tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25756139243194456232024-03-13T03:19:18.139-07:00ADVOCATEI am an Advocate who fights for victim's rights and against injustice. I am a voice, a social changer who raises awareness and encourage actions to reverse unjust and inhumane situations that everyday people find themselves in.Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-81625302689936699502020-07-21T13:02:00.004-07:002020-07-21T13:02:35.438-07:00Black workers face two of the most lethal preexisting conditions for coronavirus—racism and economic inequality<a href="https://epi.org/193246">Black workers face two of the most lethal preexisting conditions for coronavirus—racism and economic inequality</a>: “We’re all in this together” has become a rallying cry during the coronavirus pandemic. While it is true that COVID-19 has affected everyone in some way, the magnitude and nature of the impact has been anything but universal. Evidence to date suggests that black workers face much more economic and health insecurity from COVID-19 than white workers. Persistent racial disparities in health status, access to health care, wealth, employment, wages, housing, income, and poverty all contribute to greater susceptibility to the virus—both economically and physically.Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-80321394213921884522018-03-26T09:19:00.000-07:002019-10-22T15:31:43.935-07:00Asha is Back on The Block!<div style="text-align: center;">
After an unexpected loss, culturally competent victim services is Back!<br />
The Asha Project, (Asha) an initiative of End Domestic Abuse WI </div>
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2017/05/17/asha-project-brings-hope-domestic-abuse-sex-trafficking-victims/328951001/<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Asha Family Services, Inc., is no more after over 30 years of effective, dynamic and multi-faceted services; however, critical programming specific to cultural competency with African American victims is saved and is now used in an initiative under the State Coalition, End Domestic Abuse, WI. The Asha Project, (Asha) the new initiative provides culturally specific victim services for African American victims of domestic/sexual assault and trafficking. Asha utilizes the victim service model developed in 1988 under Asha Family Services, Inc. For over 30 years great success was achieved in culturally-relevant services to African-American victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and related violence in Milwaukee (MKE). Since January 2017, The Asha Project at End Abuse WI and it's logo, a Phoenix rising from helping hands captures the best of its former self. End Domestic Abuse WI (End Abuse), is the statewide coordinating entity of more than 70 domestic violence programs in WI. The relationship is unique and something to be watched for replicability. End Abuse has a 40-year history of grant management, providing technical assistance to support service delivery to victims, victim-serving organizations, systems, and policy advocacy. End Abuse is well-organized to manage the administrative aspects of this project, while the Asha Project personnel possess the depth of experience and skills to provide culturally-relevant services to victims in particularly African American communities. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><b>The Asha Project’s (TAP) </b>core beliefs about serving the populations identified are centered around understanding, appreciation, and consideration of historical trauma faced by the African-American community. TAP works from the values of respect, patience, identity, and love for the people and the community we work in. We are the population we serve. TAP is specifically designed to provide another option for victim services primarily for African-American and similar victims who will not seek services elsewhere. (1) </span><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"></span></b></div>
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<b>Highlight Human Trafficking Victim Services! </b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"> TAP </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">offers culturally<b></b>-specific services to victims of human trafficking who reside within African-American communities in Wisconsin. (1) </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">The primary role of the Human Trafficking Victim project includes:</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Conducting ongoing outreach and awareness activities to alert potential victims of services</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Identifying victims of sex trafficking</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Providing direct services to trafficking victims, as requested</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Working in collaboration with law enforcement and referring victims, as requested</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Providing support and advocacy to victims while they are engaged with law enforcement or the larger criminal justice system</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Cultural competency with African-American populations is the <i>hallmark</i> of The Asha Project (TAP) design. The TAP project director (Antonia Drew Vann) has over 30 years of training and experience in providing culturally specific and competent services to particularly African-American victims of domestic/sexual violence and sex trafficking both in the community and within prisons. <span style="font-style: normal;"> </span>TAP provides another option for African American domestic/sexual abuse and trafficking victims who will not access or limit their use of mainstream victim services for a variety of reasons. TAP’s services are informed by decades of experience serving the African-American community in Milwaukee. The service methods are designed by and for African American people, including field renowned academic scholars, to address both the historical trauma experienced by the African-American community in Milwaukee and the trauma of domestic/sexual abuse experienced by victims in the context of the African-American community. In other words, the context the violence was created in, determines the content of methods used. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">The target group of African American program participants often view a non-clinical, culturally embedded and familiar environment as comforting, non-threatening, and welcoming. The environment is the people, surroundings, the sounds of the community, food, music, and our artwork, exhibits and decor allow the target visitors to see and feel themselves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">The Asha Project (TAP) program subtitled, <i>Somebody’s Daughter </i>(SD) targets program participants particularly between the ages of 18 and 40, including victims who are sex-trafficked and refuse or avoid accessing mainstream services due to a historical mistrust of police and systems. SD clients receive intense culturally-responsive, non-judgmental, case management and community wraparound victim services. SD uses multiple social media platforms to identify, serve and investigate human trafficking cases. Clients often use word-of-mouth and social media avenues to vet us prior to engagement.</span></div>
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<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Somebody’s Daughter</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">(SD)– is designed to humanize victims of Human Trafficking including those who are or were involved in the criminal justice system due to force or coercion. Utilizing culturally-competent methods, Somebody’s Daughter offers a variety of supports identified by like victims. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">TAP is viscerally connected to the community it is created to serve. We are aware that there are remaining gaps in services for some victim groups, and we know experientially they are often younger women of color who are low income and reside in segregated, economically-depressed and fragile communities who remain underserved as they are often more difficult to reach. For them, we believe culture and economics play significant roles thus widening gaps in services that this project seeks to fill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Based on tips and referrals, we talk to older teens and young adult women victims of sex trafficking on the street and at community events about our program and options in the community to consider for help when they are ready. Currently, we receive such referrals from word of mouth, family and friends of victims and through social media networks. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.333332061767578px;">[1]</span></span></span></a>HT victims frequently reach out to TAP from surrounding communities such as Racine, Kenosha and Green Bay/Fox Valley. </div>
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Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-46383327872389527942016-09-20T09:10:00.003-07:002016-09-20T09:11:17.660-07:00Asha Ends Domestic Abuse and Sex Trafficking Victim Services<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"> After nearly three decades of serving
the African American community</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"> in both Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin, </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Asha Family Services,
Inc. (Asha), has discontinued its Sherman Park Community based services to
victims of domestic abuse and sex trafficking. As the only local provider of
culturally responsive services to African Americans in these cities, Asha has a
long, rich and successful history of providing exemplary victim services that
remain unmatched. The organization has designed and implemented innovative
programs, services, and strategies that are created by African Americans and
intended specifically to address the complex challenges faced by African American
victims in the community and all groups of victims housed within prisons. One of several unique qualities of Asha’s
victim service model is who benefits. Asha’s client base continues to be
approximately 66% African American, 28% White, 4% Native and 2% Latina. However,
Asha and the work of the agency have now come to an end.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"> After 28 years of support for its
culturally specific and other services to African American survivors from the
State of Wisconsin, Asha will no longer be receiving State Domestic Abuse funding.
For many years, Asha’s work was deeply valued and strongly supported by the
State of Wisconsin. Yet, in recent years, the shift in the state’s political
climate has created an environment where culturally responsive services focused
on helping those with the greatest needs is no longer a priority for some,
despite the wealth of evidence supporting the need for such services both
locally and nationally. A host of growing research continues to indicate a
strong need for culturally specific services particularly in minority
communities experiencing significant levels of poverty, unemployment, crime and
other social ills. Due to the lack of funds, we cannot continue our
critical work of supporting domestic abuse and sex trafficking survivors in the
community and within prisons. As such, it is painful to end the provision of
direct victim and abuser-behavior services in the community we love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 22.5pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 22.5pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"> Note that we have
ceased all Asha services that include: Regular office hours, Crisis calls and
response, Intake assessments, Advocacy and accompaniment, Individual
counseling, Case management, Youth and Teen Dating violence services, Anger
management, Ujima Men’s Services as well as work with victims and abusers in
prisons. We have transitioned our caseload of victims and survivors to other
supported domestic violence victim serving programs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 22.5pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 22.5pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"> Please
understand that the decision to dissolve the agency is terribly difficult. It is
not only the loss of access to community-based, culturally specific services
and employment for Asha employees, as well, it is a horrible loss to the
community and the State. For nearly 28 years, Asha continues to be the only
African American, culturally specific, domestic abuse organization in the State
of Wisconsin. Accompanying that, I am the only African American,
Executive Director of a domestic violence organization in the entire State,
comprised of 72 counties and over 73 victim-serving programs. This aspect in
itself has been arduous at times and extremely demanding. It is uncomfortable,
exhausting and burdensome, because I am the <i>only one</i>. Being the only one
to make certain that the voices of African American victims are heard, I am
often pulled in multiple directions daily to serve on committees and be present
at tables for meetings upon meetings. Simultaneously, I am challenged to be
present for discussions where policy is formed or for providing expertise in a variety of
areas such as, domestic abuse and sex trafficking victim services; cultural
competency with African American populations and 30 years of working with men
and women in prisons who are perpetrators and/or victims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 22.5pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 22.5pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt;">It has been an honor and a privilege to learn from and serve victims and survivors of abuse and violence in Wisconsin and across the country. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 22.5pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 22.5pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">It has
been an honor and privilege to work side-by-side with a host of incredibly
talented personnel and volunteers in service to all victims and to those in the
African American community of Milwaukee and Madison. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 22.5pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">It has been an honor and privilege to learn from and work along-side some of the smartest, passionate and courageous activists and advocates both locally and nationally. As well, it has been an honor to mentor some of the brightest rising advocates and those who are now shining stars in the field. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 22.5pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 22.5pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">It has been a humbling
journey. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"> Much
love and thanks to those who found value in our work. I continue to believe <i>God is in Control,</i> and prayerful that a
change will come. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">For further information: Contact Antonia Drew Vann at:
<u>antoniaadv@gmail.com</u></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>More to come!</i></span></div>
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Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-91274764627744029192015-05-09T11:41:00.001-07:002015-12-11T18:42:30.804-08:00Rape, Murder, Military and Coverup - ISeeNews: Abuse of Women in US Military - PFC LaVena Johnson - T...<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yy27jAcsrWY?list=PLvilzLtyuczWNw6zV75O5qekxJTf82pa3" width="480"></iframe><br />
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Warning: Some images in the ISeeNews youtube video are graphic.<br />
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<b>Rape, Murder, Military and Coverup</b></div>
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The words, Military + Rape + Murder + Cover Up should not even go together in the same sentence; or, should they and it's just my naiveté? In any case, like me, there are people who want to know about the death of 19 year old PFC LaVena Lynn Johnson who died in Iraq in 2005. This issue is not just about the shadowy and cloaked circumstances of LaVena's case which unfortunately is just one of many -- it's also about us as American citizens. </div>
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From 2005 to present day, LaVena's death remains embedded in the hearts and minds of those who love her most. Her parents will not 'stand down' and have sustained a vocal and vigilent campaign seeking justice. As American citizens, we need to be outraged and demand answers as to why LaVena Johnson's brutal death was ruled a 'suicide' by the Military. This heartbreaking story without an end in sight is alive and not going anywhere. This is just one of many stories that the military hopes will just go away. </div>
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LaVena was a world away in Iraq fighting for her country in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sadly and shamefully her death did not come at the hands or acts of combating forces but came at the hands of those she fought along side. The Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner said her death was a 'suicide'. Well...<b>LaVena's dead body told a very different story.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>In addition to a gun shot wound to the head, there was evidence of a sexual assault, she had a broken nose, loose and knocked out teeth, bite marks, facial abrasions, dislocated shoulder, acid burns on her genitals and her body was set on fire. AND, as for the gun shot, there was no bullet or bullet casing at the scene--WTH!! "Suicide??" -- that is insulting to say the least.<br />
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I am shocked to learn that the issue of sexual assaults, murder and the military is quite old, however, is inching further and further into the light. American citizens need to know what happened to this young woman. We need to know who is responsible for her death and why did the military rule this a suicide? Is the U.S. Army protecting individuals and covering up a brutal rape and murder?<br />
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Given the savagery and viciousness of LaVena's death, I find it hard to fathom that the military actually believed they could simply say her death was 'self inflicted' and folks would accept it and just walk away. Unbelievable!! <br />
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More to come!<br />
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Youtube video: ISeeNews - March 2012. The Silent Truth<br />
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Tags: LaVena Johnson, Military Sexual Assault, Murder in the military, military coverup.<br />
#whomurderedlavenajohnson, #sexualassaultinmilitary, #murderinmilitary</div>
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Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-34243732350840795392014-05-27T05:02:00.000-07:002014-05-27T05:02:36.416-07:00Incarceration Nation | Moyers & Michelle Alexander<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Link to full interview:<br />
<a href="http://billmoyers.com/episode/full-show-incarceration-nation/#.UrxXiB9mG1Q.blogger">Full Show: Incarceration Nation | Moyers & Company | BillMoyers.com</a><br />
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Michelle Alexander, author of the book, <b><i><u>The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness</u></i></b>, (2010) is candid in her interview on mass incarceration with Bill Moyers on his show, <b style="font-style: italic;">Moyers & Company. </b><br />
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Alexander,<b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>also an activist says there needs to be "abolition on the system of mass incarceration". She talks of being encouraged by<b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>the movement that she sees is building to end the system of mass incarceration in the U.S.<br />
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Moyers and Alexander discuss the issues and direct links to the "War on Drugs" born of the "Law & Order" movement that she states was in direct response to gains achieved by African Americans in the Civil Rights Movement. Alexander says, "A wave of punitiveness swept the nation...we failed to develop a moral consensus about how we treat one another".<br />
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Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-31004621582204114182013-09-24T07:39:00.001-07:002013-09-24T07:48:45.473-07:00Judge convicted of racketeering for selling Black Children <br />
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<a href="http://rollingout.com/criminal-behavior/judge-must-serve-28-years-after-making-2-million-for-sending-children-to-jail/#.Ufu0Eldq6XU.blogger">Judge must serve 28 years</a><br />
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<a href="http://blog.blacknews.com/2013/05/judge-mark-ciavarella-sentenced-selling-kids-prison-system101.html#.UcxsVOLOu3t.blogger">Pennsylvania Judge Sentenced For 28 Years For Selling Kids to the Prison System</a><br />
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<b><i>Click the two links above for the full stories.</i></b> Judge Mark A. Ciavarella, 63, was convicted of racketeering and sentenced to 28 years in prison for selling Black Children to private prisons.<br />
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Filled prison beds means increased profits for correctional facilities AND in this case, increased personal profit for Judge Ciavarella and his comrade, Judge Conahan. These 'bound by the law' individuals received more than $2.6 million dollars from PA Child Care, the privately run youth center for making sure that their prison beds were kept filled. </div>
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Juveniles with minor offenses would be sentenced for months and even years for the love of money! As well, because Race matters only one particular group were those primarily sold. One teenage girl was sentenced to three months in jail…" for creating a MySpace page that mocked her school’s assistant principal." "Ciavarella also sentenced another teen to 90 days in jail after a simple schoolyard fight."</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has overturned some 4,000 convictions issued by him between 2003 and 2008, claiming he violated the constitutional rights of the juveniles – including the right to legal counsel and the right to intelligently enter a plea. Some of the juveniles he sentenced were as young as 10-years old.</span></div>
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Ciaverella is also ordered to pay $1 million in restitution.</div>
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Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-86514461580111474852013-09-24T07:11:00.000-07:002013-09-24T07:11:37.495-07:00SHOCKING - Human Trafficking statistics <a href="http://www.catholic.org/hf/faith/story.php?id=45587#.UWICTXJTqIM.blogger">SHOCKING - Share these human trafficking statistics with your friends -- if you can handle them - Living Faith - Home & Family - Catholic Online</a>\<br />
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HUMAN TRAFFICKING:<br />
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NUMBER OF VICTIMS AT ANY GIVEN TIME ....2.4 MILLION<br />
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PERCENTAGE OF VICTIMS EXPLOITED FOR SEXUAL SLAVERY ....80 PERCENT<br />
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NUMBER OF VICTIMS EXPLOITED AS FORCED LABOR (SLAVES) ....17 PERCENT<br />
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RATIO OF FEMALE TO MALE SLAVES (Including Children) .... TWO OF THREE<br />
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ANNUAL VALUE OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN DOLLARS ....$32 BILLION<br />
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AVERAGE COST OF ONE HUMAN SLAVE ....$90 USD<br />
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ODDS OF RESCUE ....ONE CHANCE IN ONE HUNDRED<br />
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Most victims of human trafficking unknowingly enter the market after being lured by promises of work and opportunities by predatory individuals and organizations. Others are children that are literally sold into slavery by parents as a means to pay debt or to reduce the number of children they must feed. <br />
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Women tend to be the most frequent victims. This may be because they are fleeing gender inequality, forced marriages, or other misogynistic practices back home. In so doing, they get caught up in a cure that is worse than the disease. And sex appears to be the predominant use of females slaves. Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-11821685318003553622013-07-22T17:37:00.000-07:002013-07-23T14:57:25.017-07:00Welcome Milwaukee Buck's Coach Larry Drew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Come out to meet and greet Coach Larry Drew, the new Head Coach of the Milwaukee Bucks! FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2013 from 5pm to 9pm at the beautiful river front restaurant - Ryan Braun's Graffito. In doing so at this event, you will help support the work of Asha Family Services, Inc., a 24 yr old non-profit domestic abuse prevention agency in ending domestic and sexual violence in our communities! Ticket donations are $50.00 (includes food and drink specials). This is a family friendly event. As a matter of fact, to support the work of the agency, my daughter ordered the first 2 tickets to bring my 13 year old grandson!<br />
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A new business friend recently said, "Everyone can do something"... to help end violence and abuse in our homes and relationships!<br />
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<b>SILENT AUCTION ITEMS ARE AMAZING!! The event's Auctioneer is Business Community Celebrity Ms. Martha Love!!</b><br />
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<b>ITEM 1) <u>The Milwaukee Bucks Honorary Team Attendant Package! OMG!! </u></b>This includes an opportunity for a youth (ages 10-17) to serve as a <b>Honorary Team Attendant</b> for one game during the 2013-14 Season!! AND...comes with four (4) complimentary game tickets AND... an opportunity to watch pre-game warm-up!!!!<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">ITEM 2) Milwaukee Bucks Behind the Scenes VIP Photo Experience! OMG!!</u> This includes tickets for four (4) to attend a 2013-14 season game...HOLD ON THERE IS MORE!!! This also includes a Milwaukee Bucks Center Larry Sanders Autographed Jersey, AND, an opportunity to watch pre-game warm ups AND a chance to snap a photo pre-game with Bucks Center Larry Sanders!!!<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">ITEM 3) Dinner For Ten!! Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue! OMG!! </u>This includes dinner for TEN - 8 guests plus the attendance of Coach Drew and his guest in the private dining room of the new Milwaukee downtown Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue Restaurant. This is a great GIFT!<br />
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<b><u>ITEM 4) Dom P'erignon Champagne Basket!! </u>A beautifully packaged basket of Dom Perignon and treats!!! </b><br />
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<b>ITEM 5) <u>Premium Wine Basket!! Beautifully package with a selection of treats!</u></b><br />
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<b> ITEM 6)</b><u><b> Gorgeous flowing train wedding gown!! </b></u>Victoria's Beaded Wedding Gown (size 10)<br />
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<b><u>ITEM 7) $250 Tattoo Certificate</u></b> - Serenity Ink Tattoo Shop Also two (2) Original Framed Wall Hangings.<br />
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Learn more about Asha or consider a donation of any kind at www.ashafamilyservices.org <br />
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MORE TO COME!!Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-13888894823866674652013-04-30T17:55:00.001-07:002013-04-30T17:55:44.015-07:00Domestic Violence Advocate Loses Her Life to Domestic Violence!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rhodescharapata.com/fh_live/12800/12860/images/obituaries/2077303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="Patricia " border="0" hspace="10" src="http://www.rhodescharapata.com/fh_live/12800/12860/images/obituaries/2077303.jpg" trissa="" waschbisch="" width="150" /></a><a href="http://www.rhodescharapata.com/fh_live/12800/12860/images/obituaries/2077303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Domestic Abuse Advocates across the State of Wisconsin mourn the loss of one of their own.</em></strong> </div><br />
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<strong><em>Patricia "Trissa" Waschbisch</em></strong> 45, a dedicated Advocate at Rainbow House in Marinette, WI courageously helped many victims of domestic abuse get to safety. Tragically, Trissa herself was murdered by her boyfriend the evening of Sunday, April 28, 2013.<br />
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As an Advocate myself, Trissa's loss to domestic violence is so <strong><u>surreal.</u></strong> <br />
It gives stark clarity to phrases many advocates use: Domestic Violence does not care about your race, religion or age. Domestic Violence does not care about how much money you make or Degrees you hold. Domestic Violence does not care about who you are, what you do, where you live and can impact <strong><u>any one</u></strong> at <strong><u>any time.</u></strong> <br />
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Trissa's warm smile and presence will be deeply missed by her beloved family and the Advocates she worked along side in the daily fight against domestic violence. <br />
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What I know about Advocates is that they share a deepened strength and resolve. Trissa did not die in vain. Her death I am sure will unify and fuel the spirits and souls of Advocates alike.<br />
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Click the link below to Trissa's Obituary<br />
<a href="http://www.rhodescharapata.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2077303&fh_id=12860#.UYBWHJrSGc0.blogger">Obituary For: Patricia "Trissa" Waschbisch | Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home</a></div>Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-17158294075051302292013-03-07T17:10:00.001-08:002013-03-07T17:10:14.849-08:00RAPE IN THE MILITARY -The Invisible War Official Trailer - Kirby Dick Movie (2012) HD<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><u>RAPE, VIOLENCE AND THE ABUSE OF WOMEN IN THE MILITARY</u></strong></div><strong><u></u></strong><br />
<strong>500,000 military women have been raped while serving. A woman in the military is more likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than killed by the enemy.</strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<strong><u>Invisible War</u></strong> Movie Trailer # 1 <a href="http://youtu.be/3fBaFQk6aE0">http://youtu.be/3fBaFQk6aE0</a><br />
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<strong><u>Invisible War</u></strong> Movie Trailer # 2 <a href="http://youtu.be/5kGGvzRPpNI">http://youtu.be/5kGGvzRPpNI</a><br />
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<u><strong>Invisible War</strong></u> The Devil is in the <span style="color: red;">DETAILS</span>....The devastating impact of rape and assaults on returning military women and their families: <a href="http://youtu.be/L2KvCmARV9Q">http://youtu.be/L2KvCmARV9Q</a><br />
Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-24483870403543324692013-03-07T10:02:00.001-08:002013-03-07T10:19:15.664-08:00Congresswoman Gwen Moore received Justice for ALL Victims!VAWA cleared the House! Congresswoman Gwen Moore received justice for all victims!<br />
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President Obama signs VAWA into Law today March 7, 2013 1:55pm EST<br />
- <a href="http://www.c-span.org/Live-Video/C-SPAN/">http://www.c-span.org/Live-Video/C-SPAN/</a></div>
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Congresswoman Gwen Moore fights for Tribal women Protections.<br />
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Included in President Obama's statement on the House Passage of VAWA...<br />
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"<span style="background-color: white;"><strong>I want to thank leaders from both parties – especially Leader Pelosi, Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Senator Leahy – for everything they’ve done to make this happen. Renewing this bill is an important step towards making sure no one in America is forced to live in fear, and I look forward to signing it into law as soon as it hits my desk."</strong></span></blockquote>
Link to The War Room video <br />
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<a href="http://current.com/shows/the-war-room/videos/on-vawa-gwen-moore-gave-voice-to-all-those-women-in-the-shadows">http://current.com/shows/the-war-room/videos/on-vawa-gwen-moore-gave-voice-to-all-those-women-in-the-shadows</a><br />
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SHE-RO!!<br />
<strong><u>Women's History Month Tidbit</u></strong>:<br />
<a class="image" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:GSM_Official_Headshot.jpg"><img alt="" height="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/db/GSM_Official_Headshot.jpg/220px-GSM_Official_Headshot.jpg" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/db/GSM_Official_Headshot.jpg/330px-GSM_Official_Headshot.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/db/GSM_Official_Headshot.jpg/440px-GSM_Official_Headshot.jpg 2x" width="132" /></a>In celebration of Women's History Month, it is important to know that Congresswoman Gwen Moore is the first African-American woman in Wisconsin history to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Gwen Moore took her official oath of office on January 4, 2005. In January of 2011, Congresswoman Moore was elected Democratic Co-Chair of the Congressional Women’s Caucus by her fellow female colleagues. In this capacity, she has become a leader on issues like health insurance reform, women's health, domestic violence and maternal and infant mortality – problems that affect women both at home and abroad. She served as Democratic Vice Chair from 2009 to 2011. Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-7368899201451045312013-03-03T13:22:00.002-08:002013-03-03T13:22:42.905-08:00Murder at Home and Returning Military: In his own words<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u>Murder at Home and Returning Military</u></strong></div>
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Returning Iraq war vet Benjamin Sebena age 30, ambushed and murdered his wife (top photo below), Wauwatosa Police Officer Jennifer Sebena also age 30 in the early morning hours of Christmas Eve 2012 while she was on duty. Domestic Violence is critical to us all on yet another level. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQjqqH-er8M/UTOsgMNgnoI/AAAAAAAAANs/HAwEszjrSm8/s1600/DV+Homicide+and+Military+Sebena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQjqqH-er8M/UTOsgMNgnoI/AAAAAAAAANs/HAwEszjrSm8/s1600/DV+Homicide+and+Military+Sebena.jpg" /></a>Slain Officer Jennifer Sebena</div>
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Reporter, Dan Egan of The Journal/Sentinel captured the video of returning Marine, Benjamin Sebena before his church who had posted the video on YouTube took it down. Click the http link below to see the powerful 10 minute video of Benjamin Sebena (pictured below) in his own words describing in detail the effects of war he experienced. Benjamin Sebena, states that while in Iraq, <strong><em><u>he watched 50 of his friends die; He himself killed people including a child who tried to kill him</u></em></strong>.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L8sWV5wAzAM/UTOtkdy6rZI/AAAAAAAAAN0/_l2JFEU41hc/s1600/DV+Homicide+and+Military+sebena_benjamin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L8sWV5wAzAM/UTOtkdy6rZI/AAAAAAAAAN0/_l2JFEU41hc/s1600/DV+Homicide+and+Military+sebena_benjamin.jpg" /></a>Returning Marine Benjamin Sebena charged with wife's murder.</div>
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<a href="http://bcove.me/cntoxht1">http://bcove.me/cntoxht1</a><br />
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The video, was made for Elmbrook Church's No Regrets Men's Conference in 2010. The video is compelling as Benjamin Sebena talks about his experience as a Marine in Iraq and how the church helped him after his two tours of duty were finished. Happier times are seen in the photo of Jennifer and Benjamin below, however, a lot more help for Benjamin was greatly needed.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5g8Bou4ln2Y/UTOwAMPZAaI/AAAAAAAAAN8/_6ec3__0JmU/s1600/DV+Homicide+and+Military+Sebena+Benjamin+and+Jennifer+MJS_tosacop_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5g8Bou4ln2Y/UTOwAMPZAaI/AAAAAAAAAN8/_6ec3__0JmU/s320/DV+Homicide+and+Military+Sebena+Benjamin+and+Jennifer+MJS_tosacop_1.jpg" width="320" /></a>Benjamin said, "I came back home to Wisconsin and started spending more time with Jen and our love flourished. We became actually infatuated with each other and then one day I asked her if she would be happy to spend the rest of her life with me and she said yes." </div>
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As we know today, the experiences of Benjamin in Iraq, came home with him and the devastating effects of combat continue to have wide-spread Ripple of Consequence on many who knew them.<br />
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Consequences for victims are wide and they include domestic violence, sexual assault, murder and murder/suicide to name a few.<br />
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Benjamin Sebena said, "<strong><u>We're trained to kill</u></strong>. We're trained that death is OK. Wasn't trained how to deal with the death, but we're definitely trained to kill."<br />
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As an Advocate and practitioner in the field of violence against women, I ask myself, what role did we as a Nation and communities play in failing both THE Jennifer's and Benjamin's in this country? You see, this is not an isolated case. There are many other such cases around the country. We often do not make the link between military and domestic violence because we don't get the information. What is concerning is the fact that too often, we are not linking and/or the media is not reporting in cases of murder, shootings and aggravated assaults...that the perpetrators in these incidents have military backgrounds.</div>
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It must be addressed...What can we do better to heal the wounded returning and save the lives of others at home? Reality Check Folks: There are returning vets already home and more are coming. What Benjamin Sebena describes in his video is not isolated to him. Did we prepare for this? In addition to that, we must ask ourselves, what about the returning Contractors who are working right along side deployed Military personnel? </div>
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We can't forget about them.</div>
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More to come!Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-92082507892259504632013-02-27T10:07:00.001-08:002013-02-27T10:07:31.373-08:00Abused Military Wife Speaks Out<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hucwxMhIdHA" width="459"></iframe><br />
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Fortunately, this military wife survived violent and brutal assaults by her husband. The military said they washed their hands of him and she was just left to deal with what he had become, what he was trained to do. <br />
<strong><span style="color: #00440f; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #00440f; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">Heres a few kickers, not only are we seeing increases in homicides and near fatals perpetrated by military personnel...this fact is not always immediately disclosed. </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #00440f; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #00440f; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">As well, we do not currently have a Lethality Assessment to better inform police, criminal justice and practitioners and one must be developed. Although no one can determine that a homicide will occur among intimates, an appropriate and specific Assessment for this group, will alert us to the factors or characteristics that indicate a homicide is probable or imminent. That information gives us the ability to take heightened actions necessary to better keep victims safe. It is dangerous for victims to inform us "later" that "Oh, by the way, he was deployed to Saudi Arabia, Iraq or Afghanistan"</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #00440f; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #00440f; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">As we inquire and interview victims and military personnel, we are learning a number of things (flaws) that are harmful to victims and the community. One for example is that if an individual (Military) is "Dishonorably Discharged" he is not eligible for certain benefits, such as adequate mental health care!! WTH!! </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #00440f; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #00440f; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">Those "Honorably Discharged" are asked a few questions and they are deemed ok and sent home. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #00440f; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">How can the military be allowed to create a killing machine and wash their hands and pockets ($$) of him/her and set them loose back in the community! </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #00440f; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #00440f; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">OK! OK! If the discharge is dishonorable, don't pay for college, or a loan towards home ownership, but take responsibility for your role in creating these such individuals and treat them <u>before</u> you loose them back into families and communities that are ill equipped to deal with them. Some of these individuals are killing their wives and others around them, annihilating their families and commiting suicide. The DoD cannot just wash their hands and negate the fact that these individuals were trained and they did serve!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Be informed</u>. Below are some items I found in my search where we can educate ourselves:</span></strong><br />
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<em>Family violence in the military : a review of the literature.</em>Rentz, E. Danielle. Martin, Sandra L. Gibbs, Deborah A. Clinton-Sherrod, Monique. Hardison, Jennifer. Marshall, Stephen W.<br />
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill<br />
Journal Article<br />
Copyright<br />
Published: April 2006<br />
Trauma, violence and abuse<br />
Vol. 7, p. 93-108<br />
Available from: Sage Publications<br />
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Domestic Violence & Military Personnel Returning Home: Deaths and Near Fatal Death Occurrances are taking surmounting toll on victims, families, communities and resources. Family violence, including both child maltreatment and spouse abuse, is a public health concern in both military and civilian populations. However, there is limited knowledge concerning violence in military families relative to civilian families. This literature review critically reviews studies that examine child maltreatment and spouse abuse among military families and compares family violence in military versus nonmilitary populations. <u><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Physical abuse and neglect compose the majority of the reported and substantiated cases of child maltreatment in military families, followed by sexual abuse and emotional abuse. On the other hand, physical abuse represents more than 90% of all substantiated cases of spouse abuse in military families, followed by emotional abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse.</span></strong></u><br />
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<span style="background-color: magenta;"> X X X X X X X X X</span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">This is a snipet of a document my advocates will surely use!</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong><em> </em></strong></span></span></div>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></b></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></b></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Battered Women's Justice Project</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV) AND COMBAT EXPERIENCE </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span><b><span style="font-family: Cambria,Cambria;"><span style="font-family: Cambria,Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">VICTIM ADVOCATE GUIDE</span> </span></span></b></div>
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What is the relationship between the effects of war and IPV? Does having been in combat cause IPV? (Intimate Partner Violence)</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;">There is no one answer to this question. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;">While most returning military personnel have readjustment and stress issues, </span></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;">most do not become abusive to their partners and/or families</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;">. However: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;">• There are reports of increased violence upon return in some relationships with a history of controlling behavior and/or physical violence prior to deployment. <br /><br />and <br /><br />• There are reports of psychological and/or physical violence upon return from the war in some relationships with </span></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;">no </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;">history of violence prior to deployment, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;">Military members, including active duty military, Reserve, and National Guard personnel, learn combat skills and function in </span></span><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">a battle mindset </span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: small;"></span></i><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;">to survive in the combat zone, but this mindset and the accompanying combat skills may create problems when transitioning home. It can be difficult to change back to a "civilian" mindset upon returning home. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow,Arial Narrow; font-size: small;">• Most people coming from war zones will have stress reactions and will need to readjust to being home. This can be especially intense during the first months. These common stress reactions are a normal part of readjustment. Anger, anxiety, fear, aggression, and/or withdrawal are common war-zone stress reactions. Even minor incidents can lead to over-reactions. <br /><br />• Stress reactions and problems that last for months can affect relationships, work, and overall well-being, if not addressed. A person may be coping with stress by drinking, taking drugs, withdrawing, isolating, and/or he/she may be having sudden emotional outbursts. <br /><br />• Many combat veterans who experience combat-related mental health problems (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)) do not seek treatment either when they are active duty or when they become veterans. </span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow;">What health/mental health issues are related to military experience in a combat zone? </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) </span></span></i><br /> </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many of the common reactions to experience in the war are also symptoms of more serious problems such as PTSD. PTSD is a serious but treatable condition that can occur after experiencing a traumatic event(s) that involved death or injury to self or others. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Symptoms include: </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">* </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Experiencing intrusive, bad memories of a traumatic event. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">* </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Avoiding things that might trigger memories of the traumatic event, such as crowded places, loud noises, etc. * </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shutting down emotionally to prevent feeling pain, fear, or anger. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">* </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Operating on "high-alert" at all times, having very short fuses, and/or startling easily. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">* </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Experiencing sleep problems, irritability, anger, or fear. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">• In PTSD, symptoms are much more intense and troubling and don’t go away. If these symptoms don’t decrease over a few months, they can cause problems in daily life and relationships. It can be difficult to be with someone with PTSD. </span></span></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow;">Another BWJP document that stands out is done by <br />Jane Sadusky, 2010</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: #00440f; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #00440f; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #00440f; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Collaborating for Safety: Coordinating the Military and Civilian Response to Domestic Violence – Elements and Tools</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>These documents are viewable at: </strong></span><a href="http://www.bwjp.org/"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>www.bwjp.org</strong></span></a><strong> </strong></div>
</span>More is surely to come...</span></span><br /></div>
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Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-23645595077784172152013-02-27T09:03:00.000-08:002013-02-27T09:03:42.731-08:00Veteran Recounts Killing His Wife<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>Murder and Mayhem hitched a ride with some Military personnel and Contractors returning home to the US from Afghanistan and Iraq only to land right smack into families, homes, and communities on domestic soil.</u></strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not only is Domestic Violence (DV) itself a major problem in families and communities, it is in fact, a major public health issue that is at epidemic proportions and is costing Billions of dollars and numerous lives. Currently, so is the intersection of DV with returning military personnel and contracting affiliates. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A critical factor in both areas (DV and DV in Military families) is the issue of Mental Health that seems to be wedded to both areas... We have to talk about this!</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently conducted a brief search on DV and the Military to see what was out there. I found multiple documents on Task Forces established, Joint Meetings conducted and groups who gathered and publications prepared that outline policies, recommendations, practice and collaborations between civilian domestic abuse victim groups and military personnel. Obviously people know this is a problem. What is confusing (to me anyway) is why this information was not widely shared or a push for dissemination of this information has not yet filtered down to front-line advocates, police and criminal justice personnel in cities who are daily faced with the carnage and aftermath of domestic violence homicides or near fatal homicides involving military or affiliate personnel. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From my view, too few of us in the "field" of domestic violence are knowledgeable or equipped to deal with this intersection of DV and Military and Affiliate Personnel which is different from how we handle DV incidents and situations advocates have worked on over the past 30 plus years. This "<strong>thing</strong>" is a new "<strong>Beast</strong>" with many facets to it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As an advocate, I know some of what I know about this issue from Debby Tucker, the Executive Director at the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence in Austin, TX. Debby served as co-chair of the U.S. Department of Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence (DTFDV). The Task Force examined responses to both offenders and victims and made recommendations for improvement of systems and collaboration with civilian groups, and reported annually to Congress. One Congressional achievement is the passage of the Armed Forces Domestic Security Act, by Representative Robin Hayes, (R-NC), who in just three months ensured full faith and credit enforcement of protection orders issued by civilian courts on military land. Where is this at now??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bringing this issue home as I am certain other cities can do the same...a recent succession of domestic violence homicides and near fatal homicides with the majority involving military personnel brings to mind a stern warning to the "field", made by Dr. Gail Wyatt, UCLA in her keynote address at an IDVAAC Conference <a href="http://www.idvaac.org/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.idvaac.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, a few years ago. To summarize, she said we (the field) must get prepared to respond to the greatest spike we will see in domestic violence incidents and death due to military personnel returning home. Since that time Dr. Wyatt said that, I have not able to table it to a back burner because she was adamant and deliberate in what and how she stated the concern. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Practitioners are seeing such cases now and the numbers are mounting. How can we begin to get a handle on this? There is some good information out there to educated ourselves on this issue and can use that as a base, however, each community must begin to come up with strategies collectively in work groups, CCRs, Task Forces, etc., on how to coordinate practices to deal with this issue that is destroying so many lives... Then too, there is the issue of the number of suicides by returning military, which is another issue and affirms that something is really not working.</span></span><br />
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<br />Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-81090065102495773482013-02-16T08:41:00.001-08:002013-02-16T08:56:18.622-08:00UW-Milwaukee One Billion Rising<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/X_Txtq5C-bM" width="480"></iframe><br />
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Asha Family Services participated in the UWM Women's Resource Center One Billion Rising flash mob to RISE against violence against women and girls.<br />
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<strong>STRIKE, DANCE, RISE!</strong> End domestic violence, sexual violence, sex and human trafficking, child abuse, female mutilations, slave labor. <br />
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Together we can end violence and abuse against women and girls.Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-64601116619201403332013-01-22T17:23:00.001-08:002014-05-27T09:10:25.606-07:00UPDATE: Sara Kruzan Paroled!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sara Kruzan was Finally Paroled!</b></div>
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UPDATE: Sex trafficking victim, Sara Kruzan was released after serving 19 years in prison for killing her abusive pimp at the age of 17. Her sentence was "life". Sold for sex since she was 13, Sara's release finally came the Fall of 2013. To find out or review how Sara arrived at this point (a free woman), see earlier posts below, but for now, she is free...well, at least free from the confines of prison walls.<br />
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I am thankful and delighted she is released and I wish her well in her journey of healing from such a crushing history of trauma-after-trauma that began at such a young age. I am certain that Sara celebrates the her new found freedom of movement, movies, dinner out and especially having the ability to look, touch, and see those who care about her and love her. Wonderful and joyous right? It is, it truly is,...however, that freedom does not come without its own brand of constraints. Having a felony conviction or being on parole are the tentacles of an incarceration system that will limit or impede her access to things such as what we might deem as basic human rights...e.g. housing, education, employment.<br />
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The Board of Parole Hearings recommendation to release Sara in 2012 was allowed to go through by Governor Jerry Brown. Don't high-five that! You may want to see the City Watch Archive on Sara's release. Reporter Dick Price gives the details...the devil is always in the details, and he puts the spin on our system of incarceration you may not have considered highlighting "Small Steps" and "Sleight of Hand". Visit Citywatchla.com or Click link to story: http://www.citywatchla.com/archive/5977-sara-kruzan-s-small-step?tmpl<br />
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Essentially, Sara stepped into a new world as hers seemingly stood still. I wonder how she will fare. We will keep watch. Wish you well young lady.<br />
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January 2013<br />
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<strong><u>NEW DEVELOPMENTS</u></strong>: Sara Kruzan, a child victim of neglect, sexual abuse and human trafficking, now age 35, may finally be free in the near future! As outlined in previous ADVOCATE posts... at age 16, Sara killed the pedophile pimp G.G. whom she met when she was age 11 and he was 31 years of age. By the time she was age 13, he was having sex with her, abusing her and had her working the streets, selling her body for him. Sara was charged as an "Adult" and sentenced to Life without the possibility of Parole. Click story link below:<br />
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<a href="http://www.pe.com/local-news/riverside-county/riverside/riverside-headlines-index/20130118-sara-kruzan-case-conviction-reduced-parole-possible.ece">http://www.pe.com/local-news/riverside-county/riverside/riverside-headlines-index/20130118-sara-kruzan-case-conviction-reduced-parole-possible.ece</a><br />
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Staff Writer, Richard K. DeAtley of Press Enterprise has been following the progression of this case closely. <br />
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During a recent hearing January 18, 2013, before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Gary Tranbarger, the District Attorney's Office did not oppose a defense motion to have Kruzan's conviction reduced from first-degree to second-degree murder with a gun use allegation. </blockquote>
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The modified charges changed her sentence to 19-years-to-life in prison, making her eligible for parole. Sara has been incarcerated now for just over 19 years. A Hearing before the State Parole Board is expected by July. </blockquote>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Below is the succession of events that brought her case to the forefront:</span></strong><br />
<strong><u>* In 2006</u></strong>, advocacy group Human Rights Watch wanted to bring attention to the injustices in juvenile sentencing. They chose the case of Sara Kruzan and conducted a videotaped interview with Sara in prison. Sara's story of childhood abuse, neglect and eventually sexual exploitation and the subsequent killing of her former pimp was powerful, however few took notice.<br />
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<strong><u>*In 2009</u></strong>, a friend of Sara's began to use the Human Rights Watch video produced of Sara's story and began to use social media to spread the video on YouTube to draw attention and direct people to her plea for help website.<br />
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<strong><u>*In 2009</u></strong>, actress Demi Moore saw the story. Using her Twitter account she shared the video of Sara's story and stated, <em><strong>“She was a child. Unprotected. I think she deserves a 2nd chance. Do you?”</strong></em> The response was overwhelming and the Human Rights video went viral!<br />
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Demi Moore's interest and sharing of the video brought wide-spread attention. People from around the country and abroad were outraged by the injustice and began Face book groups, Blogs, Tweets and linkage to on-line petitions for Sara that had been virtually dormant. Even Pro-bono Attorneys took interest as well as those in Violence Against Women and Children movements and Sex Trafficking.<br />
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Sara's case became linked to human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children.<br />
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<strong>*In October, 2012</strong>, The Dr. Phil Show picked up the story and did a full segment that included Actress Mira Sorvino "Trade of Innocents" who works to combat human trafficking. Dr. Phil's show also used the Human Rights video, as well as conduct an on-stage interview with Sara's mother and Sara's paternal aunt who is one of Sara's greatest supports. Sara's mother did not fare well on the show. Dr Phil told her she was in "complete denial" and not truthful. She came off as a key source of how and why Sara as a child was "dropped" and thrown into the deadly, twisted world of sex trafficking.<br />
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A plan has come together!<br />
Hopefully the case of <strong><u>Marissa Alexander,</u></strong> wrongfully convicted and serving 20 years unjustly in Florida will garner a similar outcome. <br />
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Much More to come!Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-6076144923377394872013-01-03T10:39:00.000-08:002013-01-03T10:39:32.969-08:00Rapists PUT ON NOTICE!! Detroit Rape Kit Probe<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(AP Photo by Carlos Osorio)</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Rapists are ON NOTICE!</span></strong> </div>
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Click Storylink - <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/08/28/rapists-beware-detroit-prosecutor-ids-21-attackers-in-rape-kit-probe.html">Rapists, Beware: Detroit Prosecutor IDs 21 Attackers in ‘Rape Kit’ Probe</a><br />
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Over 11,000 Rape Kits sat and continued to pile up in a Detroit Police warehouse spanning years but an Advocate, Detroit Prosecutor, Kym Worthy was being prepared and equipped to bring them to a resolution. Worthy, a survivor herself, has been on a mission to get those rape kits tested and perpetrators exposed and brought to justice. I am a witness that God is in control.<br />
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Worthy was successful in getting one of the first federal grants to address the rape kit backlog. I can only imagine that to everyone's horror, one of the rape kits finally tested exposed the work of a deadly serial rapist and lives were needlessly lost due to the rape kits not being tested in time. <br />
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Prosecutor, Kym Worthy tells Reporter Abigail Pesta, "<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong><em>A convicted rapist named Shelly Andre Brooks had raped and murdered five women <u>after</u> raping a woman whose kit was just recently entered into the database. If that rape kit had been tested and entered into the database sooner, the man could have been caught sooner—and five women’s lives could have been saved”.</em></strong><br />
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No doubt as the Rape Kit testing continues, they will surely expose more crimes beyond the rapes themselves as in the case above. Advocates in the field who work with victims of sexual assaults will want to follow this. What Worthy's initiative is able to accomplish in Detroit by heating up cold cases and bringing them to "Closed", may very well impact other cities across the country with stockpiled rape kits that continue to go untested. Prosecutor Kym Worthy is a woman-on-fire to watch!<br />
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More to come!<br />
<br />Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-40028670428036650832013-01-03T09:21:00.001-08:002013-01-03T09:54:51.643-08:00The Devil In The Details around Rape Kits<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0" height="225" id="flashObj" width="300"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=1554124089001&linkBaseURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedailybeast.com%2Farticles%2F2012%2F08%2F28%2Frapists-beware-detroit-prosecutor-ids-21-attackers-in-rape-kit-probe.html&playerID=1140772469001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAAAEDRq0~,qRcfDOX2mNtWW87VePrJiaFRXUo43tGn&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=1554124089001&linkBaseURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedailybeast.com%2Farticles%2F2012%2F08%2F28%2Frapists-beware-detroit-prosecutor-ids-21-attackers-in-rape-kit-probe.html&playerID=1140772469001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAAAEDRq0~,qRcfDOX2mNtWW87VePrJiaFRXUo43tGn&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="300" height="225" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" swLiveConnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object><br />
Newsweek, The Daily Beast Reporter, Abigail Pesta describes the devil-in-the-details around the more than 11,000 Rape Kits that languished in a warehouse.<br />
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Top Prosecutor Kym Worthy is determined to finally bring justice to the victims.Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-12405514515117444072012-12-16T08:07:00.002-08:002012-12-16T08:07:44.567-08:00Presidential Memorandum -- Intersection of HIV/AIDS, Violence Against Women and Girls, and Gender-related Health Disparities | The White House<a href="http://wh.gov/nRj">Presidential Memorandum -- Establishing a Working Group on the Intersection of HIV/AIDS, Violence Against Women and Girls, and Gender-related Health Disparities | The White House</a><br />
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The Presidential Blog informs us that there are approximately 1.2 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States, including more than <strong>290,000 women</strong>. Black and Hispanic women account for nearly three-quarters of new HIV infections among women.<br />
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In July 2010, President Obama launched the first <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/onap/nhas">National HIV/AIDS Strategy</a> to provide a coordinated national response to fight the epidemic.<br />
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Last week, (December, 2012) as part of these ongoing efforts, President Obama issued a <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/03/30/presidential-memorandum-establishing-working-group-intersection-hivaids-">presidential memorandum</a> establishing an inter-agency working group on the <strong><u>intersection of HIV/AIDS, violence against women and girls, and gender-related health disparities.</u></strong><br />
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On Wednesday, the co-chairs of the working group, Lynn Rosenthal, the White House Advisor on Violence Against Women and Dr. Grant Colfax, the Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy, will join us for a special session of office hours on Twitter to take your questions on the intersection of HIV/AIDS, violence against women, and gender-related health disparities and the importance of supporting continued research, mobilizing both the public- and private-sector, and engaging families and communities.Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-26147201455230309152012-12-09T14:20:00.000-08:002012-12-09T14:20:39.971-08:00NCADV Press Release Murder-Suicide in KCThe murder of Kasandra Perkins, a new mother and daughter took place at the hands of her boyfriend, Jovan Belcher, a son and new father who happened to be an NFL ball player...specifically, a Kansas City Chief. Shortly after Jovan killed Kasandra, he then killed himself. <br />
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Domestic violence is a "mean thing" that is highly complex. It has devastating, rippling effects for all. It is not a private matter. It impacts the lives of many including the community as a whole. Domestic violence is our business!<br />
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<strong> Domestic violence does not care about "who" you are, what you do, how much you make, where you live; nor does it care about your race, age, religion, economic status or educational level.</strong> <br />
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Take a moment to read the Press Release recently issued by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><strong><em>“The important thing to remember is that <u>most</u>
men are <u>not</u> abusive,” says Rita Smith, Executive Director of NCADV. “If
most of those good and caring men began to speak out about the use of violence
against someone they say they love, we could really begin to see a reduction in
that happening.” Rita Smith, Executive Director, NCADV</em></strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-giQHXAQL4/UMUJ72bgeTI/AAAAAAAAAJI/6jOi_NBo2Dc/s1600/Blog+NCADV+Press+Release+Murder+Suicide+KC+Dec+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-giQHXAQL4/UMUJ72bgeTI/AAAAAAAAAJI/6jOi_NBo2Dc/s640/Blog+NCADV+Press+Release+Murder+Suicide+KC+Dec+2012.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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The direct link to the NCADV Press Release and to learn more on what you can do and what you need to know about domestic violence can be found at their website: <a href="http://www.ncadv.org/">www.ncadv.org</a> </div>
Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-57669799804649045242012-11-28T18:44:00.000-08:002012-11-28T18:54:36.617-08:00Girls Tell Horrific Stories At Trial Of Pimp Known As ‘P Child’ « CBS Chicago<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>SEX TRAFFICKER GETS 50 YEAR SENTENCE</strong></div>
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<img alt="Datqunn Sawyer" class="attachment-single-post-main-thumbnail wp-post-image" height="225" src="http://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/sawyer.jpg?w=300" width="300" /><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/10mmubo.jpg" /><br />
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CLICK LINK: <a href="http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/11/15/girls-tell-horrific-stores-at-trial-of-pimp-known-as-p-child/#.ULa4m5In9wQ.blogger">Girls Tell Horrific Stories At Trial Of Pimp Known As ‘P Child’ « CBS Chicago</a><br />
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In April 2012, <strong>Datqunn Sawyer</strong> aka P Child was sentenced in federal court to 50 years in prison on multiple sex trafficking convictions he received in November 2011. <br />
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Sawyer, also a rapper known as <u>P Child</u>, beat, pimped, threatened and branded girls ages 12 to 19 with the names he gave them. After his own P Child nickname, each was given a name he chose that started with a "P" including Precious, Paradise, Pooh, Peaches.<br />
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Chicago Tribune Reporter Annie Sweeney states: One of his alleged prostitutes, a 19-year-old girl who went by the name of “Pooh,” testified that when she was 12, Sawyer befriended her and took her to his apartment where he lived with at least half a dozen other girls. She saw him throw a girl down a set of stairs, breaking her arm, she said. Sawyer sold the girls dreams with promises of love, care and bright futures that quickly turned to nightmares.<br />
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Pooh, whose real name is Angelique, was soon put on the streets to prostitute. Her quota – was to service (have sex) with five to 15 men every day, she testified. Pooh stated that when she had a “good day,” she said she was rewarded with McDonald’s.<br />
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The Reporter goes on to detail that Sawyer impregnated 3 of the girls: Shawna, known as "Peaches", was pregnant with Sawyer's baby and was shown in a surveillance video wearing a strapless, colorful shirt pulled over her large, pregnant belly, shorts hugging her upper thighs. She was pregnant with Sawyer’s baby as she looked to turn tricks, she said, at his demand. “My ankles were hurting. I was tired, it was hot,” the doe-eyed Shawna testified. “We didn’t have no food. I needed to eat. So I needed to work.”<br />
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Observers state that Sawyer cried and sobbed throughout as he told the Judge he never knew that some of the victims were minors. Sadly, Sawyer's supporters blamed the victims for the criminal and inhumane acts Sawyer committed against them. <br />
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<strong>These girls are somebody's daughters. Many questions come to mind as to how something like "Sawyer" was even able to get his hands on them and keep them....Hummm, "Family", or should I say some families are not what family use to be huh? </strong></div>
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<strong>That is a whole-nother discussion.</strong> </div>
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The 50 year sentence Sawyer received was thought to be the harshest sentence handed down to date for sex trafficking.<br />
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<strong>Fast-forward to November, 2012 and another (Alex "Cowboy" Campbell) gets a <u>Life</u> Sentence.</strong></div>
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<strong>Dare I believe the system is finally saying you can't do this to our children? </strong></div>
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<strong>Does this apply to all traffickers? Let's hope so!</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>more to come</strong></div>
Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-3751976730558171222012-11-28T11:13:00.002-08:002012-11-28T11:13:30.808-08:00Convicted Pimp Sentenced to Life in Prison<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/mount_prospect/ct-met-human-trafficking-sentence-20121127,0,6701408.story">Convicted pimp sentenced to life </a> <img height="125" src="http://ionenewsone.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/alex-cowboy-campbell.jpg" width="200" /></div>
Convicted Pimp Alex "Cowboy" Campbell received a "Life Sentence" for Trafficking. He beat, raped and tortured women into prostitution. His "ego" was his undoing. <br />
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Chicago Tribune Annie Sweeney reports on the sentencing: U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman recounted how Campbell forced the women to be tattooed in highly visible places — horseshoes stamped into their necks or in one case... a 13-line, 60-word homage to Campbell down a woman's back. Somethings are just outrageous!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"I think the worst thing you did to these girls, frankly, is branding them the way you did," Gettleman said before imposing a life sentence on Campbell. "They can't get rid of those tattoos. … They have a life sentence, all of them. Every time they look in the mirror. … And it's gonna hurt. <strong><em><u>Their life sentences compel a life sentence for you."</u></em></strong></span><br />
<strong><em><u><span style="font-size: large;"></span></u></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><u><span style="font-size: large;">Justice is served!!</span></u></em></strong>Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-6897676187827577062012-11-24T10:57:00.000-08:002012-11-24T10:57:12.047-08:00Black Nouveau Highlights Laugh Out Loud Comedy Show for Asha<br />
Black Nouveau Highlights upcoming event: Laugh Out Loud Comedy Show!!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GKgDjRoaaM8?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<strong><em>Cheat Tip</em></strong>: About 18 minutes into this program, <strong><em>Spitfire</em></strong> reads poetry on domestic violence... an intro to the upcoming benefit "<strong><em><u>Laugh Out Loud Comedy Show and Fundraiser</u></em></strong>" for Asha Family Services.<br />
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Black Nouveau Host Joanne Williams interviews comedians Troy Allen and Rob G.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1xw23sp6qIQ/ULEYTxaupAI/AAAAAAAAAI0/GrBHGEzM6T8/s1600/Asha+LOL+ComedyShowJPEG+(2)FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1xw23sp6qIQ/ULEYTxaupAI/AAAAAAAAAI0/GrBHGEzM6T8/s320/Asha+LOL+ComedyShowJPEG+(2)FINAL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Get your tickets today!! </div>
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Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-31867128818496538512012-11-24T10:28:00.000-08:002012-11-24T10:28:25.248-08:00Black Nouveau Interview: Asha Family Services<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u><em></em></u></strong> </div>
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<strong><u><em>BLACK NOUVEAU'S</em></u> INTERVIEW WITH ASHA FAMILY SERVICES</strong></div>
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<strong><em>Black Nouveau's</em></strong> host Joanne Williams discusses domestic violence with Asha's Antonia Vann and advocate, Tonya McCarty.<br />
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Click this link to the show: <a href="http://www.mptv.org/localshows/black_nouveau/latest_episode/?v=yLJCN86phYo&e=2108">Black Nouvea Latest Episode</a> <br />
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The original airdate is: November 7, 2012Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2575613924319445623.post-54408031558092395212012-11-16T05:43:00.001-08:002012-11-16T05:43:47.104-08:00URGENT! Get on this CALL! Funding for African American Programs!! <div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">FUNDING CONFERENCE CALL! </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">REGISTER NOW!!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong> </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO FEDERAL FUNDING FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN PROGRAMS AND SERVICES!</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong> </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2012</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><strong>REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED</strong>!!!! Join the <strong>Office on Violence Against Women</strong> and the <strong>Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community</strong> for this telephone conference call to learn how African American led programs serving African American survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking can apply for funding for their services</span>! <strong>REGISTER NOW!!</strong><br />
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the Office on Violence Against Women and the Institute on Domestic Violence in
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learn how African American led programs serving African American survivors of
domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking can apply for
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<span><strong>Monday, November 19, 2012</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">Click the links to register or for more information, email Umi Hankins, Co-Director of IDVAAC at <a href="mailto:shankins@umn.edu">shankins@umn.edu</a> or call IDVAAC at 877-643-8222 ext. 3</span><br />
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Antonia Drew Vannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138390421892682590noreply@blogger.com0