Saturday, November 14, 2009

NY public officials Ken Zebrowski; Thomas Morahan; Ricard Rangel continue to ignore domestic violence victims

Update:

Maria Phelps a domestic violence victim in NY, has continuously emailed and telephoned the offices of NY public officials Ken Zebrowski, Thomas Morahan, Ricard Rangel. Ms. Phelps requests for a face to face meeting have been ignored probably because the politicians feel she is a "nobody" and not important.

Maria Phelps is one victim yes and not a powerful lobbyist, however there are millions of people who love, serve and support domestic violence victims who vote in New York State at election time that do definitely matter.

Actions speak louder than words and as a supporter of Maria Phelps you can bet that I will support Maria in New York and help support candidates for public office who will support victims of domestic violence. One person can make a difference.

The email below was sent today by domestic violence victim Maria Phelps in New York. Also copied were White House advisor Sarah Lynn Rosenthal, myself and other New York state government officials. When will the run around end? When will the millions in domestic violence funding be allocated to organizations that actually serve victims of abuse?

Domestic violence, stalking,cyberstalking along with the family law court disaster will continue until our nation does more than push paper and pass the buck in regards to domestic violence.

The VAWA Act was a good thing, however 15 years has passed since VAWA was enacted and no changes or updates have taken place while domestic violence organizations and programs receive millions in funding every year.

Accountability is needed and passing around "fancy brochures" is not going to change the fact that domestic violence plagues our nation and victims are falling through the crack while executives and the domestic violence organizations continue to be compensated to maintain the "status quo".

Let's hold the domestic violence organizations accountable for their actions!

While in an economic crisis it would only seem logical for accountability measures to be implemented now more than ever, particularly when domestic violence is a matter of life or death.

Thank you Maria Phelps and to the thousands of victims each month that speak out in support of DV Reform.

Congressman Engel/Assemblyman Zebrowski/Senator Morahan/Carolyn Fish/Ms. Cusack/Ms. Cobart:


For those who do not know my situation, I am a survivor of domestic violence in NYS. For over a year, I have tried hard to get help from DV organizations, agencies, and state programs and after many attempts, letters, and phone calls, I have failed. I have been trying to receive compensation from CVB for a very long time now, and still I am struggling with CVB on a daily basis. Many DV victims struggle with compensation from CVB, and in the end, give up because the process is too difficult, and too many documents are needed (many DV victims cannot supply all the requested information for many reasons).

Although I am still dealing with CVB everyday, I also deal with this reality: There is no real help for DV victims. There are many who think there is help available, especially after one reads about all the money being funneled into DV organizations, shelters, and programs, but there is simply no help. When I state that there is no help, I mean that there is a lack of DV court advocates in NY, a lack of DV counselors willing to assist DV victims, almost no pro bono DV divorce lawyers for abuse victims, and laws that don't reflect reality for victims of this crime. After visiting the CVB website in NYS, I was surprised to see all of the programs given grants to aid DV victims this year. Being that I am a victim of brutal domestic violence myself, I thought it would be at least possible to ask my shelter for free counseling for the trauma I have been through. After two weeks of waiting, there is still no answer for me unless I have the money to pay. There are "volunteer" counseling services like VCS in Rockland, but they want victims to pay out of pocket. Other therapists in the area will not work with CVB payment plans. And since CVB is taking so long to compensate me, that can't be an option anyway. Many victims of DV are completely financially ruined after abuse and divorce, and have nothing left. I would think it would be relatively easy to find free volunteer counseling for this crime, but it is impossible.

When I read statements like this "Ten non-profit organizations that assist crime victims in the greater Capital Region, New York City and Western New York are slated to receive nearly $3 million over the next three years to enhance programs and services for children and adults who have been victims of sexual assault, domestic violence or other crimes." I am confused. When I see this “These grants will assist the most vulnerable victims of particularly devastating crimes – sex crimes and domestic violence – by providing access to direct support, such as counseling, help obtaining orders of protection, and accompaniment to court. This assistance is critical in helping victims deal with trauma and begin to rebuild their lives.” I wonder, who are these victims?

I am not one of these victims, and none of the victims I know in NYS, or even across this country, fall into this category.

Today I want to request a meeting with my state representatives. The lack of response and assistance is shocking, shameful, and it's no longer about me anymore. I have to lay my problems aside everyday because I know there is a bigger picture here, and we are all ignoring it together.

I look forward to hearing from you Congressman Engel, Assemblyman Zebrowski, and Senator Morahan.

Thank you.

Maria Phelps
www.4survivors.blogspot.com



Survivors In Action
"No Victim Left Behind"

Friday, November 13, 2009

Privacy protection for crime victims and consumers continues to be a challenge

Over the years there has been a steady rise in the number of inquiries I receive regarding privacy protection and in particular how to protect against cyberstalking.

The victims are scared, confused, frustrated and in desperate need of assistance and support that has not changed over the years.

The net continues to be new frontier explored frequently by perpetrators who continue to out pace law enforcement and legislative efforts.

It it is very difficult for consumers to protect their privacy with the number of consumer private records available on-line today. Datafurnishing companies make it very difficult for consumers to protect their private records.

It is true technology has improved and enhanced lives that is for sure however, the real question I am constantly pondering is for what price?

For some victims of stalking incidents last for years and even a decade because of the use of technology. For others changing their name, social security number and moving from one state to another is the only way to find resolve.

It is up to all of us who work in public safety and in particular with victims of stalking to rise above the "status quo" and to adjust to the maneuvers of the perpetrators who are utilizing tech.This requires time, patience and lots of additional hours that the job doesn't pay for; however, in order to excel and try to at least stay one step behind the perpetrators this is what has to be done.

Survivors In Action is accepting sign-ups for no-cost training programs for victim advocates, prosecutors and those who work in public safety regarding the use of technology by perpetrators. Please visit Survivors In Action for more information.


Survivors In Action
"No Victim Left Behind"

Thursday, November 12, 2009

New York public officials called out by domestic violence victim who is tired of the run around

The email below was sent today by domestic violence victim Maria Phelps in New York. Also copied were White House advisor Sarah Lynn Rosenthal, myself and other New York state government officials. When will the run around end? When will the millions in domestic violence funding be allocated to organizations that actually serve victims of abuse?

Domestic violence, stalking,cyberstalking along with the family law court disaster will continue until our nation does more than push paper and pass the buck in regards to domestic violence.

The VAWA Act was a good thing, however 15 years has passed since VAWA was enacted and no changes or updates have taken place while domestic violence organizations and programs receive millions in funding every year.

Accountability is needed and passing around "fancy brochures" is not going to change the fact that domestic violence plagues our nation and victims are falling through the crack while executives and the domestic violence organizations continue to be compensated to maintain the "status quo".

Let's hold the domestic violence organizations accountable for their actions!

While in an economic crisis it would only seem logical for accountability measures to be implemented now more than ever, particularly when domestic violence is a matter of life or death.

Thank you Maria Phelps and to the thousands of victims each month that speak out in support of DV Reform.

Congressman Engel/Assemblyman Zebrowski/Senator Morahan/Carolyn Fish/Ms. Cusack/Ms. Cobart:


For those who do not know my situation, I am a survivor of domestic violence in NYS. For over a year, I have tried hard to get help from DV organizations, agencies, and state programs and after many attempts, letters, and phone calls, I have failed. I have been trying to receive compensation from CVB for a very long time now, and still I am struggling with CVB on a daily basis. Many DV victims struggle with compensation from CVB, and in the end, give up because the process is too difficult, and too many documents are needed (many DV victims cannot supply all the requested information for many reasons).

Although I am still dealing with CVB everyday, I also deal with this reality: There is no real help for DV victims. There are many who think there is help available, especially after one reads about all the money being funneled into DV organizations, shelters, and programs, but there is simply no help. When I state that there is no help, I mean that there is a lack of DV court advocates in NY, a lack of DV counselors willing to assist DV victims, almost no pro bono DV divorce lawyers for abuse victims, and laws that don't reflect reality for victims of this crime. After visiting the CVB website in NYS, I was surprised to see all of the programs given grants to aid DV victims this year. Being that I am a victim of brutal domestic violence myself, I thought it would be at least possible to ask my shelter for free counseling for the trauma I have been through. After two weeks of waiting, there is still no answer for me unless I have the money to pay. There are "volunteer" counseling services like VCS in Rockland, but they want victims to pay out of pocket. Other therapists in the area will not work with CVB payment plans. And since CVB is taking so long to compensate me, that can't be an option anyway. Many victims of DV are completely financially ruined after abuse and divorce, and have nothing left. I would think it would be relatively easy to find free volunteer counseling for this crime, but it is impossible.

When I read statements like this "Ten non-profit organizations that assist crime victims in the greater Capital Region, New York City and Western New York are slated to receive nearly $3 million over the next three years to enhance programs and services for children and adults who have been victims of sexual assault, domestic violence or other crimes." I am confused. When I see this “These grants will assist the most vulnerable victims of particularly devastating crimes – sex crimes and domestic violence – by providing access to direct support, such as counseling, help obtaining orders of protection, and accompaniment to court. This assistance is critical in helping victims deal with trauma and begin to rebuild their lives.” I wonder, who are these victims?

I am not one of these victims, and none of the victims I know in NYS, or even across this country, fall into this category.

Today I want to request a meeting with my state representatives. The lack of response and assistance is shocking, shameful, and it's no longer about me anymore. I have to lay my problems aside everyday because I know there is a bigger picture here, and we are all ignoring it together.

I look forward to hearing from you Congressman Engel, Assemblyman Zebrowski, and Senator Morahan.

Thank you.

Maria Phelps
www.4survivors.blogspot.com



Survivors In Action
"No Victim Left Behind"

Share your cyberstalking stories to help promote awareness, Women Reclaim the Web campaign launched by Euro Weekly News

Survivors In Action is honored to support the efforts of Euro Weekly News and their 'Women Reclaim the Web' program, to help promote cyberstalking awareness.

Cyberstalking awareness is something that I am personally very passionate about. Being cyberstalked myself for a few years, I endured hell, and learned very quickly that law enforcement was not prepared to help. Because of this, I had two choices:
1) I could sit on the sidelines and be derailed by the cyberstalker; or
2) I could take action and help promote awareness, so that "no victim is left behind" and left to endure the hell alone as I was

Survivors In Action is taking option number 2, and that is something I am very proud of. Thanks to over three thousand volunteers, victims of crime now have a new resource to turn to. Sadly however, Survivors In Action's work is far from over. Cyberstalking awareness is at an all time low in the U.S. Thousands of victims every month who bravely seek help are being ignored, or are denied help altogether. Without resources being allocated to organizations like Survivors In Action, this problem will continue.

There is not enough training regarding the subject of cyberstalking; and tragically, victims of cyberstalking continue to fall through the cracks. Restraining orders don't work to prohibit cyberstalking, and those who report the crime to law enforcement often still find themselves being ignored or given the run around - even today, as we near 2010.

There are very few resources out there for victims. It is inevitable that as the use of technology continues to grow, so will the number of victims who are cyberstalked.
Christopher Burgess, tech security expert, author and SIA advisory board member, explained clearly that "cyberstalking is not a new phenomena". This makes matters even worse, as it is proof that our nation has continued to ignore the problem for years now. The majority of victims suffer harassment, and are ignored by law enforcement and government officials.

Graham Brown-Martin, a cyberstalking victim turned advocate, has done great things in the UK to help expose the harsh realities faced by victims. His cyberstalking documentary is a must see, and includes the intimate details of his family's experience of cyberstalking.

The U.S. must do more to help promote awareness regarding the subject of cyberstalking. Law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates, and the general public, need to be informed of this crime, now more than ever.

As technology evolves, so do cyberstalker's maneuvers. Survivors In Action is proud of their efforts to serve victims of cyberstalking, to ensure that "No Victim is Left Behind". Even though Survivors In Action is taking an active part in the solution, there is still much more work that needs to be done. This is work that SIA is not able to do because of lack of funding and resources.

We need the public's support now more than ever to help send the message loud and clear to public officials across the U.S. We need to let them know that cyberstalking is a real crime that must be addressed with "real" efforts, so that "No Victim is Left Behind".

If you are a victim of cyberstalking, please visit the Survivors In Action site today for more information.


Survivors In Action
"No Victim Left Behind"

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Thanks to Toni Collinson Survivors In Action volunteer from New Zealand working hard to help ensure "No Victim is Left Behind"

As part of our way of giving thanks and paying tribute to those who volunteer their time and talents with Survivors In Action I will be posting frequently stories of "One Person Making a Difference" paying tribute to those who give tirelessly to Survivors In Action so that "No Victim is Left Behind".

One person can make a difference, and Toni Collinson Survivors In Action volunteer from New Zealand is doing just that. Toni has contributed to Survivors In Action in amazing ways that prove that together we can make a difference and help ensure "no victim is left behind". She has written and edited many pieces for SIA including one that has been submitted to the National Crime Victim Bar regarding attorney misconduct and victim advocacy that will be distributed nationally.

Although I have never met Toni in person we have developed a wonderful relationship and I urge all of you to visit her web site and to become familiar with her and pay tribute to our friends in New Zealand who are making it possible for Survivors In Action to truly impact the globe.

Thanks to SIA volunteers like Toni, Survivors In Action is becoming a household name known throughout the world as the leader in crime victim advocacy.



Survivors In Action
"No Victim Left Behind"

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Euro Weekly News launches Women Reclaim the Web campaign to help promote awareness of cyberstalking

Survivors In Action is honored to support the efforts of Euro Weekly News and their 'Women Reclaim the Web' program, to help promote cyberstalking awareness.

Cyberstalking awareness is something that I am personally very passionate about. Being cyberstalked myself for a few years, I endured hell, and learned very quickly that law enforcement was not prepared to help. Because of this, I had two choices:
1) I could sit on the sidelines and be derailed by the cyberstalker; or
2) I could take action and help promote awareness, so that "no victim is left behind" and left to endure the hell alone as I was

Survivors In Action is taking option number 2, and that is something I am very proud of. Thanks to over three thousand volunteers, victims of crime now have a new resource to turn to. Sadly however, Survivors In Action's work is far from over. Cyberstalking awareness is at an all time low in the U.S. Thousands of victims every month who bravely seek help are being ignored, or are denied help altogether. Without resources being allocated to organizations like Survivors In Action, this problem will continue.

There is not enough training regarding the subject of cyberstalking; and tragically, victims of cyberstalking continue to fall through the cracks. Restraining orders don't work to prohibit cyberstalking, and those who report the crime to law enforcement often still find themselves being ignored or given the run around - even today, as we near 2010.

There are very few resources out there for victims. It is inevitable that as the use of technology continues to grow, so will the number of victims who are cyberstalked.
Christopher Burgess, tech security expert, author and SIA advisory board member, explained clearly that "cyberstalking is not a new phenomena". This makes matters even worse, as it is proof that our nation has continued to ignore the problem for years now. The majority of victims suffer harassment, and are ignored by law enforcement and government officials.

Graham Brown-Martin, a cyberstalking victim turned advocate, has done great things in the UK to help expose the harsh realities faced by victims. His cyberstalking documentary is a must see, and includes the intimate details of his family's experience of cyberstalking.

The U.S. must do more to help promote awareness regarding the subject of cyberstalking. Law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates, and the general public, need to be informed of this crime, now more than ever.

As technology evolves, so do cyberstalker's maneuvers. Survivors In Action is proud of their efforts to serve victims of cyberstalking, to ensure that "No Victim is Left Behind". Even though Survivors In Action is taking an active part in the solution, there is still much more work that needs to be done. This is work that SIA is not able to do because of lack of funding and resources.

We need the public's support now more than ever to help send the message loud and clear to public officials across the U.S. We need to let them know that cyberstalking is a real crime that must be addressed with "real" efforts, so that "No Victim is Left Behind".

If you are a victim of cyberstalking, please visit the Survivors In Action site today for more information.


Survivors In Action
"No Victim Left Behind"

Monday, November 9, 2009

Become a fan of Survivors In Action on Facebook, help support our cause "No Victim Left Behind"


Support and help to ensure that "No victim is Left Behind"Survivors In Action on Facebook

Survivors In Action
"No Victim Left Behind"


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