Winner of Drawing!

I am thankful to everyone who left comments. It has been a while since I posted or left messages. It has been difficult to catch up since kids are out of school and we have taken some time for vacation.

I am glad to announce a winner of this drawing.
The winner is:
Daniella

Thanks Again Daniella. You truly are an inspiration to all. Keep strong.

I am thankful to all who joined this drawing. I hope you will keep coming back to post your comments, to view new post and see new videos and future drawings.

CONTEST REMINDER... IT WILL END JUNE 30,2013 AT MIDNIGHT.

PLEASE SIGN UP TO BLOG OR EVEN LEAVE A COMMENT IN ONE OF ANY BLOGS  TO BE ENTERED INTO THE FREE SWEEPSTAKES FOR A ZAZZLE NO BULLY T-SHIRT. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

BEING TARGETED ELECTRONICALLY? YEP THAT"S CYBERBULLYING...PART 2

http://family.wikinut.com/Biblical-Facts-about-Cyberbullying-and-Harassment :

Hello everyone it's been awhile that I have not written but with children finishing exams and finishing their school my plate was a little over flowing. Thank God that summer has begun and I can relax and get down to the nitty gritty of blogging once again and getting everyone's opinions, stories and testimonies.

Today I want to go into the virtual world and start going into a subject that has hit many of us and even some young kids, cyberbullying.

CYBERBULLYING  can easily be defined as:

• When the Internet, cell phones or other devices are used to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person.
• Sending e-mail to someone who has said they want no further contact with the sender, but it may also include threats, sexual remarks, pejorative labels (i.e., hate speech), ganging up on victims by making them the subject of ridicule in forums, and posting false statements as fact aimed at humiliation
• Gossip, instigation of others to gang up on target on forums, news groups and chats ( ex.facebook, group blogs..etc)

Although intentional or even sometimes unintentional cyberbullying can cause lots of harm. When items are posted on a blog or chat room it's hard to retract those views or opinions of that person, persons or individuals involved.

The website www.ehow.com/cyberbullying states:

Types

• The two most common types of cyberbullying is the bullying contacting his victim directly (direct attacks) and the bully using a accomplice to torment his victim. The latter is referred to as "cyberbullying by proxy". The accomplice may or may not know he is being used as a pawn by the bully. However, if an adult knows or is involved in the tormenting it would not be considered cyberbullying; this would be defined as "cyberstalking" or "cyberharassment". 

Theories/Speculation

• Cyberbully victims will often suffer in silence for fear of being tormented even more than what they currently are. Also, a victim may keep the bullying from a parent of guardian because she may be scared she will lose her internet privileges--or the right to use her other electronic communication devices. In some cases, victims of cyberbullying are not even aware they are being bullied. 

Cyberspace has been used as a weapon to hurt, harm and otherwise deface many in the internet. And yes, even though we do have free speech their should always be a form of decorum of how you should present yourself while you are online. Think, would you necessarily say that about that person or persons if they were if front of you and how far are you willing to go to make an example of them and damage them for the rest of  THEIR LIVES?! Remember print last forever and the internet lasts longer than that.

States and government officials have started doing everything to put restrictions on cyberbullying and cease the senseless acts of cyberbullying. And again although we have freedoms we want to ensure that those freedoms don't spoil innocent blood, like Amanda Todd and countless others. 

Currently the states that have cyberbullying laws are Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, New Jersey, Oregon, Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. There are no federal laws as of yet but in the future there maybe a possibility that cyberbullying will or could become a federal law.

All states have laws against harassment, including all schools have codes for harrasment whether suspensions or expulsions. Many schools have joined forces in many counties in different states to build a strong NO CYBERBULLYING programs for their students. And even though they do, many students still stay silent. That's where a strong communication within your family unit comes into play. 

Make sure that you talk about all issues no matter how big or small within your family. Let your children feel comfortable in telling you anything even if they feel responsible. Build a line of trust and do not waver from it even if you feel that what they might be doing is not in their best interest and be sensitive in giving your opinion. Place boundaries for your kids in the long run; kids would rather you show love by restrictions than not pay attention to them at all. REMEMBER DON'T BE YOUR CHILD'S BEST FRIEND, BE A PARENT!

Yes, facts about cyberbullying have been found in the Bible. The word of God comments on cyberbullying and those who obsess over running " smear campaigns", constructed to defame the names of the innocent. The Bible addresses harassers who inflict abuse on good citizens they've never met. Those who find their pleasures in hurting others are wholeheartedly disliked, and rebuked by God. No one likes cyberbullying and harassing. In fact, God has a special disdain for abusive folk. Facts about cyberbullying glare forth from the pages of scripture.

Most Important Biblical Fact about Cyberbullying: Psalm 36:1

Psalm 36:1 "The transgression of the wicked sayeth within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes." Cyberbullying is a wicked occupation. This is a most important fact. To harass and abuse innocent victims on-line is wickedness. These transgressors lack compassion. In their heart, they believe God is not watching. They hover behind their computers. They are confident that not a soul can see or catch them. Cyberbullying criminals have no fear of God or anyone else. Victims and everyone else, surely agree, that stalking others is wickedly hurtful.

GOD BLESS

Cyberbullying (Issues that Concern You) by: Tamara Roleff $3.59

BULLYING, Is never right at any age. Prt.1

Hello everyone. It's been a while but I wanted to get some research done before going into this topic of Bullying. There is so much information we will have to split it into a couple of parts.

Let's start with defining BULLYING. Many groups and the CDC define bullying as:

• Attack or intimidation with the intention to cause fear, distress, or harm that is either physical (hitting, punching), verbal (name calling, teasing), or psychological/relational (rumors, social exclusion);
• A real or perceived imbalance of power between the bully and the victim; and
• Repeated attacks or intimidation between the same children over time.

Stopbullying.gov states there are three types of bullying:

Types of Bullying 

There are three types of bullying:

• Verbal bullying is saying or writing mean things. Verbal bullying includes:
  • Teasing
  • Name-calling
  • Inappropriate sexual comments
  • Taunting
  • Threatening to cause harm
• Social bullying, sometimes referred to as relational bullying, involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships. Social bullying includes:
  • Leaving someone out on purpose
  • Telling other children not to be friends with someone
  • Spreading rumors about someone
  • Embarrassing someone in public
• Physical bullying involves hurting a person’s body or possessions. Physical bullying includes:
• Hitting/kicking/pinching
• Spitting
• Tripping/pushing
• Taking or breaking someone’s things
• Making mean or rude hand gestures

The CDC defines that there are different types of bullies as well as bystanders:

• Aggressive= most common, hot tempered, belligerent, fearless and lacking in empathy for others
• Passive Bullies=tend to be insecure, less popular than aggressive bully, low self esteem, few like able qualities and will not initiate bullying but will align with more aggressive bullies.
• Victim Bullies= those who have been bullied themselves and feel the need to bully others who are weaker than themselves

The Social Culture cycle of Bullying begins with:

                                                                     

                                                                     

                                                                    

A person or persons intentionally using physical force to threaten or actually impose against another person that could result in likelihood of body harm, injury, psychological harm or deprivation can cause many issues to our society.

Youth violence and/or Bullying can have a long lasting impact on communities as a whole.
It increases health care cost, reduces employment productivity, decreases property values and disrupts social scale of society.
Bullying in its most common form is mostly found within our schools, communities and now even our work force. We will go into these subjects further as we go deeper into Bullying.

Although the word bully is not said in the bible, it is although widely discussed in many scriptures and discussed in many stories in the Bible. David and Goliath is a wonderful story and interpretation of this. Goliath being a giant Philistine warrior as the story states was prideful and boastful enticing one of the Israelites to come an battle him and telling them to send out a champion of their own to decide the outcome in single combat. He wanted to show  the Israelites the might of the Philistine. Many know the story that David volunteered and with a sling shot and five stones from a brook, killed and defeated Goliath. Thus the Philistine army fled.

I am not in any way saying we must pick up stones and start throwing them at out aggressors but as David he trusted in the Lord for wisdom and guidance. Sometimes the best thing to do and the wises is get help. Many men in the bible called out to the Lord for his help (David, Moses, Jonah, Samson,Saul, Abraham, Joshua, Jesus and much more). 

We have to remember some of these battles God gave instructions what they should do to win. Some battles the children of God needed just to trust in the Lord and the battle would be won without them even lifting a finger. 
Although it is difficult the situations we are facing and find it hard to trust because the situations seem bleak we must learn that God would never give us more than we can handle. We must trust in him and know he is God.

The word of God says:

Romans 12:19-20 ESV 

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Psalm 1:1-150:6 ESV

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; ...

Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV 

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers                                                                          

                                                                           

Matthew 5:43-48 ESV

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? ...

Leviticus 19:18 ESV 

You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord    

These are just a few of the scriptures, there are many more. I encourage you to get into your word and search out ALL these scriptures and meditate on God's word about this very important issue.

I want to end this part with one more thing:

IF YOU ARE BEING BULLIED AND NEED TO SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY PLEASE:

CALL 911

OR 

Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline online or at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

OR 

1-800-FYI-CALL
OR 
Talk to your counselor, teacher, parents, principal, school superintendent, State Department of Education or U.S. Department of Justice

REMEMBER:

Ephesians 5:8-14 ESV 

For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. ..                                                                  

                                                                                                           

Verbal Abuse, how does it affect you.

VERBAL ABUSE
Verbal abuse may be defined as:
*Angry outburst
*Sarcasm
* Put-Downs
*Attack on natural and specific ability of person
*Name Calling
*Brain washing
*Manipulation and Controlling

 Verbal abuse of any kind of language meant to demean or otherwise harm or control the victim. 
Verbal abuse is difficult to pre-determine because it does stem into so many other forms of abuse and/or assault. Verbal abuse can start very light at first and can escalate into something much worse. The behaviour of an abuser may be very subtle but verbal abuse is serious and a victim may be harshly affected. If they are children they will become very withdrawn and will have difficulty in trusting those around them as they grow older.There should never be a point in a person's life to put down or verbal attack to get your point across. 

The encyclopedia defines that Verbal abuse is:
Verbal abuse (also known as reviling) is described as a negative defining statement told to the person or about the person or by withholding any response thus defining the target as non-existent. If the abuser doesn't immediately apologize and retract the defining statement, the relationship may be a verbally abusive one.^[1] A person of any gender, race, culture, sexual orientation, age, or size may experience verbal abuse. Typically, in couples or family relationships verbal abuse increases in intensity and frequency over time.^[1] After exposure to verbal abuse, victims may fall into clinical depression and/or post-traumatic stress disorder. The person targeted by verbal abuse over time may succumb to any stress related illness. Verbal abuse creates emotional pain and mental anguish in its target.

Despite being the most common form of abuse, verbal abuse is generally not taken as seriously as other types, because there is no visible proof and the abuser may have a "perfect" persona around others. In reality, however, verbal abuse can be more detrimental to a person's health than physical abuse. If a person is verbally abused from childhood on, he or she may develop psychological disorders that plague them into and through adulthood.

Verbal abuse includes the following:^[4]

• countering
• withholding
• discounting
• abuse disguised as a joke
• blocking and diverting
• accusing and blaming
• judging and criticizing
• trivializing
• undermining
• threatening
• name calling
• chronic forgetting
• ordering
• denial of anger or abuse
• abusive anger

It's sad to assume that many children, teens and even adults have to withstand verbal abuse often in their lives and for many years before acknowledging that there is or was a problem. Many have been verbally abused for so long that they no longer see it as abuse. They start to make excuses for their abuser thus not knowing or otherwise becoming numb to the mental affect it is having on their lives. They will defend the fact their abuser is constantly metaphorically verbally abusing them and see their act as not personal because they have become numb to the severe verbal abuse.

At times we must bring verbal abuse to someone's attention to begin healing and stop the process in it's tracks so it does not become more severe and get out of hand. 

Kerby Anderson the author of the article Verbal abuse states:

 "Almost everyone has heard of, or knows of, someone who has been verbally abused. Perhaps you are involved in a verbally abusive relationship. It is also possible that no one even knows your circumstances. Verbal abuse is a kind of battering which doesn't leave evidence comparable to the bruises of physical battering. You (or your friend) may be suffering in silence and isolation.

In this article, I want to tackle this very important issue in an effort to understand this phenomenon and provide answers. Like any area of human action, it begins in the mind and heart. Proverbs 23:7 says, "For as he thinks within himself, so he is." What a person thinks in his mind and heart will be reflected in his words and actions. Verbal abuse and physical abuse result from a world view that is clearly not biblical.

Verbal abuse is often more difficult to see since there are rarely any visible scars unless physical abuse has taken place. But it is often less visible simply because the abuse may always take place in private. The victim of verbal abuse lives in a gradually more confusing realm. In public, the victim is with one person. While in private, the abuser may become a completely different person.

Frequently, the perpetrator of verbal abuse is male and the victim is female, but not always. There are many examples of women who are quite verbally abusive. But for the sake of simplicity of pronouns in this program, I will identify the abuser as male and the victim as female.

A Biblical Perspective of Verbal Abuse

The Bible clearly warns us about the dangers of an angry man. Proverbs 22:24 says, "Do not associate with a man given to anger; or go with a hot-tempered man." And Proverbs 29:22 says, "An angry man stirs up strife, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression."

It is not God's will for you (or your friend) to be in a verbally abusive relationship. Those angry and critical words will destroy your confidence and self-esteem. Being submissive in a marriage relationship (Ephesians 5:22) does not mean allowing yourself to be verbally beaten by your partner. 1 Peter 3:1 does teach that wives, by being submissive to their husbands, may win them to Christ by their behavior. But it does not teach that they must allow themselves to be verbally or physically abused.
Here are some key biblical principles. First, know that God loves you. The Bible teaches, "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
Second, deal with your feelings of guilt. You may be feeling that the problems in your marriage are your fault. "If only I would do better, he wouldn't be so angry with me." The Bible teaches in Psalm 51:6 that "Surely You desire truth in the inner parts; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place." Even though you may have feelings of guilt, you may not be the guilty party. I would recommend you read my article on the subject of false guilt.{5}
A related issue is shame. You may feel that something is wrong with you. You may feel that you are a bad person. Psalms 139:14 says, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Finally, you should realize that you can be free from being a victim and agree with God that you can be free. 2 Corinthians 3:17 says, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."A key element in this area of verbal abuse will no doubt be confrontation of the abuser. It's important for you to realize that confrontation is a biblical principle. Jesus taught about this in Matthew 18:15-20. I would recommend that you seek help from a pastor or counselor. But I would also recommend that you gather godly men and women together who can lovingly confront the person who is verbally abusing you. Their goal should be to break through his denial and lovingly restore him with a spirit of gentleness (Galatians 6:1).
Verbal abuse is a difficult emotional problem, but there is hope if the abuser is willing to confront his sin and get help."

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, STALKING IS A CRIME!

STALKING

So today we are going to talk about the act of stalking, not talked about very often but is beginning to be a very well known subject in the U.S. And the CDC and other groups have taken the steps to investigate and find out the amounts of deaths and injuries among teens.
These acts go hand in hand with sexual abuse or sexual assault, dating violence and teen dating violence.
It is important for you to understand that sometimes stalking plays such a large role in most of these assaults. Many people do not know that there are  Federal and State laws that can protect a person in these unfortunate situations.

The "SAFE HORIZON website" states, that according to the U.S. Department of Justice, stalking is defined as "a pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, contact, or any other course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear." Stalking behavior can include

• Harassing a victim through the Internet, including email, social networking sites, and other sites
• Damaging or threatening to damage a victim's property
• Making direct or indirect threats to harm the victim or the victim's children and family, friends, pets, and even co-workers
• Following or laying in wait for a victim at places victims tend to frequently visit, including home, school, or work
• Repeated, unwanted, intrusive, and frightening communications, by phone, mail, and/or email

Stalking may also involve or be defined as:

• Harassing or threatening tactics used by a perpetrator that is both unwanted and causes fear in the victim.
• Behavior ranges from overtly aggressive threats and actions, to repeated phone calls, letters, emails, texts or violent approaches.
• There are anti-stalking laws in place, both federal and state, designed to protect victims of stalkers

There are other acts that also can be related to stalking, for example:

• Controlling behavior
• Not letting you hang out with your friends
• Calling, texting or emailing you frequently to find out where you are, who you're with, and what you're doing
• Telling you what to wear
• Having to be with you all the time
• Unwanted Jealousy over friendships and escalation of anger and violence

In February of this year 2012 a young woman age 20 who was a well known lacrosse player was in her college in Harrisonburg, VA was injured and died at the hand of a young man who was stalking her and then decided to injure and kill her.

Over 90% of female homicide victims are killed by someone they know, and 76% of these victims were stalked before their deaths. 

From 2009 to 2012, 40% of mass shootings started with the shooter targeting his girlfriend, wife or ex-wife.  There are about 3.4 million women and men who are stalking victims per year.

 More than 50% are 30 years of age and younger.

Women are more likely to stalked than raped. 

Believe it or not about 10% of victims are stalked by a stranger. 

Many victims who are stalked have these personal items damaged, their lives threatened and their families or animals harmed as well.

 The statistics in the US Department of Justice by Katrina Baum, Ph.D., Shannan Catalano, Ph.D., and Michael Rand and Kristina Rose state that during a 12-month period an estimated 14 in every 1,000 persons age 18 or older were victims of stalking. About half (46%) of stalking victims experienced at least one unwanted contact per week, and 11% of victims said they had been stalked for 5 years or more. Nearly 3 in 4 stalking victims knew their offender in some capacity.

The federal government, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories have enacted laws making stalking a criminal act, although the elements defining the act of stalking differ across states. The USDOJ.gov states that:

 Stalking laws

While the federal government, all 50 states, the District 

of Columbia, and U.S. Territories have enacted 

criminal laws to address stalking, the legal definition 

for stalking varies across jurisdictions. State laws vary 

regarding the element of victim fear and emotional 

distress, as well as the requisite intent of the stalker. 

Some state laws specify that the victim must have 

been frightened by the stalking, while others require 

only that the stalking behavior would have caused a 

reasonable person to experience fear. In addition 

states vary regarding what level of fear is required. 

Some state laws require prosecutors to establish fear 

of death or serious bodily harm, while others require 

only that prosecutors establish that the victim suffered 

emotional distress. Interstate stalking is defined by 

federal law 18 U.S.C. § 2261A.

 If you feel like someone is threatening you or you feel in danger or have a feeling someone else is in danger please contact 911 immediately. You can also contact:

Crime Victims Hotline 866.689.HELP (4357)

  For more information on the Bureau of Justice Statistics please visit: http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/docs/stalking-victimization.pdf 

Remember according to God's word the Lord disapproves of anyone spying, stalking or meddling in anyone's affairs. Someone once said there is a huge difference between spying out the land and spying on someone's freedoms. 

• But because of the false brothers brought in quietly, who sneaked in to spy upon our freedom which we have in union with Christ Jesus, that they might completely enslave us— to these we did not yield by way of submission, no, not for an hour, in order that the truth of the good news might continue with you. (Galatians 2:4,5)
•   There are six things that Jehovah does hate; yes, seven are things detestable to his soul: lofty eyes, a false tongue, and hands that are shedding innocent blood, a heart fabricating hurtful schemes, feet that are in a hurry to run to badness, a false witness that launches forth lies, and anyone sending forth contentions among brothers.(Proverbs 6: 16-19)

Psychological / Mental Abuse difficult to address but it's a problem in our society.

This I believe is a hugely controversial abuse and assault because it can be depicted as being the same thing as emotional abuse. Many speculate that it can be one in the same then many say it's in a class of it's own. You need to make that determination yourself.

Many define it as:

• Name calling 
• Put-downs
• Subjecting or exposing another to behavior that may result in psychological trauma, including anxiety, chronic depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder
• Rejecting, degrading, terrorizing, isolating, corrupting/exploiting and "denying emotional responsiveness

Many can speculate that this behavior although has been categorized as a Psychological can also fall under emotional abuse and assault. 

It's common to find that many of these traits can be found among family members and children. What we don't know is that these traits can also be found at the school levels and also in the work force. 

Many individuals climbing the corporate ladder use many Psychological  tactics to throw their opponents off. In a word, to sike them out! Although many adults have grown from using such tactics, many resort to subjecting or exposing another for self gain. Whether for personal or financial reasons they find these tactics give them a great boost in life.

What they might not realize is that these psychological intents can cause long lasting damage in a persons life if not addressed immediately. 

Psychological Abuse written by Natasha Tracy in "www.healthyplace.com" states:

Psychological abuse, though, can be just as devastating as physical abuse. Psychological abuse can affect your inner thoughts and feelings as well as exert control over your life. You may feel uncertain of the world around you and unsafe in your own home. Psychological abuse can destroy intimate relationships, friendships and even your own relationship with yourself.

Psychological abuse signs and symptoms may start small at first as the abuser "tests the waters" to see what the other person will accept, but before long the psychological abuse builds into something that can be frightening and threatening.

Also addressed in  NCADV.org statistic show that:

· 95% of men who physically abuse their intimate

   partners also psychologically abuse them.

· Psychologically abusive men are more likely to

use a weapon against their partners, have prior

criminal arrests, abuse substances, and have

employment problems.

· An employed woman with an unemployed

partner is more than twice as likely to be

psychologically abused by her partner.

· Having a physical disability increases a

woman’s risk of psychological abuse by 83%.

· Women who earn 65% or more of their

households’ income are more likely to be

psychologically abused.

In the workforce this is a highly common abuse but rarely addressed. We do know now that if you are being psychologically, mentally or verbally abuse you have rights. Your rights have to be addresses to your corporation or business and if that request goes unaddressed you have the right to contact a lawyer. The Chron.com Small Business and Worker's Rights states:

Unlike most first-world countries, there are currently no federal or state laws written to protect U.S. employees from verbal abuse. However, failure to nip an abusive employee's behavior in the bud can cost you big. Under regulations from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, or OSHA, you as a business owner can be held liable for not providing an employee with a safe and healthy workplace. An employee faced with verbal abuse can fairly claim that the abuse interferes with her ability to go about her daily job duties. You can be held responsible for retaining the services of an employee who verbally abuses another employee.

If an employee who has been verbally abused is not adequately aided at the company level, she may hire an attorney to take her case to court. Even without precise laws on the books that address the issue, OSHA standards seem to have enough bite to get the attention of courts. For example, the Indiana Supreme Court in 2008 awarded a nurse $325,000 for her claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress and assault after she was screamed at by a surgeon. Once you've heard a hint of abuse occurring within your business, you become part of the problem. You must either address it head on or be prepared to answer for your failure to do so.

This can cost a hefty sum if you are a business owner. 

It is important to understand that to have a balance work environment, a healthy home life and a happy mental attitude you must first learn how to properly address all individuals. And although it is true that we are humans and we do have a tendency to disagree and have different opinions, there should NEVER be a place where you have to put another down to get your point across.

In Psalms 109:1-3 David calls to the Lord saying:

"1 Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise; 2 for the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue.3 They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause."

I read this one time and shared it with my boys always THINK before speaking:

T-Is it True?

H-Is it Helpful or Honest?

I-Is It Inspiring?

N-Is it Necessary?

K-Is it KIND?

If it doesn't fall under any of those guidelines is best not say it at all!

Your emotions do count!

Emotional Abuse

Is defined and may involve:

°Intimidation
°Threats
°Humiliation (name calling,shaming & embarrassing)
° Insults
°Pressure
°Destruction of property
°Control Even Isolation (from family, friends..etc.)

In www.psychcentral.com the author Maria Bogdanos defines it as follows:

"Signs of Emotional Abuse By MARIA BOGDANOS"

Emotional abuse is elusive. Unlike physical abuse, the people doing it and receiving it may not even know it’s happening.

It can be more harmful than physical abuse because it can undermine what we think about ourselves. It can cripple all we are meant to be as we allow something untrue to define us. Emotional abuse can happen between parent and child, husband and wife, among relatives and between friends.

The abuser projects their words, attitudes or actions onto an unsuspecting victim usually because they themselves have not dealt with childhood wounds that are now causing them to harm others.

In the following areas, ask these questions to see if you are abusing or being abused:

1. Humiliation, degradation, discounting, negating. judging, criticizing: Does anyone make fun of you or put you down in front of others?

Do they tease you, use sarcasm as a way to put you down or degrade you?

When you complain do they say that “it was just a joke” and that you are too sensitive?

Do they tell you that your opinion or feelings are “wrong?”

Does anyone regularly ridicule, dismiss, disregard your opinions, thoughts, suggestions, and feelings?

2. Domination, control, and shame: Do you feel that the person treats you like a child?

Do they constantly correct or chastise you because your behavior is “inappropriate?”

Do you feel you must “get permission” before going somewhere or before making even small decisions?

Do they control your spending?

Do they treat you as though you are inferior to them?

Do they make you feel as though they are always right?

Do they remind you of your shortcomings?

Do they belittle your accomplishments, your aspirations, your plans or even who you are?

Do they give disapproving, dismissive, contemptuous, or condescending looks, comments, and behavior?

3. Accusing and blaming, trivial and unreasonable demands or expectations, denies own shortcomings: Do they accuse you of something contrived in their own minds when you know it isn’t true?

Are they unable to laugh at themselves?

Are they extremely sensitive when it comes to others making fun of them or making any kind of comment that seems to show a lack of respect?

Do they have trouble apologizing?

Do they make excuses for their behavior or tend to blame others or circumstances for their mistakes?

Do they call you names or label you?

Do they blame you for their problems or unhappiness?

Do they continually have “boundary violations” and disrespect your valid requests?

4. Emotional distancing and the “silent treatment,” isolation, emotional abandonment or neglect: Do they use pouting, withdrawal or withholding attention or affection?

Do they not want to meet the basic needs or use neglect or abandonment as punishment?

Do they play the victim to deflect blame onto you instead of taking responsibility for their actions and attitudes?

Do they not notice or care how you feel?

Do they not show empathy or ask questions to gather information?

5. Codependence and enmeshment: Does anyone treat you not as a separate person but instead as an extension of themselves?

Do they not protect your personal boundaries and share information that you have not approved?

Do they disrespect your requests and do what they think is best for you?

Do they require continual contact and haven’t developed a healthy support network among their own peers?

Maria Bogdanos is an emotional health coach.

If you feel like you are constantly doing a balancing act to make the person you are with happy then there is nothing you can say or do that will change their frame of thought. They must seek help and there is a chance. Many people who are emotionally abusing don't think or know they are doing anything wrong. Some may be unaware of their behaviour as being unacceptable. There is still an opportunity for those individuals to receive help and also for those who received the emotional abuse.

Many children fall victim to this kind of abuse. In turn they relay their frustrations in anger and will express themselves negatively by hurting others because they themselves are hurt.

The word wants us not to fall victim to idle words. It specifically says:

Proverbs 21:23 ESV
Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Ephesians 4:29 ESV
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Proverbs 15:1 ESV
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 12:18 ESV
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Psalm 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.

James 1:26 ESV
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

1 Peter 3:10 ESV
For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;

If you are feeling emotionally worn please call one of the numbers on this site or visit www.psycentral.com and seek help.

You can also look under your local yellow pages and seek help.

No really means NO! Talking Sexual Abuse & Sexual Assault

SEXUAL ABUSE & SEXUAL ASSAULT

As defined by many groups and even the CDC terms of sexual abuse and assault are:
Sexual Abuse

°Sexual Relations without Consent
°Unwanted sexual touching Even touching unwilling through clothing is considered sexual abuse
° Pressure to engage in humiliating or degrading and/or
use of Force by abuser for sexual activity
°In teen dating violence can take place electronically such as posting of sexual pictures of partner online without consent.

***THIS IS A CRIME and punishable by incarceration and filed as a pedophile if victim is under age 18.

°Sexual assault can be verbal, visual, or anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention.

Please be aware of such perpetrators or suspicious characters. Be always cautious of your surroundings. Always stay within a circle of friends when going out and set realistic limitations on yourself when going out.

Many misconception that many women have is that if you know a person online, by phone or because he is nice that could never happen to me. There are more statistics of women being sexually assault from someone they knew rather than a stranger.

God gave us spiritual ears to hear his voice. The Holy Spirit quickens our hearts when there is something off or just not right.

It says in John 16:13 NIV "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."

If you are sexually assaulted, it is not your fault. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or support. Help is available. You can call these organizations:

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

National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673)

or visit

http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/sexual-assault.cfm

Or if you are being abused and sexually assault in Northern Virginia visit:
http://www.bhnv.org/

There are many organizations and hotlines in every state and territory. These crisis centers and agencies work hard to stop assaults and help victims. Find contact information for these organizations. You also can obtain the numbers of shelters, counseling services, and legal assistance in your phone book or online.

The first move has to be your move. Protect yourselves.

Talking about Physical Abuse / Assault

PHYSICAL ABUSE / ASSAULT

which defined is or may involve: 

• Pushing
• Shoving
• Hitting
• Choking
• Confining
• Pinching
• Hair Pulling
• Or Assaulting with object or weapon.

Any act in which a person does bodily harm can be considered physical abuse or assault. Physical assault in many states can be a misdemeanor and depending on the offense can have felony charges. You will have to check your individual state for a guideline of your state's individual judiciary  laws of such offenses. Many states like California state Physical abuse as:

• Physically hurting or trying to hurt someone intentionally or recklessly;
• Sexual assault;
• Making someone reasonably afraid that he or she or someone else is about to be seriously hurt (like threats or promises to harm someone); OR
• Behavior like harassing, stalking, threatening, or hitting someone, disturbing someone’s peace, or destroying someone’s personal property).

In other states for example, Virginia's judiciary acts states;

§ 18.2-57. Assault and battery.

A. Any person who commits a simple assault or assault and battery shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, and if the person intentionally selects the person against whom a simple assault is committed because of his race, religious conviction, color or national origin, the penalty upon conviction shall include a term of confinement of at least six months, 30 days of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of confinement.

B. However, if a person intentionally selects the person against whom an assault and battery resulting in bodily injury is committed because of his race, religious conviction, color or national origin, the person shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony, and the penalty upon conviction shall include a term of confinement of at least six months, 30 days of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of confinement.

Its very important to understand that even if you do not feel like you have hurt that person, any act of physical violence or intentionally hurting someone can be considered violent and dangerous. 

These acts can damage your job status, you can be arrested, do community service, have to take anger management classes, have a criminal record or worst.

God did not call us to intentionally or deliberately hurt anyone. When Jesus was on the cross the word says that he had ten thousand legions of angels standing at attention at his will to do anything but instead he spoke love to the Father in Luke 23:34 and said "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do"

What a beautiful act that he laid his life down for us although we did not deserve it.

He never once threaten those spitting on him, throwing stones, calling him names and mocking him. He only saw love for each of them.

 WE ARE ALL SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF THE MOST HIGH. THE PHYSICAL DAMAGE YOU DO TO SOMEONE IS THE DAMAGE YOU DO TO THE FATHER.

When you have knowledge you can conquer anything...

Well everyone it was an exciting first day but let's keep the momentum going. We are going to talk about some issues and also some definitions in relation to violence.

As defined by many groups and the CDC the defined act of violence is:

Any violence that can be physical, sexual, emotional, mental, verbal or even stalking. 

Violence can have many outputs; some short examples are:

• Harmful behavior that starts early and continues into adulthood. Intentional use of force whether threatened or real, against person, group or community that can result in: injuries, deaths, psychological harm or deprivation by persons between ages of 10-24.
• As physical, verbal, and emotional or mental cruelty.
• The person can be either witness, the offender or the victim.
• Some violent acts result in: slapping, hurting, hitting, bullying. Some even have taken so far as to rob and assault (with or without a weapon)

In short many of these incidents can result into: anxiety, depression, injuries, long lasting disabilities and even suicide.

THESE ARE THE FORM OF VIOLENCE WE WILL DISCUSS IN LATER BLOGS:

• Physical Abuse 
• Sexual Abuse
• Emotional Abuse
• Psychological / Mental Abuse
• Stalking
• Verbal Abuse
• Bullying
• Cyder-Bullying

 WE WILL GO OVER EACH OF THESE EACH DAY.

I would love to hear any remarks, comments or if you need to share your story to be a help to someone else please comment. If you are in need of help please comment as well or call 1800 FYI CALL or the RUNAWAY HOTLINE at1-800-RUNAWAY(1-800-786-2929) 

Blog Beacon to show awareness of Bullying

This Blog is a beacon to all those who love the Lord but feel helpless in the controversy of the Bullying topic. This site is here to help, encourage and support those who are looking for direction on how to handle a bullying situation. This site is not only tailored for teens and kids but we encourage all parents to please participate. We encourage words of encouragement and hope that by being here you will not feel alone. When we understand the impact this has on society and family units as a whole we as Christians can educate ourselves to be able to confront this issue with the will of the Father.

We as parents are here to impart knowledge (whether we have faced this issue ourselves in the past as teens and kids or maybe we ourselves were the aggressor and repented of those things that manifested within us that was not of love and was not the purpose of Father God).
As teens and kids this site is here as a safe haven. To listen, to learn and impart also your wisdom of how you are dealing or have dealt with any situation.

This site will provide many links to different organizations that will assist and also with different resources for you and your family to aid in the knowledge of this issue. Remember the word says:
Ecclesiates 7:12 "For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it."

We ask that we walk in the the love of the Lord while entering this site. That we treat each other with respect, whether we agree with what they have to say or not and again treating this as a safe haven for all. A place of agreement is a place of power. We should strive to show love and walk as Jesus walked and speak as Jesus spoke.

Please enjoy the site and love to be able to hear from everyone.