Losing Weight On A Small Budget

Join Me on My 30 Day Journey



How long have you been over weight? As for myself, I have been for years. I have tried
many fad diets, soup diets, seafood diets, pills that make you have diarrhea
when you eat anything fattening, shakes that only shake with you when you shake,
and so on. I had to ask myself today, why am I going through another year over
weight? Each year I seemed to have gained five pounds, and I know it is not by
building muscle from jumping from one newest and hottest weight loss product to
another. I have decided today is the day and I want you to follow me on a 30
day journey.

I do not
know what to expect or what is in store, but that is the beauty of it. I value
your input and words of wisdom. Yesterday, the doctor said I need to lose
weight or I will begin to take insulin. Focusing on work, family, or whatever
your passion is, does not always make you first on the list; so today, I am
putting me first on the list so I can continue giving my best to you and all
that we are going to accomplish. I want
you to do the same. Starting today, I
want you to know you are worth it, so put yourself on the list and let’s get
started!

Alright, I
know we have a busy schedule, so let’s start with making a plan. How do we want
to lose the weight; aerobic, Pilates, tae kwon do, walking, gardening, sports,
bicycle, sex, weights, what will it be? I think I will start it off with 20
minutes of aerobics and Pilates, and 30 minutes on the treadmill, beginning
4.2. Hey, don’t laugh, we all have to start somewhere. Yes, that is stretching
it! J We will stay on this schedule 6 days
a week, and rest one.

Next, let’s
hit the kitchen and get rid of the high processed white breads, sugars, soda’s,
chips, candy’s, cookies, and high sugar juices. On Natural Health Yellow
Pages.com http://www.naturalhealthyellowpages.com/metabolic/self_test.html,
they have a Metabolic Profile Test. No one is looking so please answer the
questions honestly. If you don’t, you only hurting yourself and your road to
success. Many weight loss systems will cater your physical activity and diet
according to your health, and to your metabolic profile test. If you answer honestly,
it will tell you if you are a Profile 1,
which is a Carbo Type, and will advise you on which foods to consume and
avoid; Profile 2, is a Protein Type;
and Profile 3 is a mixture of both. If
you only stick with the plan and the exercise, you will lose weight.

Crystal
Light has some really cool new flavors to add to your water, Focus Citrus Splash, Metabolism, and Peach. They also have some New Crystal Light Mocktail Flavors Pomtini and Peach Bellini; New Crystal Light Mocktails Margarita Mix, it’s new
and limited edition. Also, they said, “Crystal Light Mocktails are a low-calorie drink mix available for a limited time in Margarita, Mojito and Appletini flavors.
With just 5 calories per serving. I have not tried them yet, but did see Donald
Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice teams making a commercial for them. I was so glad
Clay and the guys one. Some of the women need to act better. It is a great show
to watch if you want to observe social behavioral skills.

Next, what kind of life change are we going to make today, to get the results we want tomorrow. HHMMM! What a thought! Make it fun!! We go through enough crap
every day, whether from our friends and family; or just from beating our own
selves up! SO STOP IT! You deserve better!
I am here to help you get there, and I will be right along with you.

Hey, it is either take 30 minutes out to exercise today or spend the rest of your life in eternity! Isn’t it time to enjoy your life? Isn’t it time to truly start
living? Isn’t it time to truly learn how to live, rather than merely exist?

Well, let’s get to it! Make a daily log and post your comments at the bottom. I will work on skyping some of you in and promoting more videos.

Take care and I will see you soon!



Connie Lee

Conniesmiles49@gail.com



“What lies behind us and what lies before us
are only tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Travyon Martin Where Is The Outrage Over The Injustice!

Travyon Martin Where Is The Outrage Over The Injustice!



Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.



Over the news and media reports, we continue to hear about the tragic death of 17 year old, Travyon Martin, who was a Florida black youth shot to death last month, by a George
Zimmerman, who was of Hispanic/ Anglo ancestry. It has provoked an outrage of injustice in most of us; and yet others remain indifferent. So tell me, why did Travyon’s Unjust and Untimely death make national news and not the other story?





Awful…
Black Youths Douse Student With Gas & Torch Him, “This Is What You Deserve,
White Boy” (Video)

Posted by Jim Hoft on
Sunday, March 4, 2012, 9:17 PM

Two black youths chased a 13 year-old Kansas City student home
from school doused him with gasoline and flicked a Bic at him. They were
screaming, “This is what you deserve. You get what you deserve, white boy.”

The boy suffered first degree burns on his face. He did not know
the perpetrators.

KCTV reported:





Verum Serum reported on this from KMBC:



A 13-year-old
Kansas City boy is back home after two teenagers poured gasoline on him and lit
him on fire. It happened Tuesday at the teen’s home on Quincy Avenue, just down
the street from Kansas City’s East High School. The boy lives less than two
blocks away from the school and was walking home when the attack happened.
Melissa Coon said her son turned from the school’s stadium onto Quincy Avenue
and noticed two teenagers following him. She said the teens followed her son
home and attacked him outside his front door. “And they rushed him on the porch
as he tried to get the door open,” she said. “(One of them) poured the
gasoline, then flicked the Bic, and said, ‘This is what you deserve. You get
what you deserve, white boy’.” http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2012/03/awful-black-youths-douese-student-with-gas-torch-him-screaming-this-is-what-you-deserve-white-boy/



I have seen Reverend Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson present at Travyon’s defense, but have not heard them comment on the Kansas City case of the two black youth chasing a white student home, setting him on fire, as they yelled, “This is what you deserve. You get what you deserve white boy.” I am sure their presence may make a difference, but it needs to be consistent.Every day, children are losing their lives, because of gangs and racial tension in America; whether they are Black, White, Asian, Mexican, Italian, Russian, or
what other nationality that intertwines our lives together. There should be a continual outcry for all of their lives, for each child is just as important as the other, leaving behind
grieving families, friends, and communities.

Tyler Perry was pulled over for an illegal turn from the right lane, we he tuned left; he had put his signal on and was trying to move into the left lane. Two Atlanta, GA.
Police officers began to harass Tyler because he mentioned he had been watching over his rear view mirror, to make sure he had not been followed. Did they think he was some psychotic black man; or were they racially profiling and harassing him? Thank God, Tyler’s mom is still watching over him, and he was diligent enough to still listen to “Momma’s Great Life Lesson’s”, guiding him daily. During the questioning, Tyler confused and upset at this point, realized the officer was trying to turn off the ignition. Tyler
instinctively reached for the keys in the cup holder, when he remembered his mother’s
sage advice, which had been brought up in the Louisiana southern days of slavery and hangings. Remembering the keys were attached to a leather strap, Tyler made no fast movements and dropped the keys. The environment was confusing and hostile for Tyler and should never of happened, if the officers had done their job in a professional manner. If a black officer had not arrived on the scene, and calmed an escalating situation, Tyler’s situation might would have ended more questionably. Other officers have apologized for their comrade’s bad behavior, but that does not change the fact that we live in 2012,
and racial hatred is so predominate. On Tyler’s Good Deeds Facebook page,https://www.facebook.com/#!/thetylerperry , you can follow some very interesting and raw comments on how people really feel about race in America.

We are living in a highly technologically advanced era, yet still adhere to draconian racial beliefs. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said it best when he said, Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can
do that. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.





Isn’t it time we lay down the old system of prejudices and discriminations, which hold us back. We cannot move forward, while still holding on to the past. We are all racist at some point or another, and wil stand up for that old belief system. As Dr. Phil would say, “How is that working for you?” With racial tensions at an all-time high in 2012, we have got to stop and ask ourselves “WHY”? Why do we carry on the hatred of our forefathers? Why do we continue the prejudice of family lineage, when we know there is good and bad in all of us? Do not confine your children to your own learning, for they were born in another time. -Chinese Proverb







Anderson Cooper had a new race related study on his show, http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2012/04/02/study-race-relations-through-a-childs-eyes/,
which talked about children as young as 7 have already developed racial line
ethics. Michael John Hourigan Jr. quotes research shows that children develop ethnic attitudes by age three and systematic racial prejudices between 5-7yrs of age. This was found by Houlette et al., 2004. Children are not born with racial hatred, it is taught. Our behaviors are formed early in life; and how we perceive the world around us, what mate we choose, what perpetual bad behavior we find is our comfort zone, now becomes our way of life. This only creates another multi-generation epidemic of abuse and racial hatred. While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our
actions." - Stephen R. Covey



We can say we are not racially biased, for if we do, we are lying to ourselves. When you look down on another human being as having less value than yourself, you are racially biased. Please tell me, who gives another person the right to treat someone else like a second class citizen? Don’t we all deserve to be treated with respect and kindness? It does not mean you have to agree with everyone; nor does it mean you have to set aside your rights and beliefs, because another is more vocal about their demands. Ronald Regan said, “If we lose freedom here, there is no place else. This is the last stand on earth.” For when one race or religion continually cries out to be heard and silence the voice of other’s, that becomes tyranny not freedom of religion or speech.



The government continues to make allowances to be politically correct, and strips away, piece by piece, our civil liberties for the righteousness of a few, we all lose. You will never regain those freedoms; and we cannot afford to let that happen!

We live in the greatest land with opportunity to become whatever we wish. I am not rich, and worked hard every day of my life. We have to overcome all of the negativity that surrounds us each day, and tell ourselves that we deserve better. It is at that moment that we have to decide, if we want a better life for ourselves and our family, that we cannot continue living the same way we have yesterday. We have let pain hold us back; past
transgressions hold us back; cultural and religious beliefs hold us back; and
fear of change, fear of stepping out of our comfort zone, and fear of the unknown, to keep us from our dreams; and becoming the best we can be. I say, “Never Let Your Fears Over Ride Your Dreams!”

Yes, everyone you meet will have today will bring with them, their own personal grief and tragedy; so don’t judge them so harshly. Many times their reactions are based on the pain, anger, and frustration of other events, and not directed at you personally; but then again, sometimes we mess up, and stand to be corrected. I have been through my own hell, trials, and tribulations, but not making something good out of the trauma, would be the greatest tragedy of all. You and I have people around us who are counting on us to change our surroundings, our environment, our communities, and our culture. We cannot afford to pass down another legacy of hatred to our next generation. Our children, the world’s
children, and God’s children, deserve so much better! Enough is enough! The change starts with you. You are responsible and accountable for your actions, and no one else. If you don’t like your life, change it. At any given moment you have the power to say this is not how your story is going to end. Only you have to power to define yourself! Arise - transcend thyself! Thou art man & the whole nature of man is to become more than himself" - Sri Aurobindo


“ENOUGH” Art by Michal Madison https://www.facebook.com/#!/michalmadison

"Who Is Your Neighbor?"

                                

                                                    Who Is Your Neighbor?

FACSA Foundation (Family and Friends Fighting Against Child Sexual Assault)

We had better learn to doubt our inflated fears before they destroy us. Valid fears have their place; they cue us to danger. False and [overdrawn] fears only cause hardship.
-Barry Glassner

• 1 in 3 girls are sexually assaulted before their 18^th birthday
• 1 in 6 boys are sexually assaulted before their eighteenth birthday
• 45% of sexual assault victims are under the age of 12
• Only 10% ever report the crime, due to fear, shame retaliation from family, and/or perpetrators, children are threatened to keep it secret, etc.
• 90% never report, which leaves the perpetrator in our schools, homes, businesses, churches, organizations, and in our communities. (The next time you are in a crowd think of these sobering facts.)
• Child sexual assault victims who knew their perpetrator; 34.2 percent were family members; and 58.7 percent were acquaintances. Only eleven percent of child victims reported that strangers abused them.

So, who is your neighbor? Are they someone you love and admire, someone you loathe and hate, someone you are indifferent to, or do you have no idea?
With summer approaching, children will be busy playing in the neighborhoods, raising funds in the community, and home more often. Make sure your children are safe, have a buddy system; and if they are going to solicit funds from neighbors, to do so with a buddy or a trusted adult. Education and awareness of sex offenders in our communities is to help keep our children and communities safer; it is not to increase fear. Sex offenders have always lived in our communities, worked around our children, went to our churches, you have eaten dinner at a restaurant with sex offenders, and have probably worked at the same job location as sex offenders. What is more alarming, are the sexual predators that remain undetected in our homes, neighborhoods, and have daily access to our children. It is sad that child sexual assault has become a multi-generational epidemic because of family secrecy, social status, socio-economic stability, believing the perpetrator over the child because you don’t want to lose the love of your life, or just plain indifference to what is going on around you in your home, in your neighborhood, or in your community.

In the Springhill, Louisiana area, we have 10 registered sex offenders. Sex offenders, by law, are to live 1000 feet from schools, daycares, bus stops, parks, or any other place with children’s events. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 14:91.1 (2006). As originally enacted, the statute prohibited sexually violent predators from living within 1,000 feet of schools, 2004 La. Acts 178. In 2004, the Louisiana legislature amended the statute by adding day care centers, playgrounds, public and private youth centers, swimming pools and free standing video arcades to the list of places sex offenders were barred from living near.


My research concluded, out of the ten sex offenders registered in Springhill, La., there was one in question, that lived within the 1000 feet near schools, daycares, parks, arcades, swimming pools or public and private youth centers; as of my knowledge.
????? Some sex offenders lived just beyond the 1000 feet barrier, while others lived blocks away in heavily populated neighborhoods with children. Unless the courts order differnetly, sex offenders can live where they choose. Many people feel sex offenders need to locate to areas that have less children populated areas, not more densely populated areas. Informing the public by providing relevant and necessary information to the community can develop constructive plans to prepare themselves and their children for their continued healthy emotional, physical, and psychological development. Our local sheriff’s department, and Gary Sexton, is handling this person’s case on an unrelated matter.
.

Sex Offenders are classified as Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3.

Risk Level 1 Notification

A risk level 1 notification is information of registered sex/kidnapping offenders that is shared with other law enforcement agencies. Upon request, relevant, necessary and accurate information may be released to any victims or witnesses to the offense and to any individual community member who lives near the residence where the offender resides, expects to reside, or is regularly found. Level 1 offender may not be the subject of public notification (with the exception of homeless or transient level 1 sex/kidnap offenders).
Risk Level 2 Notification
A risk level 2 notification is information of registered sex/kidnapping offenders that may be released to public and private schools, child day care centers, family day care providers, businesses and organizations that serve primarily children, women, or vulnerable adults, and neighbors in community groups near the offender's residence, or where the offender expects to reside, or is regularly found. Registration information on Level 2 offenders may be generally released to the public (such as offenders who have failed to register or are transient or homeless).


Risk Level 3 Notification
A risk level 3 notification is information of registered sex/kidnapping offenders that may be generally released such as with Level 2 offenders and in addition includes news media releases. Any person may review level 2 or level 3 community notices at the Sheriff's Office Records Division. The Sex & Kidnapping Offender Community Notification book only contains notices prepared and distributed by the Sheriff's Office.
Webster Parish Sex Offender Listings:
http://www.communitynotification.com/cap_main.php?office=54423

The murder of Poly Klaas, in 1993, highlighted child sexual assault abductions and murders, as Poly’s case gained national media attention and an overwhelming public outcry. Marc Klaas has been instrumental in federal and state legislative efforts to promote prevention programs for at-risk youth, stronger sentencing for violent criminals and governmental accountability and responsibility. Often times this advocacy takes the form of legislative testimony; helping to enact Sex Offender Registries Residential restrictions. Marc Klaas is now the volunteer president of the KlaasKids Foundation and president of Beyond Missing, Inc. Mr. Klaas sits on the advisory boards of the Center for the Community Interest; Fight Crime Invest in Kids and the National Children's Advocacy Center.

In 2005, the highly publicized murders of Carlie Brucia, 11, and Jessica Lunsford, 12, played a significant role in new sex offender residency restrictions proposed and enacted in 2005 and 2006. Joseph Brucia helped enact Carlie’s Law for tougher parole rules for sex offenders. Carlie’s attacker was out on probation 13 months prior to her brutal assault and murder.

After the murder of Jessica Lunsford the Jessica Lunsford Act; creates Jessica Lunsford Act; revises sexual predator criteria; requires twice yearly reregistration by sexual predators; provides criminal offenses for failing to reregister, failing to respond to address verification, failing to report or providing false information about sexual predator, & harboring or concealing sexual predator; requires electronic monitoring for certain offenders placed on conditional release supervision, etc. Amends FS.

Research has shown that stranger abductions are about 11% of the cases, compared to family abduction during a custody or a divorce battle, runaways, lost, injured or otherwise missing children, and nonfamily abductions (in these cases, the child is at greatest risk of injury or death).
The first three hours are critical for the police to find your missing child; and why it is imperative to keep a current picture I.D., with birthdate, parents name, address, and phone number. You can purchase Kid’s Safe I.D. Kit’s from the FACSA Foundation, facsasavethechildren.com, facsasavethechildren@hotmail.com, or (318) 539-2571.

The best national estimates for the number of missing children are found in the National Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway, and Thrownaway Children (NISMART-2), released in October 2002. According to NISMART-2, an estimated

• 800,000 children younger than 18 are missing each year, or an average of 2,000 children reported missing each day.
• 200,000 children were abducted by family members.
• 58,000 children were abducted by nonfamily members, and
• 115 children were the victims of “stereotypical” kidnapping. These crimes involve someone the child does not know, or knows only slightly, who holds the child overnight, transports the child 50 miles or more, kills the child, demands ransom, or intends to keep the child permanently.

[Andrea J. Sedlak, David Finkelhor, Heather Hammer, and Dana J. Schultz. U.S. Department of Justice. "National Estimates of Missing Children: An Overview" in National Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway, and Thrownaway Children. Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, October 2002, page 5.]
If most child sexual assault predators are not reported, and are someone the victim knows, where do they come from and how can you recognize them?
Most sexual predators are family members, a live in boyfriend, a neighbor, a trusted coach, pastor, leader of the community, or anyone that you would not suspect. They often gain the families trust; may shower the family and the child with gifts; offer the child drugs and alcohol to seduce and threaten the child into silence; may take the child on trips or “special places’; will tell the child that no one understands them or cares for them like the perpetrator, turning the child away from the family, or anyone that would advise against their manipulative tactics; thus leaving the child open to continued exploitation, abuse, secrecy, and trauma. The perpetrator will take as long as they need, grooming the child and family for years even. Child sexual assault predators are usually someone who does not want to draw attention to their addictions, are sociopathic liars, very manipulative, charming, will go to extreme lengths to keep their secrets. They usually abuse many children, and often groom several at the same time. A child sexual predator is not the guy standing on the street corner; and looks like anyone else in your community; in your church; in your business; in your organization; in your school; in your neighborhood; and in your family; because they usually are.

š In child sexual assault case victims who knew their perpetrator; 34.2 percent were family members; and 58.7 percent were acquaintances. Only seven percent of child victims reported that strangers abused them.
š With that said, human trafficking has become a 32 billion dollar profit industry, making it the world’s largest illegal market. There Are 600,000-800,000 Humans Trafficked Internationally; 70% Humans Trafficked Are Female; 80% Humans Trafficked Are Children; 1.2 Million Children. Humans trafficked are forced into:
š The Sex Trade
š Domestic Servitude
š Carpet Factories
š Cotton Trade
š Kiln Trade
š Massage Parlors
š Brothels
š Chocolate Trade
š Garment Factories
š Organ Trade
š In Mali, The Price Of A Child Is $30.00
š And Can Be Bargained Down To A $1.20
š Each Year 20,000 Ethiopia Children Are Sold For $1.20 Each
š 1.2 Million People, Men, Women, Boys, and Girls Each YearContact:
Antislavery.org
Jfci.org
Worldvision.org
Notforsalecampaign.com
C Contact:
Antislavery.org
Jfci.org
Worldvision.org
Notforsalecampaign.com

I.C.E www.ice.gov/tips or call (866) 347-2423 (U.S., Mexico and Canada) or (802) 872-6199 (other countries
š FBI — Human Trafficking Report Human Trafficking/Get Help - Call 1-888-428-7581

Many times parents, grandparents, school officials, family, and friends are confronted
with a situation, such as child sexual assault and are not sure how to handle it. Child Sexual assault happens to children from ages 0-18. It is most often family members or acquaintances, someone the child knows. Sexual abuse can include, fondling, touching, kissing, inappropriate gestures, pornography with the child, to sexual assault. While it is defined by judges, lawyers, city and school officials differently, the effects of child sexual assault remain the same, devastating to the child, with lifelong consequences. If you suspect your child is being abused or sexually assaulted, we are listing a few helpful hints and guidelines to guide you.


Children will explore their bodies and this is normal. It is not normal when their behavior
is not in context to how they typically behave.

If they become more aggressive

become unable to focus(and have other sexual assault signs) burst into tears for no reason

are inappropriately touching their dolls or animals

begin to hurt animals

may become, shy, withdrawn, or have mood swings

depressed

began using drugs

become promiscuous

start bed wetting

fearful of a certain adult, places, or things

nightmares

unexplained bruises or rashes around mouth or genital areas


If you suspect a child has been sexually assaulted you need to contact authorities. You have to consider the best interest of the child, not the perpetrators social standing, parental basis, or dismissing it because it isn't happening to you. If they can hurt this child, they can hurt your children, grandchildren, or the children of the people you love.

Make the call to your local Child Protective Services and/or police department at 911 or

Child Abuse Hotline is 1-800-25ABUSE

Webster Parish Child Protective services (318)371-3004

Springhill, La. Police Dept. (318)539-2511

Benton, La. Police Dept. (318)965-0579

Bossier City Police Dept.(318)741-8611

Minden Police Dept (318)377-1212

Shreveport Police Dept.(318)873-2583


Always remember, it is not the child's fault. Even if a teen is promiscuous, adults must be responsible adults and dismiss themselves from the situation.


I am very proud of Governor Jindal’s tough stance on child protection legislation he has enacted, on behalf children and families, in the State of Louisiana.

“Child sexual assault does not discriminate for pain knows no color, race, religion, gender, or age.” Connie Lee

Connie Lee/FACSA Foundation/Founder/President
(318) 539-2571
Facsasavethechildren.com
http://facsafoundationvirtualexpo.ning.com/
facsasavethechildren@hotmail.com


Child Abuse:

Childhelp's National Child Abuse Hotline
800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453)

Child Care

Child Care Aware
1-800-424-2246

Domestic Violence

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233)
TDD 1-800-787-3224

Missing and Exploited Children
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)

Polaris Project
Polaris Project
P.O. Box 53315
Washington, D.C. 20009
Tel: 202-745-1001 or 1-888-373-7888
Fax: 202-745-1119

Project Jason
P.O Box 3035
Omaha, NE 68103
Phone: 402-932-0095
E-mail: information@projectjason.org


Runaway Youth

National Runaway Switchboard
1-800-621-4000

National Human Trafficking Resource Center

National Human Trafficking Resource Center
1-888-3737-888

RAINN offers an online hotline. Anyone can access help over the internet.
http://apps.rainn.org/ohl-bridge/


FACSA Foundation (Family and Friends Fighting Against Child Sexual Assault)
(318) 539-2571
facsasavethechildren@hotmail.com
facsasavethechildren.com



FBI.gov http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/registry/registry

Jessie’s Law http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessica's_Law http://archive.flsenate.gov/session/index.cfm?m&BI_Mode=ViewBillInfo&Mode=Bills&SubMenu=1&Year=2005&billnum=1877

Klaas Foundation http://www.klaaskids.org/pg-ourstory.htm

Lundsford Foundation http://www.jmlfoundation.com/   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessica's_Law

National Missing and Exploited Children’s Foundation http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=2816

Sex Offender Residency Statutes and the Culture of Fear: The Case for More
Meaningful Rational Basis Review of Fear-Driven Public Safety Laws
David A. Singletonhttp://ir.stthomas.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1099&context=ustlj

Sex Offender Registration Resources in Louisiana http://publicrecords.onlinesearches.com/Louisiana-Sex-Offender-Registration-3.htm


To Speak the Truth
Research-based law--the use of science to inform the practice of Wisconsin law
http://bauersteven.blogspot.com/2010/11/sex-offender-recidivism-base-rates.html


Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender Registry /Watch http://www.icrimewatch.net/results.
http://www.webstersheriff.us/offender_watch.html

Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender Tier Registry Classification
http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/sheriff/sexoffenders/classifications.jsp

                           

                       February is National Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month                                                

How many of you are familiar with the Chris Brown assault upon his girlfriend Rhianna? Chris Brown and Rhianna are two pop stars, who made national headlines when Chris beat Rhianna after they fought over a text message from another girl. Regardless of how angry he got her, he had no right to hit her; and he should have walked away when he got that angry. How do you think he should have responded to this situation?  Since this was not the first time he had beaten her, why do you think she stayed? What do you think she could have done to prevent the abuse from her partner? According to some teens they feel this is common in relationships, and unfortunately, this has become there comfort zone. Statistics show that one in three teenagers has experienced violence in a dating relationship. In dating violence, one partner tries to maintain power and control over the other through abuse.

If you will look around your classroom, church, auditorium, or any public setting and think of these statistics, as you take a mental snapshot of your classmates. One in three girls are sexually assaulted before the age 18 and one of six boys; and that is only the ones who have reported it. 90% of sexually assaulted children never report it. They don't report being raped by an abuser, a family member, their partner, or a stranger because of shame, feeling dirty, wondering what they did to deserve it, they don't want to break up the family, feel like no one will believe them, or does not want to get the abuser in trouble. This also allows the perpetrator to hurt someone else because they don't stop, seldom change w/o counseling, and you can't fix them.

Regardless of age, Teen and adult abusive partners will demonstrate some of the following classic abusive behaviors:

At first they shower you with a lot of affection, gifts, and love. Then they become very

·         Controlling what you say; who you talk to; where you go; and how you dress

·         excessively texts you

·         belittling you in front of friends and family

·         Hitting you; leaving bruises and cuts

·         verbally abusing you

·         isolating you from friends and family

·         emotional outburst

·         uses force in arguments

·         always blames others for their mistakes and faults

·         sexually assaults you

·believe their partners are their possession; then they become obsessed with them, which can lead to stalking:

·Stalking is the willful and repeated following, watching, and / or harassing of another person. Most of the time, the purpose of stalking is to attempt to force a relationship with someone who is unwilling or otherwise unavailable. Unlike other crimes, which usually involve one act, stalking is a series of actions that occur over a period of time. Although stalking is illegal, the actions that contribute to stalking are legal, such as gathering information, calling someone on the phone, sending gifts, emailing or instant messaging. Such actions by themselves are not usually abusive, but can become abusive when frequently repeated over time. http://law.findlaw.com/state-laws/stalking/louisiana/

Willful, malicious, and repeated following or harassing with intent to place in fear of death or bodily injury.
Punishment/Classification	Maximum 1 year jail and $1000 fine. If had dangerous weapon: fine $1,000 and/or jail 1 year. If stalking and protective order for same victim, or criminal proceeding for stalking victim or injunction: jail 90 days minimum and 2 years maximum and/or fined maximum $5,000. If victim under 18, maximum 1 year and/or $2000 fine. Note: anyone over 13 who stalks a child 12 and under and is found to have placed child in reasonable fear of death or bodily injury of family member shall be punished by 1 year minimum, 3 years maximum in jail and/or $1,500 minimum, $5,000 maximum fine
Penalty for Repeat Offense	If 2nd within 7 years: jail minimum 180 days and maximum 3 years and/or fined maximum $5,000. If 3rd or subsequent within 7 years: jail minimum 2 years and maximum 5 years and/or fined maximum $5,000

Abusers will try to isolate you from your family, do not let them. If you find yourself or someone you know in an abusive relationship talk to a teacher, family member, pastor, counselor, or call the FACSA Foundation. The important thing is to tell.

So how do young men and young women get involved partner, when they should know better and leave? Out of 6 billion people in the world, why do we fall in love with the partners we choose? You can walk into a room of people and may find many attractive, but there will be one who captivates your interest more than the others because of pheromones. Your nose emits odorless chemicals called pheromones that peeks your interest around a certain individual. Guys like to impress girls with their status, wit, charm, physical appearance, humor, and talents. While ladies like to impress the guys by twirling their fingers in their hair, batting their eyes, acting sweet and charming, or pretending to be interested in something they could care less about. Now guys, this does not mean you can put your sweaty armpits in the girl’s faces to make them fall madly in love with; this will probably get you hit a few times.

Another factor, besides being a hormonal teenager, is the fact that, as we grow up, we watch our parents every day. We see them laugh together, love each other, or we see them argue with one another, cheat on one another, lie to each other, or be abusive to each other; and this imprint becomes our comfort zone and the model of our future relationships. We say I will never be like my mother or I will never be like my dad, but subconsciously we choose our first loves that have tendencies like our parents because this is our comfort zone. It isn't until we get older, with more experience, for us to realize what kind of relationship is a healthy relationship and find a person who loves us, as we are, with flaws and all. Because when it comes down to it, you will never change them, you cannot fix them, they will not get better, and abuse only escalates. You cannot love enough for two; nor can you make it work by yourself.  You deserve to be loved and accepted as you are; and you have to pass on others until you find a partner who can do that. Not everyone will fit into the mold you fantasize as your soul mate; and trying to make them into what you want will only lead to a lot of heart of ache. If you are dating an abusive partner, regardless of how much you love them, you have to ask yourself, is this someone I would want to have children with. Would I want my children to be yelled at and belittled for every little thing they do wrong? Your children deserve better than that; you deserve better than that.  If you have someone in your life that is physically and verbally abusive to you, you need to tell your family, a teacher, a counselor, the FACSA Foundation, or an adult who will listen; and keep telling until someone listens. Abused friends and family will demonstrate the following behaviors:

·         Their partner controls what they say; who they talk to; where they go; and how they dress

·         They may/will be manipulated with money by their abuser

·         Their partner will make them fearful by actions or looks

·         Hitting them; leaving bruises and cuts

·         verbally abusing them

·         be isolated from friends and family

·         will take up for abuser; and may mention their abuse but laugh it off as a joke

·         they will try to please the abuser in anyway, but nothing will ever please them

·         believe they are their partners possession

·         Is always blamed for their partners mistakes and faults

·         Has been sexually assaults by their partner

• Know the facts about relationship abuse.
• Give assurance that you believe your friend’s story.
• Listen and let her share her feelings.
• Do not judge or give advice.  Talk about available options and resources.
• Physical safety is the first priority.  If you believe a friend is in danger, voice that concern.  Help create a safety plan.
• Respect your friend’s right to confidentiality.
• Say that you care and want to help.
• Don’t be upset if your friend doesn’t react the way you think she should. Let her talk about the caring aspects of the relationship as well. People who are being controlled by their partner’s behavior must consider many factors before coming to a conclusion about how to access safety. Let her make her own decisions and support her throughout the process.
• Give clear messages, including:
• Your actions do not cause the abuse.
• You are not to blame for your partner’s behavior.
• You cannot change her partner’s behavior.
• Apologies and promises are a form of manipulation.
• You are not alone.
• Abuse is not loss of control; it is a means of control.
• It is helpful to provide support to survivors. However, there are some forms of advice that are not useful and even dangerous for them to hear:
• Don’t tell them what to do, when to leave or when not to leave.
• Don’t tell them to go back to the situation and try a little harder.
• Don’t rescue them by trying to find quick solutions.
• Don’t suggest you try to talk to the abusive partner to straighten things out.
• Don’t place yourself in danger by confronting the abuser.
• Don’t tell them they should stay for the sake of the children.
• Never recommend couples counseling in situations of emotional or physical abuse.  It is dangerous for the victim and will not lead to a resolution. 
• Encourage separate counseling for the individuals, if they want counseling.

Adapted from EWA, Canada

How to Help a Friend Who is a Sexual Assault Survivor

When talking to a survivor of sexual assault, here are some key ideas to keep in mind:

• Validation: Accept what you hear. Many survivors fear they will not be believed. They are afraid that their experience will be minimized as “not important” or made into a catastrophe. Let the survivor state her or his views, feelings, beliefs, and opinions. Do not be judgmental.
• Empowerment: Allow survivors to direct their own course of action, no matter how much you think your idea would help them. An assault takes away the victim’s power and control over their self and situation; regaining that sense of control helps the survivor in the recovery process.
• Information: Present survivors with resources and available options. Initially, the victim may be so overwhelmed that it is impossible for them to hear everything. Be patient and willing to repeat yourself. Respect the person’s decision as to what to do.
• Privacy: Assure survivors that you will keep the matter private. Explain that you may need to consult with resources to understand how to help her. If total anonymity is necessary, you and/or the survivor may get information and support without revealing your names.
• Listen: Let survivors disclose as much about the assault as they are comfortable with. Do not press for details, as this can feel intrusive and controlling.

In responding to the survivor use the same words she or he does in describing the event. If the survivor uses the word “rape,” then use it in reflective listening. If the survivor uses the expression “something bad happened,” stay with that. Be empathetic, non-judgmental, and help the survivor feel safe. Avoid labeling the experience for them. Remember, survivors may feel guilty and responsible. You can reassure them that no one deserves to be assaulted and it was not their fault. Be particularly sensitive if a survivor has special needs based on ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and/or disability.

Even though it should never occur, the fact is dating violence and abuse happens every day, regardless of education or the lack thereof, rich or poor, race, or religion. People do not leave because they are afraid to; they are mentally and physically beaten down; or feel they have nowhere to turn.

·         If you have been abused by your partner, or you know someone who has you can call for resources:

·          the FACSA Foundation (318) 539-2571; or email us at facsasavethechildren@hotmail.com

·         the National Dating Abuse Hotline 1 (866) 331-9474

·         loveisrespect.org is a new 24 hour resource that utilizes telephone and web-based interactive technology to reach teens and young adults experiencing dating abuse. The Helpline numbers are: (866) 331-9474 and TTY (866) 331-8453. The peer to peer online individual chat function is available from 4 p.m. to midnight and can be accessed from the website.

·         Local Springhill Police (318) 539-2511

·         National Domestic Violence Hotline 1(800) 799-7233

      

If you plan on leaving, make a safe exit:

• Know the phone number of a safe house or a local women’s battered shelter
• Tell someone you trust and develop a plan; use code words if you are in trouble. A visual sign could be if the light is on it is safe; if the light is off you are in trouble
• Go to a doctor if you are injured and report the incident
• Do not go back to the abuser; your life could be at risk and no love is worth that.
• File a report and let the charges stick; regardless of the partner’s threats
• Reassure children of a safe place and their job is not to protect you.
• Keep the car fueled, money hidden, cell charged, and evacuation plan ready
• Pack a bag and hide it if necessary, with important documents, like social security numbers, birth certificates, medical information, marriage license, extra car keys, car title, banking information, important phone numbers, shoes, clothes, and toiletry items; maybe the kids favorite toy, to calm them.
• Know abusers schedule and a safe time to leave
• Erase you internet search history and be careful who you reach out to
• If you call for help, immediately dial another number right after that, so the abuser will not know who you called last.

If you leave:

• Change your routine
• keep your doors locked

  keep a certified copy of your restraining order with you at all times. (6 months max; can get a $500 fine or imprisonment)

• Install security systems in your new place
• Get a P O Box
• Get caller id
• Avoid going to where the abuser is, when possible. If necessary, carry protectors with you like law enforcement.

You don’t deserve to be treated this way;  you do deserve to be valued as a person, listened to without being yelled at, criticized, or judged; and you deserve to be loved. Despite what you think that person is bringing to your life, they are actually taking more than they offer. You can’t afford to trade yourself, your self -esteem, or possibly, your life for what you have them?  You have to learn to value yourself as a person, respect yourself despite your mistakes; and know today is a new day to start fresh. Learn to protect yourself and make better choices for your life; because every choice you make, regardless of how small, will affect the rest of your life. Every action becomes a behavior; and a behavior becomes who you are. There will be times in your life where you will have to take a good hard look at your life; and change what you don't like about it.

I will close with a quote from Jim Rohn, “If you don’t make a plan for your life, chances are, you will fall into someone else’s; and guess what they have planned for you; not much!”

Connie Lee/FACSA Foundation/Founder/President

Facsasavethechildren.com

facsasavethechildren@hotmail.com

 http://facsafoundationvirtualexpo.ning.com/

The  Dating Bill of Rights according to the ACADV http://www.acadv.org/dating.html

The Dating Bill of Rights I Have The Right To: ·         Ask for a date ·         Refuse a date ·         Suggest Activities ·         Refuse any activities, Even if my date is Excited about them ·         Have my own feelings And be able to express Them ·         Say, “I think my friend Is wrong and their Actions are inappropriate. ·         Tell Someone Not To Interrupt Me ·         Have my limits and Values respected ·         Tell my partner when I need affection ·         Refuse affection ·         Be heard ·         Refuse to lend money ·         Refuse sex anytime, For any reason ·         Have friends and Space aside from My partner I Have The Responsibility Too ·         Determine my limits and Values ·         Respect the limits of others ·         Communicate clearly and Honestly ·         Not violate limits of others ·         Ask for help when I need it ·         Be considerate ·         Check my actions and decisions To determine whether they are Good or bad for me ·         Set High Goals For Myself