Advocates Against Violence

Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men and Women: Barking Mad or Clever as a Fox? The Vladek Filler ...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:03:00 +0000

Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men and Women: Barking Mad or Clever as a Fox? The Vladek Filler ...: "I try to keep my writing devoid of my sarcastic wit; however, at times it’s difficult to hold back especially when dealing with stressful..."

Disaster Relief Help in Alabama by Congressman Mike Rogers

noreply@blogger.com (Meli Celtic - AAV) — Thu, 12 May 2011 16:12:00 +0000

On April 27th, 23 tornadoes ravaged the South as parts of the second deadliest storms in United States history. As of writing, across the hardest hit areas in the state of Alabama, power is still out and searches for missing people are still underway with over 236 dead.

The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, in an area of the state severely damaged, has cancelled classes for the remainder of this school year and delayed graduation from this month until August. Here across East Alabama, many lives were lost and homes destroyed.

After the storms passed, I saw firsthand many of the devastated areas across Calhoun and Cherokee Counties, as well as Tallapoosa County. I am returning to these and other areas soon.People living in these counties, along with Coosa and Talladega, are eligible for individual disaster assistance by the Federal government. That will help, but more must be done.

The damage we all have seen is unbelievable. All of our hearts go out to the families who lost loved ones and those who lost their homes and businesses. My office is assisting however we can, on the ground and in devastated communities.

Through these tragedies, we have seen people come together. Strangers working to help other strangers, an outpouring of donations and supplies, and spontaneous efforts of so many to donate funds to help support victims and their families. FEMA has been on the ground to help, along with the good people of the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and countless other groups helping with the response. FEMA may be contacted at 800-621-3362 or go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov. If anyone you know is having trouble getting the assistance they need, please let me or any of my offices know and we will provide any assistance we can.

I know through this tragedy, Alabama & neighboring southern states will rebuild, and folks will come back stronger than ever because we are Americans and we are resilient. This was evident just this week, when almost a decade after the terrorist attacks on our own soil, the world's most wanted man, Osama bin Laden, was killed. Ten years after close to 3,000 lives were lost and our country changed forever, justice was served. It proves that we, the American people, can be brought down, but can't be kept down. We are fighters, we are hard workers and we are believers.

All of us across East Alabama should continue praying for the victims and families of these horrific storms. But we should find hope in seeing neighbors who have never met lend a helping hand and folks across the country coming together to assist those affected by the storms. We are Americans, we are resilient and we will overcome the tragedies of April 27th. As always, feel free to contact me on this or any issue at www.mike-rogers.house.gov, become a fan on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow me on Twitter at RepMikeRogersAL and subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03. (Rogers, 2011)

Sincerely,

Mike Rogers
Alabama's Third District

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Contact Information

Washington, DC Office
324 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3261
Fax: (202) 226-8485

Anniston Office
1129 Noble Street
104 Federal Building
Anniston, AL 36201
Phone: (256) 236-5655
Fax: (256) 237-9203

Opelika Office
1819 Pepperell Parkway
Suite 203
Opelika, AL 36801
Phone: (334) 745-6221
Fax: (334) 742-0109

Montgomery Office
7550 Halcyon Summit Drive
Montgomery, AL 36117
Phone: (334) 277-4210
Fax: (334) 277-4257

Rogers, M. (2011, May 10). e-Newsletter: Devastation and Recovery in Alabama. e-Newsletter. Anniston, AL, USA: Congressman Mike Rogers.

Kelsey–Miracles Happen

noreply@blogger.com (Meli Celtic - AAV) — Wed, 11 May 2011 15:02:00 +0000

Watch this video it is amazing to see what this child suffered even before her birth and after…

Family Times April 18, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 10 May 2011 18:33:00 +0000

Domestic Violence when Men are the Victim – Suffer from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

noreply@blogger.com (Meli Celtic - AAV) — Sun, 08 May 2011 07:55:00 +0000

Mary Browning May 8, 2011

Male domestic violence victims oftentimes suffer from PTSD, which is a psychological trauma that occurs in victims after a traumatic experience. Male victims suffer from deep depression, and suicidal tendencies that psychologists associate with PTSD. According to new research from the NIH (National Institute of Health), male victims’ are suffering from PTSD (Preidt, 2011).

Preidt states, “Researchers looked at a group of 302 men who sought professional help after experiencing what the researchers called "intimate terrorism," which refers to high levels of violence and controlling behavior by female partners” (2011, ¶ 2). Moreover, Preidt speaks of statistical information from research found through phone research survey’s asking 520 males about their relationships with women (2011, ¶ 3). Many of the research group state that their female partners become violent and mentally abusive (Preidt, 2011).

Psychology of Men & Masculinity posted in the April 2011 issue that male victims are seeking help after victimization of their female partners (Hines, 2011). “A second study in the same journal summarized past research on domestic abuse against men. Prior research has found that men are less likely to report injuries from abuse, and police are less likely to arrest women accused of domestic violence against men” (Preidt, 2011, ¶ 7).

Researching further into the media reports that provide news coverage on male victims, I found validation through Clark University that states the accuracy of the articles written from the news release on April 7, 2011 from Psychology of Men & Masculinity.

Clark University reports on these accuracies stating, “On April 7, 2011, the American Psychological Association issued a press release entitled, "Male Victims of 'Intimate Terrorism' Can Experience Damaging Psychological Effects." It highlighted the findings of our journal article on post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in the men in our sample. Over 30 media outlets picked up this press release soon after release, including U.S. News and World Report, and other outlets. The press release contains the most accurate information and a link to the journal article” (Clark University, 2011).

References

Hine, D. (2011). Media mentions and corrections for the men's experiences of partner aggression study. Clark University | One of 40 "Colleges that Change Lives". Retrieved May 8, 2011, from http://www.clarku.edu/faculty/dhines/Media%20Mentions%20&%20Corrections.htm

Psychology of Men & Masculinity, news release, April 7, 2011

Preidt, R. (2011, April 12). Male Victims of Domestic Abuse May Show Signs of PTSD: MedlinePlus. National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health. Retrieved May 8, 2011, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_110899.html

**Female partners can cause psychological trauma to the men they abuse, researchers say

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_110899.html (*this news item will not be available after 07/11/2011)

Heflin Highlights

noreply@blogger.com (Meli Celtic - AAV) — Fri, 06 May 2011 16:24:00 +0000

Heflin Highlights:

First Things First

I would be remiss if I did not start my column with a mention of the most important thing on our mind at this time. Our hearts are full of sorrow for our friends across the state who lost SO much in the storms of last week. Words are not sufficient, but our prayers are. There are also many agencies that are excepting monetary donations and needed items. (Red Cross, Salvation Army and all churches)

We will certainly celebrate the birthdays of these people. As a matter of fact, I think we should celebrate every day…don’t you?

May 5-Beulah Glasgow, Phillip Wilson, Renna Tippins, Cindy White, Casey Mataeo, Josh Maynard, Peggy Cheatwood.May 6-Scott Coefield, Audrey Gillis, Debbie Bass and Bernice Ledbetter. May 7-Mark Dryden, Darrell Cavender, Lula Summerville, Laura Cole Smith, Teresa Jenkins, Joshua Blakenship and Teresa Brown. May 8-Claudette Whatley, Allison Causey, Michelle Pate, Millard Morrow and William Powell. May 9-Beverly Casey, Ted Campbell, Jake Borden and Logan Pate. May 10-Leesa Cheatwood, JosephHunt, Zoe Swafford, Rose Grubbs, Richard Baker, Arthur Parris and RyanThompson. May 11-Stacy Estes, Billy Holley, Reese Morrison, Mike Thomas, Katlyn Brown, Trey Rigsby, Michael Bowen, Dejaun O’Neal, Amanda Finch and Travis McCary.

Once Again

Three couples (that I know of) selected a lovely time of the year to tie the knot. Now, it is their time to commemorate their anniversary.

May 8-Buster and Alice Miles…Dewitt and Tracy Sheppard. May 10-Barry and Amanda Humphries.

Sunshine List

Linda Cooper Birchfield, Nathan Jarrell, Karen Payne, Grace Davis, Mitch Holt, Bettie Houston, Nancy Campbell, Clarence Somers, Chad Roberson, Leighan Mashon, Danny Crowson, Pam McKnight, Jessie Willingham, Jarrell Hughes, Terry Benefield, Glenn Shortt Betty Thompson, Floyce Smith, Lowell, Anna Laura White, Dale Austin and Merrideth Haynes. Chad Robertson Vernon Sanders, Logan Davis, Tyler McTaggert, Jodee Robinson and Elaina Miller.

A Little Help Here

The Heflin Art’s Council along with City Hall are in search of pictures of former mayors. They already have pictures of many of these individuals, but still need photos of the following mayors: Coke Wier (1891), W.G. Milligan (1893), W.H. Holiday (1897), W.R. Hunnicutt (1898), E.W. Landers (1900), I.E. Hubbard (1901), J.L. Kitchens (1904), L.E Adams (1907), W.G. Porter (1910), Clyde H. Vann (1912) and W.S. Hincey (1944). If anyone has information on these gentlemen or even know a relative that might be able to help us locate photos, please call Cindy at City Hall at 256-463-2290. Copies of pictures will be made and returned to owners.

Speaking of the Art’s Council…

Here are some great events that you don’t want to miss!

On Thursday evening, at 6:30 at the Ross Street Park, the first of the Music in May Concerts will be presented. Featured musicians will be John Howle, Ryan Robertson and Mark Truett. It is Country Music night Contributions for storm victim relief will be taken during the event.

The music students of Rhonda Lines (piano) and John Howle (guitar) will present a concert/recital on Friday evening at 6:00 at the Heflin Art Center on Martin Luther King Drive. Make plans to come out and enjoy the performances of these talented young people.

A Night to Remember

You have four more days left to attend the CAST performances of Boomers at the McClellan Theatre! This is a musical offering extraordinaire! The music is geared to Baby Boomers, but it will be loved and appreciated by EVERYONE! For more information, call 256-820-CAST.

Thursday night is “Pay What You Want Night” and everyone is encouraged to take advantage of this bargain.

Bye

Until next week…remember…There are three things that can get in the way of your personal happiness: 1. Judgement of others. 2. Negative thoughts. 3. Envy.

Relay

A big congratulations to all that who worked on Relay for Life and who made it a HUGE success!!!

Read more: Cleburne News - Local News, Business, Sports, Events, Blogs, Videos, Podcasts

References

Cleburne News. (2011, May 6). Cleburne News - Local News, Business, Sports, Events, Blogs, Videos, Podcasts. Cleburne News - Local News, Business, Sports, Events, Blogs, Videos, Podcasts. Retrieved May 6, 2011, from http://cleburnenews.com/bookmark/13139423

Amateur Video of Tornado Alabama - From YouTube

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 May 2011 15:24:00 +0000

http://youtu.be/eF5rcxsTg40

Capricorn horoscope, free daily horoscopes for Capricorn

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 May 2011 13:48:00 +0000

Capricorn horoscope, free daily horoscopes for Capricorn

OHATCHEE & PLEASANT VALLEY SUFFER TORNADO DAMAGE - CALHOUN COUNTY

noreply@blogger.com (Meli Celtic - AAV) — Mon, 02 May 2011 12:24:00 +0000

May 2, 2011

By Mary Browning – AAV (Advocates for Violence)

http://www.aaviolence.org/

Ohatchee Alabama has a population of approximately 1,200 residents. On April 27, 2011 one of the multiple tornadoes that ripped through Alabama affected the humble people living in Ohatchee. Total Alabama fatalities are 251; an overall fatality count comes to 342 people across the South affected by these horrendous storms.

Tuscaloosa Alabama was the strongest and most published tornado that struck Alabama last week; however, many of the less published tornado damage goes un-noticed by many across the country. Ohatchee is one of the many less publicized towns covered by the media; also including a smaller neighboring community by the name of Pleasant Valley (near Piedmont – Jacksonville area in Alabama).

Ohatchee reports 9 fatalities across Calhoun County (includes Ohatchee, Pleasant Valley, Piedmont, Jacksonville, Oxford, and Anniston – to name a few). Currently, the media reports at least 4 of the 9 fatalities were in Ohatchee.

Lake Neely Henry in Ohatchee and Nesbit Lake Road in Pleasant Valley Alabama were among the tornado paths’ damages. The devastation and loss of lives and homes in these areas is similar to a war zone. The local authorities and volunteers congest the areas blocking access to anyone looking to “sight-see” the damages. Local authorities request that anyone not living in these areas try to refrain from visiting the damage sites – volunteers need access to help the residents pick up the pieces – they have suffered a horrendous loss.

According to USA Today, the fatalities in Ohatchee were near the Lake Neely Henry area; these residents perished in the storm while in their own homes (Keen & USA Today, 2011).

Other areas affected by the tornadoes were Shoal Creek near Ohatchee – trees were uprooted, homes destroyed and there are signs of extensive damages to the area. We tried to ride around the area to see some of the damage; however, closed roads to the public is limited to those helping clear debris, volunteers, and local authorities, because the residents need assistance and admission of public is extremely limited. Living in Alabama on and off the majority of my life, I have not seen damage of this magnitude from a tornado. The tornadoes path demolished so many homes and it will take time for people to recover from the damages.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

"The FBI today reminds Internet users who receive appeals to donate money in the aftermath of Wednesday’s tornadoes to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before responding to those requests. Sadly, past tragedies and natural disasters have prompted individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization and/or a good cause" (Anniston Star, 2011).

Read more: Anniston Star - entry FBI Issues Tornado Relief Fraud Alert

"State Rep. Blaine Galliher, who represents Etowah and St. Clair Counties in the Alabama House, reports that St. Clair, Calhoun and Etowah counties received the designation for “individual assistance disaster” Saturday night.

For details on what this means, see: Individual disaster designation expected Monday

***

The Talladega County chapter of the American Red Cross encourages baseball fans to buy tickets for the Birmingham Barons home game on June 10.

Tickets are $20, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Red Cross locally.

For more information, call the Talladega County Red Cross at 256-362-2061.

***

VFW Post 4261, 67185 Alabama 77, Talladega, is accepting donations for storm victims in Ohatchee. For more information, call 256-362-0481.

***

Anyone who would like to volunteer to help in Pratt City, Munford Baptist Church will have a team leaving the church at 6:30 a.m. Monday. You don’t have to be a member of the church to volunteer.

For more info please call the church office at 256-358-4536 or Tim Thomas at 256- 591-2534 or email jerrydean@munfordbaptist.com.

***

The Riverside Storm Shelter has nonperishable food items and water available for residents of Riverside in need.

The pavilion and playground adjacent to Riverside City Hall is closed until further notice due to hanging limbs and other debris from storm damage.

Riverside residents may bring tree debris (limbs, branches, leaves) to the designated area in the northwest corner of Coleman Park on Depot Street. The designated area has tape around it. No construction or other house debris is allowed at that area.

Riverside residents are also encouraged to stack debris in neat piles along the street, but not blocking the street. Construction and house debris should be stacked separate from tree debris. Any residents able to take tree debris to the designated Coleman Park area are encouraged to do so.

— Elsie Hodnett

***

The American Red Cross designated shelter for all displaced residents in St. Clair County is Ashville Middle School, 33221 Highway 231, Ashville.

***

Any resident of Talladega County who suffered damage from the storms of April 27 should report that damage to the Talladega County EMA as soon as possible, says Public Information Officer Steve Dover. To report damage, call 256-761-2125.

Dover says it is important that all storm related damage be reported locally so that information can be passed onto the state EMA and FEMA.

***

As communities in Alabama work to recover from the devastating storms of the past few days, those affected are in our prayers.

If you've been affected by these storms, please call FEMA at 800-621-3362 for assistance.

If you can pitch in to help, please donate or volunteer your time by visiting www.redcross.org.

Thank you,

Jim Messina, Campaign Manager, Obama for America

***

The Talladega Junior Welfare League has teamed up with the Talladega County Revenue Office, the United Way and the Red Cross to collect items for those displaced by the tornadoes.

According to League President Jennifer Peters, members will be collecting donations at the Revenue Office on Tuesday. They will then work with a volunteer coordinator to determine which specific items are needed at which shelters, and then see that they are delivered there.

Currently, they are not asking for donations of clothing, but are looking for such items as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, combs, shampoo, bottled water, baby wipes, diapers, baby food, formula, canned foods, can openers, plastic forks and spoons, new blankets, new pillows, paper towels, toilet paper and prepackaged snacks.

Peters said most of the attention was being paid to Cullman and Tuscaloosa, but she said the league would be focusing on those in neighboring counties such as St. Clair and Calhoun first, then sending the rest to the larger sites.

***

Tina Williams, owner of Tina’s home cooking in Talladega, is collecting clothes, blankets, toothbrushes and toothpaste and other personal items for those still living in shelters in Birmingham. She plans to deliver the collected goods Wednesday.

Donations can be dropped off at Tina’s Home Cooking on East Street North across from the public parking lot.

***

Tommy Davis of Davis Carpet, 59400 Alabama 77, Talladega, is filling a large enclosed container truck with various necessities for tornado victims. Davis says he hopes to deliver the goods in the next week or so, as soon as the truck is full.

Davis said the business will jumpstart the process by buying 50 cases of bottled water. Donations of everything from ice to chainsaws are encouraged.

Angeal Johnson wrote:

"We at Davis Carpet Serv is setting up a drop off point for the storm victims. We are gonna fill our freight truck & deliver. I will post a list at http://www.facebook.com/l/16d0f/ later. It will be in the Daily Home (Saturday). Put yourself in their shoes Let's everyone help out with this loss. Cell #'s: Tommy 256-310-8803, Holt 256-223-6053, Terry 256-310-8803 or Angeal 256-493-4964."

***

Christ Church in Odenville is funneling donations and coordinating relief efforts in the Shoal Creek community.

“Our focus is on Shoal Creek Road,” said Chris King, a deacon at Christ Church. “But we will do whatever we can to help anyone in the community.”

King said the church is helping coordinate food, donations, cleanup workers and more.

He said the church is nonprofit, and donations are tax deductible.

For more information or to donate call 205-924-3276 or visit http://www.christchurchbranchcove.com.

— Elsie Hodnett

***

The Greater Talladega Area/Lincoln Chamber of Commerce advises that donations of nonperishable items for disaster relief may be dropped off at the vacant lot next door to Townsend’s Lamps & Gifts and The Townsend Warehouse on 206 West Coosa Street in Talladega during the following hours:

Monday 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Tuesday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Needed items include:

Baby food, diapers, water, flashlights, batteries, clean clothes

***

Bentley opens phone line to answer storm queries

MONTGOMERY (AP) — Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has activated a "response center" in the state Capitol for residents to call with questions concerning the storms that have ravaged the state this week.

Bentley said people seeking answers to questions concerning the storm and resources that might be available to them can call 1-866-465-2241. Bentley said calls to the center would be answered from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.

Bentley said people who want to volunteer to help with recovery efforts or who want to make a donation should call the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives at 877-273-5018.

The governor said he hopes having the phone number available will help people in areas hit by the storms.

***

Talladega Superspeedway has donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross to aid in storm relief. The Superspeedway invites local race fans to join in the relief effort by driving your car around the track 9 a.m.-2 p.m. May 6-8 for a $50 donation. Cash and checks will be accepted at the gate.

All cars must be street legal and have seatbelts for all passengers. No motorcycles or RVs.

***

The Daily Home offices in Talladega and Sylacauga and the Daily Home and St. Clair Times office in Pell City are collecting monetary donations for tornado victims on behalf of the American Red Cross.

***

All Coosa Pines Federal Credit Union branches are collection points for non-perishable items for Alabama tornado disaster victims. Donations can be dropped off at CPFCU branches at:

Sylacauga, 255 James Payton Blvd.

Pell City, 2708 Stemley Bridge Road;

Childersburg, 17591 Plant Road

Chelsea, Suite 190 Chelsea Corners (Winn Dixie) Shopping Center

Roebuck, 524 Red Lane Road, Suite B

Items will be collected until Friday, May 6.

Immediate needs are blankets, laundry supplies, personal hygiene items, feminine products, diapers and wipes, baby food, bandages and First Aid items, socks, bottled water, non-perishable food items (packaged), individually packaged juice, paper towels, tissues and toilet paper.

Monetary donations also accepted.

***

Anheuser-Busch is delivering drinking water in cases of 12-oz. cans to its beer distributors in storm-ravaged states.

Alabama Budweiser distributors in Birmingham, Muscle Shoals and Tuscaloosa will receive water today for use by families affected by the severe weather and the relief workers.

Birmingham Budweiser Distributing Co., 141 Industrial Drive, Birmingham

Shoals Distributing Inc., 100 Commerce St., Muscle Shoals

Greene Beverage Co. Inc., 6000 Grover Burchfield Dr., Tuscaloosa

***

Jacksonville State University is fully operational and back on our normal schedule. The first wave of storms took out our website and email, but all hardware and software repairs have been made.

The JSU Department of University Housing and Residence Life has a small number of spaces available to temporarily house individuals within the JSU family who have been displaced due to property loss. Anyone in need of assistance should come to the Housing Office, 103 Bibb Graves Hall between the hours of 8-4:30. This space is available immediately. (NOTE: We have already identified several employees who experienced total loss of their homes; however, I do not know if any have come forward to seek shelter at this time)

The JSU Student Government Association is also collecting clothing, household goods, and nonperishable food items daily from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in the Office of Student Life on the 4th floor of the Theron Montgomery Buildlng. These items will be delivered to the local Red Cross recovery efforts (Daily Home, 2011).

Read more: The Daily Home - STORM DAMAGE CENTRAL

References:

Anniston Star. (2011, May 2). Anniston Star - entry FBI Issues Tornado Relief Fraud Alert . Anniston Star - Local News, Business, Sports, Events, Blogs, Videos, Podcasts. Retrieved May 2, 2011, from http://www.annistonstar.com/pages/full_story/push?blog-entry-FBI+Issues+Tornado+Relief+Fraud+Alert%20&id=12997899&instance=gamecock

Daily Home. (2011, May 2). The Daily Home - STORM DAMAGE CENTRAL. The Daily Home - Local News, Business, Sports, Events, Blogs, Videos, Podcasts - Talladega and St. Clair counties. Retrieved May 2, 2011, from http://dailyhome.com/bookmark/12944079/article-STORM+DAMAGE+CENTRAL?sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4dbe8768cfa7beba%2C0

Keen, J., & USA Today. (2011, May 2). Hurting Alabama town of Ohatchee digs out - USATODAY.com. News, Travel, Weather, Entertainment, Sports, Technology, U.S. & World - USATODAY.com. Retrieved May 2, 2011, from http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/tornadoes/2011-05-01-alabama-recovery_N.htm?sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4dbe1e2b87990052%2C2

Video - Child Abuse - Couple in Hayes Virginia

noreply@blogger.com (Meli Celtic - AAV) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 18:42:00 +0000

Child Remains Found - Couple Under Suspicion of Child Abuse

noreply@blogger.com (Meli Celtic - AAV) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 18:40:00 +0000

Child Remains Found - Couple Under Suspicion of Child Abuse

In Hayes, Virginia, police may have located a body thought to be a young child. Beneath a shed near the residence of a couple recently under suspicion of child abuse in Gloucester County, police found remains of a small child. Shannon and Brian Gore are under arrest for criminal child abuse allegations after police, after obtaining a search warrant, began a search beneath a shed belonging to the couple.

Around 8:30, a body found that is a young child; remains of the body are in transit to Richmond, Virginia medical examiner’s office. The police department currently has no further charges against the Gore couple. According to the Sherriff department, suspicion occurred from checking on a possible burglary the previous evening.

Inside the Gore residence, officers located the daughter of the couple (age 6), naked and covered in her own excrement trapped in her cradle. Moreover, the child, transported to the local hospital for treatment from inexorable starvation. Another child of the Gore couple (healthy) is in the care of child services.

Mary Browning - 4/30/2011

Reference:
Press. (2011, April 30). BREAKING NEWS: Deputies find body of young child buried near home of couple accused of child abuse - dailypress.com. Hampton Roads news, information, weather, hurricane coverage, sports, entertainment, restaurants, real estate, jobs, business, classifieds - dailypress.com. Retrieved April 30, 2011, from http://www.dailypress.com/news/wtkr-gl-couple-abuse,0,2734142.story

Calhoun County Alabama Tornado

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 18:39:00 +0000

Tornado that ripped through my county (Calhoun County Alabama) on 4/27/2011...many people were injured and are without anything left.

*Mary Browning 4/29/2011 -

Cleburne News - Local News, Business, Sports, Events, Blogs, Videos, Podcasts

noreply@blogger.com (Meli Celtic - AAV) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 18:30:00 +0000

Cleburne News - Local News, Business, Sports, Events, Blogs, Videos, Podcasts

EMS in Cleburne County may get harder to handle

by Jason Bacaj
Consolidated News Service

HEFLIN — It’s funny, the things you remember. It was about 20 years ago that the red-haired woman was lying just so on the Interstate 20 pavement. She was obviously dead. But the 10-month-old baby under her arm was still alive, Heflin Mayor Anna Berry remembers. Berry was driving east in a red Volvo when she pulled up to the scene that morning. A man with an Australian accent had told her not to walk up to the accident. The red-haired woman’s car was sideways in the left lane.

Apparently it had struck an 18-wheeler parked on the roadside. It killed the woman and a man, presumably her husband, Berry said, recalling the scene from her office in downtown Heflin.

She can still see the baby’s little eyes and the children crying on the bank. And she remembers wearing a red dress and wondering where the paramedics were. “There was nobody there but truck drivers,” Berry said. Cleburne County’s hospital had recently closed and there was no ambulance service in the county at the time. The kids were airlifted out to Birmingham, Berry said. She and several other county residents, including coroner Rudy Rooks and paramedic Keith Roberts, formed a nonprofit ambulance service soon after that accident.

Today that ambulance service’s level of operations is endangered. Pay is poor, yet payroll and insurance costs still eat into the 4-mill tax that supports the service. Bankruptcy is a possibility down the road for the hospital board that oversees the EMS, if no changes are implemented.

Yet 20 years ago, at the time of the highway tragedy, the community came together and donated land, time and materials to the project. Cleburne County soon had a viable emergency medical service.

After a while it got too big for the volunteers to run and was given to the county hospital board. “It’s the ultimate volunteer success story,”

Berry said. Success is fleeting After a year of losing money, the Cleburne County Hospital Board is strapped for cash and is looking at the possibility of cutting services — leaving the county’s 15,000 residents with a level of emergency medical service that it hasn’t seen since the time of that accident.

The hospital board receives a 4 mill tax — about $440,000, said Shannon Roberts, board chairman — and operates the county nursing home in addition to the EMS. The 82-bed nursing home is usually self-sufficient, whereas the EMS typically operates at a monthly loss.

The number of nursing home patients fell last year and the board had to put money into it to keep the facility running. Having to support both operations rather than just one stretched the hospital board’s finances.

Cuts and adjustments were made to both, with the nursing home changing therapy providers and EMS slashing its budget by 14 percent.Attempts earlier this week to reach nursing home director Eura Harrell were unsuccessful.The cuts and changes weren’t enough, however. If the hospital board continues operations as they are now, it will go bankrupt in two to three years, Roberts said.

Patients have returned to the nursing home and it showed a profit the last two months, Roberts said. He feels it has turned the corner and is no longer in trouble.

EMS, however, has long-term problems, Roberts said. Last year’s tight finances showed the hospital board that the EMS’s rising payroll and health insurance are unsustainable and must be cut. “Just gradually over time, the EMS has consumed more and more of the tax,” Roberts said.

“They get closer and closer to (using all of) that 4 mill tax … and actually the 4 mill tax will decrease next year about 10 percent because of lowering property values.”

Tenuous position(s)

Payroll has risen over the past three years because the Cleburne County EMS doesn’t pay a competitive wage, said Keith Roberts, now the EMS director.

He’s unrelated to Shannon Roberts, board chairman. It pays a little more than $10 an hour and doesn’t provide benefits. As a result, almost all of the 14 EMS employees are part-time and are working there as a second job, Keith Roberts said.

“My people are so underpaid … and they have the hardest job,” Keith said, noting they cover 575 rural miles with the closest hospital 22 miles away. “It takes a unique paramedic to do well out here.”

There are eight paramedics on staff, one of whom had a motorcycle accident in November and might not return to work, Keith said. Of the other seven — which includes Keith — only three count Cleburne County EMS as their primary employer.

One is in nursing school and will leave upon graduation.

Another is in law enforcement and can only work there because of the flexibility of his current assignment.

The longest tenured paramedic — 10 years, twice the average career length, Keith said — is primarily a firefighter in Calhoun County. Another is primarily a paramedic in Oxford.

Two declined to be identified in this story. But both could envision a scenario in which they leave the EMS in the near future.

Losing two paramedics would force the Cleburne County EMS to cut services.

There’s little hope the county could fill the position, Keith said. No paramedics have applied to the county in three years. “I’m hanging on by a little thread,” Keith said. Cutting services means Keith would run at least one basic life support ambulance. Basic life support ambulances do not have paramedics, only emergency medical technicians. EMTs are only able to stop bleeding and perform CPR.

Keith estimated about 62 of the roughly 250 calls the EMS receives each month require a paramedic.

Without a paramedic on those calls, about a third of those would result in the patient dying, Keith and a paramedic estimated.

That would equal about 20 deaths a month.

Troubled future

Turning a profit — or operating close to the margin — seems unrealistic for a rural ambulance service, said Carl Smith, treasurer of the Cleburne County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments.

Few, if any, EMS operations turn a monthly profit, he said. Smith feels the whole 4 mill tax should go to the EMS, but believes the hospital board should keep the nursing home while it’s profitable.

He can’t imagine an emergency service — fire, police or medical — running without government subsidy.

A 2 mill tax and 2 cent fireworks sales tax gets divvied up between 12 fire departments in the county, Smith said. The Ranburne Volunteer Fire

Department wouldn’t run without it, he said.

The Heflin Volunteer Fire Department wouldn’t be able to run as it does now without that tax benefit and additional subsidies either, said Terri Daulton, Heflin city clerk.

Taxes and government should work to keep people safe and healthy, said Daulton. The tax pays for equipment and training while the city pays utilities and salary, she said.

The objective is keeping the residents safe and healthy, Daulton said.

“We … make sure they have what they need,” she said. “Profit is not something we talk about.” The county’s need for an ambulance service is only increasing. In three years, new state laws will only allow volunteer firefighters who take 40 hours of class and a certain amount of training to perform medical treatment, Smith said.

At that point, the EMS is going to be the only service that can respond to a medical call, he said.

“It just scares the poo out of me where we may be headed,” Smith said. “I don’t think the people understand just how critical that service is until they need it.”

Star staff writer Jason Bacaj: 256-235-3546

Read more: Cleburne News - Local News, Business, Sports, Events, Blogs, Videos, Podcasts

Bacaj, J. (2011, April 29). Cleburne News - Local News, Business, Sports, Events, Blogs, Videos, Podcasts. Cleburne News - Local News, Business, Sports, Events, Blogs, Videos, Podcasts. Retrieved April 29, 2011, from http://cleburnenews.com/bookmark/12977231#cb_post_comment_12977231

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:11:00 +0000

Close-up video of Tuscaloosa Alabama Tornado 4-27-2011 -- One of the largest I've every seen in this area. This video was taken at close range and is amazing footage.

dealnews Will Match Up to $250,000 for Tornado Relief ($500k total)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 05:45:00 +0000

dealnews Will Match Up to $250,000 for Tornado Relief ($500k total)

Published 13 hr 11 min ago

247

As you probably know, a devastating and deadly sweep of powerful storms and tornadoes ripped through Southern U.S. states yesterday. Over 200 are dead, reports CNN, with over 130 dead in Alabama. Hundreds of thousands are affected.

What you may not know is that the dealnews company headquarters is in Huntsville, AL, one of the areas hit by tornados. At the time I write this, we've not yet heard from all of our team in the area. More than one million people are without power, including all of our Huntsville team. Our hearts and prayers go out to our fellow employees, our families, friends, co-workers, and loved ones affected by the storms and tornadoes. We hope and pray for their safety and well-being.

While we're doing everything we can for our team, the American Red Cross is working to serve the hundreds of thousands of other people who are affected. That's why I'm asking you to donate to the Red Cross' Disaster Relief Fund. I know the good folks at the Madison/Marshall County Chapter of the Red Cross well, and I know they're incredibly busy right now. They're committed to helping people when their need is greatest. I'm personally imploring you to help them and their brothers and sisters at Red Cross chapters throughout the Southeast do their vital work.

For every dollar you donate to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, dealnews will match 100 percent, up to $250,000. Please help us spread the word by sharing this message via email, Facebook, Twitter, or whatever way you see fit. Our goal is to raise a total of $500,000: $250,000 from our wonderful readers and $250,000 from us.

Here’s how it works:

Make a donation online at American Red Cross.
Keep your confirmation email and forward it to tornadorelief@dealnews.com. (As always, dealnews respects and protects your privacy.)
We’ll match 100 percent of your donation until we hit our $250,000 limit.
Help us spread the news via Facebook, Twitter, and email.

Please note that we’re only matching donations from today, April 28, 2011, until May 12, 2011, to the American Red Cross. If you’ve made a previous donation to ARC, or prefer to donate to a different organization, I applaud you. But our matching donation is an attempt to encourage those who haven’t made a donation yet, or to encourage those who've already given to "double their money" if they give more.

We've done disaster relief fundraisers from time to time, but this is the first time that we've done one for a disaster that hit our own backyard. If we've ever helped you save money, I'm asking a favor from you: please give a little bit of it back. On behalf of everyone here at dealnews, I sincerely thank you for your contribution.

Yours truly,
Dan de Grandpre
CEO, dealnews.com, Inc.

Tornado Rips Through Alabama 4-27-2011 - Please Help!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 05:38:00 +0000

"It looks like a war zone...
our livelihood is gone...
you keep thinking 'how can I get through it?'"
- Tornado Survivor, 2011 Spring Storms

With winds up to 80 miles per hour, the recent band of tornadoes on Friday, April 15 left a trail of destruction across the state of Alabama, after it pummeled Oklahoma, Arkansas and Mississippi. After tornadoes touched down in at least 6 different counties, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley has declared a state of emergency. At least seven people in Alabama have died. As local communities emerge to assess the damage, the Red Cross was on the scene minutes after the disaster to provide relief and assistance.

Preliminary damage assessments indicate that in the state of Alabama alone, 128 homes have been destroyed, 70 homes have sustained major damage and over 50 homes have minor damage. No town has been hit harder than Geiger, Alabama, about an hour south of Tuscaloosa. The entire town population has been affected with 100 homes sustaining damage and 61 homes being completely destroyed.

Tornadoes come and go with little warning and families can lose their home in an instant. As these communities band together to rebuild and return to normalcy, individuals and families are turning to the American Red Cross for the shelter, food, emotional support and emergency assistance. Please help us continue to deliver these critical services, and to be ready for the next tornado.

With 12,000 homes still without power and hundreds of homes damaged or destroyed, the Red Cross is providing shelter as residents rebuild their homes, none of which could be possible without the support of individuals, community organizations, corporations and foundations. Our disaster relief programs ensure that lifesaving services are available immediately to all people affected by disaster, as well as to prepare communities for disasters before they strike.

The Red Cross is prepared to respond to disasters like these at a moment’s notice, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The Red Cross is already providing shelters in the affected areas; serving hot meals and snacks, and distributing comfort kits and other items. To support people after the tornadoes, the Red Cross will be distributing cleanup kits containing gloves, a mop, bleach and a dust mask. Disaster workers in emergency response vehicles are circulating throughout the region, delivering hot meals and cleanup kits as people begin to recover from the disaster. Those who lost contact with their loved ones due to power and phone outages can leave message of their well-being for the Safe and Well Red Cross website at any Red Cross shelter.

Every year the Red Cross spends an average of $450 million on our Disaster Services program. Not only does it cover our direct services to our clients, it also includes costs to maintain those things that help us provide assistance to people in need. We have warehouses, disaster response vehicles, trained volunteers, computer systems and paid staff ready to respond year round. It is through the ongoing support of the public that we can continue to maintain these resources 24-7 and ready to respond when disaster strikes.

The Red Cross is doing everything we can to ensure that when families and individuals are affected by disaster, we are there. We cannot do it alone. Help us continue this life saving work today and make a donation today to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your donation is critical to providing a safe, warm and dry place to stay, food, emotional support and many other kinds of assistance- whenever and wherever disaster strikes.

How You Can Help

You can help people affected by disasters like the Alabama tornadoes, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

Mid Alabama Region - Services - Emergency Services - 2011 Alabama Tornado Response

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 05:36:00 +0000

Mid Alabama Region - Services - Emergency Services - 2011 Alabama Tornado Response

Tornadoes ripped across Alabama on April 27, 2011 destroying the lives of many Alabama residents. Take action by donating to the Alabama Tornado Relief Fund via the American Red Cross. You can also help by donating via Facebook Causes.

Your help and support will be tremendously appreciated.

Thank you,
Mary Browning

Recognizing the Signs of Child Abuse

noreply@blogger.com (Meli Celtic - AAV) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 17:27:00 +0000

Recognizing the signs of child abuse...

Sexual abuse involves forcing, tricking, threatening or pressuring a child into sexual awareness or activity. Sexual abuse can be physical, verbal or emotional, and occurs when an older or more knowledgeable child or adult uses a child for sexual pleasure. The abuse often begins gradually and increases over time. It can include sexual touching and fondling or exposing children to adult sexual activity including pornographic movies and photographs.
Incest is defined as sexual relations of any kind perpetrated by a biologically or non-biologically related person functioning in the role of a family member. Other trusted adults could also sexually abuse children and teenagers. These include parents, uncles, aunts, siblings, step-parents, grandparents, coaches, baby sitters, clergy and teachers.
The use of physical force, known as sexual assault, is rarely necessary to engage a child in sexual activity because children are trusting and dependent. Children are taught not to question authority and they believe that adults are always right. Perpetrators of child sexual abuse know this, and take advantage of these vulnerabilities in children. Sexual abuse is an abuse of power over a child and a violation of a child's right to normal, healthy, trusting relationships.
Incest and sexual abuse are at epidemic proportions. Statistics from RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), state 15 percent of sexual assault and rape cases occur in children under the age of 12, with 93 percent of juvenile sexual assault perpetuated by someone they know. Of those assaults, 34.2 percent of attackers were family members, 58.7 percent were acquaintances and only 7 percent were complete strangers.

Symptoms

Because most children cannot or do not tell about being sexually abused, it is up to concerned adults or friends to recognize signs of abuse. Physical evidence of abuse is rare. Therefore, we must look for behavioral signs.
The following are general behavior changes that may occur in children and teens who have been sexually abused:

Depression
Eating Disorders
Sleep disturbances
School problems
Withdrawal from family, friends, or usual activities
Excessive bathing or poor hygiene
Anxiety
Running away
Low self-esteem
Self-destructive behavior
Hostility or aggression
Drug or alcohol problems
Sexual activity or pregnancy at an early age; promiscuity
Suicide attempts

Additional Symptoms

Children and teens who have been sexually abused frequently have more specific symptoms:

Copying adult sexual behavior
Sexual play with other children, themselves, toys or pets
Displaying sexual knowledge, through language or behavior, beyond what is normal for their age
Unexplained pain, swelling, bleeding or irritation of the mouth, genital or anal area
Urinary infections
Sexually transmitted diseases
Hints, indirect comments or statements about the abuse

Treatment

Often children and teens do not tell anyone about sexual abuse because they:

Are too young to put what has happened into words
Were threatened or bribed by the abuser to keep the abuse a secret
Feel confused by the attention and feelings that accompany the abuse
Fear that no one will believe them
Blame themselves or believe the abuse is punishment for being "bad"
Feel too ashamed or embarrassed to tell
Worry about getting into trouble or getting a loved one into trouble

A small percentage of kids who are victims of abuse or incest find the courage to tell someone. These disclosures can be as painful as the incest itself; the child believing he or she is telling on someone he or she loves and reliving the horrible experience. They don't want to cause problems, they just want it to stop. No one really knows what makes one child disclose and another not. We do know that it is incredibly important for a disclosure to be heard respectfully and to be believed.
Often when a child discloses incest, he doesn't have words to answer all the questions adults ask. They simply don't understand what is happening. Adults who are already uncomfortable, get frustrated and the whole thing gets dismissed. Oftentimes adults react with denial, and decide that the child was "making it up" or "fantasizing." Just remember... if a child is not believed, it is most likely that he or she won't ever tell again.
Children and teens who have been sexually abused feel many different and overwhelming emotions, like fear, anger, sadness, guilt and confusion.
Every child is vulnerable to sexual abuse. One out of four females is sexually abused by the time she reaches age 18. That could include you, a friend or a sibling. Today's teenagers and children must face the possibility that someone may hurt or take advantage of them. Almost all of these children will be abused by someone they know and trust: a relative, a family friend, or a caretaker.
It happens - and not just to other people. Children of every race, religion and economic status are abused. What makes this problem even worse is that the effects of abuse and incest don't stop when the abuse stops. They stay with the child as he or she grows through adolescence and into adulthood. Self-hatred, alcoholism, drug addiction, depression, eating disorders, the inability to trust and suicide are common results of incest and sexual abuse.

For more information for parents about child sexual abuse, please visit this link to access a brochure in English, Spanish, French or Irish from Child AbuseWatch.net.
Established in 2008, Child AbuseWatch is a child abuse prevent network (www.abusewatch.net). Child AbuseWatch is operated by One Child International Inc., a benefactor-funded Florida corporation, currently undergoing conversion to IRS 501(c)(3) classification.
One Child International Inc and Child AbuseWatch are not affiliated with any religious, political or cultural organization or institution; their only purpose is the protection of children from abuse (Abuse Campaign, 2010).

References:

Abuse Campaign. (2010). http://stopabusecampaign.com - The Signs of Child Abuse. http://stopabusecampaign.com - Home Page. Retrieved April 27, 2011, from http://stopabusecampaign.com/signs-of-abuse/

Not just a gender issue

noreply@blogger.com (Meli Celtic - AAV) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:18:00 +0000

Not just a gender issue

by our readers

Nov 01, 2010 | 105 views | 0 | | 1 | |

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and domestic-violence advocates and the media’s attention was focused on bringing more public understanding to and promoting the eradication of men’s violence against women. However, not all intimate partner violence (IPV) fits into this neat little package.

IPV against men, especially against men by their female intimate partners, has always been a hot button issue. The mere mention of male victims in a gathering of traditional domestic violence advocates creates great controversy. While domestic violence advocates may know men are victims, they insist that their victims-service agencies (more than 2,000 of them in the U.S.) should focus exclusively on ending violence against women by men because women are the most injured and prevalent victims. As a result, serious outreach and services for the male victims of IPV are sorely lacking.

Studies indicate that men are victims of assault by their partners in 25 percent of the reported cases in the U.S. each year. The disparity between the needs of those victims and the services available is large. The gap must be closed and that can only be done through education, services and advocacy.

While resources for men are still scarce, awareness is increasing and hopefully more services will follow. IPV is not a gender issue; it is a human issue. The Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men and Women envisions a world where services are available to victims and survivors without prejudice. Call 1-888-7HELPLINE (1-888-743-5754), or visit www.dahmw.org.

Mary Browning

Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men and Women

Jacksonville

Read more: Anniston Star - Not just a gender issue

Anniston Star - Local News, Business, Sports, Events, Blogs, Videos, Podcasts

noreply@blogger.com (Meli Celtic - AAV) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 09:14:00 +0000

Anniston Star - Local News, Business, Sports, Events, Blogs, Videos, Podcasts

DAHMW Blogtalk Radio Show

noreply@blogger.com (Meli Celtic - AAV) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:45:00 +0000

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dahmw.rss

Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men and Women Radio Show discusses how domestic violence is not only a crime that affects women. Men suffer from domestic abuse too.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST MEN ~ BY DAHMW

noreply@blogger.com (Meli Celtic - AAV) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:21:00 +0000

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST MEN (VIDEO) BY DAHMW (DOMESTIC ABUSE HELPLINE FOR MEN AND WOMEN) (2010)

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The hidden side of domestic abuse

noreply@blogger.com (Meli Celtic - AAV) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:03:00 +0000

The hidden side of domestic abuse

SUZANNE SHEPPARD Sunday, August 15 2010

I’M GUILTY and I want to confess. I also want to apologize to all the men who continue to suffer in silence right here in Trinidad and Tobago because of people like me who barely acknowledge their plight.

Over several years I have written and spoken out about domestic abuse but I have focused almost exclusively on battered women, helping to perpetrate the misconception that this problem affects only women.

While it may be true that the majority of victims of domestic abuse are women, we help to propagate injustice when we continually address the problem from that perspective. As you read these lines, please bear in mind that there are men in this country who not only endure physical, emotional and mental abuse from the women in their lives, they also face ridicule, discrimination and isolation when they try to get help.

The domestic violence services in this country don’t appear to be available to male victims. The few shelters that exist are for women and their children and there is very little done in terms of raising awareness and offering support to men who suffer abuse.

I was made aware of this unfortunate situation a few days ago via a radio call-in programme, when men talked about the injustices they face - endless run-arounds, frustration and blatant gender discrimination - when they try to get help.

We actually don’t know much about domestic abuse and violence against men in this country. Most of our efforts have been concentrated on advocacy and support to encourage women to report domestic violence and very little has been done to encourage men to report abuse.

Men often suffer physical abuse in silence because they are afraid that no one will believe them or take them seriously. Also, many men are too embarrassed to admit that they are being abused by their wives or girlfriends. In our Caribbean society, where the concept of “macho” is deeply engrained, a “real man” is expected to be able to “control” his wife. Abused men may feel they are somehow less of a man for “allowing” themselves to be abused. It doesn’t help that women who batter men have a greater ability to manipulate the “system” to their advantage.

According to experts in psychology and counseling, there are distinct dimensions to the type of domestic abuse inflicted on men. Often, their female partners constantly accuse them of cheating, often without reason. Studies done abroad show that the majority of male domestic abuse victims report women hitting or assaulting them because of suspected cheating. Unfortunately, many men accept this as normal behavior. If the man retaliates, his abuser may threaten to hurt him more or call the police. This is a sign she may also escalate the violence in the future.

Another sign is that she constantly calls him names or insults everything he does. Some men think it is normal for women to degrade or insult them—they attribute it to PMS or simply “being a woman”. Even if physical violence is not involved, emotional abuse is domestic abuse, and it can affect a man’s mental and emotional health.

As in the case of male abusers, the woman controls everything the man does. She may prevent him from seeing friends, family members or even leaving the house, threatening violence if he does not cooperate. Sometimes she may control how he eats or dresses. This is a sign of emotional abuse and its effects can be devastating. Men who experience domestic abuse, including emotional abuse, are three times more likely to develop depression, which can lead to suicide.

In many cases, the woman uses physical violence to solve arguments. She punches, kicks, slaps, chokes, shoves or hits the man with hard objects regularly to force him to comply with her demands. She may often have episodes where she assaults her intimate partner physically or emotionally—and then promises she won’t do it again. Abusers of both genders have a typical pattern - they threaten, they act on their aggressions, they apologize and then do it again. This cycle usually continues until the man seeks help, or is severely hurt or killed.

In many cases of domestic abuse of men, alcohol is a major trigger. Women who abuse men are frequently alcoholics.

Research indicates that psychological problems, primarily personality disorders, may be a factor in abuse of men by women. At least 50 percent of all domestic abuse and violence against men is associated with women who have a Borderline Personality disorder. The disorder is also associated with suicidal behavior, severe mood swings, lying, sexual problems and alcohol abuse.

Abusive women blame men rather than admit their problems. They do not take responsibility for how they live their lives. Instead of helping themselves, they blame a man for how they feel and believe that a man should do something to make them feel better. When men can’t make them feel better, they become frustrated and assume that men are doing this on purpose.

Men often stay in abusive and violent relationships because they are afraid to leave their children alone with an abusive woman. They may also be afraid that if they leave they will never be allowed to see their children again.

Many abused men believe it is their fault or feel they deserve the treatment they receive. They feel responsible and have an unrealistic belief that they can and should do something that will make things better.

Every victim of abuse in this country needs help, regardless of gender. I know that structures already exist within the Gender Affairs Ministry for dealing with men's issues. These need to be expanded to deal with abuse of man and support systems need to be introduced or strengthened so men can get help.

(ssheppard@newsday.co.tt)

Retrieved August 18, 2010 from http://media.causes.com/ribbon/878933

Study finds similar personality types in male and female domestic violence perpetrators

noreply@blogger.com (Meli Celtic - AAV) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 14:42:00 +0000

Study Finds Similar Personality Types in Male and Female Domestic Violence Perpetrators'

ScienceDaily (Aug. 12, 2010) — New research published in the August edition of the American Psychological Association's Journal of Abnormal Psychology, is providing a better picture of the roles played by gender, personality and mental illness in domestic violence.

"Intimate partner violence is a major public health concern," says the study's lead author Zach Walsh, assistant professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia's (UBC) Okanagan campus. "Examining subtypes of perpetrators is an important way of learning more about why people are violent in close relationships. Understanding why different people are violent may be crucial for developing new ways to reduce violence in relationships. "

Walsh and colleagues Marc Swogger (University of Rochester), Brian O'Connor (UBC), Yael Schonbrun (Brown University), Tracie Shea (Brown University), and Gregory Stuart (University of Tennessee-Knoxville) analyzed data drawn from the MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Study to examine normal personality, psychopathic characteristics, and mental illness among 567 civil psychiatric patients, including 138 women and 93 men with histories of domestic violence.

"Although both men and women engage in substantial levels of domestic violence, fewer studies have examined female perpetrators," says Walsh. "These new findings are among the first to highlight similarities between subtypes of domestically violent men and women."

Prior studies of domestically violent men have found that perpetrators can be categorized into three groups. The study provides preliminary evidence that the following three subtypes also exist among female perpetrators:

Antisocial perpetrators are often violent outside the relationship and have high levels of psychopathic personality traits
Dysphoric perpetrators may have high levels of anxiety, depression and other forms of mental illness
Low Pathology perpetrators have generally normal personalities and are rarely violent outside of intimate relationships

The findings also suggest that subtypes from studies of domestic violence perpetrators in the community can be applied to perpetration by psychiatric patients. Learning more about psychiatric patients who perpetrate domestic violence is important, as they engage in higher levels of domestic violence than do the general population.

Walsh encourages caution in generalizing from psychiatric patients to the larger community, and is currently working with his students to examine these subtypes among other groups.

Reference:

University of British Columbia (2010, August 12). Study finds similar personality types in male and female domestic violence perpetrators. ScienceDaily. Retrieved August 15, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2010/08/100810203507.htm

Breast cancer risk varies among different progestins used in hormone replacement therapy, study finds

noreply@blogger.com (Meli Celtic - AAV) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 14:24:00 +0000

Breast cancer risk varies among different progestins used in hormone replacement therapy, study finds

Breast Cancer Risk Varies Among Different Progestins Used in Hormone Replacement Therapy, Study Finds

ScienceDaily (Aug. 12, 2010) — Progestins are used in hormone replacement therapies to counteract the negative effects of estrogen on the uterus and reduce the risk of uterine cancer. However, evidence in recent studies and clinical trials has demonstrated that progestins increase the risk of breast cancer. Now, University of Missouri researchers have compared four types of progestins used in hormone replacement therapies and found significantly different outcomes on the progression of breast cancer in an animal model depending on the type of progestins used.

"Synthetic progestins have different biological effects, due to differences in their structure, stability and how they interact in the body," said Salman Hyder, the Zalk Endowed Professor in Tumor Angiogenesis and professor of biomedical sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center. "Clinical use of progestins requires caution. These powerful steroids should only be prescribed when a person has no latent, or dormant, cancer and does not have a family history of cancer. However, it is difficult to diagnose latent tumor cells in women since there are no symptoms."

In the study, researchers compared the effects of four clinically relevant progestins on breast cancer tumors in an animal model. The progestins used in the study were the synthetic progestin medroxporgresterone acetate (MPA), norgesterel (N-EL), norethindrone (N-ONE) and megestrol acetate (MGA). In the United States, most women on hormone replacement therapy are treated with MPA, the progestin in Prempro, Hyder said.

"Although previous studies using an animal model for breast cancer found that MPA functions as a tumor promoter, this study show that N-EL and N-One, when administrated using the same protocol as used for MPA, strongly inhibited tumor development," Hyder said. "Thus progestins seem to have tumor-stage specific effects, which determine whether these will function as tumor promoters or tumor suppressors. Progestins, such as N-EL and N-ONE, may have potential as preventive agents in women with no history of breast disease or family history of breast cancer. These progestins may also have a preventive role in post-menopausal women who are at an increased risk for developing breast cancer due to ingestion of combined estrogen/progestin (MPA) hormone replacement therapy and may have early stage disease."

The study is published in the September issue of Cancer Prevention Research from the American Association for Cancer Research.

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Recognizing the Signs of Child Abuse

Recognizing the signs of child abuse...

Symptoms

Additional Symptoms

Treatment

Not just a gender issue

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DAHMW Blogtalk Radio Show

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST MEN ~ BY DAHMW

We only have a few days left to vote for "Give Under-served Domestic Abuse Victims A Lifeline" ... VOTE!!! DAILY! at http://pep.si/bTXG4P /Text* 101761 to Pepsi (73774)

The hidden side of domestic abuse

Study finds similar personality types in male and female domestic violence perpetrators

Study Finds Similar Personality Types in Male and Female Domestic Violence Perpetrators'

Breast cancer risk varies among different progestins used in hormone replacement therapy, study finds

Breast Cancer Risk Varies Among Different Progestins Used in Hormone Replacement Therapy, Study Finds

We only have a few days left to vote for "Give Under-served Domestic
Abuse Victims A Lifeline" ... VOTE!!! DAILY! at http://pep.si/bTXG4P
/Text* 101761 to
Pepsi (73774)