Thursday's Truth - GI Jane and Sexual Harassment in the Military

Thursday's WWRG blog is reserved for coverage of a women's issue that may be under reported, or just plain lied about.

As many of you know, The Wealthy Women's Resource Guide supports victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence through organizations like Jane Doe No More, Inc.

One of the facts that is seldom publicized is the number of rapes that occur against women who serve in our Armed Forces. Recent surveys have indicated this to be upwards of 1/3.

The truth speaks for itself. Here is a link to one woman's story:
http://www.militarywoman.org/forums/content.php?166-Hey-GI-Janes!

Lifestyle Lifter's - Holiday Checklist V.1

On your mark. Get set. Go! The annual holiday season is fast approaching and if you are like most of us, there is a feeling of "Where has the year gone, and how can it be November already!"

Well, consider this your wake-up call.

After today, there are 26 days left until Thanksgiving as celebrated here in the US. There are 56 days left until Christmas.

Have I gotten your attention?

Today's post is one of a series we will be doing on "Holiday Tips for the Wise". Many of you have a very hectic schedule. Some call it the "Jet-Setter's Lifestyle".

Holiday Tip # 1: Divide and Conquer!

For those of you with more money than time, may I suggest an email to my good friend, Pamela Tobiason (pam.tobiason@familyconciergeandmore.com) of Family Concierge and More.

Pam, her expert staff and her many connections can take on all of your shopping, scheduling and personal calendar needs during this busy Holiday Season.

Holiday Tip # 2: Get your Invitations and Holiday Cards Out Early!

This year, in lieu of a Holiday party, we are hosting a "friend-raiser" in support of Jane Do No More, Inc. We have partnered with Papyrus and Spark who have graciously offered to send an invitation from their elegant line of Letter Pressed stationary to each of our invitees (see graphic above).

Set an Outlook entry today to send an email on Monday to Dani LaTorre, Papyrus Flagship Store Manager (Store02285@srgretail.com) for help on all your Custom Printing Needs.

In a world where more and more people choose e-cards for convenience, nothing says "Classy" more than receiving a hand-addressed Envelope containing a beautiful invitation or Holiday Card.

Make sure you order these early (printing times vary by style) and get them in the mail well before the US Postal Service deadline for Holiday delivery. "better late than never" is not a good thing when a card arrives on New Year's Day that says "Merry X-Mas"!

Look for more Tips in next week's installment of Lifestyle Lifter's.

Until then, have a Happy and safe Halloween (one day left)!

Wednesday's Women of Courage - Jane Doe No More

I have the honor of serving on the Board of the Jane Doe No More Organization, whose mission is to improve the way society responds to victims of sexual assault.

It was founded by Donna Palomba, whose courageous story has been featured on NBC Dateline. She was also featured in another of our Wednesday's Women of Courage posts last June.

At JDNM, we are working hard to shorten the time between crime and healing for victims for sexual assault. What began as a local effort, has now grown to an international one. A video, Duty Trumps Doubt, is in the final stages of production, and will be presented to the International Chiefs of Police Conference in Orlando, Fla. next month. This film will help law enforcement better handle evidence at the crime scene, and sensitize them to the need for compassion toward the victim.

Our website, janedoenomore.org, contains many ways to get involved through various social media such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Please consider joining us in our mission. Your support will be greatly appreciated.

Wednesday's Women of Courage - Donna Palomba

In last Thursday's Truth post, I highlighted some of the facts surrounding sexual abuse, and sexual violence.

The truth is what led Donna Palomba to found Jane Doe No More, Inc. Her story of abuse as a victim of sexual assault and the subsequent abuse she suffered through the process of investigation, has been chronicled on NBC's Dateline.

Her courage to stand up for what she knew was corrupt behavior on the part of the law enforcement team assigned to her case, led to legislation removing the statute of limitations on sexual crimes involving DNA evidence.

You can read her entire story by clicking here.

It is a both an honor and a privilege for me to serve on the board of JDNM. I hope each of you will consider joining our cause through your financial support, or by participating in one of our events scheduled throughout the year.

Thursday's Truth - What do we really know about...

...the epidemic of domestic violence?



...the epidemic of child abuse?



...the epidemic of sexual violence?


Here are some shocking statistics courtesy of The Joyful Hearts Foundation:

• Every two minutes someone in the United States is sexually assaulted.
• 1 in 6 women are survivors of sexual assault.
• 90% of sexual assaults are committed by someone the survivor knows

• .Every year, up to 10 million children are exposed to domestic violence.
• Every year, there are up to 3 million reports of child abuse or neglect made.
• Every day, in the United States, 4 children die from Child abuse and neglect.

The painting displayed on this page is one that JHF founder, Mariska Hartigay uses as a daily inspiration: "Its serenity, its powerful stillness, reminds me that I am continuously being invited on a journey-what the artist, Zoe Hersey, calls the "pilgrimage into one's self"."

Let's begin our own pilgrimage by being truthful.

We all see situations that have all the makings of domestic violence- but go unreported.

We have seen "discipline" being applied to a child, when really, it is abuse - physical, or verbal.

And many of you have had "consensual intercourse" with a partner when, in fact, it is Date Rape.

Truth hurts. But the scars these acts leave behind, hurt much more.

As many of you know, I serve on the board Jane Doe No More, Inc. which is dedicated to shortening the time from crime to healing for victims of sexual assault. While there are many places women can go for support, very few take advantage of them. Many are embarrassed, shamed, or scared to report these acts - and get the help they need. Many find themselves abused by the process, adding insult to injury.

JDNM and JHF share similar missions. Both were founded by women who are authentic, and passionate about their mission. I encourage you to take a moment and view the stories of both Donna and Mariska.

But more importantly, stop living a lie, and begin with the truth. The life you save may be your own!