Saturday, October 22, 2005
It's time to raise awareness of domestic violence issues
EDITOR:
October is domestic violence awareness month -- a time to look at the violence committed against women and children. In our communities there are many family members committing violence against one another. We need to take a closer look at women, especially with children who are living with abuse. There is a direct correlation to the violence that we see today from children who have witnessed abuse. These children may grow up to be abusers or they may tolerate being abused.
Domestic violence cuts across all age groups and social classes. It goes beyond physical abuse. It includes emotional abuse that includes threats, isolation, extreme jealousy and humiliation. It is also sexual abuse.
Many women are reluctant or unable to get help. Some are literally held captive, others may not have the money or means of transportation to leave. Cultural, ethnic or religious background may also influence a woman's response to abuse and her awareness of viable options. Other reasons for not mentioning abuse include fear of retaliation, shame and humiliation, and belief that she deserved the abuse and is not deserving of help.
Some women may deny being in an abusive situation even though all indicators point to the fact that they are. Although women may not bring up the subject of abuse on their own, many will discus it when asked simple direct questions in a nonjudgmental way. Once abuse is recognized, a number of interventions are possible, even if a woman is not ready to leave the relationship or take other actions.
Because the experience of abuse is so degrading and humiliating, a woman may be reluctant to discuss it with someone who may not take her seriously, who may discount her experience, who may perceive her as deserving the abuse, or blame her for staying with the abuser. She may fear that reporting the abuse will jeopardize her safety and destroy her means of support; she may stay in the relationship hoping that the situation will get better. Her partner may not always be abusive and this gives her hope that he will change.
Domestic violence and/or family violence is a real problem in our communities. The members of the Youngstown's Police Department Crisis Intervention Unit and the Juvenile Division know these situations first hand as the cases pile up and become overwhelming.
If a person confides in you that they are abused, they are reaching out for help. The best thing that you can do is to educate yourself about family violence, which includes child abuse and elder abuse. For more information call your local battered person's shelter or your local police agency.
Det. Sgt. DELPHINE BALDWIN-CASEY
Youngstown Police Department
Crisis Intervention Unit
Taking charity another step
EDITOR:
Let me say how excited I am for my friend, Jeff Novak, and his three little girls. The help afforded to the Novak household from ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is incredible. The outpouring of love and service from the entire community through donations, volunteer hours and encouragement was astounding.
Many of you, once you learned of the Novaks' loss through "Extreme Makeover," began offering any service you could, be it basic carpentry, baby-sitting or painting, to intricate electrical and plumbing work. I know Jeff is both appreciative and overwhelmed by these effotrs.
One of the things Jeff and I regularly discussed is reforming a community's outlook. However, we never got much further than defining the problem. Perhaps here is a chance. Rather than waiting for another national television crew to show up at a home devastated by personal tragedy, look for the people next door, those who are suffering emotional distress and personal loss.
When asking your neighbor, "How are you," listen for an honest answer, and do what you can to help. Don't just say, "Let me know if you need anything." Too many people are far too proud to ask for anything, let alone admit they are in need. Surely there is someone within two or three degrees of separation from you who is in need. Find that need, and serve where you can, without trying to get on television or feel good about yourself.
RICK BLAIR
Lakewood
Trumbull residents asked to support senior citizens
EDITOR:
As a lifetime Trumbull County resident, I have been extremely active in a multitude of organizations, institutions and causes in our community. I have always been an advocate of our area children, working closely with the Warren City Board of Education for levy campaigns and various school organizations. But as I celebrate my 63rd birthday, I am reminded of my status as a senior citizen in the community and I would to ask the residents of Trumbull County to support Issue 8 in the upcoming election.
At this point in our lives, my wife and I are fortunate enough not to need assistance through the Trumbull County Senior Services, but it has been my life experience that your world can be turned upside down in a split second and those who seem well prepared today may be in need of help tomorrow.
The Trumbull County Senior Services Levy will generate $2.5 million per year for the next five years to provide transportation, prescription assistance, home-delivered meals, in-home services, adult protection services and community centers for people 60 and over in Trumbull County. As a senior citizen being on a fixed income, I understand the need to watch my dollars and cents, but I also realize that the small sacrifice I make today will make the difference in my fellow seniors tomorrow. This levy would cost the average homeowner with the property value of $85,000 about $1.64 a month.
An advisory board comprised of individuals with a variety of expertise will be appointed by the Trumbull County commissioners to oversee the programs development and expenditures. I feel confident the funds generated will be spent appropriately. The board will be representative of the entire county, taking urban and rural needs into account. The money generated will aid services currently in place as well as help to expand services.
I urge the Trumbull County community to come together in support of our seniors so they may receive the supplemental support they may need to remain in their homes and independent in their twilight years. Whether you are 18 just starting your life, in your 30s and raising your children or approaching retirement, the passage of this levy can affect you in a positive way. You may have a parent or grandparent who needs help with the rising prescriptions cost. You many know of an elderly neighbor who lives alone and needs home-delivered meals so they may maintain a sense of independence and remain in their home. You may need help with transportation of a loved one to and from an adult day care facility. Issue 8 positively assists in all these issues. Vote YES for Senior Services Issue 8 on Nov. 8.
THOMAS W. KLINGEMAN
Warren
Talk radio's Bush-bashers go too far with cheap insults
EDITOR:
I can understand our talk show hosts disagreeing with the president's decisions.
I cannot understand what good it does for them to label our commander in chief with cheap, ugly, insulting names and accusations.
Recently I attended the Fort Lee, Va., U.S. Army Petroleum Supply Specialist graduation. It was an inspiring experience.
The opening and closing prayers, the enthusiastic shouting and singing of the Army song, plus the military graduation procedure for this class of volunteer men and women made me proud to have my grandson, Austin, one of them.
Austin's sister on the aircraft carrier Truman will soon be home on leave. His brother, Bryan, on the aircraft carrier Nimitz is deciding whether to re-enlist and is also scheduled to come home on leave soon.
What sense does it make to have our voluntary military men and women exposed to the nasty and degrading radio talk show hosts' remarks about their commander in chief?
Is it ratings art any cost? "Just turn the dial" may satisfy the talk show host's conscience, but it doesn't answer the question -- why?
CHARLES J. BUTLER
Youngstown