Yesterday in front of Old Main there were red and white streamers, tables, signs and people with a passion to end modern day slavery; human trafficking. Students gathered to hear the eye opening speaker who told tales of real people he has worked with and how though it may seem like a never ending fight, each and every person listening has the power to make a difference to end the battle against human trafficking.
Everyone has a voice, it all depends on whether you choose to use it or not. I can proudly say that Kutztown University students use their voices and stand up against human trafficking by signing the 2011-2012 PA Human Trafficking Legislation Endorsement Form. This Form urges PA legislators to strongly support and enact the following efforts:
Posting of the National Human Trafficking Hotline HB235 and SB338
SPONSORS:Representative Clymer and Senator Leach
-This legislation would require the posting of the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline (888-3737-888) in key locations to provide assistance, tip reporting and training on human trafficking to victicms, community members and law enforcement
Clarification of Sex Trafficking
SPONSORS:Senator Leach
-The clarification of sex trafficking in PA's Criminal Code will explictly define sex trafficking as a criminal offense under the human trafficking law. This clarification of sex trafficking as a crime would also define criminal activity within the Criminal Code that is currently not defined under the existing law.
Human Trafficking Victim Support-Vacating Convictions
SPONSOR: Senator Leach
This bill would provide a process for victim of human trafficking to petition the court to have convictions for prostitution related offenses vacated from their criminal record if those convictions occured while they were a victim of sex trafficking as defined under state or federal law.
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SOME FACTS ABOUT HUMAN TRAFFICKING:
-There Are An Estimated 27 Million People Trapped In Slavery At This Moment
-There Are An Estimated 13 Million Children Trapped In Slavery At This Moment
-The Average Age Of A Young Woman First Being Trafficked Is 12-14 Years Old
-75% Of Human Trafficking Is For Sexual Exploitation
-75% Of All Victims Of Human Trafficking Are Female
-Over 50% Of All Human Trafficking Victims Are Children
-As Many As 30% Of Human Trafficking Victims Will Have An Encounter With A Healthcare Professional DURING The Time That They Are Being Held In Slavery, And Virtually None Of These Individuals Will Be Recognized As Victims By Their Healthcare Provider
Learn more http://doctorsatwar.org/human-trafficking-facts.php
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HOW CAN YOU HELP??
Raise awareness! Educate others! Speak to your legislation! If you are a Kutztown Student/Faculty Member/If you know where the Women's Center is come sign the PA Human Trafficking Legislation Endorsement Form. You CAN make a difference.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
End Campus Violence Week
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year's theme is "It's time..to get involved." The campaign encourages witnesses of sexual assault to speak up and get involved in their communities.
The campaign also focuses on speaking up to prevent sexual violence in our neighborhoods, communities, workplaces and schools. From April 12th to April 16th Kutztown University students are taking a stand against sexual assault and campus violence with a week of events and educational visuals for "End Campus Violence Week." You can get involved and take part in these great events.
MONDAY:
Movie Night in the Women's Center Oasis Old Main Room 3 "Once Were Warriors"
TUESDAY:
Visual Performance of how many people are affected by Sexual Assault on the SUB lawn, 11 a.m.
WEDNESDAY:
"Where's your line?" Enlightenment series workshop, 8 p.m. in the Multicultural Center.
THURSDAY:
9a.m.-5p.m. The Clothesline Project in the Bell Tower.
7 p.m. Take Back the Night in the Bear's Den in the Student Union.
FRIDAY:
Day of Silence
Some Sexual Assault Facts!!!
---In 2007, there were 248,300 victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault.1 (These figures do not include victims 12 years old or younger.)(RAINN)
---Every 2 minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.(RAINN)
Important KU Contacts
Public Safety
Emergency 610-683-4001
Non-Emergency/Escort 610-683-4002
Health & Wellness 610-683-4082
Counseling Services 610-683-4072
Berks Women in Crisis 610-372-9540
Women's Center 610-683-4655
Learn more about this year's campaign!
http://www.nsvrc.org/saam/current-campaign
The campaign also focuses on speaking up to prevent sexual violence in our neighborhoods, communities, workplaces and schools. From April 12th to April 16th Kutztown University students are taking a stand against sexual assault and campus violence with a week of events and educational visuals for "End Campus Violence Week." You can get involved and take part in these great events.
MONDAY:
Movie Night in the Women's Center Oasis Old Main Room 3 "Once Were Warriors"
TUESDAY:
Visual Performance of how many people are affected by Sexual Assault on the SUB lawn, 11 a.m.
WEDNESDAY:
"Where's your line?" Enlightenment series workshop, 8 p.m. in the Multicultural Center.
THURSDAY:
9a.m.-5p.m. The Clothesline Project in the Bell Tower.
7 p.m. Take Back the Night in the Bear's Den in the Student Union.
FRIDAY:
Day of Silence
Some Sexual Assault Facts!!!
---In 2007, there were 248,300 victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault.1 (These figures do not include victims 12 years old or younger.)(RAINN)
---Every 2 minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.(RAINN)
Important KU Contacts
Public Safety
Emergency 610-683-4001
Non-Emergency/Escort 610-683-4002
Health & Wellness 610-683-4082
Counseling Services 610-683-4072
Berks Women in Crisis 610-372-9540
Women's Center 610-683-4655
Learn more about this year's campaign!
http://www.nsvrc.org/saam/current-campaign
Monday, March 28, 2011
Breaking the "Gender Gap"
In 1984 Geraldine Ferraro became the symbol of Women's equality when she was the first woman nominated for vice president by a major party. An inspiration to women to all, Ferraro sadly passed away Saturday at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston due to complications from multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, which was diagnosed in 1998.
Ferraro was a savvy Democrat from New York with her candidacy that was seen as a potentially powerful weapon to turn the emerging "gender gap" to the advantage of the advantage of the Democratic Party.
Despite the troubles that faced her during her four month campaign she never gave up. She faced marital issues and media chiding her for pro-choice beliefs. "People always ask me, was it worth it? Of course it was worth it!"
Ferraro broke a huge gender barrier and in the next two decades other powerful women have achieved milestones in national politics; Hillary Clinton waged an intense fight for Democratic presidential nomination against Barack Obama and Sarah Palin became the second woman on a major party ticket.
Ferraro was a grade school teacher and prosecutor, dubbed a "tough Democrat" Ferraro never gave up. When she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma she was told she had three to five years to live. However, she never gave up. Obama recognized Ferraro's spirit and passion and said that his daughters, "will grow up in a more equal America because of the life Geraldine Ferraro chose to live."
Ferraro broke many molds and she is an inspiration to us all.
Ferraro was a savvy Democrat from New York with her candidacy that was seen as a potentially powerful weapon to turn the emerging "gender gap" to the advantage of the advantage of the Democratic Party.
Despite the troubles that faced her during her four month campaign she never gave up. She faced marital issues and media chiding her for pro-choice beliefs. "People always ask me, was it worth it? Of course it was worth it!"
Ferraro broke a huge gender barrier and in the next two decades other powerful women have achieved milestones in national politics; Hillary Clinton waged an intense fight for Democratic presidential nomination against Barack Obama and Sarah Palin became the second woman on a major party ticket.
Ferraro was a grade school teacher and prosecutor, dubbed a "tough Democrat" Ferraro never gave up. When she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma she was told she had three to five years to live. However, she never gave up. Obama recognized Ferraro's spirit and passion and said that his daughters, "will grow up in a more equal America because of the life Geraldine Ferraro chose to live."
Ferraro broke many molds and she is an inspiration to us all.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Guerrilla Girls Come to Kutztown! by Merlene Oswald
The Guerrilla Girls are feminist masked righter’s of wrongs who use facts, humor and outrageous visuals to expose sexism, racism, and corruption in politics, art, film and pop culture. They use “culture jamming,” a form of disruption that plays on viewers emotions, to spark conversation. They try to attract their audience with their unique text and graphics that present feminist viewpoints in a humorous style.
The Guerrilla Girls were created after several women attended an art show at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and discovered the majority of featured artists were men. Out of a concern for the under-representation of women in modern art the Guerrilla Girls were formed. In the inception they designed posters, for the streets of New York, expressing strong disapproval of the gender and racial imbalance of artists represented in galleries and museums.
Established in 1985, their name was chosen to relate with the fear of guerrilla warfare and make people afraid of whom they might be. They call themselves “girls” instead of “women” to reclaim the belittling usage of the word. Their gorilla disguise was introduced at one of their first meeting, when an original member misspelled "guerrilla" as "gorilla." When performing they take the names of deceased female artists as pseudonyms.
Members claim no one knows their identities, with the exception of close family members. The actual group membership has never been revealed and the group suggests there are supporters all over the world.
The Guerrilla Girls became noticed in 1989 with their poster campaign asking, "Do women have to be naked to get into the Met. Museum?" After counting the number of male and female nudes in the artwork at the Metropolitan Museum, they found 85% of the nudes were female. This poster came to existence after they were asked to design a billboard for the Public Art Fund in New York. Their poster idea was rejected, so they advertised on New York City buses.
Since those early days the Guerrilla Girls have preformed over 200 performances and workshops around the world. They also have published several posters, stickers, advertised in creative ways (on buses, in bathrooms), and have written five books, the most recent "The Hysterical Herstory of Hysteria and How it Was Cured From Ancient Times Until Now." Their most popular book is an art history book, The Guerrilla Girls’ Bedside Companion to the History of Western Art, which has been used in college curriculums. In an interview from NPR’s Fresh Air a Guerrilla Girl said, “We never imagined that we would become a model for feminist activists and would become part of women’s and gender studies curriculums all over the world!”
The Guerrilla Girls continue to be leaders for feminists transforming mass media with their use of sarcasm and ridicule. A quote from the Guerrilla Girls web site, “It’s our honest hope that all this attention to our work and the issues we raise adds up to changes for women artists and artists of color."
The Guerrilla Girls will be performing in the McFarland Student Union Room 218 March 20th!
Buy their book and bring it to the event for the Guerrilla Girls to Sign!!!!
The Guerrilla Girls were created after several women attended an art show at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and discovered the majority of featured artists were men. Out of a concern for the under-representation of women in modern art the Guerrilla Girls were formed. In the inception they designed posters, for the streets of New York, expressing strong disapproval of the gender and racial imbalance of artists represented in galleries and museums.
Established in 1985, their name was chosen to relate with the fear of guerrilla warfare and make people afraid of whom they might be. They call themselves “girls” instead of “women” to reclaim the belittling usage of the word. Their gorilla disguise was introduced at one of their first meeting, when an original member misspelled "guerrilla" as "gorilla." When performing they take the names of deceased female artists as pseudonyms.
Members claim no one knows their identities, with the exception of close family members. The actual group membership has never been revealed and the group suggests there are supporters all over the world.
The Guerrilla Girls became noticed in 1989 with their poster campaign asking, "Do women have to be naked to get into the Met. Museum?" After counting the number of male and female nudes in the artwork at the Metropolitan Museum, they found 85% of the nudes were female. This poster came to existence after they were asked to design a billboard for the Public Art Fund in New York. Their poster idea was rejected, so they advertised on New York City buses.
Since those early days the Guerrilla Girls have preformed over 200 performances and workshops around the world. They also have published several posters, stickers, advertised in creative ways (on buses, in bathrooms), and have written five books, the most recent "The Hysterical Herstory of Hysteria and How it Was Cured From Ancient Times Until Now." Their most popular book is an art history book, The Guerrilla Girls’ Bedside Companion to the History of Western Art, which has been used in college curriculums. In an interview from NPR’s Fresh Air a Guerrilla Girl said, “We never imagined that we would become a model for feminist activists and would become part of women’s and gender studies curriculums all over the world!”
The Guerrilla Girls continue to be leaders for feminists transforming mass media with their use of sarcasm and ridicule. A quote from the Guerrilla Girls web site, “It’s our honest hope that all this attention to our work and the issues we raise adds up to changes for women artists and artists of color."
The Guerrilla Girls will be performing in the McFarland Student Union Room 218 March 20th!
Buy their book and bring it to the event for the Guerrilla Girls to Sign!!!!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
A Woman's "Place" is Everywhere.
March is just around the corner and everyone knows what that means, it’s a time to celebrate! It’s Women’s History Month! March 8th is “International Women’s Day”, a time to remember and honor all the remarkable women of days past who have served as role models and inspirations to the women of today.
Notable Women in History
Frida Kalho
-Mexican Painter
-Known for her self portraits that capture her "pain and passion" and its intense vibrant colors
-"I paint myself because I am so often alone and because I am the subject I know best. I was born a bitch. I was born a painter."-Kalho
Kathe Kollwitz
- German painter, printmaker, and sculptor whose work offered an eloquent and often searing account of the human condition in the first half of the 20th century.
-Her empathy for the less fortunate, expressed most famously through the graphic means of drawing, etching, lithography, and woodcut, embraced the victims of poverty, hunger, and war.
-Initially her work was grounded in Naturalism, and later took on Expressionistic qualities.
Amelia Earhart
--American Avaiton Pioneer
--First woman to receive the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross
--Awarded for becoming the first aviatrix to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean
--She was also a member of the National Woman's Party, and an early supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment.
Alice Paul
-American suffragette and activist
-Along with Lucy Burns and others, she led a successful campaign for women's suffrage that resulted in the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920.
Wilma Rudolph
-Received bronze medal as a member of the American 400-meter relay team.
-She also received golds in the 1948 Olympics in the 200 and 100 meter dash.
-Wilma was remembered for overcoming polio as a child, and becoming a track star.
Elizabeth Cady Staton
-was an American social activist, abolitionist, and leading figure of the early woman's movement.
-Her Declaration of Sentiments, presented at the first women's rights convention held in 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York, is often credited with initiating the first organized woman's rights and woman's suffrage movements in the United States.
Georgia O'Keeffe
-She is chiefly known for paintings of flowers, rocks, shells, animal bones, and landscapes in which she synthesized abstraction and representation.
-O'Keeffe played a central role in bringing an American art style to Europe at a time when the majority of influence flowed in the opposite direction
Notable Women in History
Frida Kalho
-Mexican Painter
-Known for her self portraits that capture her "pain and passion" and its intense vibrant colors
-"I paint myself because I am so often alone and because I am the subject I know best. I was born a bitch. I was born a painter."-Kalho
Kathe Kollwitz
- German painter, printmaker, and sculptor whose work offered an eloquent and often searing account of the human condition in the first half of the 20th century.
-Her empathy for the less fortunate, expressed most famously through the graphic means of drawing, etching, lithography, and woodcut, embraced the victims of poverty, hunger, and war.
-Initially her work was grounded in Naturalism, and later took on Expressionistic qualities.
Amelia Earhart
--American Avaiton Pioneer
--First woman to receive the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross
--Awarded for becoming the first aviatrix to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean
--She was also a member of the National Woman's Party, and an early supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment.
Alice Paul
-American suffragette and activist
-Along with Lucy Burns and others, she led a successful campaign for women's suffrage that resulted in the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920.
Wilma Rudolph
-Received bronze medal as a member of the American 400-meter relay team.
-She also received golds in the 1948 Olympics in the 200 and 100 meter dash.
-Wilma was remembered for overcoming polio as a child, and becoming a track star.
Elizabeth Cady Staton
-was an American social activist, abolitionist, and leading figure of the early woman's movement.
-Her Declaration of Sentiments, presented at the first women's rights convention held in 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York, is often credited with initiating the first organized woman's rights and woman's suffrage movements in the United States.
Georgia O'Keeffe
-She is chiefly known for paintings of flowers, rocks, shells, animal bones, and landscapes in which she synthesized abstraction and representation.
-O'Keeffe played a central role in bringing an American art style to Europe at a time when the majority of influence flowed in the opposite direction
Monday, February 14, 2011
Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
The Kutztown Women's Center is proud to present, in conjunction with Women's History Month, a series of speakers that are Professionals in their fields.
The Series will run on March 2, 16, 18, 22 and 30 to help Kutztown students “Learn from those who have walked that line before.” All lectures begin at 4:30 in the Academic Forum and offer students the chance to ask questions about the field they wish to pursue.
THE SPEAKERS
Let’s Talk Business! The first speaker in this series, Dr. CJ Rhoads, published author and consultant on business strategy has a varied career background ranging from entrepreneurial ventures to board-level decision making at Fortune 500 companies. Among her many accomplishments, Dr.Rhoads is also the CEO of ETM Associates Inc. Dr. CJ Rhoads will speak in the Women’s Center “First Steps Speaker Series,” on March 2 at 4:30 in the AF 102.
Buy her Book!!
Microsoft Office 2007 in Business: Core
Case Closed!- The second speaker in the Kutztown Women’s Center Speaker Series “First Steps,” will be presenting on March 16 at 4:30pm AF 102. Donna Steslow, is an Assistant Professor of Business Law here at KU, however before coming here she served as a law clerk and was employed as an associate attorney.
Open your mind and explore your thoughts within- Dr. Hamlet is an assistant professor in the department of Counseling and Human Services who will speak on behalf of the psychology department on March 21 at 4:30pm in AF 102. In addition to teaching Dr. Hamlet is also a licensed psychologist who has been working in school and community counseling for the past 20 years.
Express yourself with Shoshana Gosselin! Interior Decorator Shoshana Gosselin has been designing for residential and commercial spaces since 2002. Shoshana’s designs have been published in The Morning Call and Lehigh Valley Style magazine. She appears on WFMZ-TV 69 News at Sunrise monthly, and her DIY ideas and projects have been featured on HGTV.com.On March 23 4:30 pm AF 102 Shoshana will speak in the Women’s Center “First Step’s Speaker Series” for those looking for a little flair.
What Can I do with an English Major?The opportunities available for students majoring in English are versatile, but can also be challenging to find. KU Assistant Professor Dr. Carissa Pokorny-Golden
has been a high school teacher and is currently serving as a Navy officer. Her
academic and career journey is unusual and could help those wondering how to
utilize their English degree in their professional lives.
Education 101- Dr. Darlene Schoenly is the last speaker in the Women’s Center “First Steps Speaker Series.” Dr. Schoenly has been in the education field for 40 years and has held numerous roles and positions. She will lecture on March 30 at 4:30pm in the AF 102
The Series will run on March 2, 16, 18, 22 and 30 to help Kutztown students “Learn from those who have walked that line before.” All lectures begin at 4:30 in the Academic Forum and offer students the chance to ask questions about the field they wish to pursue.
THE SPEAKERS
Let’s Talk Business! The first speaker in this series, Dr. CJ Rhoads, published author and consultant on business strategy has a varied career background ranging from entrepreneurial ventures to board-level decision making at Fortune 500 companies. Among her many accomplishments, Dr.Rhoads is also the CEO of ETM Associates Inc. Dr. CJ Rhoads will speak in the Women’s Center “First Steps Speaker Series,” on March 2 at 4:30 in the AF 102.
Buy her Book!!
Microsoft Office 2007 in Business: Core
Case Closed!- The second speaker in the Kutztown Women’s Center Speaker Series “First Steps,” will be presenting on March 16 at 4:30pm AF 102. Donna Steslow, is an Assistant Professor of Business Law here at KU, however before coming here she served as a law clerk and was employed as an associate attorney.
Open your mind and explore your thoughts within- Dr. Hamlet is an assistant professor in the department of Counseling and Human Services who will speak on behalf of the psychology department on March 21 at 4:30pm in AF 102. In addition to teaching Dr. Hamlet is also a licensed psychologist who has been working in school and community counseling for the past 20 years.
Express yourself with Shoshana Gosselin! Interior Decorator Shoshana Gosselin has been designing for residential and commercial spaces since 2002. Shoshana’s designs have been published in The Morning Call and Lehigh Valley Style magazine. She appears on WFMZ-TV 69 News at Sunrise monthly, and her DIY ideas and projects have been featured on HGTV.com.On March 23 4:30 pm AF 102 Shoshana will speak in the Women’s Center “First Step’s Speaker Series” for those looking for a little flair.
What Can I do with an English Major?The opportunities available for students majoring in English are versatile, but can also be challenging to find. KU Assistant Professor Dr. Carissa Pokorny-Golden
has been a high school teacher and is currently serving as a Navy officer. Her
academic and career journey is unusual and could help those wondering how to
utilize their English degree in their professional lives.
Education 101- Dr. Darlene Schoenly is the last speaker in the Women’s Center “First Steps Speaker Series.” Dr. Schoenly has been in the education field for 40 years and has held numerous roles and positions. She will lecture on March 30 at 4:30pm in the AF 102
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Page turners
I know I already blogged about Valentine's Day, but here's some interesting things I found while internet shopping that I thought I should share...
so, curl up with a nice book and a box of chocolates and you have a nice Valentine's Day right there!
so, curl up with a nice book and a box of chocolates and you have a nice Valentine's Day right there!
Friday, February 11, 2011
You're My Dream Boat
The Top 10 Merriam-Webster Dictionary Words for Valentine's Day:
1. Romantic
2. Valentine
3. Amour
4. Adonis
5. Aphrodisiac
6. Infatuation
7. Casanova
8. Unrequited
9. Saccharine
10.Sweetheart
Movies to Watch for Valentine's Day if you don't have a Valentine..
ANTI-Valentine's Day Movies:
1. John Tucker Must Die
2. Swimfan
3. Obsessessed
4. The Shining
5. To Die For
6. Any Scary Movie or anything that doesn't deal with love or cutesy hearts
You could always read some anti-Valentine's Books like the "The Bell Jar," ok maybe that's taking it a bit far,..it's one holiday! Who reads these days?
If you do have a special someone and you decide to watch a movie together here are a couple of choices that you might enjoy...
1.Titantic
2.Romeo and Juliet
3.The Notebook
4.The Last Song
5.Going the Distance
6.Little Manhattan
7.You've Got Mail
8.How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
9.Love Story
10.Chocolat
If it makes you cry, it's perfect.
Fast Facts About Valentine's Day!!
-110 million roses, the majority red, will be sold and delivered within a three-day time period.
-California produces 60 percent of American roses, but the vast number sold on Valentine's Day in the United States are imported, mostly from South America.
-15% of U.S. women send themselves flowers on Valentine's Day.
-73% of people who buy flowers for Valentine's Day are men, while only 27% percent are women.
-About 1 billion Valentine's Day cards are exchanged each year. That's the largest seasonal card-sending occasion of the year, next to Christmas.
-More than 50 percent of cards are sold the week of the holiday, with the largest and most elaborate Valentine cards sold 48 hours before February 14.
-70 percent of those celebrating the holiday give a card, followed by a telephone call (49 percent), gift (48 percent), special dinner (37 percent), candy (33 percent) restaurant meal (30 percent), and flowers (19 percent).
-Teachers will receive the most Valentine's Day cards, followed by children, mothers, wives, and then, sweethearts.
-Children ages 6 to 10 exchange more than 650 million Valentine's cards with teachers, classmates, and family members
Hallmark has over 1330 different cards specifically for Valentine's Day.
Conversation Hearts: In 1866, candy manufacturer NECCO made the first "Conversation Hearts" — then called "Motto Hearts." According to NECCO, eight billion of these little candies are sold between January 1 and February 14.
More than 35 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine's Day.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1. Romantic
2. Valentine
3. Amour
4. Adonis
5. Aphrodisiac
6. Infatuation
7. Casanova
8. Unrequited
9. Saccharine
10.Sweetheart
Movies to Watch for Valentine's Day if you don't have a Valentine..
ANTI-Valentine's Day Movies:
1. John Tucker Must Die
2. Swimfan
3. Obsessessed
4. The Shining
5. To Die For
6. Any Scary Movie or anything that doesn't deal with love or cutesy hearts
You could always read some anti-Valentine's Books like the "The Bell Jar," ok maybe that's taking it a bit far,..it's one holiday! Who reads these days?
If you do have a special someone and you decide to watch a movie together here are a couple of choices that you might enjoy...
1.Titantic
2.Romeo and Juliet
3.The Notebook
4.The Last Song
5.Going the Distance
6.Little Manhattan
7.You've Got Mail
8.How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
9.Love Story
10.Chocolat
If it makes you cry, it's perfect.
Fast Facts About Valentine's Day!!
-110 million roses, the majority red, will be sold and delivered within a three-day time period.
-California produces 60 percent of American roses, but the vast number sold on Valentine's Day in the United States are imported, mostly from South America.
-15% of U.S. women send themselves flowers on Valentine's Day.
-73% of people who buy flowers for Valentine's Day are men, while only 27% percent are women.
-About 1 billion Valentine's Day cards are exchanged each year. That's the largest seasonal card-sending occasion of the year, next to Christmas.
-More than 50 percent of cards are sold the week of the holiday, with the largest and most elaborate Valentine cards sold 48 hours before February 14.
-70 percent of those celebrating the holiday give a card, followed by a telephone call (49 percent), gift (48 percent), special dinner (37 percent), candy (33 percent) restaurant meal (30 percent), and flowers (19 percent).
-Teachers will receive the most Valentine's Day cards, followed by children, mothers, wives, and then, sweethearts.
-Children ages 6 to 10 exchange more than 650 million Valentine's cards with teachers, classmates, and family members
Hallmark has over 1330 different cards specifically for Valentine's Day.
Conversation Hearts: In 1866, candy manufacturer NECCO made the first "Conversation Hearts" — then called "Motto Hearts." According to NECCO, eight billion of these little candies are sold between January 1 and February 14.
More than 35 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine's Day.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
FGM....WTF?
What is FGM? FGM or "female genital mutilation", also known as female circumcision or "cutting" is a practice that began in Africa over 2000 years ago. It is a painful procedure that is performed on girls before puberty. There are three parts to this procedure;
1.Sunna Circumcision - consists of the removal of the prepuce or the tip of the clitoris.
2.Clitoridectomy - consists of the removal of the entire clitoris (prepuce and glands) and the removal of the adjacent labia.
3.Infibulation(pharonic circumcision)-- consists of performing a clitoridectomy. This is then stitched up allowing a small hole to remain open to allow for urine and menstrual blood to flow through.
These are all usually performed without any anesthesia or pain medicines.
Now, why would someone want to do that to do a child? I don't know about you but that was a tad difficult to read about and think about never mind see it done in my own town, or village. Well FGM has become a cultural practice with many beliefs that it is necessary for a woman to survive in society. For one, woman can never be truly beautiful if she does not go under this mutilation.
Also, FGM countries follow the ideas that this procedure will--
"--reduce a women's desire for sex and in doing so will reduce the chance of sex outside the marriage.
--This is vital to this society as her honor for the family is depended on her not to be opened up prior to marriage.
--Some view the clitoris and the labia as male parts on a female body, thus removal of these parts enhances the femininity of the girl.
--It is also believed that unless a female has undergone this procedure she is unclean and will not be allowed to handle food or water.
--Some groups believe that if the clitoris touches a man's penis the man will die.
--As well as the belief that if a baby's head touches the clitoris that the baby will die or the breast milk will be poisonous.
--The belief that an unmutilated female can not conceive, therefore the female should be militated in order to become fertile.
--Bad genital odors can only be eliminated by removing the clitoris and labia minora.
--Prevents vaginal cancer.
--An unmodified clitoris can lead to masturbation or lesbianism.
--Prevents nervousness from developing in girls and women.
--Prevents the face from turning yellow.
--Makes a women's face more beautiful.
--Older men may not be able to match their wives sex drive.
--Intact clitoris will generate sexual arousal and in women if repressed can cause nervousness." (http://wolvesdreams.tripod.com/FGM.html)
I'm sorry but that is ridiculous.
How is FGM performed?
The age varies but usually the child is from 4-8 and due to poverty the procedure isn't done by a medically trained people. The children are held down and as older women as the mid-wife performs the procedure with anything sharp, which could be anything from; broken glass, a tin lid, razor blades, knives, or scissors. These items usually are not sterilized before or after usage.
Once the genital area for removal is gone, the child is stitched up and her legs are bound for up to 40 days. A girl is not a woman until she undergoes the procedure
What?! What about the side effects??!!
FGM can have serious side effects; infections, HIV, small benign tumors hemorrhages, clitoral cysts and even death.
The long term effects may also include kidney stones, sterility, sexual dysfunction, depression, various urinary tract infections, various gynecological and obstetric problems.
"In order to have sexual intercourse the women have to be opened up in some fashion and in some cases cutting is necessary. After child birth some women are re-infibulated to make them (tight) for their husbands." (Puked yet?)
Yes, this is part of their culture but it's killing children! Shouldn't someone step in and do something?!!
Of course this is a humans rights issue!! Amnesty International now has taken up the fight to do away with this practice that mutilates millions of girls each year. In Africa an estimated 92 million girls from 10 years of age and above have undergone FGM.This needs to stop!
Important Links
http://www.unicef.org/protection/index_genitalmutilation.html
http://wolvesdreams.tripod.com/FGM.html
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs241/en/
1.Sunna Circumcision - consists of the removal of the prepuce or the tip of the clitoris.
2.Clitoridectomy - consists of the removal of the entire clitoris (prepuce and glands) and the removal of the adjacent labia.
3.Infibulation(pharonic circumcision)-- consists of performing a clitoridectomy. This is then stitched up allowing a small hole to remain open to allow for urine and menstrual blood to flow through.
These are all usually performed without any anesthesia or pain medicines.
Now, why would someone want to do that to do a child? I don't know about you but that was a tad difficult to read about and think about never mind see it done in my own town, or village. Well FGM has become a cultural practice with many beliefs that it is necessary for a woman to survive in society. For one, woman can never be truly beautiful if she does not go under this mutilation.
Also, FGM countries follow the ideas that this procedure will--
"--reduce a women's desire for sex and in doing so will reduce the chance of sex outside the marriage.
--This is vital to this society as her honor for the family is depended on her not to be opened up prior to marriage.
--Some view the clitoris and the labia as male parts on a female body, thus removal of these parts enhances the femininity of the girl.
--It is also believed that unless a female has undergone this procedure she is unclean and will not be allowed to handle food or water.
--Some groups believe that if the clitoris touches a man's penis the man will die.
--As well as the belief that if a baby's head touches the clitoris that the baby will die or the breast milk will be poisonous.
--The belief that an unmutilated female can not conceive, therefore the female should be militated in order to become fertile.
--Bad genital odors can only be eliminated by removing the clitoris and labia minora.
--Prevents vaginal cancer.
--An unmodified clitoris can lead to masturbation or lesbianism.
--Prevents nervousness from developing in girls and women.
--Prevents the face from turning yellow.
--Makes a women's face more beautiful.
--Older men may not be able to match their wives sex drive.
--Intact clitoris will generate sexual arousal and in women if repressed can cause nervousness." (http://wolvesdreams.tripod.com/FGM.html)
I'm sorry but that is ridiculous.
How is FGM performed?
The age varies but usually the child is from 4-8 and due to poverty the procedure isn't done by a medically trained people. The children are held down and as older women as the mid-wife performs the procedure with anything sharp, which could be anything from; broken glass, a tin lid, razor blades, knives, or scissors. These items usually are not sterilized before or after usage.
Once the genital area for removal is gone, the child is stitched up and her legs are bound for up to 40 days. A girl is not a woman until she undergoes the procedure
What?! What about the side effects??!!
FGM can have serious side effects; infections, HIV, small benign tumors hemorrhages, clitoral cysts and even death.
The long term effects may also include kidney stones, sterility, sexual dysfunction, depression, various urinary tract infections, various gynecological and obstetric problems.
"In order to have sexual intercourse the women have to be opened up in some fashion and in some cases cutting is necessary. After child birth some women are re-infibulated to make them (tight) for their husbands." (Puked yet?)
Yes, this is part of their culture but it's killing children! Shouldn't someone step in and do something?!!
Of course this is a humans rights issue!! Amnesty International now has taken up the fight to do away with this practice that mutilates millions of girls each year. In Africa an estimated 92 million girls from 10 years of age and above have undergone FGM.This needs to stop!
Important Links
http://www.unicef.org/protection/index_genitalmutilation.html
http://wolvesdreams.tripod.com/FGM.html
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs241/en/
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Stuck in the snow?!
So everyone knows that getting your car stuck in the snow is not fun, not fun at all and the way things are looking Kutztown is not giving us any snow days, SO for those who drive to school, being stuck in the snow is not an option. After researching this topic for a while they all pretty much said the same thing, or variations of the same steps so before I list them below for you I would like to give you a list of essentials that I found from various websites you should keep in your house or at your disposal if you don't already have them in there:
-snow shovel (obviously)
-kitty litter (trust me on this one)
-a broom
-ropes
-trees (you need these, they're very important)
-jumper cables
What to do if you are stuck in the snow:
1. Check the tailpipe. This is very important, obviously as it is the first step, if you don't know where that is, it is the pipe at the back of the car. If there's snow covering it, it's very important that you clear it to prevent deadly gases from building up inside the car.
2.Dig away excessive snow and ice.
3. Put snow chains on, or lay traction gadgets such as metal frames in front of, the drive wheels.
4.Ride the brakes
5.Put the floor mats in front of the driven tires as a last resort.
6.Sprinkle salt, sand, and/or cat litter in front of the driven tires.
7.Straighten the wheels.
8.Use a low gear as you pull out
9.Let a little air out of the tires.
10.Rock the car
11.Take advantage of front-wheel drive
12.Try a physics trick. "Take a strong rope or cable and tie it from the car to a tree or secure object. Sit on the middle of the rope. Your weight is multiplied tenfold horizontally by the rope and will pull the car out of the snowbank. Do not tie the rope to anywhere other than reinforced towing points on the car frame or you may just bend or tear off car parts. Do not use a machine to pull on the car except with appropriate equipment and techniques -- a rope, cable or chain can break violently."
Then you should be good to go and there should be no excuse for you not to be in class!!
If that doesn't work and you are stuck at home here are some fun things that you can do if you are trapped indoors:
--Watch a movie
--Make some cookies or brownies
--Play a board game with your roommies
--Play a video game
--Read! (Yes, read)
--Follow the Women's Center on Twitter
--Facebook.
More info on how to dig out your car!
http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Car-Out-of-the-Snow
http://www.ehow.com/how_5842567_car-out-stuck-snow.html
Fun things
www.twitter.com/KUWomenscenter
KU Women's Center
www.facebook.com
stay warm today!!! :D
-snow shovel (obviously)
-kitty litter (trust me on this one)
-a broom
-ropes
-trees (you need these, they're very important)
-jumper cables
What to do if you are stuck in the snow:
1. Check the tailpipe. This is very important, obviously as it is the first step, if you don't know where that is, it is the pipe at the back of the car. If there's snow covering it, it's very important that you clear it to prevent deadly gases from building up inside the car.
2.Dig away excessive snow and ice.
3. Put snow chains on, or lay traction gadgets such as metal frames in front of, the drive wheels.
4.Ride the brakes
5.Put the floor mats in front of the driven tires as a last resort.
6.Sprinkle salt, sand, and/or cat litter in front of the driven tires.
7.Straighten the wheels.
8.Use a low gear as you pull out
9.Let a little air out of the tires.
10.Rock the car
11.Take advantage of front-wheel drive
12.Try a physics trick. "Take a strong rope or cable and tie it from the car to a tree or secure object. Sit on the middle of the rope. Your weight is multiplied tenfold horizontally by the rope and will pull the car out of the snowbank. Do not tie the rope to anywhere other than reinforced towing points on the car frame or you may just bend or tear off car parts. Do not use a machine to pull on the car except with appropriate equipment and techniques -- a rope, cable or chain can break violently."
Then you should be good to go and there should be no excuse for you not to be in class!!
If that doesn't work and you are stuck at home here are some fun things that you can do if you are trapped indoors:
--Watch a movie
--Make some cookies or brownies
--Play a board game with your roommies
--Play a video game
--Read! (Yes, read)
--Follow the Women's Center on Twitter
--Facebook.
More info on how to dig out your car!
http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Car-Out-of-the-Snow
http://www.ehow.com/how_5842567_car-out-stuck-snow.html
Fun things
www.twitter.com/KUWomenscenter
KU Women's Center
www.facebook.com
stay warm today!!! :D
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Why Stitch and Bitch?
So many KU students may wonder why the Women's Center offers "Stitch and Bitch." Why would college students knit? They don't have knitting needles in their book bag! What is this crazy program you are offering? You have the one string on the needle, oh no, can't get the yarn...it's more frustrating that actually relaxing! This is lunacy woman's center! What were you thinking??
Well contrary to popular belief, knitting is actually like meditation. The steady rhythm you get into once you get used to holding the needles helps to engage your brain and you begin to almost breathe in time to your stitches. In fact, knitting has been dubbed "the new yoga" or "mind detoxification" and celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts and Madonna have hopped on the knitting train and picked up a pair of needles. And for KU students you can knit here and tell everyone about your problems while eating light refreshments! It's great!
Also, having something to wear like a scarf or a hat that you made is definitely a confident booster and a money saver which is perfect for college students.
SO, to recap why does The Women's Center offer Stitch and Bitch? As college students we all lead stressful lives, I mean we have course work, jobs, possibly roommate drama and just plain day to day things that piss us off. If you didn't realize you are attending a school where scarves and hats can come in quite handy. Don't have one? You can make one and relax at the same time! Holy. Hannah. Who knew knitting was so helpful?
Learn more about knitting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uw-nUvGrBY
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/352591/study_knitting_elicits_relaxation_response.html
Well contrary to popular belief, knitting is actually like meditation. The steady rhythm you get into once you get used to holding the needles helps to engage your brain and you begin to almost breathe in time to your stitches. In fact, knitting has been dubbed "the new yoga" or "mind detoxification" and celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts and Madonna have hopped on the knitting train and picked up a pair of needles. And for KU students you can knit here and tell everyone about your problems while eating light refreshments! It's great!
Also, having something to wear like a scarf or a hat that you made is definitely a confident booster and a money saver which is perfect for college students.
SO, to recap why does The Women's Center offer Stitch and Bitch? As college students we all lead stressful lives, I mean we have course work, jobs, possibly roommate drama and just plain day to day things that piss us off. If you didn't realize you are attending a school where scarves and hats can come in quite handy. Don't have one? You can make one and relax at the same time! Holy. Hannah. Who knew knitting was so helpful?
Learn more about knitting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uw-nUvGrBY
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/352591/study_knitting_elicits_relaxation_response.html
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Double Standards and Being Safe
Double Standards have and will always exist in our society. A woman will make less to the dollar than a man for doing the same exact job, a woman will be criticized and put-down for succeeding in work while a man will be applauded, a man can be a Romeo and serenade his love while a woman is a stalker; the list goes on.
But the most unfair and important double standard is contraception. Sure, there is male contraception and female contraception but let's look at the list and see if it is equal and the effects of each of these contraceptives.
Males:
-Condoms.
-Vasectomy.
NEXT
Seriously. That's it. Well minus castration but that defeats the purpose of the whole event that your attempting...
Females: (Are you sitting comfortably?)
-The Pill
-The Female Condom
-The Sponge
-Spermicides
-Diaphragm
-Cervical Cap
-Lea's Shield
-The Patch
-NuvaRing
-Ortho Evra
-Depo-Provera
-sterilization
-tubal ligation
-Essure
-IUD
-hysterectomy
phew. all of that women have to go through. In addition to that women are the ones who have the children whereas men are the ones who standby and say "push".
And attention! Women if you are taking Birth Control Pills you must be careful and remember A-C-H-E-S!
A- Abdominal pain
C- Chest pain (severe, with cough, shortness of breath)
H- Headache, (severe) dizziness, weakness, numbness
E- Eye Problems, vision loss or blurring, speech problems
S- Severe leg or calf pain
^^these are early warning signs of medical complications Source: R.A. Hatcher Contaceptive Technology 19th rev ed. Contraceptive Technology Communications, Inc.
What is the pain that men have to go through? Their wallet hurting even when they can get them for free when oh The Women's Center? Women however have much bigger issues for example....
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)- which is potentially fatal, which results from using the diaphragm as a contraceptive.
Yeast Infections-which are caused by many reasons, one of them being a reaction to condom
the list goes on...
The point of this post wasn't to bash men or anything like that, it was more for men to recognize that women do a lot in relationships, especially ones where the partners are sexually active. And if you are in a relationship where you are sexually active respect your partner and be safe 100% of the time.
Links to check out.
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/
http://planbonestep.com/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=the%20morning%20after%20pill&utm_campaign=Emergency%20Contraception/Morning%20After%20Pill&gclid=CLOUjIbx1aYCFeR65QodeXsRTA
But the most unfair and important double standard is contraception. Sure, there is male contraception and female contraception but let's look at the list and see if it is equal and the effects of each of these contraceptives.
Males:
-Condoms.
-Vasectomy.
NEXT
Seriously. That's it. Well minus castration but that defeats the purpose of the whole event that your attempting...
Females: (Are you sitting comfortably?)
-The Pill
-The Female Condom
-The Sponge
-Spermicides
-Diaphragm
-Cervical Cap
-Lea's Shield
-The Patch
-NuvaRing
-Ortho Evra
-Depo-Provera
-sterilization
-tubal ligation
-Essure
-IUD
-hysterectomy
phew. all of that women have to go through. In addition to that women are the ones who have the children whereas men are the ones who standby and say "push".
And attention! Women if you are taking Birth Control Pills you must be careful and remember A-C-H-E-S!
A- Abdominal pain
C- Chest pain (severe, with cough, shortness of breath)
H- Headache, (severe) dizziness, weakness, numbness
E- Eye Problems, vision loss or blurring, speech problems
S- Severe leg or calf pain
^^these are early warning signs of medical complications Source: R.A. Hatcher Contaceptive Technology 19th rev ed. Contraceptive Technology Communications, Inc.
What is the pain that men have to go through? Their wallet hurting even when they can get them for free when oh The Women's Center? Women however have much bigger issues for example....
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)- which is potentially fatal, which results from using the diaphragm as a contraceptive.
Yeast Infections-which are caused by many reasons, one of them being a reaction to condom
the list goes on...
The point of this post wasn't to bash men or anything like that, it was more for men to recognize that women do a lot in relationships, especially ones where the partners are sexually active. And if you are in a relationship where you are sexually active respect your partner and be safe 100% of the time.
Links to check out.
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/
http://planbonestep.com/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=the%20morning%20after%20pill&utm_campaign=Emergency%20Contraception/Morning%20After%20Pill&gclid=CLOUjIbx1aYCFeR65QodeXsRTA
What is Roe V. Wade
What exactly is Roe v. Wade?
Roe v. Wade is the historic Supreme Court decision overturning a Texas interpretation of abortion law and making abortion legal in the United States. The Roe v. Wade decision held that a woman, with her doctor, could choose abortion in earlier months of pregnancy without restriction, and with restrictions in later months, based on the right to privacy.
Who is Roe and Who is Wade?
To protect her constitutional rights, the alias, “Jane Roe” was used for Norma McCorvey. McCorvey filed, representing women everywhere that it is a woman’s body and she should be given the right to decide whether or not she decide whether or not she wants to have a child.
Henry B. Wade was the District Attorny of Dallas County, Texas.
Definitions:
Pro-Life: Advocating the legal protection of human embyos and fetuses, especially by favoring the outlawing of abortion on the ground that it is the taking of a human life.
Pro-Choice: Favoring or supporting the legal right of women and girls to choose whether or not to continue a pregnancy to term
Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/pro-choice#ixzz1ByhL5ynK
Pro-Choice: Favoring or supporting the legal right of women and girls to choose whether or not to continue a pregnancy to term
Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/pro-choice#ixzz1ByhL5ynK
Some Interesting Links
http://www.abortionfacts.com/life_or_choice/pro_choice.asp
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Cosmopolitan Magazine, Advertising and Eating Disorders
I talk about a lot of things in this blog; rape, incest, trafficking, battery-but those issues are issues where someone is hurting someone else. One issue that needs to be talked about is eating disorders, or when a woman or a man hurts them self. The media has, since pretty much the dawn of time, been promoting what the idea of "perfect" is. This is what an "ideal" man looks like and this is what an "ideal" woman looks like. If you do not have blindingly white teeth, hair that falls oh so perfectly into place at all times and if you weigh the healthy number for your height then you are not what the media deems ideal.
This pressure to fit into a mold has weighed heavy on so many men and women that it has driven to eating disorders. Cosmopolitan Magazine, one of the most read women's magazine's has articles that 1. put women down and 2. tell women how to please their man rather than to please themselves.
While reading the astrology section:
LIBRA:
"your eating habits spiraled out of control over the holidays, determined Saturn says that it’s time to toss out the junk food and stock up on healthy snacks such as fruit and veggies."-
Wow. Ok. I was looking for something like, your love life is looking up, or the 27th is good day to buy shoes, but no. You need to stop eating. Excuse me. You are a laptop. You cannot see me, and your advice is to change my eating habits? Not saying I have an eating disorder, because I don't but Cosmo promotes beautiful airbrushed women and then says things like that?
Eating Disorder Statistics
- Over one person's lifetime, at least 50,000 individuals will die as a direct result of their eating disorder
- Approximately 7 million girls and women struggle with eating disorders
- Approximately 1 million boys and men struggle with eating disorders
This pressure to fit into a mold has weighed heavy on so many men and women that it has driven to eating disorders. Cosmopolitan Magazine, one of the most read women's magazine's has articles that 1. put women down and 2. tell women how to please their man rather than to please themselves.
While reading the astrology section:
LIBRA:
"your eating habits spiraled out of control over the holidays, determined Saturn says that it’s time to toss out the junk food and stock up on healthy snacks such as fruit and veggies."-
Wow. Ok. I was looking for something like, your love life is looking up, or the 27th is good day to buy shoes, but no. You need to stop eating. Excuse me. You are a laptop. You cannot see me, and your advice is to change my eating habits? Not saying I have an eating disorder, because I don't but Cosmo promotes beautiful airbrushed women and then says things like that?
Eating Disorder Statistics
- Over one person's lifetime, at least 50,000 individuals will die as a direct result of their eating disorder
- Approximately 7 million girls and women struggle with eating disorders
- Approximately 1 million boys and men struggle with eating disorders
-As many as 10% of college women suffer from a clinical or nearly clinical eating disorder, including 5.1% who suffer from bulimia nervosa
- Studies indicate that by their first year of college, 4.5 to 18% of women and 0.4% of men have a history of bulimia and that as many as 1% of females between the ages of 12 and 18 have anorexia
- Studies indicate that by their first year of college, 4.5 to 18% of women and 0.4% of men have a history of bulimia and that as many as 1% of females between the ages of 12 and 18 have anorexia
NOTE IMPORTANT COVER INFLUENCES
Sex HE craves.
Lose 5 pounds!
The Cover Girl is a beautiful Barbie-look-a-like
This is the reason we have the body issues we have.
"Change the way you think not the way you look"
No Means No. Rape Myths and Facts
Hey everyone, so I was just perusing the internet and I found some myths and facts that Roger Williams University posted I think everyone should know. I feel a lot of people are ill informed when it comes to rape and sexual assault so this is was a very good site and very educational. I'm going to post the link if you want to read more that the website had; helping a friend who has suffered an attack, legal definitions and more.
"Myth: Rape is caused by lust or uncontrollable sexual urges and the need for sexual gratification.
Fact: Rape is an act of physical violence and domination that is not motivated by sexual gratification.
Myth: Once a man gets sexually aroused, he can't just stop.
Fact: Men do not physically need to have sex after becoming sexually excited. Moreover, they are still able to control themselves after becoming aroused.
Myth: Women often lie about rape or falsely accuse someone of rape.
Fact: Statistical studies indicate false reports make up 2% or less of the reported cases of sexual assault. This figure is approximately the same for other types of crimes. Only 1 out of 10 rapes are actually reported. Rapes by someone the victim knows are the least likely to be reported.
Myth: Women provoke sexual assault by their appearance. Sexual attractiveness is a primary reason why a rapist selects a victim.
Fact: Rapists do not select their victims by their appearance. They select victims who are vulnerable and accessible. Victims of sexual assault range in age groups from infants to the elderly. Sexual attractiveness is not an issue.
Myth: Sexual assault is a topic that only concerns women, and men do not have to be concerned about sexual assault.
Fact: According to recent rape crisis center statistics, men, both straight and gay, suffered 10% of the sexual assaults reported in the US last year. (Almost all were raped by other men.) In addition, men have wives, friends, sisters, mothers, and daughters who may someday need assistance in coping with sexual assault. Rape is a concern for everyone.
Myth: If a woman really did not want to be raped, she could fight off her attacker.
Fact: Even if the rapist is not carrying a weapon, the element of surprise, shock, and fear, or the threat of harm can overpower a survivor."
--Roger Williams University
This blurb below is also taken directly from Roger Williams University, again I really suggest checking out their website.
"Facts About Sexual Assault
- 1 out of 4 women is sexually assaulted at some point in her life.
- 1 out of 6 men is sexually assaulted at some point in his life.
- Every 15 seconds a woman is beaten by her husband or boyfriend. (FBI Uniform Crime Report, 1991)
- 2-4 million women are abused every year. (American Medical Association)
- 95-98% of victims of domestic violence are women. (Bureau of Statistics)
- Approximately 25% of all women in the U.S. will be abused by current or former partners some time during their lives. (American Medical Association)
- 82.8% of sexual assaults occur before the victim reaches the age of 25.
- 78% of sexual assault victims were assaulted by someone they knew.
- Up to 57% of rapes happened on a date.
- Over 66% of sexual assault victims reported NO visible physical injuries.
- Over 50% of victims and 70% of assailants had used drugs or alcohol prior to the assault..
- Fewer than 20% of crimes of sexual violence are reported to the police.
- Approximately 2% of acquaintance rapes are reported to the police.
- Only 2% of reported sexual assaults have been determined to be false reports.
- 1 in 8 college women is the victim of rape during her college years. 1 in 4 is the victim of attempted rape.
- 95% of these rape victims did not report the rape to officials.
- 25% percent of women were raped and/or physically assaulted by a current or former spouse, partner or date during their lifetime.
- 84% of the women knew the men who raped them; 57% were on dates --Roger Williams University
IF YOU NEED HELP
If you or anyone you know is in an abusive relationship or is sexually assaulted, male or female, the Women's Center offers HEART at KU, a sexual assault response team which operates under the direction of Berks Women in Crisis (BWIC) to provide initial support and safety, as needed, to any individual
who is reported to be a victim of sexual assault or relationship violence and to increase awareness of
these issues. The team of trained, certified advocates offers support and compassionate listening as needed
during the initial interview by law enforcement on campus; accompanies or meets the victim at the
hospital, if needed; and distributes information about access to referral services. Services are initiated at the
request of the victim.
To ask for a HEART at KU advocate,
call the BWIC Hotline at 610-372-9540.
To become a part of HEART at KU or to learn more,
stop by the Women’s Center, located in 126 Old Main.
You can also call (610) 683-4655 between
9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or email Grace Hill at
hill@kutztown.edu.
**The Women's Center also offers free safety whistles!!***
The Story Behind the Monologues.What is V-Day? Who is Eve Ensler?
"The Vagina Monologues" is much more than just a play. In 1994, Eve Ensler wrote the play "The Vagina Monologues", which is based on dozens of interviews Ensler conducted with women. The play addressed women's sexuality and the social stigma surrounding rape and abuse. Ensler, a survivor herself, wanted to raise awareness of this terrible abuse that seemed to run rampant all across the globe and try to stop it so she created V-Day. The V-Day message is simple, violence against women and girls must end.
The first V-Day, 1998, Ensler along with other women performed "The Vagina Monologues" as a benefit show and raised $250,000 in one night. Today, what started out as just performance has turned into over 5,000 stages large-scale benefits and campaigns to educate and change social attitudes towards violence against women world wide.
"Each year V-Day increases awareness by focusing on a specific group of women in the world who are resisting violence with courage and vision. In 2011, V-Day's Spotlight Campaign will be on the Women and Girls of Haiti. The Spotlight will highlight the high levels of violence against women and girls in Haiti, and will focus on the increased rates of sexual violence since the devastating earthquake that took place in January 2010. All funds raised through the Spotlight Campaign will be used to support a revolutionary national campaign in Haiti lead by a coalition of women activists - including longtime V-Day activist Elvire Eugene - that will address sexual violence through art, advocacy, safe shelter and legal services."-VDay.org
Amnesty International lets us see a
You can learn more at www.vday.org
www.twitter.com/Kuwomenscenter
The first V-Day, 1998, Ensler along with other women performed "The Vagina Monologues" as a benefit show and raised $250,000 in one night. Today, what started out as just performance has turned into over 5,000 stages large-scale benefits and campaigns to educate and change social attitudes towards violence against women world wide.
"Each year V-Day increases awareness by focusing on a specific group of women in the world who are resisting violence with courage and vision. In 2011, V-Day's Spotlight Campaign will be on the Women and Girls of Haiti. The Spotlight will highlight the high levels of violence against women and girls in Haiti, and will focus on the increased rates of sexual violence since the devastating earthquake that took place in January 2010. All funds raised through the Spotlight Campaign will be used to support a revolutionary national campaign in Haiti lead by a coalition of women activists - including longtime V-Day activist Elvire Eugene - that will address sexual violence through art, advocacy, safe shelter and legal services."-VDay.org
Amnesty International lets us see a
You can learn more at www.vday.org
 |
| Haiti Women from the V-Day Spotlight Campaign |
www.twitter.com/Kuwomenscenter
The Vagina Monologues!!
Eve Ensler's “The Vagina Monologues"
Eve Ensler’s "The Vagina Monologues," is presented by FMLA and the Women’s Center on February 10th and 11th at 7pm in Schaeffer Auditorium. This KU student production is performed in conjunction with worldwide, V-Day campaigns to raise awareness and funds for local anti-violence initiatives. Proceeds from the KU event are donated to Berks Women in Crisis, Planned Parenthood of Northeastern Pennsylvania and the VDAY International Spotlight. Tickets $5 for students, $10 for all others, can be purchased by cash or check at the KU McFarland Student Union information desk. For credit card purchases, please call 610-683-4092.
Hello and Welcome!
Hey everyone and welcome!
This is the official blog of the Kutztown University Women's Center! You will be able to find information on what is going on in the Center and all the resources that it provides for Kutztown University students! You will also be able to find information and fast facts on topics such as rape, human trafficking, FGM, and battery in addition to other vital issues that unfortunately face the world today. Some posts will include how you can get involved on campus and off campus, also some fun quotes might be thrown into the posts to brighten your day! Keep checking back for updates and welcome to the blog!
"The only necessary is the unnecessary"-Life is Beautiful
Kutztown Women's Center
Old Main 126
Center Hours: Monday - Thursday 9 a.m -8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m -5 p.m.
This is the official blog of the Kutztown University Women's Center! You will be able to find information on what is going on in the Center and all the resources that it provides for Kutztown University students! You will also be able to find information and fast facts on topics such as rape, human trafficking, FGM, and battery in addition to other vital issues that unfortunately face the world today. Some posts will include how you can get involved on campus and off campus, also some fun quotes might be thrown into the posts to brighten your day! Keep checking back for updates and welcome to the blog!
"The only necessary is the unnecessary"-Life is Beautiful
Kutztown Women's Center
Old Main 126
Center Hours: Monday - Thursday 9 a.m -8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m -5 p.m.
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