“One out of three women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime,” according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. To help with prevention, October is officially national domestic violence abuse month and there are a growing number of resources for victims.
Peace and dignity. This is the main message of the Domestic Violence Awareness Project (DVAP). By teaming up with organizations like the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Network to End Domestic Violence all programs are striving to build campaigns that not only address the victimization of women, but also offer voices of leadership and expertise from females who have been in violent relationships. Through prevention and awareness, DVAP hopes to reach millions to inform and educate all ages about all levels of domestic violence.
Dr. Carrie Baker (left) Michelle Sigona (right) photo courtesy "Expressions of Eden Photography," Kimberly Elliott
I had the opportunity to travel to Portland, Oregon recently to be a part of a movement that is shaking communities and changing the way the public views domestic sex trade in America. The Soroptimist Northwest Coalition Against Human Trafficking (NWCAT) organized and held their third annual conference. I was honored to be a part of their event as a presenter on Child/Adult/Identity Internet and Technology Safety. Along with the workshop, I attended training on domestic human trafficking, met survivors of this underground world, learned from the experts in this industry and more importantly became energized to make a difference in my own city and state.
The phrase “human trafficking” may be something we’ve heard and maybe it was a phrase we stored into the “that doesn’t affect me category”; the same category that we associated with, “this is something that is an international problem and isn’t happening in American communities.” Actually, this is a problem in our own towns, one that we may not see on the surface and one that is directly affecting children and teens in America.
An entire weekend has passed since 7-year-old Kyron Horman was last seen. Investigators say the child went missing at his elementary school on Friday, June 4, 2010. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office was immediately contacted and a search throughout the Portland area ensued. Over the weekend, the search was upgraded to the Major Crimes Team, and now the FBI is involved. This move allows more resources to go toward finding Kyron.
Authorities say Kyron’s step-mother told them she saw him walking down the hallway inside the Skyline Elementary School towards his classroom. About 300 students attend K-8 classes at the school. Teachers and staff say Kyron never made it into his class. There are many questions that need to be answered, and investigators need your leads.
Please contact Multnomah County Sheriff’s non-emergency line at 503-261-2847 with any information.
Today marks the start of National Crime Victims’ Rights week. The Office for Victims of Crime is urging the public to honor victims and to help those with unsolved cases across America. There are great resources available to help plan an effective week in your own communities. Log on to check out the resource guide.
Attorneys are expected to enter not guilty pleas today for three teens charged for bullying 15-year-old Phoebe Prince. The teen committed suicide earlier this year after she was allegedly targeted and bullied relentlessly for months. Nine teenagers, seven females and two males, are all facing a variety of charges including statutory rape, criminal harassment, violation of civil rights and disturbing a school assembly resulting in bodily injury. This past Tuesday, three other teens entered not guilty pleas for their roles in this alleged crime. Those suspects are scheduled to appear back in court on September 15, 2010.
Phoebe took her life on January 14, 2010 after she was allegedly bullied inside her South Hadley High School in Massachusetts and online. Many reports indicate that administrators and staff of the school knew about the bullying and abuse, but did nothing to help. Phoebe’s aunt even visited the school before her arrival from Ireland and told them about her bullying experiences overseas, and how they should be aware that her niece was susceptible to this type of abuse. Reports indicate the teachers and administrators may have even witnessed physical abuse, and had full knowledge about the situation, but turned their heads to the situation.
Michelle Sigona is a crime fighting, victims advocate extraordinaire, but for Michelle -- the good fight doesn't stop there. In her spare time, she is a volunteer firefighter -- and now, she is tackling the issues and cases that mean the most to her....
“One out of three women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime,” according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. To help with prevention, October is officially national domestic violence abuse month and there are a growing number of resources for victims.
