suggesting she left of her own accord, and Peterson was labeled a suspect. In May 2009, Peterson was arrested for the murder of his third wife, Kathleen Savio. He is currently in jail awaiting trial in that case. Stacy Peterson remains missing, and charges in her case have not yet been filed.

Neither Powell or Peterson have been charged in connection with their missing wives’ cases

Susan Murphy-Milano’s new book, “Time’s Up: A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships,” is due to be released on April 12, 2010.

“‘Time’s Up’ guides the victim towards safety by showing them the unseen pitfalls of leaving a violent relationship and how to navigate around them,” Murphy-Milano said.

The book also has explicit details and instructions on how to fill out an “Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit,” a form Murphy-Milano created and has used throughout the years in high risk cases.

Murphy-Milano is a specialist in family violence who works nationally with domestic violence programs, law enforcement officials and prosecutors, providing technical and consulting services in domestic violence and stalking cases. She says her principal objective is to intervene “before a victim is seriously injured or killed.”

In addition to her latest book, Murphy-Milano is also the author of “Defending Our Lives” and “Moving Out, Moving On.”

“Moving Out, Moving On” is a comprehensive, step-by-step, practical guide about ending relationships.

“Defending Our Lives” covers options that are available to battered women, as well as to their families and friends.

When she’s not busy penning new books, Murphy-Milano hosts “The Susan Murphy Milano Show” and also contributes to “Time’s Up!” and “Women In Crime Ink” online. She is also preparing to participate in the new television show, “Crime Wire,” with hosts Dennis Griffin and Vito Colucci. The show will examine cases in which the investigations have left questions unanswered and possible criminal activity unexposed.

For more information on Murphy-Milano or to order one of her books, visit susanmurphymilano.com.

Ordering Information: Amazon Online; Any Bookstore nationwide, www.susanmurphymilano.com and ImaginePublicity, contact@imaginepublicity.com, 843.808.0859

Time’s Up by Susan Murphy-Milano… for Victims of Domestic Abuse

Press Release: Time’s Up by Susan Murphy-Milano

For Immediate Release

Time’s Up for Victims of Domestic Abuse

March 31, 2010……With the proliferation of deaths due to domestic violence, something has to be done, something different, and something effective. Susan Murphy-Milano, a 20 year veteran of family violence will be releasing her newest book, “Time’s Up” A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships, on April 12, 2010.

“Time’s Up” guides the victim towards safety by showing them the unseen pitfalls of leaving a violent relationship and how to navigate around them. “Time’s Up” also has explicit details and instructions how to fill out an “Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit”, one of the unique things that Murphy-Milano has created and used through the years in high danger cases which has saved the lives of many.

Susan Murphy-Milano is a specialist in family violence and works nationally with domestic violence programs, law enforcement and prosecutors providing technical and consulting services in “high risk” domestic violence and stalking related cases. Her principal objective is to intervene before a victim is seriously injured or killed. In 1999, Susan was inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame for her work on behalf of Women’s Rights. In 2001, Susan received the Women with Vision Award from the Illinois Bar Association.

Author of “Defending Our Lives” Doubleday books and “Moving Out Moving On” when a relationship goes wrong, Susan is host of The Susan Murphy Milano Show and is also a contributor to “Time’s Up!” and “Women In Crime Ink” online. With co-stars, Dennis Griffin and Vito Colucci, Susan will be participating in the new television show, “Crime Wire” which will examine cases in which the investigations have left questions unanswered and possible criminal activity unexposed.

For more information: www.susanmurphymilano.com

Contact: contact@imaginepublicity.com

843.808.0859

**Every DV agency, Advocate, church, police and sheriff’s departments should have a supply of Susan’s book to share with EVERY victim that they speak to. Time’s Up should be included with every packet of information that is distributed to victims. Thank you Susan for ALL that you do. Blessings.

Take care and STAY SAFE!

Another Facebook Fail: Group Lists Reasons For Punching Women in the Face Via Care2

posted by: Ximena R.

Earlier this month, I wrote a post about an extremely offensive Facebook group – “Killing Your Hooker So You Don’t Have to Pay For Her.” I was shocked (as many of you were) that such a group was ever allowed to exist on Facebook and, as it turns out, the offending group’s page was taken down before I even finished writing the post, but this time that’s not the case.

You mean you found another highly offensive, unacceptable, unamusing Facebook group that pokes fun at violence against women?

Yes, unfortunately, but not altogether surprisingly, I did.

“Reasons When It’s Acceptable to Punch a Woman in the Face” is the newest offending group. The group justifies itself by claiming that it’s meant to be taken as “dark humour” similar toFamily Guy, South Park, and Scary Movie.

The group’s creator actually says, “I don’t feel I’m promoting violence nor am I condoning it, it’s just dark humour… it’s a joke.”

Well, let’s take a look at the list and see what’s so funny.

Trigger Warning: Some of the items on this list are extremely offensive and may be upsetting.

1. talking too much

2. disagreeing with anything you say

3. burning your food

4. not washing up

5. being on her period

6. being on her period and still coming to see you

7. talking bout other guys….even her dad

8. taking off her make up

9. leaving the kitchen

10. leaving the bedroom

11. refusing a threesome

12. telling you to stop pushing their head down… when they give you head

13. not knowing the offside rule

14. not knowing the offside rule after being told too many times

15.not allowing you to have sex with their mum/sister

16. killing banter

17. out drinking you

18. making stupid baby noises

19. being on either team Jacob or team Edward

20. refusing anal

21. breathing

22. when your football team looses

23. wanting attention during a cod session

24. asking you to make her a cup of tea

25. thinking their in control of the relationship

26. when ur angry and need something to hit

27. when you wanna try out your new kung fu move

28. wearing clothes indoors

29. asking you to go down on her

30. when they fish for compliments

31. when they make you watch chick flicks

32. expecting to get paid for

33. trying to help make this list (foook u becky)

34. having an opinion

35. crying for no fucking reason

36. weighing more than you do

37. calling you a woman/pussy

38. giving you a stupid nickname

39. forgetting to shave

40. not swallowing

41.having a 4 finger bucket

42. taking more than 20 minutes deciding what to wear

43. being taller than you

44. bitching about people you dont even know

45. looking at you funny

46. complaining that she’s cold…. wear a hoodie bitch

47. being a feminist

48. asking you to finish her off once ur finished..

49. calling the police when you hit her…bitch should learn

50. for being a woman..

51. saying they love you

52. when she is in range

53. When she reads this and wont have sex with you for laughin

54. When she asks to be and admin

55. bitching about facebook groups…. get back in the kitchen

56. when you got 99 problems but a bitch ain’t 1

57. Whenever she talks without being questioned

58. when she sends you a friend request…. i don’t want to be your friend, but you can go make me a sandwich

ONLY REASON TO NOT HIT A WOMAN IN THE FACE…

1. when she’s pregnant…..punch her in the stomach

I’ve read this list a few times and each time I get angrier and angrier. This is not humorous or funny no matter which way you slice it. This list basically calls on women to be mindless sex machines, with perfect bodies, who don’t speak or think but only live to pleasure men.

The creators of this group think what they are doing is OK because it’s only meant as a joke and I know some people – there are currently over 31,000 members – will think it’s “only meant to be funny” but I have to ask where this humor comes from.

The items on this list show a deep disrespect for women and trivialize a problem that is very real. The fact is that many women suffer the heavy hand of abuse from men who don’t respect them and think they deserve to be hit for any number of reasons. Fortunately, most men have the privilege of never knowing this reality. That ignorance doesn’t give them free reign to make fun of those who aren’t so lucky.

I truly don’t understand how this group can be construed as funny or not condoning violence against women as the creators claim. Creating a group that makes fun of women being abused isn’t funny – it’s hurtful, unjust, and frankly, unoriginal.

Making jokes about violence against women is not new. We see it all the time, especially in the very shows, like Family Guy, that the creators claim they are attempting to emulate. We need to be more vocal about opposing this misuse of humor and demanding more from the networks, shows, and websites we support.

Facebook is a huge social networking platform with over 400 million users worldwide as young as 13-years-old. We deserve better from Facebook – much better.

The group’s creators have promised to continue adding items to the list, even asking people to submit their own reasons it’s acceptable to punch a woman in the face so make sure you sign on to Facebook and report them (there is a “report group” link on the left hand side of the screen under links)! It’s about time this group got the boot!

“It appears that just clicking on the link at the bottom left hand corner of the group to “report group” only sends the complaints to the group creators themselves, and not Facebook. To effectively report this group to Facebook, please emailabuse@facebook.com.”

A Victim's Assistant Speaks Out About A Stalker and Death...

STALKING IS A CRIME!

Once you’ve been a victim, you know how life-destroying stalking can be.

A Victim's Assistant speaks out about a double homicide/suicide-by-cop case. It was related to a stalking case I worked last year. My stalking victim was stalked by her ex-husband, primarily through their 3-year-old daughter. He had also done the same thing to his first wife and son (who is now 10). After the stalking conviction, he moved on to another woman. When she broke up with him in January and tried to end the relationship he began stalking her, too. Finally, he showed up at the hospital where she worked as a physical therapist on a night when he had unsupervised custody of the child (my client was with her new husband at an awards banquet 6 hours away). He had made a cassette tape of his plans the night before and carried them out in the hospital parking lot. He shot his ex-girlfriend in the face and killed her, then dragged her body to a grassy area.

Then he went to his vehicle, unbuckled his 3-year-old daughter by his 2nd wife (my stalking victim) and carried her to his ex-girlfriend's body. He placed the child on his knee and shot her in the face/head, killing her. Then he shot his ex-girlfriend again two more times and stabbed her with a knife several times. Then he kneeled between the two bodies and tried to kill himself, but the gun jammed. By then the police had arrived, so he pointed the gun at them and forced them to shoot and kill him.

All of this happened in the hospital parking lot in front of several employees. On the tape he left behind, he mentioned his plans to also kill his son from his first marriage (luckily, he could not find his son in time so he carried on without him).

The man was a firefighter/EMT. He stalked his victims through his job. He used the 911 system to obtain my victim's new unlisted phone numbers every time she changed them. He used the emergency cell phone in the ambulance to harass my victim (and probably his ex-girlfriend too). He used his job to track license plates of vehicles in my victim's driveway and would then call her and tell her who was/had been at her house. He would follow her, harass her, leave hundreds of phone messages, and stake out her home for hours on end. He would page my victim constantly, and use his daughter as his excuse for calling my victim many times each day, even when he had her that day. When He was convicted of stalking, he received two years of supervised probation and ten counseling sessions. Because he was a fireman, the judge also made his conviction eligible for expungement at the end of his probation, meaning the conviction would not exist on his record. The judge justified this by saying he wanted the defendant to keep getting promotions and pay more support for the daughter.

Charles saw his probation officer just hours before his murdering spree. This man was a classic abusive partner / stalker and had a pattern of abuse / stalking at least three women before committing these murders. He left behind many torn lives and a legacy of grief. His daughter would have turned four just four days after the murders.

Thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims in this case. I am truly sorry that this had to happen but I hope that by printing this story it brings to light some of the awful things that do happen.

If you are being stalked or are in fear of being stalked, please reach out and get the help you need, call 911 and/or your local agencies. Remember, no one deserves to be physically, sexually or emotionally abused.

Take care and STAY SAFE!

HAVE YOU SEEN SUSAN POWELL???

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Join the Networking Blitz: Have you seen Susan Powell, 28

FROM LISA MICHELS (Mothers Are Vanishing)

In case you haven't heard, Susan Powell, 28 of Utah has been missing since Sunday evening, December 6th and the family is doing a networking/media blitz to spread the word and her picture in hopes of someone being able to assist with finding Susan. Please feel free to pass this information on or post it to any of your networking sights. I'll include the family's links below.

Susan was raised in Western Washington where her family currently resides. The family is asking everyone to "memorize Susan's face and look around right where you are. If you see her, please note her location and condition and call 9-1-1 immediately." Print out her picture and keep it with you. Though she went missing from the state of Utah she could be anywhere.

REWARD: There is a reward of $10,000 (anonymous donor) and $1,000 (Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound) for information that leads to finding Susan. Anyone with information about this case should contact the West Valley City Police at 801-840-4000.

http://tinyurl.com/West-Valley-City-Police

If you believe in God, please feel free to say a prayer for Susan.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." ~Helen Keller

Thank you for taking the time to read and take note of Mom to 2 young boys, Susan.

LINKS FOR MEDIA BLITZ:
http://bit.ly/findsusan
posters/fliers: http://bit.ly/4ppWVz
email: findsusanpowell@gmail.com
twitter: http://twitter.com/findsusan (@findsusan)
twitter hashtag: #findsusan
youtube: http://youtube.com/susanpowellsearch

DONATIONS:
Donated funds will help cover costs associated with searches, travel, specialists and other expenses that are quickly mounting.

A joint account has been set up with "FAA First Federal Credit Union" to receive donations to help Susan Powell's family search for her. Mr. Chuck Cox, Susan Powell's father, and Patrick Moniz will manage it
[ACCOUNT NO. 101422]

The FAA First Federal Credit Union is part of the nationwide shared branching network of credit unions. http://www.cuservicecenter.com/

DONATION CHECKS:
Family of Susan Powell
P.O. Box 59734
Renton, WA 98058

(A PayPal account will be available soon.)

Project Safe Girls…Stopping Violence Against Females

Safety first: a mantra Bethany Corbin now lives by to the letter.

After a personal experience with domestic violence, Corbin, a sophomore international studies and economic major at UNC, threw herself into educating other young girls. Her program, Project Safe Girls, teaches girls ages 5-23 about domestic violence, sexual assault (rape, date rape, and acquaintance rape), abduction, human trafficking, stalking, healthy relationships and general personal safety and ultimately how one can protect and defend herself mentally, emotionally and physically.

Project Safe Girls will kick off training through the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA’s middle school afterschool program and is expanding rapidly through other schools, throughout the nation and is striving to make the program a safety prevention course requirement in all school systems.

“I want Project Safe Girls to be widely known throughout the US, said Anny Jacoby, founder and President of The Realistic Female Self-Defense Company, of which Project Safe Girls is an official division. “Project Safe Girls will take on its own form and it will shine as it is a much needed program for all communities.”

Jacoby has worked closely with Corbin to develop the program since Corbin approached the company. As sister organizations, both programs teach women essentially the same techniques, mentally and physically, geared to specific age groups. Corbin’s project gears specifically to girls ages 5-23 enrolled in school from kindergarten to college, whereas The Realistic Female Self-Defense Company teaches females of all ages.

The first step of the course lies in the awareness portion of safety, as awareness is the first step to any form of personal safety/self-defense. Instructors teach characteristics of unhealthy vs. healthy relationships/situations. Red flags and warning signs are significant signals of potential or existing abuse. Power and Control is the dominate factor which every form of abuse centers around.

Lessons in de-escalation are taught – how to diffuse a potential dangerous/violent situation in an attempt to warn off a physical altercation. De-escalation techniques range from eye contact and a confident yet non-threatening demeanor to talking in low tones and maintaining a safe distance between the persons.

“De-Escalation starts with non-verbal behaviors,” Jacoby said. “Techniques consist of your demeanor, your presence, your body language. But the only way that an individual obtains the confidence and knowledge is by studying and understanding how an assailant thinks, how you need to be thinking, and then knowing how you can defend yourself verbally and ultimately non-verbally if needed.”

The lessons in the non-physical aspects of personal safety/self-defense form the backbone of the Corbin’s and Jacoby’s programs.

“We promote violence prevention, raising awareness and the skills to reduce susceptibility to violence,” Jacoby said. “The way that you promote prevention is through education.”

Physical personal safety/self-defense training is a major part of the female’s safety equation. Females are taught how men/assailants think, vulnerable body areas other than the groin – which men expect a female to target – and how to use knowledge as an advantage. “Fighting back is not about staying in the “ring” going ten rounds,” Jacoby said. “We fight males with knowledge, not with strength; and knowledge is a powerful tool. But you must know what your tools (mentally and physically) are and how to effectively use them.”

MTV launches “A THIN LINE” initiative to decrease spread of digital abuse

Love is respect.org is so excited to announce that their live chat function will be featured as a direct link on MTV’swebsite. This will occur as part of MTV’s “A THIN LINE.” This initiative seeks to empower youth to identify, respond to and stop the spread of digital abuse. Digital abuse refers to behaviors such as sexting, cyber-bullying and digital dating abuse. According to a study released by MTV and the Associated Press, 50 percent of 14-24 year olds have been the target of some form of digital abuse, and 3 in 10 have engaged in “sexting.” If you haven’t experienced this abuse yourself, there is a good chance one of your close friends has.

MTV’s “A THIN LINE” will be putting out a lot of on-air specials, PSAs and a lot of cool online and mobile tools. We are proud to partner with MTV on this initiative with other digital abuse experts including Facebook, the Family Violence Prevention Fund, Liz Claiborne, Inc., DoSomething.org and more. Their website has really fun features including an interactive quiz, a “Redraw the Line Challenge” and great resources, so be sure to check out ATHINLINE.org!

Denny Griffin and Anny Jacoby with guest, Ben Atherton-Zeman on BlogTalkRadio

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DENNY GRIFFIN


On Wednesday, December 9, we’ll be talking about domestic violence with Ben Atherton-Zeman. Ben is a spokesman for the National Organization For Men Against Sexism. (www.nomas.org). Ben also performs a multi-media play dealing with sexual assault and domestic violence, titled Voices of Men. My co-host for tonight’s show is Anny Jacoby of The REALISTIC Female Self-Defense Company.

You can catch the show beginning at 9 pm Eastern at www.blogtalkradio.com/dennisngriffin.

Men Against Violence, Stop It Before It Starts