Thursday, August 19, 2010
BE AWARE, BE A HERO, SAVE A LIFE
My calling to advocacy and awareness is focussed in three areas: RAPE, HUMAN TRAFFICKING, and DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. My own ordeal met the technical definition of all three. This quick post will share a compelling statistic on each, and hotline numbers where compassionate help awaits. RAPE: One out of three American women experiences rape during her college career...still we agree it is widely unreported. RAINN is available at 800-656-HOPE, and for those needing intervention for related PTSD, 800-64-PANIC. Worldwide, more people are enslaved today than at any time in recorded history. It's in the supply chain of products we use daily. Its low risk and highly profitable for traffickers. Call 888-3737-888 for the Human Trafficking Hotline...local law enforcement is not well trained for proper response in many communities. DOMESTIC ABUSE: According to the US Dept. of Justice, 63% of males between the ages of 11-20 who are convicted of murder KILL the person who was abusing their mother. Call the National DV Hotline at 800-799-SAFE. As an advocate, I am personally available to listen and make referrals to you or when someone you love needs related services or support. I'm also trained as a Trauma Resolution Specialist. Each one of YOU is precious. YOUR AWARENESS may save a life. Visit www.survivoronamission for additional information. Blessings to you and yours.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Anti-Trafficking Symposium in Los Angeles
C.A.S.T. LA facilitated an Anti-Trafficking Symposium, in conjuction with Thai CDC on 7/23/10 at California Endowment. This survivor was both honored ahd humbled to meet survivors and leaders from CAST, Free the Slaves, KIWA (Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance), PWC (Philipino Workers' Center), CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of LA), and the Thai CDC. Survivors included women enslaved as long as 17 years. Among those sharing their experience: Rotchana Cheunchujit, liberated in the El Monte raid 15 years ago and Maria Suarez, migrant worker's rights educator who was enslaved during a time when victims were treated as criminals.
Maria spent years wondering "if GOD forgot about me".
Rotchana described living and working environment and psychological conditioning to distrust everyone. She spoke no English then; they were told it is dangerous in America...the blacks will kill you and the Mexicans will rape you. She and her fellow workers were so fearful their liberators had to use an axe to enter the property to free them!
Henry Ong, Executive Director of the Thai CDC wrote the play "FABRIC" performing thru 8/8 at The Company of Angels on Spring Street in LA, depicting the pre-dawn raid on 8-2-95 of the El Monte sweat shops.
Clients served by C.A.S.T.La (Coalition Against Slavery and Trafficking) have largely been of Latino or Asian decent, many from the Philipines and Guatamala, their labor exploited as domestics, agriculture or production workers. While typically our first thoughts may be of women enslaved as commercial sex workers, it is important to recognize with high demand for cheap labor, not only do foreigners fall prey...thousands of American citizens are trafficked domestically and abroad as well. The common underpinning element: First step is psychological conditioning...very similar to that used by an abuser to keep his/her victim silent.
Thank you for taking the time to read, become aware and show you care. You are precious! I love and appreciate each one of you. Be safe, and stay blessed.
Visit www.castla.org for additional information about trafficking. If you suspect human trafficking or seek information on volunteering, call 888-539-2373 (key.2.freedom).
Maria spent years wondering "if GOD forgot about me".
Rotchana described living and working environment and psychological conditioning to distrust everyone. She spoke no English then; they were told it is dangerous in America...the blacks will kill you and the Mexicans will rape you. She and her fellow workers were so fearful their liberators had to use an axe to enter the property to free them!
Henry Ong, Executive Director of the Thai CDC wrote the play "FABRIC" performing thru 8/8 at The Company of Angels on Spring Street in LA, depicting the pre-dawn raid on 8-2-95 of the El Monte sweat shops.
Clients served by C.A.S.T.La (Coalition Against Slavery and Trafficking) have largely been of Latino or Asian decent, many from the Philipines and Guatamala, their labor exploited as domestics, agriculture or production workers. While typically our first thoughts may be of women enslaved as commercial sex workers, it is important to recognize with high demand for cheap labor, not only do foreigners fall prey...thousands of American citizens are trafficked domestically and abroad as well. The common underpinning element: First step is psychological conditioning...very similar to that used by an abuser to keep his/her victim silent.
Thank you for taking the time to read, become aware and show you care. You are precious! I love and appreciate each one of you. Be safe, and stay blessed.
Visit www.castla.org for additional information about trafficking. If you suspect human trafficking or seek information on volunteering, call 888-539-2373 (key.2.freedom).
Friday, June 11, 2010
Urge Gov Lingle to sign HB 2045
Across the United States, the 2008 TVPA protects those exploited by human trafficking. Forty-five states have legislation and protocols in place to serve and protect their citizens. Hawaii is one of five states that currently lacks such protection. Both the House and Senate have passed HB 2045, which awaits signature by Hawaii's Governor, Linda Lingle.
YOUR call to the governor's office, at 808 586-0034 is appreciated...even if you are not a Hawaii resident.
Regular readers know my special connection to Hawaii, my family's history there and that my ordeal originated in Honolulu. I was "trafficked" to Washington state, one of four states which lacks protection for those who experience domestic violence. Perpetrators know which states have no laws or ordinances under which they can be prosecuted. Residents most frequently are not aware. And here in California, where we have some of the strongest protection in the country, it is beyond comprehension that in some states there are either no laws, no ordinances, or no enforcement.
If you have concerns about Human Trafficking, call 1-888-3737-888. Thank you for your support and interest. Stop by www.survivoronamission.org I'm in your corner. Stay safe and stay blessed.
YOUR call to the governor's office, at 808 586-0034 is appreciated...even if you are not a Hawaii resident.
Regular readers know my special connection to Hawaii, my family's history there and that my ordeal originated in Honolulu. I was "trafficked" to Washington state, one of four states which lacks protection for those who experience domestic violence. Perpetrators know which states have no laws or ordinances under which they can be prosecuted. Residents most frequently are not aware. And here in California, where we have some of the strongest protection in the country, it is beyond comprehension that in some states there are either no laws, no ordinances, or no enforcement.
If you have concerns about Human Trafficking, call 1-888-3737-888. Thank you for your support and interest. Stop by www.survivoronamission.org I'm in your corner. Stay safe and stay blessed.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Human trafficking in our own backyard
More people are enslaved today, than at any other time in recorded history. Human trafficking is the second largest black market industry, and its running rampant although most of us choose to turn a blind eye to it. I'm going to break it down for you, as we learn together. Here are just two examples of human trafficking...one involving US citizens and one Koreans...that earned the spot on the map for San Diego and San Francisco as hotspots. Los Angeles is another, which I'll highlight in a future post.
San Diego is ranked #8, and likely trafficking there is widely unreported...here's why. As a border town, San Diego has more than its share of runaways. High demand for cheap labor makes trafficking very lucrative, especially since that resource can be sold over and over again. In San Diego, gangs are moving in to trafficking...snatching vulnerable youth and runaways...approaching like shining knights who will "protect" their interest. Often, but not exclusively, youth are groomed as sex slaves...boys and girls.
Due to the high level of "security" once ensnared, escape is nearly impossible.
Back in 2005, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsome (now running for Lt. Gov.) implemented solid measures to limit future violations when over 100 Korean women were found extending services beyond massage. Boarded in tight, concealed quarters, extreme security in place kept the workers in and continuously monitored...it was not for their safety or protection, it was for their containment! Now practitioners must be trained massage therapists, with registered permits. Health Department Inspectors make surprise visits. Mayor Newsome includes this among his personal crusades...NOT ON HIS WATCH!
These were just two brief examples. Be aware when you notice high level security. Don't turn a blind eye, call the National Hotline...1-888-3737-888. Thank you for your time and attention to this compelling issue. Stay safe and stay blessed.
For additional information and resources to assist with PTSD resulting from rape, child or adult abuse, visit www.survivoronamission.org
San Diego is ranked #8, and likely trafficking there is widely unreported...here's why. As a border town, San Diego has more than its share of runaways. High demand for cheap labor makes trafficking very lucrative, especially since that resource can be sold over and over again. In San Diego, gangs are moving in to trafficking...snatching vulnerable youth and runaways...approaching like shining knights who will "protect" their interest. Often, but not exclusively, youth are groomed as sex slaves...boys and girls.
Due to the high level of "security" once ensnared, escape is nearly impossible.
Back in 2005, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsome (now running for Lt. Gov.) implemented solid measures to limit future violations when over 100 Korean women were found extending services beyond massage. Boarded in tight, concealed quarters, extreme security in place kept the workers in and continuously monitored...it was not for their safety or protection, it was for their containment! Now practitioners must be trained massage therapists, with registered permits. Health Department Inspectors make surprise visits. Mayor Newsome includes this among his personal crusades...NOT ON HIS WATCH!
These were just two brief examples. Be aware when you notice high level security. Don't turn a blind eye, call the National Hotline...1-888-3737-888. Thank you for your time and attention to this compelling issue. Stay safe and stay blessed.
For additional information and resources to assist with PTSD resulting from rape, child or adult abuse, visit www.survivoronamission.org
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Trusting the polygraph...Julie Ann Gonzalez' husband takes the test
On May 2, 2010, this survivor was in the studio audience for the taping of Dr. Phil's episode exploring what his marketing people refer to as "Runaway Moms". The program scheduled to air on May 7th examines the dissappearance of Julie Ann Gonzalez on March 26, 2010. When I saw her missing person poster pop up among my network just over a week ago...something didn't gel.
My intuition tells me Julie Ann is no runaway. She was last seen by her estranged husband, George. Julie's mother and aunt were guests on Dr. Phil's show; her husband, George and his mother were present as well as experts including CBS legal analyst, Lisa Bloom and former FBI Agent and polygraph expert, Jack Trimarco.
Julie's mother, Sandra, and her aunt believe her estranged husband, George, knows more than he's telling. George is the last person to have seen Julie Ann, when she dropped their daughter for visitation. George's mother lept to his defense. They implied Julie Ann may have skipped out like Tiffany Tehan, the Colorado pastor's daughter and young mother/wife who checked out on her family without a word, surfacing several days later on a Miami beach with her married boyfriend.
Given Julie and George's estranged relationship, reports of physical abuse, and Julie's devotion to her daughter, George was named "a person of interest". Julie's family is concerned so much time passed since her dissappearance, frustrated her trail may be "going cold". Not suprisingly, Lisa Bloom's perception was that George knows more than he is telling. Dr. Phil explained that while polygraph results may not be admissable in court, when both parties agree and stipulate to results in advance, they may be admitted.
With former FBI agent/Polygraph expert Jack Trimarco on hand to administer, Dr. Phil persuaded George to agree to be tested! Given the opportunity to clear his name or possibly reveal involvement or knowledge regarding Julie Ann's dissappearance, George complied. For approximately 90 minutes, Trimarco and George established and agreed to the parameters of the test, then continued with very specific questions aiding the investigation and discovery in Julie's dissappearance.
The longer a person remains missing, the more grave the situation becomes. Those who remain "at large" are in serious peril and at-risk for human trafficking due to a growing demand for cheap labor and/or commercial sex.
Check your local listings for Friday, May 7th (in Los Angeles, at 4 PM on channel 2 or at 7 PM on channel 9) for the airing of this episode including the results of George's polygraph test. Kudos, Dr. Phil, for facilitating this discovery. The airing of the May 7th episode included polygraph administration, tho the sealed envelope results will not be aired until May 14th. Dedicated workers at the missing persons hotlines across the US and abroad. In California, call at 800 222-FIND. Additional information regarding abuse or trafficking, including therapy-free, post-traumatic recovery is available at http://www.survivoronamission.org/. Be Aware, be safe, and stay blessed.
My intuition tells me Julie Ann is no runaway. She was last seen by her estranged husband, George. Julie's mother and aunt were guests on Dr. Phil's show; her husband, George and his mother were present as well as experts including CBS legal analyst, Lisa Bloom and former FBI Agent and polygraph expert, Jack Trimarco.
Julie's mother, Sandra, and her aunt believe her estranged husband, George, knows more than he's telling. George is the last person to have seen Julie Ann, when she dropped their daughter for visitation. George's mother lept to his defense. They implied Julie Ann may have skipped out like Tiffany Tehan, the Colorado pastor's daughter and young mother/wife who checked out on her family without a word, surfacing several days later on a Miami beach with her married boyfriend.
Given Julie and George's estranged relationship, reports of physical abuse, and Julie's devotion to her daughter, George was named "a person of interest". Julie's family is concerned so much time passed since her dissappearance, frustrated her trail may be "going cold". Not suprisingly, Lisa Bloom's perception was that George knows more than he is telling. Dr. Phil explained that while polygraph results may not be admissable in court, when both parties agree and stipulate to results in advance, they may be admitted.
With former FBI agent/Polygraph expert Jack Trimarco on hand to administer, Dr. Phil persuaded George to agree to be tested! Given the opportunity to clear his name or possibly reveal involvement or knowledge regarding Julie Ann's dissappearance, George complied. For approximately 90 minutes, Trimarco and George established and agreed to the parameters of the test, then continued with very specific questions aiding the investigation and discovery in Julie's dissappearance.
The longer a person remains missing, the more grave the situation becomes. Those who remain "at large" are in serious peril and at-risk for human trafficking due to a growing demand for cheap labor and/or commercial sex.
Check your local listings for Friday, May 7th (in Los Angeles, at 4 PM on channel 2 or at 7 PM on channel 9) for the airing of this episode including the results of George's polygraph test. Kudos, Dr. Phil, for facilitating this discovery. The airing of the May 7th episode included polygraph administration, tho the sealed envelope results will not be aired until May 14th. Dedicated workers at the missing persons hotlines across the US and abroad. In California, call at 800 222-FIND. Additional information regarding abuse or trafficking, including therapy-free, post-traumatic recovery is available at http://www.survivoronamission.org/. Be Aware, be safe, and stay blessed.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Legislative Update RE Domestic Violence in WA State
In reviewing the Legislative Session Summary 2010 from the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, once again this survivor is stunned by the "reasoning". HB 3111, SB6318 would have provided mandatory reporting of gunshot wounds. Legislation was opposed by the WSCADV and FAILED.
I messaged the Coalition and asked them to explain why they would oppose such a measure. Their position...an automatic report by the hospital might prevent an injured party from seeking medical care! From the perspective of one who survived near fatal injury in Washington State, even when I urged hospital workers to report my injury, POLICE DID NOT RESPOND. There is no protocol in place that requires them to respond. My captor/assailant went on to abuse other women while I was hospitalized, recovering from injuries. If law enforcement would have responded, this would have been prevented.
Other measures that did pass, include HB2770/SB 6504 which reduced crime victim compensation to a maximum of $50,000 (from $190,000). On a positive note, funding was preserved for domestic violence shelter programs with only a slight reduction in advocacy. In terms of repeat domestic violence offenders, ESHB 2777 clarifies that individuals restrained by a protection order cannot possess firearms! This may seem like a no-brainer for residents of 46 states...but be aware that in Washington, Georgia, Oklahoma and Nebraska there is virtually no protocol for protection, no ordinances in place to serve those at greatest risk. Domestic violence is not "a private matter". Nearly all offenders are serial offenders...if we don't take measures to stop them, its only a matter of WHO is next! (maybe someone YOU love).
Visit www.survivoronamission.org for additional information about domestic violence, human trafficking, rape and resolution of PTSD which frequently results from these ordeals. Included under trauma resolution is a free MP3 download of guided imagery exercises that bring the listener to that peaceful place within themselves...a place fellow practitioiners call "pure awareness". Join me in pure awareness; please forward this link to someone you care about who is stuck in suffering. Stay blessed.
I messaged the Coalition and asked them to explain why they would oppose such a measure. Their position...an automatic report by the hospital might prevent an injured party from seeking medical care! From the perspective of one who survived near fatal injury in Washington State, even when I urged hospital workers to report my injury, POLICE DID NOT RESPOND. There is no protocol in place that requires them to respond. My captor/assailant went on to abuse other women while I was hospitalized, recovering from injuries. If law enforcement would have responded, this would have been prevented.
Other measures that did pass, include HB2770/SB 6504 which reduced crime victim compensation to a maximum of $50,000 (from $190,000). On a positive note, funding was preserved for domestic violence shelter programs with only a slight reduction in advocacy. In terms of repeat domestic violence offenders, ESHB 2777 clarifies that individuals restrained by a protection order cannot possess firearms! This may seem like a no-brainer for residents of 46 states...but be aware that in Washington, Georgia, Oklahoma and Nebraska there is virtually no protocol for protection, no ordinances in place to serve those at greatest risk. Domestic violence is not "a private matter". Nearly all offenders are serial offenders...if we don't take measures to stop them, its only a matter of WHO is next! (maybe someone YOU love).
Visit www.survivoronamission.org for additional information about domestic violence, human trafficking, rape and resolution of PTSD which frequently results from these ordeals. Included under trauma resolution is a free MP3 download of guided imagery exercises that bring the listener to that peaceful place within themselves...a place fellow practitioiners call "pure awareness". Join me in pure awareness; please forward this link to someone you care about who is stuck in suffering. Stay blessed.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Survivor's Journey in Defining Human Trafficking
My personal ordeal beginning as a financial con, escalating to captivity, extreme physical & sexual abuse, escaping in May 2005, I knew enough about domestic abuse to recognize my experience included the 4 types: physical, sexual, emotional & financial.
Nearly five years later, attending a play by Dr. Ana Nogales "Don't Call me Baby" on human trafficking at the CASA0101 Theatre, I was stunned to learn the defining elements of human trafficking...one or more of these three elements meets the definition: Use of Force, Use of Coersion, or Fraud as a basis of re-locating for purposes of forced labor or sexual exploitation. My own ordeal launched in fraud, followed with coersion and continued with force, extracting me from my young adult daughters, our South Bay home, a job and a life that delighted me...to the gloom and doom of Washington State, one of four states that in effect still considers domestic violence "a private matter". What this means is there are no local domestic violence ordinances, no protocols for protection. My assailant/trafficker has been sentenced on the physical violence, aggrevated by coersion, yet prosecution did not address the financial fraud. I was neither the first, nor the last "victim" of my assailant, in terms of domestic violence, or in terms of human trafficking (as I now understand it).
To share your concerns, or for more information about human trafficking, call the hotline @ 888-373-7888. Post-traumatic stress (PTSD) is common among those affected by human trafficking and/or violence. Readers are invited to visit http://www.survivoronamission.org/for additional information on trauma resolution, including a free MP3 download to sample pure awareness and begin the healing process. Please share this link and awareness with those you love. Stay blessed.
Nearly five years later, attending a play by Dr. Ana Nogales "Don't Call me Baby" on human trafficking at the CASA0101 Theatre, I was stunned to learn the defining elements of human trafficking...one or more of these three elements meets the definition: Use of Force, Use of Coersion, or Fraud as a basis of re-locating for purposes of forced labor or sexual exploitation. My own ordeal launched in fraud, followed with coersion and continued with force, extracting me from my young adult daughters, our South Bay home, a job and a life that delighted me...to the gloom and doom of Washington State, one of four states that in effect still considers domestic violence "a private matter". What this means is there are no local domestic violence ordinances, no protocols for protection. My assailant/trafficker has been sentenced on the physical violence, aggrevated by coersion, yet prosecution did not address the financial fraud. I was neither the first, nor the last "victim" of my assailant, in terms of domestic violence, or in terms of human trafficking (as I now understand it).
To share your concerns, or for more information about human trafficking, call the hotline @ 888-373-7888. Post-traumatic stress (PTSD) is common among those affected by human trafficking and/or violence. Readers are invited to visit http://www.survivoronamission.org/for additional information on trauma resolution, including a free MP3 download to sample pure awareness and begin the healing process. Please share this link and awareness with those you love. Stay blessed.
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