April Is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month

April is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month.

What is child abuse?

Today child abuse is not only viewed as physical maltreatment and sexual molestation, we are now dealing with bullying and with the expansion of technology we have online bullying.

Learning about prevention and awareness is key to keeping our communities and children safer.

Resources to learn more:

StopBullying.gov
Monique Burr Foundation
Child Prevention Month
Cyberbullying.us

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

It's time to talk about this topic, although many parents and youth think that it can never happen to them.

Talking about it and raising awareness are the first steps to ending it.

3 in 4 parents have never talked to their children about domestic violence.
 

What are some of the warning signs of a potential abusive relationship?

 

It can be difficult to tell the difference between a healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationship. While there are many warning signs of abuse, here are ten of the most common to look for:

1. Checking your cell phone or email without permission.
2. Constant put-downs.
3. Extreme jealousy or insecurity.
4. Explosive temper.
5. Isolating you from family or friends.
6. Making false accusations.
7. Mood swings.
8. Physically hurting you in any way.
9. Possessiveness.
10. Telling you what to do.

It's important to remember that no two relationships are the same and these behaviors occur across what LoveIsRespect call the "Relationship Spectrum."  If you or someone you know sees the warning signs in their relationship, help is available.

 

Community Empowerment Series: Session One Stacey Honowitz

Tickets on sale now!

Tickets on sale now!

State Attorney R.J. Larizza will be presenting Celebrity Speaker Stacey Honowitz on February 2nd at the World Golf Village IMAX Theater!

This is a must attend event.  The Community Empowerment Series is being presented by St. John County Education Foundation and Community in Schools of St. Johns County and sponsored by The St. Augustine Record and First Coast News.  This event is supported by the St. Johns Sheriff's Department.

In the light of the recent event in Newtown, CT, it proves no towns are immune to bad things happening in them.  Opening our CES with a topic of stranger danger, sexual predators and talking to our kids about private parts is critical today.  These can be difficult subjects for parents, however our expert, Stacey Honowitz, will give our community the tools we need to help empower us to be safer and stronger as a community.

St. Johns County is privileged to be featuring celebrity parenting experts that will be speaking on topics that will empower us to continue to have one of the best counties in Florida. The three forums will be held in February, March and April and will feature some of the leading experts in the field of parenting, cyber bullying, online predators, and much more.

Tickets for the three events can be purchased online at www.communityempowermentseries.com.
Parents are encouraged to bring their children, and grandparents, school counselors, educators and anyone that wants to make our community a safer place for kids should attend the series.

The purpose of the Community Empowerment Series is to strengthen our community and enrich our parents, teachers and everyone working with our children to be safer and kinder- both online and off. This series is providing parents with how-to’s on some of the most important issues facing children today.

The three part series will be held at the IMAX Theatre in World Golf Village. Stacey Honowitz, who has been featured on Good Morning America, Larry King Live, and Dateline NBC, will be speaking on February 2^nd about the media and sex cases, along with how to talk to young kids about private parts. Session two will take place on March 9^th and will feature Dr. Michele Borba speaking on peer pressure, bullying and cyber-stalking. Dr. Borba has authored dozens of books and has made appearances on Dr. Phil, The View, The Doctors, FOX News and many more. Theresa Payton will lead session three on April 27^th and will talk about internet safety. Payton is a former White House Chief Information Officer and has a weekly segment on North Carolina’s WBTV about protecting your cyberturf.

For more sponsorship information and more information visit www.communityempowermentseries.com.

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The St. Johns County Education Foundation is recognized as the direct support organization for the St. Johns County School District.  The SJCEF leads efforts to provide funding opportunities, support initiatives that enhance public education and recognize and inspire teachers and students within St. Johns County.  For more information, please visit www.sjcef.com or visit Facebook and Twitter pages.

i-Walk: National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Please GET BLUE and join in i-Walk to keep America’s children safe! Every April, the nation unites to raise awareness and educate the public about child abuse and violence against children.

To signify the importance of the month please celebrate your children on National Love Our Children Day on April 14th.

You can unite online by participating in the virtual i-Walk and gain the support of your friends, family and your community to help keep kids safe – and you don’t even have to leave your home!
Each year, over 3 million children in our country were reported abused or neglected and through public awareness, community education, and support programs, these astounding numbers will be reduced.

Love Our Children USA™ offers you an opportunity to join this national movement in your very own community. You can be the voices for children by participating in GET BLUE campaign and i-walking to remind everyone about the importance of America’s kids, and how we can share in preventing all violence and neglect against children.

Follow Love Our Children USA on Twitter.

Register yourself as a virtual walker today!!!

Stop Child Abuse and Sex Crimes

Stacey Honowitz

"Sex crimes know no boundaries. It's black, it's white, it's Catholic, it's Jewish." - Stacey Honowitz

Stacey Honowitz has been a prosecutor for 24 years in the Broward State Attorneys Office, and has indicted, and tried many high profile cases involving all aspects of child sexual abuse, and physical abuse as well as all adult rape cases. As a prosecutor she realizes that the most important aspect of the job is being able to communicate to the children the notion that "it's not their fault", and they should feel comfortable talking to both investigators and prosecutors about the sexual abuse.

When it comes to the adult rape cases, she strives to let victims know that coming forward and following through will benefit them long term, and being in this field of the law you take on a duel role, as both an advocate and a therapist The role is not only to punish to the fullest extent of the law, but to able to comfort the child during a difficult time in their lives. More importantly Stacey enjoys being on the lecture circuit, sharing her knowledge of sex crimes, navigating the criminal justice systems, investigating sex crimes and prosecuting in the courtroom. Her lectures also focus on "how to talk to your children" and the importance of frank and open discussions between parents and children about possible sex crimes and what to do if they ever become victims. 

Stacey is available for speaking engagements focusing on Child Sex Crimes, how to discuss sex abuse with your children, adult rape cases, investigations for child pornography, navigating the criminal justice system and the medias role in high profile cases.  Contact her - click here.

As the fastest growing crime in the country, Child Sexual Abuse is a national problem. "My Privates are Private" and "Genius with a Penis: Don't Touch" aim to help parents educate their children in a fun and comfortable way.  Both books Stacey Honowitz authored to help educate parents, teachers and children to better understand this ugly crime that is despicable.




Stacey Honowitz has appeared regularly on CNN, MSNBC, Headline News, FOX News as a Legal Analyst and has been featured on Dateline NBC, CBS News 48 Hours, and Good Morning. 

Invisible Girls: The Truth About Sexual Abuse

By Dr. Patti Feuereisen Ph.D.

The statistics are staggering.

One in four girls will experience sexual abuse by the time she is sixteen, and 48 percent of all rapes involve a young woman under the age of eighteen. It’s not surprising then, that in a society where sexual abuse of young women is rampant, many women never share their stories. They remain hidden and invisible.

In her pioneering work with young survivors through the last thirty years, Dr. Patti Feuereisen has helped teen girls and young women to find their voices, begin healing, and become visible.

In this revised second edition, Dr. Patti’s gentle guidance and the girls’ powerful stories continue to create an encouraging message: Remarkable healing is possible if girls learn to share their stories in their teens and early twenties. With a new introduction, new chapters, and updated resources, this new edition of Invisible Girls has even more to offer girls, young women, and those who care about them.

Order today.

Genius with a Penis, Don't Touch!

Order today!

By Stacey Honowitz

Stacey Honowitz is a twenty two year veteran of the State Attorney's office, seventeen years dedicated to the Sex Crimes and Child abuse Unit where she is currently serving as a supervisor. She is also a frequent legal commentator who has provided legal analysis for Larry King Live, Good Morning America, Dateline NBC, CBS News 48 Hours, MSNBC CNBC, as well as Fox News and Court Television.

She has prosecuted several high profile cases in South Florida and is also a guest lecturer who speaks about child sex abuse, the sensitive nature of these cases, the navigation of the criminal justice system and the importance of frank and open communication with children about this important and difficult subject matter.

She has provided important information for several years to both parents and children on the issues of child molestation and continues to send the message that the importance of reporting the abuse, it is the first step in healing. Stacey is also the author of "My Privates are Private."

Parents always want to know how to talk to their children about sexual abuse. They understand the importance of the topic, yet many struggle to find the "right words". This book was written specifically with that in mind, and gives parents the opportunity to discuss this subject matter without feeling uncomfortable. The importance of "Genius with a Penis, Don't Touch!" is two fold. The book will put both parents and children at ease when dealing with this very difficult, delicate, and often thought of as taboo subject matter.

The main character Bobby Boodle lets you into his little boy world and then helps parents and children engage in "breaking the ice" when bringing up the subject of private parts and touching. The book allows for open and frank communication between parents and children, and does not make the subject matter intimidating. Bobby teaches children through his limericks the importance of knowing your private parts and then stresses the importance of reporting abuse. The limericks are easy to remember and send powerful and important messages, first and foremost, don't ever be afraid to tell someone if you think you are being hurt.

The book enables children to see a cute character who has to deal with an important subject. They will feel sense of relief in seeing that children can speak up and not be afraid to report abuse. The message throughout the book is quite clear; never be scared if you are a abused and always know that someone will listen to you and help you along the way. Bobby advocates the many ways to seek out help, and teaches children that they should never be fearful of talking about abuse.

This book will bring parents and children together in fighting the fight against sexual abuse. Education and communication are the lessons "Genius with a Penis, Don't Touch!" will convey to both parents and children.

Order on Amazon today!  Limited copies available - more coming in - A must read for all parents of children.

Predator Down

Order today.

By Marco Cota

Sex abuse prevention Tactics. FBI hunts serial killer dubbed the acid rapist in this real life effort to put the predator instinct down. Mark Johnson is released from prison for serving a sentence of sex abuse against his young daughter. While visiting friends, Jeremy and Paula Curtis, he injures their daughter, Jerica, in a freak accident in which acid dissolves her fingers.

Out of guilt they protect Mark's identity from the authorities giving him assurance of his safety. As he flees the law he begins a gradual descent into the Hell of becoming a serial killer rapist with a foolproof means to dispose of his victims.

By masking his increasingly bizarre ritual violations and murders behind the respectability of being a business owner, Mark analyzes his slavish devotion to the god that impels him, accepting that he is permanently beyond salvation. His only remaining tie to sanity comes from his periodic visits to Angela in La Paz, Mexico. During these trysts with Angie, unknown to him initially she reveals that she is a victim of child sex abuse from her father. Mark comes to realize that his hatred originated with the sexual abuse he received from his stepmother. He now forms a plan of appeasement costing life. His sojourn into Hell does not go unnoticed, Detectives Rainy and Worthy are assigned to this "Acid Rapist" case, one they pursue with obsessive zeal.

The detectives, not knowing who Marks is, opens another revelation of this criminal mind; he is unable to resist taunting the lawmakers. Johnson engages in a battle of wits with Rainy, Worthy and FBI agent Ryan. It shows how the legal system struggles with this unprecedented evil. The book also reveals that such behavior does in fact emanate from very rational people.

Predator Down further approaches the subject realistically and therapeutically. Realistic conversation takes place between Johnson and his counselor. Non-fiction Interludes are throughout the book to heighten reader self awareness. Astounding new research is revealed from foriegn universities and other accredited sources. Predator Down is both a thriller and compelling informational that gives answers we so desperately need to prevent sex abuse.

Order today on Amazon.

My Private Parts Are Private

By Stacey Honowitz

Stacey Honowitz is a twenty-two year veteran of the State Attorney's Office, seventeen years dedicated to the Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit where she is currently serving as a supervisor. She is also a frequent legal commentator who has provided legal analysis for Larry King Live, CNN Headline News, Good Morning America, Dateline NBC, CBS News 48 Hours, MSNBC, CNBC, as well as Fox News and Court Television.

She has prosecuted several high profile cases in south Florida and is also a guest lecturer who speaks about child sex abuse, the sensitive nature of these cases, the navigation of the criminal justice system and the importance of frank and open communication with children about this important and difficult subject matter. She has provided important information for several years to both parents and children on the issues of child molestation and continues to send the message that the importance of reporting the abuse is the first step in healing.

Parents always want to know how to talk to their children about sexual abuse. The importance of "My Privates are Private" is two fold. This book will put both parents and children at ease when dealing with this delicate, almost taboo subject matter.

The main character Betsy Boodle allows parents who find themselves having difficulty "breaking the ice" the ability to communicate openly with their child about the importance of reporting abuse. It provides easy to remember limericks which send powerful and important messages, first and foremost the importance of reporting the abuse. This book empowers children and parents who sometimes have a problem finding the "right words" for a frank and open discussion.

Children will see that Betsy Boodle is not afraid to speak her mind if she thinks that she was abused. She advocates the many ways that you can report and most importantly she teaches others that they should never be afraid to speak up.

Order on Amazon today!

Sue Scheff: April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

About the Campaign

The April 2010 Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign focuses on preventing sexual violence on higher education campuses. College students experience disproportionately high rates of sexual violence – 1 in 5 college women will be a victim of sexual assault by the time she graduates. In addition to serving the many survivors on campus, there exists an opportunity for prevention and social change that will have a lasting effect on students throughout their lives. This year’s SAAM brings together resources and information across a variety of campus-related topics, with an emphasis on incorporating primary prevention efforts into the work. The campaign is built around the Spectrum of Prevention framework, developed by Larry Cohen of the Prevention Institute, that places public health problems, including sexual violence, within a larger context, beyond individual behaviors, to highlight the community and societal factors that influence the issue.

The document entitled “Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the Spectrum of Prevention” is the centerpiece of the 2010 campaign and includes information on how to use the Spectrum strategically in planning SAAM and prevention efforts on campus. We strongly encourage you to read through this document first. However, below you will also find level-specific information if you prefer to review the information that way. We have arranged all other new resources for 2010 according to level of the Spectrum, below.

If you would like a CD with all of the 2010 resources, or have additional questions, please contact the NSVRC at 1-877-739-3895, or resources@nsvrc.org

Sue Scheff: Sexual Assault Awareness Week (Feb 22-25)

Sexual Assault Awareness Week: February 22-25, 2010


Sponsored by Georgia Southern University's Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and the Sexual Assault Prevention Advocates (SAPA)

Sadly this is a subject that all parents need to be aware of and their teens need to be educated on. Teen sexual abuse is not prejudice. Whether you believe in a very safe area, or go to an excellent school or college, learning about sexual assault and abuse is a difficult topic but necessary to learn about.

Joni Poole, currently 18 years old, is a survivor of a sexual assault and rape. She is a hero and a voice for those that are suffering silently. She testified against her rapist and put him away. Joni Poole created Sexual Abuse, Assault and Rape Awareness (S.A.A.R.A.) organization following her horrific experiences. She was also featured in my Teens That Inspire series.


Joni Poole has been invited to be the guest speaker for Sexual Assault Prevention Advocates on Thursday 7:30 pm, February 25th, 2009 at Russell Union Rotunda at Georgia Southern University. Learn more.

Read more about this event.

Sue Scheff: Thats Not Cool

ThatsNotCool.com

Your cell phone, IM, and social networks are all a digital extension of who you are. When someone you're with pressures you or disrespects you in those places, that's not cool.

IS THIS ABUSE?

Recognizing Abuse?
Not sure if a situation is abusive or not?
Ask yourself if your boyfriend or girlfriend:

is overly jealous or possessive?
puts you down or criticizes you?
threatens or scares you?
hits, slaps, pushes, or kicks you?
controls where you go, what you wear, or what you do?
tries to stop you from seeing or talking to friends and family?
tries to force you to have sex?

What Can You Do...If you're being abused?

Call the police if you are in danger and seek medical attention if you are hurt.
You are not alone and the abuse is not your fault.
Talk with somebody you trust: a friend or relative, someone from school or your community.
Think independently. Remember that you are the expert about your own life. Don't let anyone talk you into doing something that's not right for you.
Have a safety plan in the event you are abused again.

Here are some tips.

Find out more about being a Tech Savvy Teen

If you think you're being abusive?
Know that there are people and organizations that are equipped to help you.
If you truly care for someone, you will not allow him or her to be abused, by you or anyone else.
Talk to someone you trust, like a close friend, family member, or someone you respect, like a teacher or counselor at school. Ask his/her honest opinion about your behavior.

If your friend is being abused?

If necessary, help your friend get medical attention. Encourage your friend to contact a professional or an adult they trust for help.
Offer your unconditional friendship and support. Be clear that you are there to listen, and not to judge.
Tell your friend it's not his/her fault.
Don't spread gossip. This could make your friend's situation more dangerous.
Don't try to confront the abuser or rush your friend into a decision he/she isn't comfortable with.

If your friend is abusive?

Visit http://www.thatsnotcool.com/Help.aspx for advice and answers to the above concerns.