Blog to Raise awareness for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Getting in on Sexual Assault Awareness Month is easy. Join our SpeakOut in April 2011. All you have to do is post this update to your favorite social media site, Facebook page or Twitter account. It's easy to re-tweet our messages. Just follow our executive director on Twitter. When one of our updates pops up just re-tweet it to your followers. 

Ready to go? Here's your update:

April 14, 2011

Blog it. Post it. Talk about it. Get involved. Sexual Assault Awareness Month #SAAM

Links to women's safety tips for New Year's Eve

We've scoured the web to bring you links with information that you need. The sites below have information about women's safety tips for New Year's Eve (and other occasions.) It can be true when they say "the best defense is a good offense". Nothing is fool proof. Sometimes though, the best way to prevent sexual assault is to be vigilant about your personal safety.

• National Self-Defense
• Street  Directory.com
• ABC News
• National Crime Prevention Council

If the worst happens...

Try to stay calm as best you can. Seek safety immediately and call 911. Don't change anything about yourself. Don't comb your hair or use the bathroom unless you have to. Do go to the hospital or sexual assault crisis center so they can gather evidence and give you reassurance. This is important to do even if you don't want to prosecute.

We want you to know that it is not your fault! 

You are never to blame for the actions of another person.

We also want you to know that is available. Not only is your local sexual assault center ready and willing to help but RAINN operates a national hotline. Call 1.800.656.HOPE. Someone is there 24/7 who help. Don't hesitate to call them. You deserve any help that you need to heal.

Everyone at Hope for Healing.Org wishes you the safest, most fun New Year's Eve that you can possibly have. We believe that 2011 will be your best year yet. Enjoy the evening, have fun but most of all, be safe.

Join iGive for free and help us raise $5,000 overnight

Join iGive for free to help us raise $5,000 overnight. We'll use the funds to help us meet expenses. This ensures that we can stay online to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Between 10:00 am EST tomorrow and 1:00 pm EST on Fri. Hope for Healing.Org get $1.00 for each person who signs up through this link and does at least one regular internet search. Please sign up tomorrow after 8:00am EST to help us! We can raise up to $5,000 but we have to hurry.

http://www.igive.com/welcome/warm_reg_promo.cfm?c=40568

iGive has partnered with the internet search engine, Bing. When you search on Bing through the link above you'll help us raise .01 per search. Enough people are doing this that we've been getting a check about once a quarter.

The money that's raised helps us stay online, pays for printing of brochures and educational materials and helps us feel the juvenile offenders that we work with. In short, it helps us do a better job of helping victims of sexual or domestic violence.

Right now, our needs are for printing costs and ribbons for our purple ribbon card. Each card has stats and gives examples of domestic violence. This helps people recognize domestic violence when they see it. A national help number is printed on each card.

We also need a projector to help with training classes. Hope for Healing.Org works hard to teach clergy how to spot domestic violence and how to respond. That can be a daunting task when you don't have a projector!

Times are tight for everyone.  That's why we aren't asking you for money. We're simply asking for you to sign up with iGive and try the search feature through their link. If you like it, we hope that you'll continue using iGive to make your searches count.

The url to join is
http://www.igive.com/welcome/warm_reg_promo.cfm?c=40568

It's only takes a minute to join and it's free. Best  of all, it help survivors of rape and domestic violence heal.

Lot's Wife discussion in Biblical Voices of Hope help resources

Thanks to everyone who tuned in tonight for our second segment of Biblical Voices of Hope about the journeys of women in the Bible. Our first segment about Eve was a huge success. We hope you enjoyed tonight's show as well.

Gayle and Teresa discussed the story of Lot's wife as found in Genesis Chapter 19:1 - 29. This is the story of Lot and his family. It begins as a rescue. It ends with the death of Lot's wife as she looked back at the cities and was turned into a pillar of salt.

During tonights Biblical Voices of Hope, Gayle and Teresa talked about Lot's family. To these ladies, two aspects of the story stand out that may be of help to survivors. One is that survivors should look to the future for hope and new life. The other thing that Gayle and Teresa talked about was the lack of faith that Lot's wife showed.

Other resources that were referenced during Biblical Voices of Hope include:

• Genesis 13:10-11
• Luke 17:32
• Wikipedia: How is salt made?

These Bible scriptures and others can be researched online through this link.

We are in the process of putting a study guide together for this segment of Biblical Voices of Hope. Keep watching the Hope Blog for details.

Hope reminder:

If you are spending too much time looking back in your life we want you to know that help is available. Resources that you may be able to tap into include local and national hotlines, help centers in your area and your pastor. We have two hotlines listed on the Hope Blog that may also be of help.

Author Lynn Tolson on Voices of Hope 8/3/2010

Our Voices of Hope internet radio show welcomes Lynn Tolson on 8/3/2010. She is the powerful author of Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story is an addictive read. Once you begin the book you won't be able to put it down. The pages take you through her struggles and into healing. You will plunge to the depths of her pain and celebrate her joys.

To learn more about Lynn Tolson visit her blog at http://beyondthetears.blogspot.com.. You can find her on Facebook by searching "Lynn Tolson".  Lynn  is the founder of Project  for Tears which is also on Facebook.

Our favorite quote from broadcast is:
"challenge society to change the paradigms that allow for the abuse of children." Lynn Tolson, about Project for Tears.

Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio

NCACSA event in LA postponed

Because of circumstances beyond the control of the National Coalition Against Child Sexual Assault (NCACSA) the fundraiser scheduled for Sunday, April 18, 2010 has been postponed.

Blog followers will know that our founder Gayle Crabtree was scheduled to speak at this event. We are hard at work to secure a date that will fit the schedules of both Gayle and the NCACSA.

Look for the updated information here. We'll be posting as soon as details are arranged.

Susan Suafoa-Dinino SpeakingOut on Voices of Hope Tues. at 12Noon

Our special guest today on our Voices of Hope Blog Talk Radio Show is Susan Suafoa-Dinino is the Founder and President of SpeakingOut Against Child Sexual Abuse. The organization is located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

The primary focus of Speaking Out Against Child Sexual Abuse is to educate the public about child sexual abuse. Susan is the voice of experience and expertise. Her workshops on have been presented in Tennessee and Louisiana. She speaks to churches and groups educating on child sexual abuse everywhere she goes. Susan is in demand as a speaker. In addition to other workshops she recent spoke out against abuse at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

You cannot hear Susan Suafoa-Dinino without being impressed and moved to action. Tune in to Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio to hear her for yourself. Live callers are welcome during the show.

Tune in from 12pm-1:00pm.
Call in to ask a question or listen live 718.506.1545.
Don't want your voice on the air? No problem! Email voicesofhope@hopeforhealing.org

Survivor Mark Douglass on Voices of Hope Blog Talk Radio

Tune in Tuesday, Dec. 15 @ 12 EST as we welcome Mark Douglass to Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio. Callers may phone in live during the show to 718.506.1545. Questions may be emailed in advance or during the show to voicesofhope@hopeforhealing.org.

Mark Douglass is an abuse survivor, speaker and the author of Flashbacks of Abuse: How a Machine Gun Toting Sociopath Freed Me From the Chains of My Childhood Abuse. He practiced law for 25 years in Minnesota and now devotes his time to speaking and writing about overcoming life's adversities.

Find out more about Mark Douglass by clicking the book link below and by visiting the website www.flashbacksofabuse.com.

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James Landrith Rape Survivor and Activist on Voices of Hope

Special guest James Landrith joins us today on Voices of Hope at 12 Noon (EST). Be sure to join us and tell your friends as we look at the subject of male rape.

James Landrith is a publisher who knows what it is like to be a rape survivor. He is an activist and syndicated blogger, member of the RAINN Speakers Bureau. In 1997, he founded the Multiracial Activist. The organization has been cited in university courses around the globe and is often consulted by the media. Additionaly, his work and websites have been profiled or metioned in as many as 50 different manuals or books.

Learn more about James Landrith at the following sites:
http://www.twitter.com/jlandrith
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jlandrith
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=134400205
http://www.jameslandrith.com
http://www.multiracial.com
http://www.multiracial.com/abolitionist/


As with all of our Voices of Hope segments calls will be taken live on the air. Phone into 718.506.1545. Questions may be emailed in advance to voicesofhope@hopeforhealing.org. Free podcasts are available for download 20 minutes after the conclusion of the broadcast.


This is going to be an exiting show. We hope you will join us for Voices of Hope at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hopeforhealing at 12Noon (EST)today.

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Channon Christian Chris Newsom Murders and George Thomas Trial

The Channon Christian and Chris Newsom murders rocked Knoxville like no other crime has ever done. There are overtones of racism, sexism, poverty mindset and a list of destructed lives. Christmas season is normally a time of rejoicing and family gatherings. For the Christian and Newsom families the George Thomas trial is a chilling reminder of the brokenness of their families.

Two other men have been tried and found guilty for their part  in the Christian and Newsom rapes and murders. Neither Lemarcius Davidson nor Letalivis Cobbins will again spend Christmas with their families. Instead, they will be guests of the Tennessee Department of  Corrections for the rest of their lives. For crime victims, the comfort is small.

Monday, defense attorneys will argue for the acquittal of George Thomas for any part he played in rape and murder of Christian and Newsom. This is a standard move by defense attorneys. We hope that the move will be denied. One of the best presents that the families of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom could receive this Christmas is the gift of justice.

Will justice prevail? The families and the rest of Knoxville is waiting to find out.

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Recovery from Rape

Recovery  from rape can be a long process. Two things that makes healing go smoother for many survivors are friends and family who believe and stand by us and a strong support network. The support network should include family and friends. It may also include support from a rape crisis center, educational materials, clergy, other survivors, a therapist or doctor. Survivors need to remember that it is acceptable to reach out for any help that is needed.

Recovery from rape is sometimes slowed by issues of finances or court battles. Victim Compensation is available in all 50 states. Each state has different rules regarding applying for funding. To find the Victim Compensation Fund in your area click this link.

Flashbacks, PTSD and social stigma are common issues in recovery from rape. Support from a rape crisis center can be helpful these symptoms manifest. Walking in the door can be hard. RAINN operates a National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE. If you would like to local a rape crisis center in your area a list of state coalitions can be found online here.

Many times survivors' lives will be rearranged and reevaluated. Universally, survivors will feel overwhelmed from time to time. No one can put a time frame on recovery from rape even though every survivor wants to do so. It is important for a survivor to have time and space to grieve.

In short, anyone who is looking at recovery from rape deserves to have whatever support is needed to heal. There is no shame in healing or in surviving a rape or sexual assault. All shame should be placed squarely on the shoulders of the abuser which is where it belongs.

Rape is never the fault of the victim.

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About our Voices of Hope Guests

I am often asked what we look for in the guests that we have on Voices of Hope.This blog post hopes to answer the question.

For those of you who may not already know, Voices of Hope is our internet radio show. We offer this twice a week on Blog Talk Radio. As far as we can tell this is the only radio show in existence that is geared exclusively to the needs and interests of survivors of sexual and domestic violence. It started in February and has already amassed over 21,000 listens. When you consider that we took the month off the figure is even more impressive.

We truly have great guests on Voices of Hope. We look for people who have overcome sexual or domestic violence or who have made a difference in the lives of survivors.

The advocates and domestic violence programs that we highlight all work hard in the field to improve the lives of the people they serve. The survivors who have walked the path from pain into healing share their insights to help others. Authors who write about issues faced by survivors or who support domestic violence or sexual assault programs are welcome. We've also had pastors on Voices of Hope who have experience with survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence.

Show topics for Voices of Hope often come from survivors themselves. Two popular shows that have come from survivors' requests were Domestic Violence and Halloween Safety with Anny Jacoby and Financial Empowerment with Ms. Kalyn Risker.

Point your browser to Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio on Monday nights at 8:00 PM and Tuesdays at 12Noon (EST).Learn about sexual and domestic violence and be encouraged and empowered.

Find out more on our Facebook Fan Page or follow us on Twitter for updates.
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Transcript of Child Sexual Assault Speech at the Lincoln Memorial in DC

A partial transcript from the speech against child sexual assault that was given at the Lincoln Memorial in DC appears on this blog. To view the transcript in it's entirely click here. You can also watch the You Tube video on this blog article.

Speaking out at the FACSA Rally in Washington, DC. The speech was given by Gayle D'Ambrosio Crabtree, founder of Hope for Healing.org.

"No More" Child Sexual Assault
As delivered November 14, 2009

It is time for the silence surrounding child sexual assault to be shattered, not broken. If the United States, as a nation is a body of people then the Lincoln Memorial is the conscience of the nation. Today we gather so that the conscience of the nation can declare its freedom from child sexual assault.


"No more".
"No more".
"No more".
"No more".
"No more". 
"No more" ... child sexual assault.

It is time for child sexual assault to end. We gather at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to declare our freedom from child sexual assault. We declare healing can be found for all child victims. 


What do we have to do? 

If we know a child victim it is time to pick up the phone and call our state hotline. We need to not be afraid. We know we can report anonymously. There are protections in place. We need to reach out for those protections. We need to report. We need to protect our children. We need to protect our neighbors' children and we need to do this for the benefit of our communities. 

There are programs in place where we can go online and search out for the locations of sexual predators. There are websites online where we can find the information and be wary. How many in this crowd regularly visit their state sexual predator websites to look up the information? Learning where sexual predators live is the first step in protecting our children.


Resources are available on www.thehopeblog.org to help you look up the location of child sexual predators. These are free searches. We must be knowledgeable. The child you may be protecting by knowing the location of predators may be your own. Or, the child may belong to your friend or family member...


Click here for the rest of the transcript.
A transcript of the invocation is available by clicking here.

After giving this speech Gayle was called "the strongest speaker on the platform" by one attendee. She frequently speaks out against sexual assault and domestic violence.  Contact@imaginepublicity.com helps arrange her speaking schedule. Contact them to book Gayle today.

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