Comments on: Stand Up and Speak Out for Survivors http://www.themudflats.net/2009/10/08/stand-up-and-speak-out-for-survivors/ Tiptoeing Through the Muck of Alaskan Politics Sat, 20 Mar 2010 08:16:36 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: MonaLisa IS FIRED UP, READY TO GO!! http://www.themudflats.net/2009/10/08/stand-up-and-speak-out-for-survivors/#comment-138925 MonaLisa IS FIRED UP, READY TO GO!! Sat, 10 Oct 2009 02:16:49 +0000 http://www.themudflats.net/?p=7188#comment-138925 #27 Peggy said: "...It’s more like a lifelong road. You don’t ever really heal from rape. Believe me, I know." I know about life after rape, Peggy. But healing CAN happen. I know that, too. #27 Peggy said: “…It’s more like a lifelong road. You don’t ever really heal from rape. Believe me, I know.”

I know about life after rape, Peggy. But healing CAN happen.

I know that, too.

]]> By: Ninufar http://www.themudflats.net/2009/10/08/stand-up-and-speak-out-for-survivors/#comment-138743 Ninufar Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:08:48 +0000 http://www.themudflats.net/?p=7188#comment-138743 I can agree and somewhat disagree with all sides here -- I am sending prayers for everyone gathering now at the courthouse, and for everyone involved with the case. The matter is *already* heart-wrenching for the plaintiffs, all their families and friends, and for the accused and family and friends. If I'm willing to pray for GWB, I'm willing to pray for the accused. In fact, that's about all I know how to do in response to news like this without breaking my own beliefs as a seeker and pursuer of peace. Sounds like there might've been a much better way to handle the courtroom situation which would respect the rights of supporters on both sides (so long as they're not just there to do a "Town Hall" heckling act) while truly respecting the assault survivors instead of tormenting them. For child victims in some northeastern states, they only get videotaped I think, and do not have to stand there and be forced to relive all this in front of a hostile crowd. May justice be served and may healing continue... I can agree and somewhat disagree with all sides here — I am sending prayers for everyone gathering now at the courthouse, and for everyone involved with the case.

The matter is *already* heart-wrenching for the plaintiffs, all their families and friends, and for the accused and family and friends. If I’m willing to pray for GWB, I’m willing to pray for the accused. In fact, that’s about all I know how to do in response to news like this without breaking my own beliefs as a seeker and pursuer of peace.

Sounds like there might’ve been a much better way to handle the courtroom situation which would respect the rights of supporters on both sides (so long as they’re not just there to do a “Town Hall” heckling act) while truly respecting the assault survivors instead of tormenting them. For child victims in some northeastern states, they only get videotaped I think, and do not have to stand there and be forced to relive all this in front of a hostile crowd.

May justice be served and may healing continue…

]]> By: just sayin' http://www.themudflats.net/2009/10/08/stand-up-and-speak-out-for-survivors/#comment-138702 just sayin' Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:52:31 +0000 http://www.themudflats.net/?p=7188#comment-138702 How can anyone trust a police officer again...or court for that matter, when it is obvious that this man should be contained behind bars for the sake and sanity of his victims, until his trial...police have authority, like priests, teachers, and others who have abused their positions and put all others suspect. Our world has spun out of control as it is, we all need something (law), and someone to rely on to protect us (illusion apparently)...very upsetting times. How can anyone trust a police officer again…or court for that matter, when it is obvious that this man should be contained behind bars for the sake and sanity of his victims, until his trial…police have authority, like priests, teachers, and others who have abused their positions and put all others suspect. Our world has spun out of control as it is, we all need something (law), and someone to rely on to protect us (illusion apparently)…very upsetting times.

]]> By: Vitamin Democracy Dose…Today « SHANNYN MOORE: JUST A GIRL FROM HOMER http://www.themudflats.net/2009/10/08/stand-up-and-speak-out-for-survivors/#comment-138697 Vitamin Democracy Dose…Today « SHANNYN MOORE: JUST A GIRL FROM HOMER Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:38:32 +0000 http://www.themudflats.net/?p=7188#comment-138697 [...] For the back story on this call to action, please read AKM’s post. [...] [...] For the back story on this call to action, please read AKM’s post. [...]

]]> By: Ladybirddeb http://www.themudflats.net/2009/10/08/stand-up-and-speak-out-for-survivors/#comment-138691 Ladybirddeb Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:26:14 +0000 http://www.themudflats.net/?p=7188#comment-138691 This is absolutely chilling, appalling and outrageous! I live outside of NYC, where there was a recent case of police rape against ONE victim, the bail was set at $175,000 (still not high enough IMO), and let me tell you that NO ONE was interested in defending the SOB who did it or his partner who stood watch and allowed it to happen. The Anchorage cop is being charged with SERIAL sexual assault, and the judge seemed to be bending over backward to accommodate him and facilitate his bail. WTF?!! This piece of garbage doesn't "need" to go to church -- he NEEDS to be in jail! This is absolutely chilling, appalling and outrageous! I live outside of NYC, where there was a recent case of police rape against ONE victim, the bail was set at $175,000 (still not high enough IMO), and let me tell you that NO ONE was interested in defending the SOB who did it or his partner who stood watch and allowed it to happen. The Anchorage cop is being charged with SERIAL sexual assault, and the judge seemed to be bending over backward to accommodate him and facilitate his bail. WTF?!! This piece of garbage doesn’t “need” to go to church — he NEEDS to be in jail!

]]> By: CR46 http://www.themudflats.net/2009/10/08/stand-up-and-speak-out-for-survivors/#comment-138622 CR46 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:11:39 +0000 http://www.themudflats.net/?p=7188#comment-138622 I will be there in spirit, but its impossible for me to travel that far. As a rape survivor (and yes it is something you survive) and a sexual abuse hotline volunteer and PP volunteer, I can attest that rape is under reported--many victims reach out for help while avoiding the police. And after a horrendous experience with police 25 yrs ago I can understand. I hope someone can and will tell these brave women that many across the nation do believe them and do support them. One in seven women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetimes, thats peoples mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters and nieces. Ladies I will be thinking of you and hopefully you will feel the spirits of many to give you strength! I will be there in spirit, but its impossible for me to travel that far.
As a rape survivor (and yes it is something you survive) and a sexual abuse hotline volunteer and PP volunteer, I can attest that rape is under reported–many victims reach out for help while avoiding the police. And after a horrendous experience with police 25 yrs ago I can understand.
I hope someone can and will tell these brave women that many across the nation do believe them and do support them. One in seven women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetimes, thats peoples mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters and nieces.

Ladies I will be thinking of you and hopefully you will feel the spirits of many to give you strength!

]]> By: goodboypaschal http://www.themudflats.net/2009/10/08/stand-up-and-speak-out-for-survivors/#comment-138573 goodboypaschal Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:57:58 +0000 http://www.themudflats.net/?p=7188#comment-138573 I hope this is an appropriate place to mention an upcoming fundraiser that's happening for STAR (Standing Together Against Rape): Soul For My Sister. It's happening on Friday, November 13th at O'Malley's on the Green. Doors open at 6:30 but more importantly -- MUSIC -- and lots of it -- begins at 7:30. Tickets are $50 each or $90 a pair and will give you admission, a complimentary appetizer buffet and music from some of the best acts in town including: Joey Fender, Melissa Bledsoe Fischer, Melissa Mitchell, Nervis Rex, PandaMonica, and Power of Ten. Tickets are available at Metro Music and Books and at the door. Credit Card orders can be maid by calling 276-7279. For more info: SoulForMySister@gmail.com It's a great organization, a great cause, and should be a great night. I hope this is an appropriate place to mention an upcoming fundraiser that’s happening for STAR (Standing Together Against Rape): Soul For My Sister. It’s happening on Friday, November 13th at O’Malley’s on the Green. Doors open at 6:30 but more importantly — MUSIC — and lots of it — begins at 7:30. Tickets are $50 each or $90 a pair and will give you admission, a complimentary appetizer buffet and music from some of the best acts in town including: Joey Fender, Melissa Bledsoe Fischer, Melissa Mitchell, Nervis Rex, PandaMonica, and Power of Ten.

Tickets are available at Metro Music and Books and at the door. Credit Card orders can be maid by calling 276-7279. For more info: SoulForMySister@gmail.com

It’s a great organization, a great cause, and should be a great night.

]]> By: Mother of a victim http://www.themudflats.net/2009/10/08/stand-up-and-speak-out-for-survivors/#comment-138572 Mother of a victim Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:39:20 +0000 http://www.themudflats.net/?p=7188#comment-138572 I cannot thank you enough for bringing attention to this outrage. I am the mother of a victim. The perp? My husband & her father. I write "victim" b/c my experience with the "justice" system has been demoralizing. We reported the incest & yet it is my 4 year old's word against her father's. The cards are completely stacked against vics. The judge who allowed a SERIAL rapist out? And we wonder why we lead the nation in sex crimes? My husband will not serve a day in jail for what he did to our daughter. This cop has a minimum 6 vics & he is free with community support? Alaskan women & children, we are not safe. I cannot thank you enough for bringing attention to this outrage. I am the mother of a victim. The perp? My husband & her father. I write “victim” b/c my experience with the “justice” system has been demoralizing. We reported the incest & yet it is my 4 year old’s word against her father’s. The cards are completely stacked against vics. The judge who allowed a SERIAL rapist out? And we wonder why we lead the nation in sex crimes? My husband will not serve a day in jail for what he did to our daughter. This cop has a minimum 6 vics & he is free with community support? Alaskan women & children, we are not safe.

]]> By: North_of_the_Range http://www.themudflats.net/2009/10/08/stand-up-and-speak-out-for-survivors/#comment-138567 North_of_the_Range Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:31:18 +0000 http://www.themudflats.net/?p=7188#comment-138567 I understand that these are only reports of what happened in that courtroom, and we weren't there to know how it really was, and I'll keep that in mind, but... There is a survivor close to me, who I cannot speak for, but I observed how the approach of the court date was traumatic for her. She had to go through it multiple times, because the perpetrator was well connected and played Let's Reschedule Court for literally, years. Each time, in addition to the emotional trauma of reliving it all, and mentally preparing to provide details in open court, she faced disruptions to the life she was trying to rebuild. She was on subpoena as a witness and had to be available to the court at its convenience, arrange time off from her employer, limit commitments and travel that could potentially conflict with the phantom court dates, etc. This in addition to other tactics that were being used on her in hopes she would give up and drop the charges. I don't personally care about the church angle on this one. And I don't think that the people who came in support of the officer were themselves intending to intimidate anyone. Far from it, I'm sure. But the accused officer, who presumably knows courtroom dynamics pretty well from providing evidence himself in other criminal cases, had to have known the effect of this. Someone in a different line of work, maybe not so much. I'm glad that people are gathering to show support for the women involved. I understand that these are only reports of what happened in that courtroom, and we weren’t there to know how it really was, and I’ll keep that in mind, but…

There is a survivor close to me, who I cannot speak for, but I observed how the approach of the court date was traumatic for her. She had to go through it multiple times, because the perpetrator was well connected and played Let’s Reschedule Court for literally, years. Each time, in addition to the emotional trauma of reliving it all, and mentally preparing to provide details in open court, she faced disruptions to the life she was trying to rebuild. She was on subpoena as a witness and had to be available to the court at its convenience, arrange time off from her employer, limit commitments and travel that could potentially conflict with the phantom court dates, etc. This in addition to other tactics that were being used on her in hopes she would give up and drop the charges.

I don’t personally care about the church angle on this one. And I don’t think that the people who came in support of the officer were themselves intending to intimidate anyone. Far from it, I’m sure. But the accused officer, who presumably knows courtroom dynamics pretty well from providing evidence himself in other criminal cases, had to have known the effect of this. Someone in a different line of work, maybe not so much.

I’m glad that people are gathering to show support for the women involved.

]]> By: Dr. Patois http://www.themudflats.net/2009/10/08/stand-up-and-speak-out-for-survivors/#comment-138566 Dr. Patois Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:05:12 +0000 http://www.themudflats.net/?p=7188#comment-138566 Alleged rapist Snoskred, alleged. Alleged rapist Snoskred, alleged.

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