Million Survivor March, March 2-3, 2013

Off to the Capital!

Abuse Survivors Unite!

MILLION SURVIVOR MARCH AND RALLY
MARCH 02 - 03, 2013, JEFFERSON MEMORIAL D.C.

The FACSA Foundation (Family and Friends Fighting Against Child Sexual Asault; FACSAFoundation.org) is presenting a FACSA Rally in Washington D.C., March 02 8am-9am for March and at 10 am- 6p.m. for the 2 day Rally, at the Jefferson Memorial. The FACSA Foundation is gathering child sexual assault organizations, advocates, supporters, family, and friends, from across the nation, to the “FACSA Foundation National Child Sexual Assault Prevention RALLY”, to make a unilateral stand against child sexual assault. By uniting child sexual assault prevention advocates from across the nation, we hope to change the stigma of child sexual assault, public opinion, the opinion of lawmakers, and most importantly bring hope to millions of children affected by child sexual assault and human trafficking, as they see so many fighting for them in one place.

If you can not join in person, please do so virtually. Order your t-shirt, gather game day friends, and join the Million Survivor March, and the 2 day Rally, which will be live streamed. We hope to see you soon.

There is a lot of excitement surrounding the Million Survivor March/Rally. We will have a silent march with drums (please design a t-shirt saying "my name is and I was sexually assaulted... and add your logo or your own artistic designs), speakers, bands, videos, and a candle light closing program in honor of and memory of all children affected by child sexual assault.

Contact: Connie Lee/FACSA Founder/President 318.540.4464
facsasavethechildren@hotmail.com FACSAFOUNDATION.ORG

What the heck is "Legitimate Rape"?

Rape is Rape

Todd Akins, a member of congress said this about rape. In his words, "If it's legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down."

So, if there is a pregnancy, the rape is no longer legitimate? Do these people even understand the science behind sex? A woman doesn't even need to be turned on. She could be in severe pain during sex. The body doesn't know the difference between rape and accommodating her man. Pregnancy happens.

Yet, the republicans think still, that abortion in all cases should be outlawed, even in cases of "forcible rape". HB-358, or the "Protect Life Act", isn't really protecting life at all. When the life of the mother could save her life, it won't happen, they want to make sure that an abortion does NOT happen. Even if the mother's life is in grave danger. Thing is, what is the likelihood that the baby will live, if the mother has to die before the due date? The stress of the mother's ailing body is enough to cause defects some how in the baby or at least quality.

My first pregnancy was a difficult one, where I was very ill. I had ridiculously high blood pressure. Extreme edema. Spilling proteins in my urine. It was bad. Really bad. So, anyway, one of the effects of all this is that the placenta may tear off the uterus, thus cutting life support to the fetus, and the mother can bleed to death. Yes, my first baby died, and I was 2 inches away. Should I be arrested for being ill during my pregnancy? Should the doctor have been sued because of the lack of action on the part of my doctor?

Anyway, I read somewhere that 520,000 women die as a complication of labor and delivery. That's just for normal births. Once upon a time, labor and delivery was the #1 killer of women. Yet we want to restrict certain procedures to ensure that more babies MIGHT be born, rather than save the mother, who will most likely live to see another day and have another child who will be born, and live.

My take is that this protection of life just means that it allows to let the life of the woman be less important than men. And of course, because another woman, who will also be second rate, can be hired as a nanny to raise the children of your dead wife, correct? That sounds sacrilegious from the very people who say that they value the sanctity of "traditional" or "Biblical" marriage. But your wife can die, and we'll pray that the child lives. I don't get it.

No, I don't think that abortion should be used as an "oops, I'm pregnant, shucks" type birth control. That is irresponsible. But, on the other hand, when we need it for rape, incest and the life of the mother, it should be readily available, regardless of who is abusing the system.

But anyway, back to the point of what is legitimate or illegitimate rape... So, what, if the woman is drunk, and can't speak for her self, it's illegitimate because, why, she was drunk? So, if a man is drunk and I lift his wallet, it's not really theft because a drunk deserves to get rolled, right? Wrong. So why is it that we don't prosecute rape cases as we do theft?

But of course a victim who pleads with her rapists to wear a condom, in case of disease or to prevent pregnancy, is illegitimate too, even though this victim still feels as dirty and violated as the next one.
Yet then, a woman having "too many" pregnancies can have a negative effect on her life, so rather than help by prevention, we would let the mother of 7, pregnant with the 8th to die during the delivery process, just to ensure that we don't end life? Well, now you've just made sure that the kids don't have a mother!
So even if this career politician may have apologized, that Akins supports women who have been victimized, he still doesn't agree with abortion for rape victims. Gee, what does THAT supposed mean? It's a contradiction in terms.

It is just disgusting that a measure like this HR 358 even got passed. Sex abusers should be the ones that get laws passed against them. But no, rather than ensuring that the offenders get locked up, we want to make laws against the women who may get pregnant from the offense. Then we ignore the fact that men can be victims too.

To see how you can help, please go to the Youth Voice Initiative website, and sign the petitions. There are 3. One for the Federal April's Law, a Wisconsin April's Law, and for Sean's Voice. April's Law is to put stiffer sentencing on those who prey on our children sexually. Sean's Voice is to get equal support of men who are the victims of abuse.

Should Sex Offenders or Victims get restricted?

 Not really a mugshot...  But you know, if it were, of an offender, I'd say arrest her!

School Supplies...

A family with 4 teens - 18, 17, 13 & 12 are in need of school supplies and school clothing.  I know the economy is bad, and we can't work miracles, but, it would be nice if we could try to help out some how.  They are in dire need, as the father left them out in the cold, and the mother was a housewife.  Now, with no resources, they don't have enough to get what they need.

Any little bit would be great, even if we don't make our mark.  Something is better than nothing.

Missing Child Alert

Missing Child Alert!

I just got this email from my mom - and I'm hoping we can find him before it's too late.

My friend’s 16 year old son Tyler went missing yesterday in Racine. He went out for a walk and never returned. He was wearing green khaki shorts and no shoes. The police are aware and have listed him as missing. Please pass this picture around any way you can, email, social media, etc. The more people aware, hopefully the sooner he will be found.
Thank you
Melissa Grigg
two-six-two. six-three-six. six-zero-nine-nine.

Missing Boy Named Tyler

Please lets try to find him before it's too late!

 

To my friend Always Free.

I would comment in the Journal Time's blog, but, ever since it got redone, I can only go onto the forum side, and then, they want to charge for my going into the forums if I read too much.  I'm already subscribing, I'm not paying twice.

Anyway, here is the blog in question:
http://my.journaltimes.com/post/ALWAYSFREE/blog2/here_you_go_maurice_b_lika_conad_yep_dem_diversity.html

I just want to let you know, racists come in all shapes, sizes and political parties.  But sure, if you're an abortion doctor, and you want job security, you're going to support those who approve of your line of work.  That happens to be the democrats, for the most part.  That does NOT mean that this particular doctor is necessarily a democrat.  There is a difference between supporting your sense of job security, and actually belonging to the political party.

Some babies are born cuter than others.  But seriously?  With the thick accent, I'm not even sure he knew what was happening.  And here is a question.  Why are those people protesting the abortion doctor's house, rather than actually adopting for real?  They have the chance, and it's not happening.  At least sign up to be foster parents.

So I have a question for the republicans...  If you don't think poor people should have babies, why are you pro-life?  And if you're so pro-life, why don't you think that working poor people should get help to keep their babies healthy by helping out with food stamps and medical care?

National Night Out 8/7/2012

We hosted our first National Night Out block party.  Of course, since it was a Tuesday, so we didn’t have a huge crowd, but, we had about 20 people total participating, so it was fun.

We had two different taco dips, layered jello, grilled yellow string beans and fruit salad that got passed around, and our neighbors had brats, hamburgers, and cheese burgers, while we had barbecued chicken and ribs.

A couple of our neighbors, we hadn’t met before, so it was cool.  A black guy even said we had the best bbq'd ribs he's had from a white guy, and that his wife would be surprised this came from white people.  He also loved my grilled beans.  :)

What made it super cool, was that the fire department came with a nice looking fireman, and he had smoke & fire alarms to help put up, and so one of the neighbors got a new alarm.  Also too, the Sheriff’s department came with McGruff, the Police Dog.  I got to talk to them about April’s Law, and they were really supportive.

Here are some pictures of the event.

Home Education: There ARE Options.

Public, Private, or Home Education?

The traditional method of late, in the education arena, is the brick and mortar public schools. They take in all of our students, no matter how gifted, special needs, or normal. But, it seems as if this isn't for everyone.
So what are the options? Well, one obvious option are private schools, whether they are faith based or independent. Of course your child probably can't have a special need, as most private schools don't handle these situations unless you are able to afford not only tuition and uniforms, but a tutor for school as well, if your child has learning issues.

Then there is straight up home schooling. And then wonder what curriculum do you want to use, and how much money do you have to spend ON that curriculum? Do you have support within your family to pull it off? And then what about subjects that are getting difficult in the upper levels? There are many different ones out there, and only you can make that decision. On the up side, you might want to check your local library to see if they have materials you can check out. It's very handy when you don't have money to sink into it, but want to curtail your child's education specifically to your child.

On the other hand, there is another option that is becoming more and more popular. It's the virtual schooling program for the k12 levels. It's a public school, and the kids still attend classes, though they are online. You get a link to go into these e-classrooms, and of course there is a white board rather than a black board, and the teacher is there to talk to the class.

No worries, your child will have the opportunity to ask private questions, as well as participate within the full class, and has the choice to type or talk to the class. There are even study halls available for extra help if your child needs. The only requirement is that your child not be so special needs that they can't operate a computer properly.

In the virtual schools, you get your regular teacher, a student-learning-advocate (SLA), and if a special needs student, a special teacher to make home visits also. The curriculum is sent to you, as well as a school computer, and if you need help with stuff, they will give it to you. And since you don't use a school library, rather than a library fee, it's a technology fee. If you're low income, you can get that waived, because most k12 virtual schools are also public schools that work within a district, and meet state standards. And because your child eats at home, yet you qualify for free or reduced lunch, you may be able to get a little bit of help with your cable bill as well at the end of the school year.

What's nice, is that the school works with you, even if it's online, and you always have the phone if you need that too. And, because it's home based, you still have the power to guide your child through life lessons as that comes up. It's the best of public and home school education.
Of course some of the things are on the honor system, such as if you do a physical education regimen. That is required, as well. But no worries, it's not as bad as you think. Yard work, a walk around the block, a swim in a friend's pool, that all counts.

There are slightly different versions, and it's up to you what you want to do. There's the two main ones, Virtual Academy or the Virtual Learning. In Wisconsin, there's WIVA (Wisconsin Virtual Academy), WVL (Wisconsin Virtual Learning) and WIVC (Wisconsin Virtual Connection). Look up your state's ones, to see what you can pick from. We like WVL for my son. It's amazing how much my son has progressed through the system, and is actually doing a great job.

While yes, it does take a little bit of a sacrifice, because you do have to be around to field technical problems and to be the home tutor, but, you can work around the course work part as your schedule allows, and that's just fine and dandy.

We chose to do the virtual schools because of the fact that my son quit learning in the brick and mortar schools, and they would NOT allow me, as the parent to be more proactive with him. But, as for the education, since I'd be in charge, I didn't want to go it alone, so, I looked into it. It's amazing the transformation, and my son went from being way behind to pretty much on task in just a few short years.
Worried about socialization? It's easier than you think. Most of us are somewhat active in a faith based community, and these are great ways to ensure that your child is with other peers, in a safe setting during the school year. Of course there are other things too, such as youth sports, and other civic organizations to keep your kids active. There are teen, tween and parent/child based volunteer activities too, so the possibilities are endless. You may want to check in with friends and relatives with kids near the same age as yours. Do play dates and more. Camping and other local activities are also good to look into.

Here in Racine, WI, we have River Bend Nature Center, Yogi Bear Campground, Root River, local museums, and more. Kiwanis sports are also an option.

So, if you are frustrated with your child's current school, and there aren't many options within that school district, I strongly suggest checking out the virtual programs. You just may enjoy it. My son and my husband grew a strong bond with each other as stepfather and stepson with doing the virtual schooling at home. It even wore my husband out... And my son kept on trucking, to the point that he's very independent in getting stuff done, and even turns it in online too... My little boy is growing up, and getting smarter by the day. I couldn't be prouder, and I'm glad I made the decision. His online teachers are very good too.

The Importance of Being Involved in the Community

We need YOU, to be bold and care.

There are a lot of people struggling with this poor economy, bad weather, and more. And while it's true that many people are in dire need of a paid job, but, just remember, a blank spot in your employment can hurt you rather than help you. Plus, helping out in the community helps you feel good. When you feel good, you infect happiness to others. So please pay it forward now, to get the positivity circle going.

We all know that abuse exists, and especially that child abuse exists. For many of us, the topic is depressing, so people want to step away from it. In the mean time, while people are walking away, children are dying from the abuse because they just can't take it anymore.

And when the economy is bad, and money stresses out the abusers, the violence escalates. Then of course the warmer weather seems to bring out the worst as well. Youth Voice Initiative is the only 501c4 to combat child abuse sponsored by a mom, a person who cares about ALL children. The other is a federal program, not run by we the people.

So, won't you consider being part of the action team? You don't need to be a lobbyist, or a big name. We just need people like you, who care. There are opportunities such as copy/paste petition links into emails and sending it to your friends... Or to help call legislators and get them on board, and yes, I'll keep you posted on that. There is also need for web designers to redo the website, as well as to do events and fundraisers to keep the official website going, and to travel to the State House and back... Or just to donate some special items such as ink and/or paper...

By being involved, you are helping to make the future a brighter place for those who need it the most. And even if you decide NOT to volunteer with YVI, please find a worthy cause to donate your time to. We are looking for board members as well, so please contact us to find out what you can do, and just remember, you're not just helping the abused children, but you're also boosting your resume' as well.
You can email lika.yvi@gmail.com, and subject should say YVI or Youth Voice Initiative so I know the importance of your inquiry.

National Night Out - 8/7/12

On Tuesday, August 7, 2012 is National Night Out. Please do an event to get to know your neighbors, and it's a great way to get the people on your block to come out and have a cookout for neighborhood fun.
My block will have an acoustic band, an outdoor pot luck, swimming, fire pit, and a whole lot of fun. Please host one for yours too! It's not to difficult, and worth the effort. If you don't do one, go to your friends, family or neighborhood community center or church, if they're having one.

If you don't mind, please mention Youth Voice Initiative - a non profit to protect abused children. Maybe talk about April's Law to put stiffer punishments on those who sexually prey on our children on and off line. Then there is Sean's Voice, a two year old boy who died at the hands of his mother, and his father was also abused and arrested for being a victim of a mad woman. In memory of baby Sean, we are pushing for equity in emergency shelter, support and services for our abused men, so that we can turn victimization into survivor status. It's time to thrive.

Thank you in advance for your support, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Why you? Why not?

www.youthvoiceinitiative.org

April's Law -

Federal Petition: 

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/worldwide-petition-for-aprils-law-in-the-us/ 

 State petition: 

 http://www.thepetitionsite.com/650/959/434/wisconsin-aprils-law/

Sean's Voice -

Federal petition:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/a-new-perspective-the-unacknowledged-abuse-survivors/