tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13464064420613733452024-03-05T08:34:03.667-05:00Abuse Bites--True Love HealsA blog to educate, bring hope, and healing to all forms of abuse, bullying, and violence. We don't put a band-aid on abuse/bullying we offer complete healing and restoration to victims, bystanders, and bullies. Bullying is a behavior not who a person is.Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-45997965838775980232013-08-04T08:08:00.001-04:002013-08-31T06:55:10.191-04:00Small Dog Has Big Paws<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b>SMALL DOG HAS BIG PAWS!</b></h2>
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<b>“Lover”, a teacup Yorkshire Terrier, from Owosso, Michigan
only weighs 4.2 pounds,</b> but his tiny paws have climbed some big hurdles already.
In early spring, shortly after he turned a year old, he earned his AKC Canine
Good Citizen Award. From there, he logged on the necessary hours and ten
supervised therapy dog visits at the Pleasant View Medical Care Facility in Corunna and
received his Love on a Leash Award, and Therapy Dog Certification. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“I’m so proud of him,” his owner, Lisa Freeman said. “He’s
worked so hard.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yorkie’s are known to be one of the toughest breeds to
train, which Freeman, a seasoned dog trainer, knows first-hand. <span style="text-align: center;">“He had some issues to overcome," she said.
“He barked constantly and was very hard to housebreak. He also had a lot of
fears. But the obedience commands and therapy
training he picked up on right away.”</span><br />
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Freeman bought Lover from a local breeder when he was just ten weeks old. “It was Valentines week when we got him. That’s why I named him
Lover.” Freeman said. “But also, my dad had just passed away, and I wanted a therapy dog for my mom to bring her joy in her time of grief. The first day we got Lover, we took him to the nursing home to see her, and he melted in her arms and brought a huge smile to
her face! We visited a couple other people and he had the same effect on
them too.”<br />
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In just a few weeks Lover was a regular at the nursing home, and his tiny paws were also was being used in Freeman's dog obedience classes. “People couldn’t believe he was only four months old
and obeying even the more advanced commands like ‘leave it’ and a ‘down stay’
from a distance,” Freeman said.<br />
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"He gives me therapy too," Freeman said. "So, earlier this year when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and they wanted me to have a biopsy, I told them the only way I would go through the procedure is if Lover could be with me. Medical things terrify me
because I often have anaphylactic reactions to drugs." The nurse in charge, went right to work, pulled the necessary strings and Freeman got the okay.</div>
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“We should have him come for everyone’s biopsies,” one
of the nurses commented after seeing how Lover laid completely still on the table the entire time, only moving to give his mommy reassuring kisses.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lover is now Freeman's Registered Service Dog. He recently assisted Freeman to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion, Illinois, where he also assisted
in pet therapy. “We were asked to visit rooms where patients were critically
ill and near death,” Freeman says, “and one man was miraculously healed and released from the hospital
just an hour after our visit!” </div>
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<b><i>For more information about</i></b>: pet therapy, obedience training, service dog training, AKC Canine Good Citizens Testing and AKC Star Puppy Classes, please log onto<a href="http://www.dogspawsforhealing.com/" target="_blank"> www.dogspawsforhealing.com</a>. <br />
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Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-43602004698866952992013-05-14T08:21:00.000-04:002013-05-14T08:23:32.231-04:00Puppy & Dog Classes Huge Success!<br />
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All the puppy and dogs in Lisa Freeman’s Dogs that Heel
& Heal classes received certificates. The six week classes ran from the
first of April through mid-May. Handlers and their dogs learned everything from
basic commands such as come and sit to more advanced techniques such as leave
it and staying with a safe stranger. On the final night of class there was a
test. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“All the pups and dogs in our three classes did very well,” Freeman says. “The
owners worked really hard. We had eight puppies in our AKC Star Puppy Class.
Six came to the last night of testing. All passed. Two of our puppies and six
of our dogs even passed the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test. Three are going
on to do pet therapy work, and one is being trained as a service dog.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sadly, a few of the dogs and handlers missed the last class.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bill & Kelly Batchelor couldn’t make it due to a family
emergency. “I offered to mail their certificate to them,” Freeman said. “But Bill
wanted to show me what his Golden, Jagger could do.” Although Jagger should
have been in Freeman’s basic obedience class from the get-go, due to Bill’s
work schedule, he ended up with the more advanced group. “Jagger would barely
sit or obey any commands in the beginning and really pulled on the leash,”
Freeman said, “but Bill was very patient and persistent and by the end of
class, Jagger was sitting, heeling, staying, and on that last night he was even
downing on command!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Needless to say, Jagger was voted “Most Improved” in
Freeman’s Advance Obedience Class, even though he wasn’t quite ready to pass
the CGC test.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“They are all such wonderful dogs and people,” Freeman said.
“If it was up to me, I’d pass them all. But there are strict guidelines for the
AKC CGC that as an evaluator I have to follow.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Freeman will be offering more group classes in September and
hopes to include agility. In the meantime she is working privately with owners
on bad behaviors, aggression, bolting, and all levels of obedience, pet therapy,
and service dog training. </div>
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She will also be at the Owosso Bark Park one Saturday
each month for some free tips and training on how to make your dog safer and
free from aggression. For more information, please check out her website @ <a href="http://www.abusebites.com/">www.abusebites.com</a>..<o:p></o:p></div>
Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-51946952163547276632013-04-17T06:07:00.000-04:002013-04-17T06:36:21.386-04:00RESCUE 9-1-1<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">April is National Child
Abuse Prevention Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and National Animal
Cruelty Prevention Month.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4QLXsmpcN3DzzBAMyjA-SVe6QBkYdLwjXjmbTDHRIZnaS-FbRJy-x1aFflV3An8qI-TDOKgXEY_EmDsSw3zJ8dNkIKf84H80aXnW2PyfHxYDqjwu8fDVe1-VrbLT8tARan3wLHMZAsI/s1600/stop+animal+abuse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4QLXsmpcN3DzzBAMyjA-SVe6QBkYdLwjXjmbTDHRIZnaS-FbRJy-x1aFflV3An8qI-TDOKgXEY_EmDsSw3zJ8dNkIKf84H80aXnW2PyfHxYDqjwu8fDVe1-VrbLT8tARan3wLHMZAsI/s200/stop+animal+abuse.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">As a lifelong Abuse
Survivor and Advocate for Abused people and pets I have a huge heart for those
hurting or in need. That's why I founded our non-profit organizations, A Time
to Heal and Abuse Bites, and raised over $20,000 for our community, to bring
hope, help and healing to all victims and survivors of abuse.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJOLmFYmJQN_B4edX0rudRPgeqsKatNUZjzTHmaS_48WPTRmbJWQU9UTzd7o9Gl8vguSQQf6_Q1XOZWnb4HrAFj9W9VlD_iDZ9CnrWKcNlBQWfZE7HjPiNLO-1SO9o5n-tVrVqLD6W7w/s1600/paw+shake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJOLmFYmJQN_B4edX0rudRPgeqsKatNUZjzTHmaS_48WPTRmbJWQU9UTzd7o9Gl8vguSQQf6_Q1XOZWnb4HrAFj9W9VlD_iDZ9CnrWKcNlBQWfZE7HjPiNLO-1SO9o5n-tVrVqLD6W7w/s1600/paw+shake.jpg" /></a></div>
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As both a victim and survivor, I have suffered the long-term effects of being
abused and bullied. Most people don't know it, but for years I have battled severe
panic attacks and agoraphobia due to having Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.
Yes, unlike most people with this incredibly isolating disorder, I speak,
teach, and entertain in both small and large groups of people.</span><br />
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<img src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSW07YxdMmLP8MdAAnDfVIEVRuuouMOC8QRD7GBoET9V4i4UXGysQ" /></div>
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However, none of this would have been possible without my rescue dog, Snickers.
It all started when that little brown bundle of fur darted under my van one
wintry day. Thankfully I stopped just in time, and he melted in my arms. Before
our paws crossed, I felt too afraid to even be around even one person. I barely
left my house. Snickers gave me the courage and ability I needed to get out of
the deep dark depressing hole I was in and help others by sharing my story. I
honestly thought I was rescuing him that day on the side of the road, when truly,
has rescued me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpkSvzAA9P-Lgc0P84Rpz8IJ-vuX4rQV_cp3nsWOrIsMWc-_3fJ5D6DkY1PkC3y0SfAAJFbtOlNmgyarX84ZHYR7JXa4jS7fl-BcTE6qfJyYdZiZpclScKL7QabePc-IGHtWFTtpCOic/s1600/Snickers+Groomed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpkSvzAA9P-Lgc0P84Rpz8IJ-vuX4rQV_cp3nsWOrIsMWc-_3fJ5D6DkY1PkC3y0SfAAJFbtOlNmgyarX84ZHYR7JXa4jS7fl-BcTE6qfJyYdZiZpclScKL7QabePc-IGHtWFTtpCOic/s320/Snickers+Groomed.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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Snickers is retiring from more than 12 years of community service work and has
hung up his leash. Sadly, he's battling terminal cancer. I realize now it's
just a matter of time. It hurts my heart to think of losing a dog who has given
me and others so much to live for.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I know it seems selfish,
but lately I've been praying for God to bring me another wonderful, amazing
dog, much like Snickers. I believe if He’s done it once, He can do it again.
Besides, God understands my growing needs and is the only one who can do the
seemingly impossible. Due to my severe allergies, ear issues, and possibly age,
I now have balance issues along with P.T.S.D. and find myself in need of trying
to find and train a service dog who would be there and be big enough to help
steady me, yet at the same time, be a lover of both people and pets, like
Snickers has always been.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLPFnxpxO5w-VxI3M4tbyQBe863C1MsiG_5RObGA4r-RX9gIVzx-cTsoc3Fzc-MBRngJsMUs-k5bitkSSDGwJByDesOiWEs3vmAM9lNnOgcj_9az_E-s7W0TdD4swMU4NYkC_bJHxPe0/s1600/Service+Dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLPFnxpxO5w-VxI3M4tbyQBe863C1MsiG_5RObGA4r-RX9gIVzx-cTsoc3Fzc-MBRngJsMUs-k5bitkSSDGwJByDesOiWEs3vmAM9lNnOgcj_9az_E-s7W0TdD4swMU4NYkC_bJHxPe0/s1600/Service+Dogs.jpg" /></a></div>
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A couple of weeks after I began praying and really seeking God on this matter,
a friend called. She explained that her daughter had found this medium-sized
female dog, loose and running the streets. Since the dog was a Rot and Husky
mix, being labeled a dangerous dog, she was unable to keep it at the trailer
court where she lived. So of course hearing the story I offered to foster the
dog and place an ad in the newspaper to find the pup’s owner.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">It was dejavu all over.
She, like Snickers, was very needy and clung to me like a shadow, following my
every move. And I was having second thoughts about keeping her for even a few days. Although very loving and good with people and other pets, like Snickers, in the
beginning I was a little concerned over a couple of her behaviors. She had some
jealousy aggression with our other three dogs and huge separation anxiety,
whining, barking and scratching at the door if I even went to the bathroom.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ0qmwF8fOi6jscBV97dvek1-j99uuUg6wvrGsQ77TPAV3aMVJ38RKEgsoE4Yn4X5apRR8SrwpdT6M6ucGyqqxM3YlO1dhiZcZylznS1f1QI2oN7isY5X4ORwxHlVVzG47-dWZD_J2jw/s1600/fear+aggression.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ0qmwF8fOi6jscBV97dvek1-j99uuUg6wvrGsQ77TPAV3aMVJ38RKEgsoE4Yn4X5apRR8SrwpdT6M6ucGyqqxM3YlO1dhiZcZylznS1f1QI2oN7isY5X4ORwxHlVVzG47-dWZD_J2jw/s1600/fear+aggression.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">As an animal lover and
dog trainer I went right to work. By assuring her of my love and affection for
her, as well as using a mix of discipline and rewards, she has really
progressed in the last few days. She has become way more submissive and obedient.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxsOwtQiDbSctVIDeTQHLvfQRoiTTIUclkA_CLma84ApdzVyUG2k_fpb4gfds1i_b1-7Wzg_e_QZ40bxW9BKARo1hB8Irj3FlJHoM7L6jLMme07P12_NNl0Jb9FX2AHc8LK4frOIzV5A/s1600/Fear+Submission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxsOwtQiDbSctVIDeTQHLvfQRoiTTIUclkA_CLma84ApdzVyUG2k_fpb4gfds1i_b1-7Wzg_e_QZ40bxW9BKARo1hB8Irj3FlJHoM7L6jLMme07P12_NNl0Jb9FX2AHc8LK4frOIzV5A/s1600/Fear+Submission.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've only had her five days now, and in that time she has learned to come on
command, sit, down, stay, heel and walk on a loose leash without pulling. We
are still working on leave it and other advanced skills. She has even walked
cheek to cheek beside my four pound Yorkie without showing any signs of
aggression on two separate walks.<br />
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Last night I took her on her first pet therapy visit to the nursing home and
other than getting a little freaked out by the elevator, she was a born
natural! I cannot believe no one called to claim her and even more so that someone
could dump off such a “precious” pup. That’s what I named her “Precious,” even
before I knew the meaning of the word, which clearly is her story and will be
used to stop abuse and bullying in our workshops! (Precious Means: </span><span style="background: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">of great value; not to be
wasted or treated carelessly).</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCFQbCiC3D93hsNhTJho2jTDNmZwXY1YngdF-a5jhyxpuaItzW_l3kEbyF4dyOQur4yh3GtcSQuB4mg5IRo7d51VlTQte9j2uZSOnGQX3PTb1gVM4aOd4b0VuQAG5_EqvtXndr3l690g/s1600/DSC03512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCFQbCiC3D93hsNhTJho2jTDNmZwXY1YngdF-a5jhyxpuaItzW_l3kEbyF4dyOQur4yh3GtcSQuB4mg5IRo7d51VlTQte9j2uZSOnGQX3PTb1gVM4aOd4b0VuQAG5_EqvtXndr3l690g/s320/DSC03512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Precious with my son, Jeremiah, who was nearly bullied to death in high school</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">So, since no one has called to claim our <i>Precious</i> little girl, I see once again
that God has come to my rescue, answered my prayers, and brought the perfect
dog for me so that together Precious and I can continue rescuing others from
lifestyles of abuse.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkG0tB12i3BMmxyhkstRfoc3AG0zlLjTMewiKAC_PhyNUgrwuScNQqWD_zpRQKF1n2XQLS6veAn1eK7Br72mlV7f3BXktqykFjl7j15Vcw-HuRZMx49mCRZAvH9EJbfGivAmyEuVpsCI/s1600/BEST.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkG0tB12i3BMmxyhkstRfoc3AG0zlLjTMewiKAC_PhyNUgrwuScNQqWD_zpRQKF1n2XQLS6veAn1eK7Br72mlV7f3BXktqykFjl7j15Vcw-HuRZMx49mCRZAvH9EJbfGivAmyEuVpsCI/s320/BEST.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So why not rescue a pet today? You might find that you’re the one being
rescued!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-63132290780548661702013-04-06T08:32:00.000-04:002013-04-06T08:41:18.367-04:00Easter Beagle Pays It Forward<br />
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The residents at the Shiawassee Medical Care Facility got a
surprise visit from two furry friends this Easter morning. As The Easter Bunny,
(AKA Melissa Rosenberger) and the Easter Beagle, (AKA Snickers—a rescued, retired, Award Winning Therapy Dog) hopped through the facility, faces lit up, smiles
brightened, and laughter erupted throughout each corridor.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuAtVjjHNLb961ILkAC5Jcken-4F1xM90Nxn3yYWIri4lXneFOUwBjwkt11KiYindt8lpO8qvGL_vCZzEy7g-rx-enOFqyhXT82MYrjoWKurv1uEXtvg0KEm9uECEVUMCRksabwbxEd8/s1600/Easter+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuAtVjjHNLb961ILkAC5Jcken-4F1xM90Nxn3yYWIri4lXneFOUwBjwkt11KiYindt8lpO8qvGL_vCZzEy7g-rx-enOFqyhXT82MYrjoWKurv1uEXtvg0KEm9uECEVUMCRksabwbxEd8/s320/Easter+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A dog with bunny ears is quite a sight. Although waddling
like a duck, more than walking like a dog, or hopping like a bunny, Snickers,
now 13, is still glad to make the rounds. Covered in painful lumps and a stiff
arthritic tailbone, you’d never know he is suffering though. With a wagging
tail he approaches each and every person with kisses and affection. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqdX9igic0rDzOfusHFi7CAzx-68Utcb_CfLKM9PhWDuW11joHCMBZJR2pxdrev87urgjrUsO6_ZDE8j7tsgC-pEO8WymDeWh6nVDttw-tohG0BZS0CBFWWfMXgbA6R8JMS6N9dhbk_Q/s1600/Easter+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqdX9igic0rDzOfusHFi7CAzx-68Utcb_CfLKM9PhWDuW11joHCMBZJR2pxdrev87urgjrUsO6_ZDE8j7tsgC-pEO8WymDeWh6nVDttw-tohG0BZS0CBFWWfMXgbA6R8JMS6N9dhbk_Q/s320/Easter+29.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-9VWTDVTgvvyOaZSwwIoGK0zQUcoI4cS0aOqe_g2iZRDpk7WYvtPnREf9m_UjrvhdBsyUSkCawlha2coHFb_XiWLCJuaZKywtl-l8x1x8296GVPmHR-4v5mYkF_wGpairafd_CejKJo/s1600/Easter+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-9VWTDVTgvvyOaZSwwIoGK0zQUcoI4cS0aOqe_g2iZRDpk7WYvtPnREf9m_UjrvhdBsyUSkCawlha2coHFb_XiWLCJuaZKywtl-l8x1x8296GVPmHR-4v5mYkF_wGpairafd_CejKJo/s200/Easter+6.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H8rsQTCv-8O6frru34MN_DD8OFloZzVUJmbpqP1V6dLJziS_MOHWSOEwz9dUHgxIBQvKiBcFuofMMxM0tbvnatCJZRo6X-iEftB01YvF0qE466dMTMgr0rzfjPM8eU3vM6w7d-kDebg/s1600/Easter+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H8rsQTCv-8O6frru34MN_DD8OFloZzVUJmbpqP1V6dLJziS_MOHWSOEwz9dUHgxIBQvKiBcFuofMMxM0tbvnatCJZRo6X-iEftB01YvF0qE466dMTMgr0rzfjPM8eU3vM6w7d-kDebg/s200/Easter+3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Snickers, in his bunny get up, has been bringing therapy to
children and adults for nearly a decade!</div>
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“For years we did an Easter fundraiser
to raise money for needy and abused families,” Lisa Freeman says, who is also the
dog’s owner. “Thanks to everyone’s amazing support, we were able to give
hundreds of filled Easter Baskets and gift certificates to hurting families.
Even more, we were able to show them that someone loves and cares for them. I
had no idea when I rescued Snickers, that he would be rescuing so many others.”
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Over the years, Snickers has helped raised over $20,000 for
the local community. “A portion of that money, nearly $6,000 was raised for the
Shiawassee County Humane Society,” Freeman says. “Snickers was elected Mayor
for getting the most votes and raising the most funds.” Freeman and Snickers
founded the first 5K9 Walk in 2009 for the Shiawassee Humane Society, as part his
Mayoral campaign. The walk, now called the 5K9 Day, is still being held
annually.</div>
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But this dog’s paws have made tracks to stop bullying too. Snicker’s
is the mascot for the Abuse Bites Program that has held fun, educational,
interactive anti-bullying workshops all over Michigan. “Snickers always steals
the show with his Harley Davidson hat and his Bully Buster Leather Jacket,”
Freeman says, “and of course his amazing trick presentation.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Snickers learned all the tricks for the program in just ten
days. And he also passed the pet therapy test and became certified through
Therapy Dogs International with just ten days of training. In a matter of
months he began winning awards too, such as TDIA (for 50 therapy visits) and
TDIAO (for more than 150 therapy visits). “From there, Snickers started helping
me train other dogs and handlers for pet therapy,” Freeman says. “Snickers has
definitely been paying it forward his entire life. He’s an example for all of
us, at Easter, and all year through.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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*For more information about Dog & Pup Obedience, Canine Good Citizen Testing, and Pet Therapy Classes and Certification, contact Lisa Freeman @ abusebites@gmail.com. </div>
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Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-66907462184049556962013-03-04T20:03:00.003-05:002013-03-04T20:11:56.210-05:00Put An End to Abuse & SufferingLately I've been so attacked. I'm just getting my life together after the loss of my precious son, Brian, my father, and my sister, Sue, who lost her battle with cancer just before Christmas.<br />
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It's hard losing those that we love.<br />
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My son passed away from heart complications, my father due to COPD, and my sister due to cancer. Although it was hard to let them spread their wings toward heaven. It was equally hard to watch them suffer day after day.<br />
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Sadly, suffering is part of life.<br />
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But there is a type of suffering that we can do something about, and even prevent. Abuse. A five letter word that is so misunderstood. Abuse, bullying, violence, are all forms of power and control. Some think it's love. And this is how someone acts when they love you.<br />
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Love is not Abuse. Love is not bullying. Love is not violence.<br />
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The Bible gives a really clear picture of what love is in I Corinthians 13:4-8<br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-4" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"><br /></sup></span>
<span class="text 1Cor-13-4" id="en-NIV-28670" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">4 </sup>Love is patient,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28670I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28670J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-5" id="en-NIV-28671" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">5 </sup>It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28671K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup> it is not easily angered,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28671L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> it keeps no record of wrongs.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28671M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup></span><span class="text 1Cor-13-6" id="en-NIV-28672" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">6 </sup>Love does not delight in evil<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28672N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> but rejoices with the truth.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28672O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-NIV-28673" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">7 </sup>It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.</span><br />
<sup class="versenum" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">8 </sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Love never fails.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><br />
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If each of us walked in this true definition of love, there would be no abuse, bullying or violence. Can you imagine if we all "loved" others the way God wants us to? WOW! I can!<br />
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That gets me excited! I hope it gets you pumped up too. Because together we can put an end to abuse and suffering, by loving the abuse, bullying and violence out of this world!<br />
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<br />Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-56157908088288574382013-01-02T10:11:00.000-05:002013-01-02T10:11:15.930-05:00Happy New Year!My husband and I were blessed to be able to get away for New Year's Eve. We celebrated at a hotel in Lansing.<br />
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It was very awkward for us, as this was our first time doing this, so we didn't know anything or anyone. Thanks to our clock not working right in our room, we were later than everyone else for hors d'oeuvres so when we arrived at the event, the line for the food was long, but all the tables in the room, that sat anywhere from 6-12 had been taken.<br />
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Memories from school flooded back, of being the new kid, and that awkward moment of trying to find a seat in the crowded lunchroom with everyone staring at you. Wondering which table you should go to and be accepted.<br />
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After nervously scanning the room, I quickly glanced at the first table inside the door to our left. There were two couples on one end of the round table and it looked as though there were at least three empty seats. "Would it be okay if we set with you or are those seats taken?" I asked.<br />
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Everyone welcomed us to sit fine. But you know that kind of awkward silence that fills the air? Yep, you guessed it, we were right in the middle of it. They kept talking in their little group, and left us out. I thought, "This is going to be a long night."<br />
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I had really prayed that we'd have fun, because John and I hardly ever get out alone together. So I was really glad, when we were able to break the ice with some small talk, which ended up leading to a night of hysterical laughter and new friendships.<br />
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When the couples moved to a bigger table with more of their friends, they invited us to join them. And one of the couples even tried to take pictures of John and I while we were dancing with our messed up camera (all pics they took were blurry!).<br />
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<i>Yep, that's my back and John's hands!</i></div>
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This evening could have been a disaster or the blessing it was.<br />
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Every day we have the choice to accept and include others and also to be accepted and included. It's hard sometimes after being rejected so long (like I have been) to take that first awkward step, but it is that initial step that will set us free and get us walking in a new direction.<br />
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I've battled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder all of my adult life. But this year, I'm forcing myself to step into the awkward.<br />
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It's out with the OLD and in the NEW! I hope you will do the same :)<br />
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God bless you all and Happy New Year!<br />
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<br />Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-32611643495101696542012-12-29T06:05:00.000-05:002012-12-29T06:05:45.606-05:00Home for the HolidaysIt was great to get away on vacation in November over the Thanksgiving holiday. The trip to Florida was beautiful. No rain or snow all the way down or back driving. No bad weather. Only one day of cold while there, all the rest of our 8 days was filled with mostly blue skies and sunshine.<br />
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We took a break from everything! I didn't work out once, but I walked the beach, played shuffleboard and putt putt golf, swam, and even shot some pool. Mostly we just kicked back and enjoyed ourselves. We even got to see dolphins swim by from our balcony, and the sunrises and sunsets over the ocean were breathtaking.<br />
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No matter how enjoyable and awesome our vacation was though, it was so nice to get back home.<br />
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Home is where my heart is. I love our little town of Owosso, Michigan and all the people in it. Corunna is pretty decent too! Love all the Christmas lights and decorations, and love the support and closeness we have in this tight knit community.<br />
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But I love my house too. I live next door to where I grew up and spent all my Christmas's. Traditions that we've instilled in our kids have been memories that will carry on to the next generation.<br />
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This year our Abuse Bites Team were invited to participate in the Tree of Lights Parade in Corunna, Michigan. Our theme was Santa's Paws for a Cause to Stop Abuse & Bullying. We won BEST MARCHING/WALKING UNIT, received a trophy, and a $50 check!<br />
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The parade's theme was Mardi Gra Christmas. My sister, Sue had just passed away and her favorite color was purple--mine pink--so I bought the balloons in her memory and let them go in the middle of the parade.</div>
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We also took the dogs in Christmas Costumes to our local Nursing Home, Pleasant View Medical Care Facility, to visit my mom and others for a time of healing pet therapy.<br />
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On Christmas Eve we celebrated Christmas with our family . After a delicious dinner prepared by my loving husband, we all gathered together for several hilarious games to the theme of "Surviving Christmas". After each game, the WINNER got to choose and open one wrapped gift. Some were legitimate gifts (gift cards and such) while many others were hysterical pranks.<br />
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I never laughed so hard in all my life.<br />
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The first game we filled 5 baby bottles with Mt. Dew to determine who was the biggest sucker. For four of them, you could say, "Christmas Sucked" but for the lucky winner, Sam, she got to grab a present.<br />
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Sam Wins!!! She's the Biggest Sucker!</div>
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They entered arm wrestling contests, balloon blowing contests, a clothes relay, and a couple of games where you couldn't smile--everyone was ROTFL. I was laughing so hard I was crying.<br />
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Typically I'm crying because of the great loss I've suffered with my son, father, and now sister passing away. It felt good to have a fun time, celebrate, and laugh. Laughter is the best medicine that's for sure. And gifts given this time of year help to make it a merrier Christmas.<br />
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BUT the best Christmas gift of all is simply this, being with all those that love you and celebrating the birth of the precious Christ Child.<br />
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From our Home to Yours... Have a wonderful New Year!<br />
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<br />Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-44452690038399711662012-11-21T08:51:00.000-05:002012-11-21T12:57:05.031-05:00Giving ThanksToday I would like to give thanks...<br />
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<b>First, I'd like to thank our COURAGEOUS U.S. SOLDIERS/HEROES</b> who put their lives on the line every day for our freedom. Not to mention the fact that many are separated from their families during the holidays and the rest of the year. My prayers are with you and your families!<br />
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<b>Second I'd like to thank the other soldiers/heroes. Those who have fought the heated battle of abuse, bullying and violence! </b>These victims, advocates, survivors are true warriors, even more so the thousands of others who've had to be the TRUE HEROES and pave the way for others with their very lives! Today we thank and honor each of you and your families! Together we can END THE WAR on abuse, bullying, violence and BULLYCIDE! Kudos to all of you!</div>
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Thirdly, I'd like to thank <b><i>my AMAZING FAMILY and FRIENDS! These are the HEROES that hold my arms and heart up every single day</i></b>, with their love, support, encouragement, kind words, affection, and prayers.</div>
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Fourthly, I'd like to<b> thank those HEROES who have SUPPORTED US </b>in one way or another. Your donations, prayers, and words of encouragement have been what's kept us going! Thank you all! We truly cannot do this without you. You are the wind beneath our wings! THANK YOU BIG JOHN STEAK & ONION for being our PROUD SPONSOR and giving us a sizable donation to offer 6 Free Workshops in Schools all over Michigan!</div>
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Over the past year, because of the freedom, love, and support we've had, we've been able to GIVE BACK to others and take this message of freedom into the public schools and communities across the U.S., where we've literally been able to change hearts and save lives! Thank you! You are what is making a difference and the world a better, safer place! </div>
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God bless you all and Happy Thanksgiving!</div>
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Lisa Freeman, CEO AbuseBites.com</div>
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www.abusebites.com</div>
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*Michigan Bullying Expert</div>
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*Abuse Advocate & Survivor</div>
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*Certified Pet Therapist & Dog Trainer</div>
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*Award-Winning Author & Speaker</div>
<br />Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-25556677147689589432012-11-11T06:59:00.000-05:002012-11-11T06:59:10.300-05:00Autism Workshop in Freeland MichiganYesterday was amazing! I love being with Autistic kids and families and I was already excited about being invited to the Great Lakes Bay Autism Fundraiser and Walk. BUT it was way better than I had anticipated. The group of adults and kids were so diverse and fun!<br />
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Ashley Blake (below) is a board member for the Autism Center. We met last year on our Walk & Talk Across Michigan event to raise awareness on abuse, bullying and violence. She had taken my card, and just last week gave me a call to ask if I'd like to come to their event and maybe do a presentation. She's an awesome person, it was so good to connect with her again!<br />
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Ashley (back left) smiling during the doggy presentation, while the kids have their eyes glued to me and the dogs. </div>
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I shared my love for AUTISM, and Brian's story about how awesome he was. Born with Aspergers and a rare heart defect, doctors said he'd only live to be a year old! God miraculously healed him surgery after surgery and he lived to be 22! Sadly, that most of his years he was bullied for being different. Yet, he loved everyone, even forgave his bullies and wanted to help them. </div>
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It was a very heart touching moment and I got all choked up. But everyone was very patient and one boy asked what he died from. Another boy said "A shining Star!" Yes, Brian is definitely my shining star--my hero!<br />
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Before the workshop began, these college students paused for some pet therapy with the dogs! We were very short on volunteers for the day, so we chose to leave "Lover" home and only bring two dogs. And they were "pur-fect"!</div>
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It was great to see Snickers doing so well throughout the program. He was really loving the attention from the young woman (below) whose studying to be a social worker. She was wonderful with both dogs! Usually Baby Ruth shy's away, but not from her!</div>
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Snickers plopped down on the floor and chilled as the children gathered around him. He was born to be the "Bully Buster"! He's a true pet therapy dog!</div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKB2_Ys70xZ8C33IYA6A4oeTdm0Q1GyY3yhk3frtIhYknPBa8oQr328HtVFv_mVnJOZjo6RUXADOlC_C4JO5P9BzF18tMDXlsDypMDD36pNKndvyu5QSlhedzmjGJupizuISxai1Tzez0/s1600/Bully+Buster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKB2_Ys70xZ8C33IYA6A4oeTdm0Q1GyY3yhk3frtIhYknPBa8oQr328HtVFv_mVnJOZjo6RUXADOlC_C4JO5P9BzF18tMDXlsDypMDD36pNKndvyu5QSlhedzmjGJupizuISxai1Tzez0/s400/Bully+Buster.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKY6zegj2kQl17IkRV6k6jv-848ZgqO2DkcQBg9vdnjVJtS4OTKbeuUreaiIbM0Qp7BBwlr7p31PSCgeEd4OHOLZurI6MynSBd7oR8u1EFia-FudfXdH2xfipw4hjhNias9sKvi1ostSA/s1600/girls+w+snickers+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKY6zegj2kQl17IkRV6k6jv-848ZgqO2DkcQBg9vdnjVJtS4OTKbeuUreaiIbM0Qp7BBwlr7p31PSCgeEd4OHOLZurI6MynSBd7oR8u1EFia-FudfXdH2xfipw4hjhNias9sKvi1ostSA/s320/girls+w+snickers+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjWsXRL-ZlGHZt3RY7Sk7iiWCuW-5oZHjQla866UFAR2pVYLXWRk4Ia22a38NMO8bHNpMDeiXeSnpD95BvB5iJinqPATxIkTrQsmbCtxZbLBAFqpkSQ9C2bcGjc_xCEEBquF7fcDgIPw/s1600/girls+smiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjWsXRL-ZlGHZt3RY7Sk7iiWCuW-5oZHjQla866UFAR2pVYLXWRk4Ia22a38NMO8bHNpMDeiXeSnpD95BvB5iJinqPATxIkTrQsmbCtxZbLBAFqpkSQ9C2bcGjc_xCEEBquF7fcDgIPw/s400/girls+smiles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Snickers yawns (<i>below</i>)! All the excitement has wore this 13 year old abuse rescue out! Not to worry, he loves attention and can sleep anywhere!</div>
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Still, the show must go on... Snickers napped through most of the speaking and interaction with the children.</div>
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BUT as soon as it was time for TRICKS n TREATS Snickers perked right up! And the kids and adults alike totally loved the show.</div>
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So many of the kids came up afterwards and thanked me and said, "That was a really fun program!" I think I had as much, if not more fun than they did! I like acting goofy and sharing a message that will touch the hearts of everyone listening, both young and old.</div>
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When the show ended, Snickers went right back into sleep mode. All in all, it was a fantastic day! </div>
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Thanks so much Ashley for inviting us! Looking forward to coming again next year :)</div>
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NOTE: If you'd like more information about Lisa Freeman, Michigan Anti-Bullying Expert and Certified Pet Therapist and the diverse workshops she offers for all ages, please visit her website @ <a href="http://www.abusebites.com/">www.abusebites.com</a>.</div>
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<br />Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-18788800253927255442012-11-01T06:21:00.004-04:002012-11-01T06:26:56.402-04:00Empowering Students in Pentwater Michigan to Stop Abuse & Bullying<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had a great time in Pentwater Michigan this week! The children's K-6 workshop was phenomenal! The games and interaction fun and hilarious!</div>
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Our program is fun, that's for sure! But while we have fun, we're sending a bigger message to students!</div>
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Many of these volunteers (above) are shaking maraccas. Two of them don't have anything. I asked them how they felt. They said, "Sad, and left out." So I asked the students with the instruments to demonstrate kindness and share with the ones who didn't have any. How quickly smiles poured onto these precious faces. We empower students to accept others and include them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6Bw8fRANGCCJpBye9rtsPMkrMMAMQ34MtKSmyY9UlaNhABGfEkKOmvPGh9961Ogf73zEP5KJXaiIwNXAJlrqz4ZLbrhjdJlh_JyR63sbF9_FP255GAa59_E_ok2vPv46gjEzkJ-fEdg/s1600/Demo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6Bw8fRANGCCJpBye9rtsPMkrMMAMQ34MtKSmyY9UlaNhABGfEkKOmvPGh9961Ogf73zEP5KJXaiIwNXAJlrqz4ZLbrhjdJlh_JyR63sbF9_FP255GAa59_E_ok2vPv46gjEzkJ-fEdg/s320/Demo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These students (above) demonstrated how quickly what we say can turn into gossip. Words hurt, words heal, but words can even kill. So we empower students to zip their lips unless they have something nice to say. We also educate students on what to do when bullied "ASKING FOR HELP" is way different than tattling and we explain the difference. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99Rlu6LJEvX0NtqH3FignPowY-2vkvfu7-o6X1GwAYm4egd6F-pxfqNiVyIVXIyxjtScFY1z0Z5qc7t93LUW1BLWT9f2ux9SkUaMURcuOew1N7Jy00gxyqn8I-ZqJBmwR3ackR9FFon4/s1600/signs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99Rlu6LJEvX0NtqH3FignPowY-2vkvfu7-o6X1GwAYm4egd6F-pxfqNiVyIVXIyxjtScFY1z0Z5qc7t93LUW1BLWT9f2ux9SkUaMURcuOew1N7Jy00gxyqn8I-ZqJBmwR3ackR9FFon4/s320/signs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cyber Bullying is huge, via text, picture, email, or facebook (fakebook)! In this demonstration (below), one of the high school students came forward and participated to show that if I took a picture of him and sent it to all his friends, they'd send it to their friends, and on and on, until the whole world had this picture he didn't want to share. We empower students to BEWARE of the information they SHARE and to REPORT any cyberbullies right away!</div>
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I'm sure you're aware of the statistics by now: 160,000 kids in the USA fear going to school every day due to bullying. In 85% of school bullying there is no intervention. And 1 teen dies every 30 minutes due to bullying and bullycide.</div>
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Bullying and bullycide are running rampant all over the USA. Sadly, today the bully often has more power than those being bullied. Abuse Bites CHANGE rally's empowers students to regain the power in their own lives to make the CHANGE that is needed to put a stop to bullying. </div>
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This Pentwater middle school student (below) faced a fear in our "FEAR FACTOR" game, to demonstrate to other students that it's hard to stand up for yourself or others and do something scary when you're all alone, but it can be done! Yay! Go Pentwater!</div>
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However, we empower students to stand together--not to be singled out and stand alone! We share our inspiring stories of how we overcame abusive and bullying situations, and use updated statistics, student demonstrations, and interactive games to drive the message home.<br />
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Statistics today tell us that there is typically 1 bully to every 7 students in the school. Below is a photo of our "TUG O WAR GAME". Our bully is on one end, six students on the other. Guess who wins?<br />
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There is power in numbers--if those other 6 simply STAND TOGETHER, they will defeat the bully every time. Too many times we're giving the bully the audience and not backing the target or victim. When we asked for volunteers, hands shot up all over the gym (below)! Eager to participate and eager to stop bullying! A great day for sure!<br />
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Pictured below is Baby Ruth, our "Bully" Dog. She is absolutely the worst dog we ever had. She chewed up everything, wouldn't potty train, and was very aggressive toward other people and pets. She even ran away from me when I was calling her and got hit by a car at a year old. However, since I worked harder with her, disciplined her, loved her, and didn't give up on her, she CHANGED and was a better dog. By sharing her story, we explain how "bullying is just a behavior" that can "change" with the right help.<br />
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Empowering Bullies to CHANGE! Her outfit reads "Paws for CHANGE".</div>
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At the end of our workshop, we encourage all students whether they were victims/targets, bystanders, or bullies before, to make a CHANGE and be different now! 98% of all students came forward to declare the CHANGE to stop bullying in their school and community! Isn't that amazing?!</div>
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If you would like to bring this empowering change to your school, church, work place, or community, please contact: </div>
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Lisa Freeman, CEO of Abuse Bites</div>
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<a href="http://abusebites.com/">AbuseBites.com</a></div>
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989-729-214</div>
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Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-73237100615304440742012-10-28T10:59:00.001-04:002012-10-28T10:59:13.685-04:00K-6th Graders Paws for CHANGE to Stop Bullying<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpYUhY7l-avuGK2hKz_Q7BBxyPoVRlxwKX3kG-E1dxE7fnbtDZMi7y9lFzHHontSXSTrC9SYET3CjKUJbg97AyDV4EYgWHIFpmegzy11ESNsT1fIjcCvIMsbG9-OYclwTgNUsHfuRdE8/s1600/Lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpYUhY7l-avuGK2hKz_Q7BBxyPoVRlxwKX3kG-E1dxE7fnbtDZMi7y9lFzHHontSXSTrC9SYET3CjKUJbg97AyDV4EYgWHIFpmegzy11ESNsT1fIjcCvIMsbG9-OYclwTgNUsHfuRdE8/s320/Lady.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Snickers AKA "The Bully Buster" giving some Pet Therapy before the workshops!)</span></div>
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We had a great day in Flint at the Richfield Public School Academy on Friday! Lloyd Dockham (below in center), the Social Worker, as well as many other teachers and helpers, worked very hard along side us to put this anti-bullying rally together very quickly. And all the hard work paid off!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5appk-832s1q4qFDX1fozPKaXV9cZrTbbLLakIoeLjqlmVKy5ICxEjBwXkypc4d2k-hBwHMBBI8ntyDdYZv4vX48lGeEz0GD_TdGQ9dG7qCeLep-yc52KrM88P17rYKddEvUpA-UMSg/s1600/DSC01962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5appk-832s1q4qFDX1fozPKaXV9cZrTbbLLakIoeLjqlmVKy5ICxEjBwXkypc4d2k-hBwHMBBI8ntyDdYZv4vX48lGeEz0GD_TdGQ9dG7qCeLep-yc52KrM88P17rYKddEvUpA-UMSg/s320/DSC01962.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Students were so excited, very eager to participate, and upbeat and motivated throughout the whole presentation.<br />
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(pictured below 4th-6th graders)</div>
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(below K-3rd graders)</div>
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K-3 rd Graders Interact (below) with Puppets to display how we are all different, but yet alike. Two of the TAZ puppets look like identical twins, but if you look closely you can tell their eyes and tongue are just a little bit different. We teach kids to look for the likenesses, not the differences in others. </div>
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Acceptance is Key to conquering bullying!</div>
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A very special 4th Grader, Alaina Griffith (pictured below), actually won these free anti-bullying workshops for her school, by entering a contest we had over the summer, sponsored by Big John Steak & Onion. Way to go Alaina!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW81JJFHSSfd2181UhQ4BqtXW4jacTuM8IaQ_9A-BTXC4j9t6haubPyB6BQjxmltES9S8LkPLTIqqmvDRQCEs_N6WukxCIFhOK_4y4tICB90sj6za_-SESjglYFHQ1muvPA99Fe6Had0U/s1600/Alaina+Griffith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW81JJFHSSfd2181UhQ4BqtXW4jacTuM8IaQ_9A-BTXC4j9t6haubPyB6BQjxmltES9S8LkPLTIqqmvDRQCEs_N6WukxCIFhOK_4y4tICB90sj6za_-SESjglYFHQ1muvPA99Fe6Had0U/s320/Alaina+Griffith.jpg" width="178" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqai3K8VPW5GlPV2gC6Q569fOuxrDE9D2c6_60GL6cvSjAuxe6gAURQCa_N2LeYl3_QZhjaXoSp2_QW1DK4fPRbTpQwrwNW8INr2pJc1zBNbXn1crg5iFV1WL3E225O8DQ2Sq9wxwIW8/s1600/Alaina+Griffith+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqai3K8VPW5GlPV2gC6Q569fOuxrDE9D2c6_60GL6cvSjAuxe6gAURQCa_N2LeYl3_QZhjaXoSp2_QW1DK4fPRbTpQwrwNW8INr2pJc1zBNbXn1crg5iFV1WL3E225O8DQ2Sq9wxwIW8/s320/Alaina+Griffith+3.jpg" width="286" /></a><br />
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These students (below) demonstrated how spreading rumors, giving someone the silent treatment, and/or whispering in front of others is really "social bullying" and can be hurtful. Words can heal or words can kill--please choose your words carefully!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUmpgzt-UNmXZCWgTcioFb1_uGG0o0sGQ6X1zUiWNOoUmiWYW_8FsPEM8B5qAGD8l1L_OIUrfTPVfAMOgYpxC7Lb85z5k0-kEMFbV76_VCNLhMUID-Lp0lo4xVxmG1-gYIeFu7PqzAfI/s1600/Anti-Bullying+Demo+Telephone+Game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUmpgzt-UNmXZCWgTcioFb1_uGG0o0sGQ6X1zUiWNOoUmiWYW_8FsPEM8B5qAGD8l1L_OIUrfTPVfAMOgYpxC7Lb85z5k0-kEMFbV76_VCNLhMUID-Lp0lo4xVxmG1-gYIeFu7PqzAfI/s320/Anti-Bullying+Demo+Telephone+Game.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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These 4th-6th grade students (pictured below) participated in a group demonstration to prove that we may all look somewhat different, but we are more alike than we are different, and best of all, no matter what little differences we do have, we have the same value and worth!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRZYfJtApbwgQh1WHa3e4v4qI3xRjlDfxywV0NCPvPhgEcG21e0qrYEE1BEWDzq3Nuw0b5xdU3wyzT4ZP4NMSusVdBfHcH3_XNFCkU-mJzzN9uCurjvyc8XwG8vgtOv-zLpHJCoEySx8/s1600/Ant-Bullying+Acceptance+Demo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRZYfJtApbwgQh1WHa3e4v4qI3xRjlDfxywV0NCPvPhgEcG21e0qrYEE1BEWDzq3Nuw0b5xdU3wyzT4ZP4NMSusVdBfHcH3_XNFCkU-mJzzN9uCurjvyc8XwG8vgtOv-zLpHJCoEySx8/s320/Ant-Bullying+Acceptance+Demo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These boys put on a little skit to demonstrate how you can bully someone by being a bystander or someone who just walks away.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uPyTlzQqnJ-uLdUYkJc8_yxI8KV6NS3vj3_yllTh8j4zpNKsD1AYgKab9k5x64i6emB28LvpXZ7Rz_4tZTs-NQkb3JnZJIWa04q4k4D89BbQU5XPCQpEU_S0zTyJmNRBtu8n_6JcQFQ/s1600/Boy+Bully+Demo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uPyTlzQqnJ-uLdUYkJc8_yxI8KV6NS3vj3_yllTh8j4zpNKsD1AYgKab9k5x64i6emB28LvpXZ7Rz_4tZTs-NQkb3JnZJIWa04q4k4D89BbQU5XPCQpEU_S0zTyJmNRBtu8n_6JcQFQ/s320/Boy+Bully+Demo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This girl was embarrassed about making a silly face in front of everyone. We demonstrated how it would be even more embarrassing if I had taken a picture of her and sent it to all her friends, they sent it to all their friends, and pretty soon the whole world would know. We talked about Internet & Cell Phone Bullying, not to share personal information with others. 80% of cyber bullies think it's funny to hurt someone online! We share how facebook is really FAKEBOOK. Anyone can pretend to be any age, any sex, and can hurt us!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7T0BzGa_Ayq6pT8EzFLSGCgv2Y3GYnlD3drnsYUWUU0TsQbK4YOg6_l2khBkXnE0VBmm783T1Z64XtlQMO9ideWu05h5gibMQaEqDkT5ruEa4mFCwEwTj55WyJNrxfUH6SiUAhyphenhyphenYB6Y/s1600/Cyber+Bully.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7T0BzGa_Ayq6pT8EzFLSGCgv2Y3GYnlD3drnsYUWUU0TsQbK4YOg6_l2khBkXnE0VBmm783T1Z64XtlQMO9ideWu05h5gibMQaEqDkT5ruEa4mFCwEwTj55WyJNrxfUH6SiUAhyphenhyphenYB6Y/s320/Cyber+Bully.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Students played an interactive game of Who Wants to Take The Bully Down to display what four options they each have in a bullying situation. What would you do? Fight Back, Call 9-1-1, Ask For Help, or Run Away... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGYXP2iHLjoRXuDRXPBjqqnJWdP-NWglNtOe69likLQpvX7rkCrVOT2j-67GtQlGh3ukI4cKxonPqsGTMgfRL54po7I_eE-NxzuglXVFr1yY1V820uB9qxKMXnl6PzDOr4W50rW6iuGw/s1600/Take+the+Bully+Down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGYXP2iHLjoRXuDRXPBjqqnJWdP-NWglNtOe69likLQpvX7rkCrVOT2j-67GtQlGh3ukI4cKxonPqsGTMgfRL54po7I_eE-NxzuglXVFr1yY1V820uB9qxKMXnl6PzDOr4W50rW6iuGw/s320/Take+the+Bully+Down.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Students (below) also demonstrated how to "get rid of labels" that other people put on them. They are laughing at all the things that were posted on each others backs. But when this is done in real life, these labels are like daggers piercing the very heart and the mind of each child!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_C6xXXw7r_qk9jlEZsQNmgh_bLcwKqTESBkCC_vmpnGdRseht8xfx6OHjnchLKV1iFVMtppN_a98Tl00oZA0-5OtJHTe5JK43pV-i9Zg_-nuE37KmU0h3jNnKanIhXAB5iDROFSBjeiA/s1600/Anti-bullying+label+demonstration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_C6xXXw7r_qk9jlEZsQNmgh_bLcwKqTESBkCC_vmpnGdRseht8xfx6OHjnchLKV1iFVMtppN_a98Tl00oZA0-5OtJHTe5JK43pV-i9Zg_-nuE37KmU0h3jNnKanIhXAB5iDROFSBjeiA/s320/Anti-bullying+label+demonstration.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was our bully today in a game of tug o war. Her against 6 others. Who do you think won? You do the math! It says that 1 out of 7 students are the bully. We teach the six others a more positive way to defeat the bully! We'd love to come to your school and next event to show you. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhK44jenxkDvco0FzR4moTB8keRP2eUwAcCiyuT-dL2QGmI6LqndQVitrNsKGbB7QhdQl_TvLzVtvBkKfVfrSDPuz67rVhlLBDdZJcUKBN1w8GfN3eZvKGzbG-hoCcwGg6Ub9k4IxytM/s1600/Bully.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhK44jenxkDvco0FzR4moTB8keRP2eUwAcCiyuT-dL2QGmI6LqndQVitrNsKGbB7QhdQl_TvLzVtvBkKfVfrSDPuz67rVhlLBDdZJcUKBN1w8GfN3eZvKGzbG-hoCcwGg6Ub9k4IxytM/s320/Bully.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Too many schools and communities are letting the bullies win! No! Let's teach kids how to defeat bullying for good!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1cZKuqFDBz079tIwWh3eCuXS8ndHgrLmxdcjM-_izqSX3-8hHG4Y-_2sYouRMWQmcTJdnJOqCEOq3mP4nNrPjWnHkBxwIm4UGOZCWc2dr8dM7GK9n4VzNBmx4agW6nMMtsGbiBlAyXE/s1600/Tug+O+War.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1cZKuqFDBz079tIwWh3eCuXS8ndHgrLmxdcjM-_izqSX3-8hHG4Y-_2sYouRMWQmcTJdnJOqCEOq3mP4nNrPjWnHkBxwIm4UGOZCWc2dr8dM7GK9n4VzNBmx4agW6nMMtsGbiBlAyXE/s320/Tug+O+War.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our formerly abuse, rescue dog, Snickers, AKA "The Bully Buster" sniffed out a bully, our other dog, Baby Ruth, (below), AKA "THE BULLY" (our worst dog). However, she has Changed her bullying behaviors. I was a bully too and changed. So we share our stories, and how bullying is simply a behavior not who a person is, and that anyone can change with the right help. This empowers all students (whether they are targets/victims, bystanders, or bullies) to make a change and be different--to be a Bully Buster!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOA647I-f6-chIIeK1SnyugK05Mlm_cZmq032CgZGWKs-3gvw6lXstRwV8woUKJrw6WSbxdyZeP5umVrNgG3peywLPOcM-cYsdXy2wZySwqQ_4aps-ePfjSgVGo-B1thZAJFG7ayZjR5w/s1600/The+Bully+Dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOA647I-f6-chIIeK1SnyugK05Mlm_cZmq032CgZGWKs-3gvw6lXstRwV8woUKJrw6WSbxdyZeP5umVrNgG3peywLPOcM-cYsdXy2wZySwqQ_4aps-ePfjSgVGo-B1thZAJFG7ayZjR5w/s320/The+Bully+Dog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Baby's outfit (below) reads "PAWS FOR CHANGE!"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmb4vbmkT3vfiFGtEgjspC5Gl6eWM_vNnllBdIWpkDQ-r7nmo1fOqGWzIqEKxfTxM2k0UZlYcXumhIJrhF-EgtdLPYSwY8LBnzSrFYJdTEI1uZh0HLJPPD1wEEWZ2JFHogxORqLlB9Rg/s1600/Baby+Paws+for+Change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmb4vbmkT3vfiFGtEgjspC5Gl6eWM_vNnllBdIWpkDQ-r7nmo1fOqGWzIqEKxfTxM2k0UZlYcXumhIJrhF-EgtdLPYSwY8LBnzSrFYJdTEI1uZh0HLJPPD1wEEWZ2JFHogxORqLlB9Rg/s320/Baby+Paws+for+Change.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Students all over the gym gave the "thumbs up" sign as a statement to say that they were going to change their actions and be the change in their school and community to stop bullying.</span></div>
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Thumbs up to you Richfield Public School Academy in Flint, Michigan, for making the Change and Being the Change to Stop Bullying! </div>
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For more information on bringing the CHANGE to your school, upcoming event, church, or community, please contact <a href="mailto:abusebites@gmail.com" target="_blank">Lisa Freeman</a> or check out her website @ <a href="http://abusebites.com/">AbuseBites.com</a> </div>
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Written by: Lisa Freeman, Michigan Bully Expert</div>
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<i>Lifelong Abuse Survivor & Advocate</i></div>
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<i>CEO & Founder of Abuse Bites & A Time to Heal</i></div>
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<i>The Healing Projects Specialist for the Bully Police USA</i></div>
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<i>Award-Winning Author</i></div>
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<i>AKC Dog Trainer & Certified Pet Therapist</i></div>
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Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-16220488157947400272012-10-20T08:48:00.000-04:002012-10-22T16:34:00.074-04:00Kids & Teens Stand Up to Bullying in Chesaning MichiganYesterday we presented our Abuse Bites Anti-Bullying Program to nearly 500 Students in the Chesaning Michigan Middle School. This was just half of the crowd! And it was an awesome time! These students learned how to stand up to bullying.<br />
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This is Snickers (below), our 13 year old Fox Terrier/Jack Russel who was a formerly abused/runaway that I rescued 12 years ago. He's the mascot of our program (AKA "The Bully Buster") and an award-winning certified pet therapy dog. Together we've raised over $20,000 for needy/abused people and pets of our community! When I shared his motivating story, the crowd went wild! Kids loved on him the whole time we were there. (below) Sadly, he is barely getting around these days due to cancerous tumors, but perked up when he knew he was going to an event. </div>
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Kids were very anxious to volunteer for all of our interactive games and demonstrations. My volunteer Amber had a tough job choosing. But everyone had a great time! (below)</div>
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We talked about accepting those who are different (gay, obese, those with disabilities). Giving them the freedom to make their own choices and accepting them for who they are. That we don't have to agree with them, but we should never bully them. The fact is, we are more alike than different, if we would really take a close look! The biggest factor is that we all have the same VALUE! (below)</div>
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These five boys helped me to put on a bullying skit. The two to my far left were joking/teasing the little guy in the orange, while the boy to my right kind of smirked and watched, while the other boy to my far right simply walked away. Proving that BYSTANDERS can be bullies too if they don't do something to help. (below)</div>
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We talked about REPORTING BULLYING versus tattling. Tattling is when you are trying to get someone in trouble, Reporting is when you are trying to get someone out of trouble! And also the four choices you have when bullied. Will you fight back, call 9-1-1 (report it), ask the audience (bystanders/friends for help), or take the 50/50 and run away. (below)<br />
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Kids Cheered & Clapped as students raised each card. But I think "Fight Back" won. Although we do fight back, I shared that it is not physically, but it is by standing up for yourself and others, and reporting so you can get the help needed. 80% of students don't report bullying, so therefore nothing is ever done to stop it. (below) </div>
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The students cheered even more, after my son, Jeremiah sang his original song "Just A Shadow". Jeremiah was nearly bullied to death in high school, now he writes and sings songs to help others. (below)</div>
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This is Baby Ruth (below), AKA "The Bully" in our program. She was the WORST DOG we ever had, but with love, discipline, and training, she is so much better! We share her story of PAWS FOR CHANGE and how anyone (even the bully) can change with the right help! After all bullying is a behavior, not who a person is!</div>
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This is another hilarious game/demonstration we do with kids. Our Dime Game is very popular and shows kids that "pranking someone" can be bullying too. We also share that sometimes those bullying don't realize it's bullying, that's why they have to be told their behavior is wrong. (below)</div>
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We try to make our workshops fun, interactive, and educational for everyone--even those we use for our bullying demonstrations! (below)<br />
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We talk about good versus bad choices. Here I have a bottle of "dirty water" and a bottle of "clean water". We ask which the kids would drink from. Of course they choose the "clean water". We explain how if something appears to be a little wrong, it's wrong and we shouldn't do it. But if we do make bad choices we will have to drink the consequences. (below)</div>
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I use Snickers and his love for GARBAGE as a demonstration. I tell them how many times he's ran away and has gotten into the garbage and comes home later so sick he nearly dies. Then I ask, "Why do we go back to the same garbage friendships and relationships that are bringing us down?"</div>
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This is our most popular game. Our hot dog game gets the whole crowd laughing, but it also gives them a visual about PEER PRESSURE, that it's like the blind feeding the blind. I ask them what they should say to Peer Pressure and they all shout "NO!" (below)</div>
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We captured these students in the front row! That's what I like the most, if the kids are in, we win! It's all about keeping their attention throughout the entire program. I don't like boring and don't want to do boring. (below)</div>
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I know, I'm having way too much fun! This is supposed to be work, right? Love working with kids and interacting in a way that is fun for everyone. (below)</div>
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This is just one section of the crowd--even the teachers are laughing hysterically! (below)<br />
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Our telephone game is also a lot of fun, while teaching the importance of our words. Words can hurt or heal, so think before you speak! We also talk about SOCIAL BULLYING and how friends spread rumors to ruin other friends or x-friends reputations. (below)</div>
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This young man got the first part right "Zip Your Lips". That's pretty good compared to what we usually get. That's how gossip is, you forget what someone told you so you make up your own juicy story to go with it, then others do the same, until its so distorted there isn't much truth in it.<br />
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These students came forward and turned their back to the crowd and were labeled with negative words. That's what people often do, put labels on us. We tell them no matter who they are, they are unique, wonderful individuals and there is no one like them. So they removed the labels and everyone cheered! (below)</div>
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Nearly all 500 Students made their way to the Gym Floor for our "Change Challenge". We empower targets, bystanders, and bullies to make a change and Be The Change, to stop bullying for themselves and others. (below)</div>
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1 out of 7 kids bully others. In our game of Tug O War, our bully stands alone, while 6 other kids are on the other end ready to pull her to her defeat. This teen volunteered to be the bully. When I asked her if she thought she'd win, she said, "NO!" She was right! (Below)<br />
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But we don't teach the kids to pull on the rope, we tell them to simply stand together and let go, then the problem will be defeated. Too many times, like her, the victims are singled out. Stand with others to defeat bullying!<br />
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Can you imagine if the 160,000 kids that missed school every day for fear of bullying actually stood together against their bully? It would be the biggest CHANGE CHALLENGE YET!<br />
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Below is Mr. Jerry Ciarlino, Counselor at the school, ushered the event in. He's such a great guy! It's been a pleasure working with him and all the faculty at Chesaning Middle School! Thanks Jerry!</div>
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We'd love to come to your school, church, work place or community to defeat bullying too. Please include us when planning your next event. :) </div>
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<i>Written by: Lisa Freeman, Michigan Anti-Bullying Expert, Advocate & Survivor</i></div>
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<i>CEO of Abuse Bites, Healing Projects Specialist Bully Police USA</i></div>
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<a href="mailto:abusebites@gmail.com" target="_blank">Email/Contact Lisa Freeman</a></div>
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Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-86297923938718907062012-10-14T10:26:00.001-04:002012-10-14T10:40:38.608-04:00Bullies, the Joke is On You!I love to joke around and laugh more than anyone. But I realize now, that what I may view as funny, may be the brunt of someone else's pain. It took me some time to see that many of my jokes were hurtful insults to others.<br />
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If we look at comedians today like Larry the Cable Guy, Eddie Murphy, George Lopez, and many others, their stand up shows all have one thing in common--they're belittling or bullying someone to make others laugh. Don't get me wrong, these are some of my favorites. BUT while their jokes can be hysterically funny, not everyone is amused... no, rather abused.<br />
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Pranks are funny too. I've played pranks and practical jokes on nearly everyone I've known. Most of them pranks were harmless. But a prank that happened recently in West Branch Michigan to a high school student, Whitney Kropp, wasn't so innocent. No, her pranksters set out to embarrass, humiliate and chastise her in front of her whole school.<br />
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They nominated her for homecoming court as a practical joke. A teenage prank. Seemed innocent enough. They'd all get a good laugh.<br />
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Whitney learned of the prank and was horrifically humiliated and even wanted to end her precious life. Her pranksters probably thought they had the upper hand. What a joke!<br />
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BUT thankfully, her school, her city, and her entire community came together to support her and she defeated her bullies and won! She didn't retaliate, she simply stood up for herself, and she wore her crown proudly that night!<br />
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Now the whole world is supporting her!<br />
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In honor of National Anti-Bullying Month--October--My hearts cry is that every school, city, and community would stand together like this against all forms of bullying and set the innocent victims free.<br />
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Whitney Kropp is a SURVIVOR!<br />
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Bullies, the joke is on you!<br />
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Written by: Lisa Freeman, Motivational Bully Speaker in Michigan, CEO of Abuse Bites, Healing Projects Specialist Bully Police USA<br />
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<br />Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-67351625805304096752012-09-26T08:38:00.002-04:002012-09-26T22:24:31.947-04:00Fake FriendsWhat would you do for your friends? Lie? Steal? Cover up for them? Take the blame? Murder?<br />
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All any of us want in life is to be loved and accepted by someone. We don't always know when 'fake friends' are taking advantage of us or using us. So, many times, we'll do whatever it takes just to be included. I know I did.<br />
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I let my so-called <i>friends</i> talk me into everything; skipping school, smoking, drinking, drugs, stealing, running away, sleeping around, etc. That's crazy! I didn't want to do any of it, but because my 'friend' wanted me to, I did.<br />
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Last night I watched "The Bling Ring," about these teen wannabe's in Hollywood who used a new kid with a panic disorder to help them break into all the celebrities homes and steal their goods. At the end, when everyone was arrested, the boy that was lured into the whole thing said, "I didn't do it for the money. I did it because I had friends. I've never had friends. And I liked how I felt when I was with them--I was a different person."<br />
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Now they are all facing prison time!<br />
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(Photo above is the actual Bling Ring burglars!)
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Sad!<br />
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Even sadder. Recently I spoke to two different mothers who have special needs boys, who just turned adults. Both boys share pretty much the same story. They had been lured by a young teen girl saying she was 18, and that she liked them, wanted to go with them, and wanted them to do sexual things with her and her friends. Of course, these boys, given their mentality (functioning at only a 10 year old's age level) jumped at the chance to have a real relationship with someone. The girls videotaped the event and have not only made these boys a laughingstock in the community, but now they are facing prison time as well!<br />
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Insane!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Even movies portray that you have to be a certain person or look a certain way to get the hot chicks!</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Too bad the movies have it all wrong. True love is not found in a person's looks or position they hold, or the abilities they have, NO it's found much deeper--in the heart!</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://abusebites.com/home/our_team#.UGLnOo2PV0g" target="_blank">I raised four children with varying disabilities</a>. Between them they had dyslexia, learning disabilities, Asperger's Syndrome, emotional impairments, bi-polar, panic, schizophrenia, heart condition, ADD, ADHD, not to mention OCD and ODD. None of them had many real friends growing up. Many times they were lured into giving their money and prized possessions away. Even as adults, now, people still try to use them, but I've educated them to be on the look out about such friends. <br />
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Today people with disabilities are increasingly becoming victims of what is called "Mate Crime" where fake friends take advantage of, hurt, and sometimes even murder them. These fake friends show up when these individuals get their disability checks and finagle them out of their funds. Some have even moved into their homes and lived off them!<br />
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Worse yet, one innocent victim, Stephen Hoskin (below), a man from the UK with learning disabilities, was tortured to the point of death by his fake friends. Stephen was taken to a viaduct where he was forced to hang by his fingers from railings, then they stamped on his hands, which caused him to fall 100 ft to his death. Tragically 90% of mate crimes go unreported, due to those with disabilities keeping it a secret because they want friends and will do anything to keep them! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19009826" target="_blank">Read Full Story</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-16576369" target="_blank">Read about both men, the victim and the murderer</a>.</span></div>
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This story and others only prove that we must work even harder to educate our disabled children, our community, and those who could and should protect them! Together we can stop abuse, change hearts, and save lives!<br />
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By: <a href="http://abusebites.com/home/lisa_freeman_lifelong_abuse_survivor" target="_blank">Lisa Freeman</a>, Author, Speaker, Abuse Advocate<br />
Founder & CEO of<a href="http://abusebites.com/home#.UGLX_42PV0g" target="_blank"> Abuse Bites & A Time to Heal</a><br />
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<br />Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-31326985549694458082012-09-16T08:50:00.001-04:002012-09-17T12:07:02.275-04:00Anti-Bullying Rally in FlintWe held an Anti-Bullying Rally in Flint yesterday!<br />
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Rocking the Violence Out Of Flint was amazing!<br />
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Ryan LoRee from Team Revelation Gym put the event together. He had talked to some people out at Walmart when we were doing our fundraising event there and that's when he got in touch with us about speaking and doing our Abuse Bites presentation. Anything to team up with others to stop abuse, bullying and violence! </div>
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Together we can do this!</div>
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Ryan (above) founded Team Revelation a non-profit judo/wrestling type place to give free instructions and mentoring to troubled kids and youth! Kudos Ryan!</div>
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Ryan's two beautiful little girls fell in love our Yorkie, Lover.</div>
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This little boy stopped to play with Lover.</div>
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This boy's little sister was afraid of dogs...</div>
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At first she even turned her head away and wouldn't look at him...</div>
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But then I actually got her to play with Lover!</div>
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Great Things Happened All Day! And we met some really amazing people!</div>
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The Judge William Crawford (right) and a Respite Volunteer from a local shelter.</div>
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A lady & her daughter are entering our Free Book Drawing! We donated a whole box of books so that everyone who entered could win!</div>
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Judge Crawford stayed longer than he intended just to do the special honor of signing Brian's Memory Quilt! It was a very emotional moment!</div>
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The man behind the judge is making a documentary about this event.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QqM_IK_6qtmGYfeuZu-PuhqCvL7IPkvXKF3KzROde1a5VQX9hYuG_d2iwEONTrChhumQf3VkC34pDsux0KLjFw-DTP_sulIhoUgMMprnJegjIqKDqag4rWVfUO8qeCCIH5UkP6ZWTAM/s1600/Quilt+Sign+Judge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QqM_IK_6qtmGYfeuZu-PuhqCvL7IPkvXKF3KzROde1a5VQX9hYuG_d2iwEONTrChhumQf3VkC34pDsux0KLjFw-DTP_sulIhoUgMMprnJegjIqKDqag4rWVfUO8qeCCIH5UkP6ZWTAM/s320/Quilt+Sign+Judge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We played some fun interactive games!</div>
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These Kids Learned How to FIGHT BACK to Stop Bullying!</div>
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Then I had the privilege of sharing "The Change Of Heart Program" in memory of my precious son, Brian. And I could not believe the results! People were coming up to me, one by one, telling me what a difference my speech made in their lives. WOW!</div>
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This young man came up after and confessed he had been a bully until the 8th grade, but had since asked forgiveness from his victims. He also explained that he often spent the night at his cousins house when he was younger and they would bully him and his brother, so he thought he had to fight like them to be cool. I gave him a hug and thanked him for sharing.</div>
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Another young man had a shirt on that said "I love Haters" and he was so loving, but said to me, "I shouldn't have worn this shirt probably to something like this." I said, "I love your shirt, and I love Haters too! With people like you and I they will learn to be Lovers!" And he gave me a hug! He works with the Reach program to help troubled youth.</div>
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A woman came up and thanked me. She said her husband wasn't going to attend the event at all, but at the last minute changed his mind. Later he told her, "I think I was meant to here this lady speak, it really touched my heart." This man had been bullied and abused his entire life!</div>
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Several others thanked me as well and were really happy about what we're doing.</div>
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But the grand finale and best part is when Jeremiah sang, "We Are The Body" by Casting Crowns. It's the first time in quite awhile he's sang in front of a crowd. </div>
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Just to think, a month ago Jeremiah nearly committed suicide, but God spared him and is using him once again to change hearts and save lives! This is one proud mamma, excited about taking this message forth!</div>
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Thanks Ryan Loree, Team Revelation, and The Bridge Church for allowing us this great opportunity to present at your 1st Rocking the Violence Out of Flint Benefit! May we do even more awesome things together next year!</div>
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Written by: Lisa Freeman, CEO of AbuseBites.com, offering healing anti-bullying workshops to schools, workplaces, and communities. <a href="http://www.abusebites.com/" target="_blank">More Info </a></div>
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<br />Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-60018889486328612462012-09-09T09:10:00.001-04:002012-09-09T09:10:27.493-04:003rd Annual CHANGE Benefit to Stop BULLYING A Success!Fighting abuse, bullying and violence can be a very long, lonely road at times. Many times the advocate can still take the brunt of bullying to try to push through prejudice barriers and strongholds. This hasn't been an easy battle for me, but it has been rewarding to see the CHANGED HEARTS & SAVED LIVES!<br />
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Yesterday, we celebrated the Abuse Bites 3rd Annual CHANGE Benefit! Although not a lot of people came out, due to another awesome event in town being planned for the same day and time, it was a success!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnV2yb4riUAz4VgbGc0TIDCC4xKaeTkBmdFLQPoRF7gQCOPtnbwUdPUKkEGjP87jRT6p5mu8TQImzwCyfXeYS1ratAS1x2KkEh5RzJhgtBoT87eEHVhKTzIv7vGCtdfjhkHC58GGg1VWY/s1600/prizes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnV2yb4riUAz4VgbGc0TIDCC4xKaeTkBmdFLQPoRF7gQCOPtnbwUdPUKkEGjP87jRT6p5mu8TQImzwCyfXeYS1ratAS1x2KkEh5RzJhgtBoT87eEHVhKTzIv7vGCtdfjhkHC58GGg1VWY/s320/prizes+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Success can be measured in a variety of ways, not just how many people came to our event or how much money was raised. I was a 7th grade middle school drop out, abused runaway, who was kidnapped, beaten, raped, forced into human trafficking, and nearly killed many times. Later I suffered through two horrifically abusive marriages (one physical, the other sexual and psychological).<br />
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BUT, after all that, at the age of 26 God healed me, delivered me, restored me, and called me to be a warrior. That's the day I STARTED FIGHTING THIS WAR ON ABUSE, BULLYING AND VIOLENCE. I've overcome many obstacles in my path such as post traumatic stress syndrome, panic and agoraphobia. Then I went onto college, graduated with a degree in Christian Ministry, became an award winning author, certified pet therapist and dog trainer, founded two non-profits, raised over $20,000 for needy and abused people and pets, And I'm not finished yet!<br />
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Although these have been great successes, the biggest success is knowing that when we go into the schools and communities to do our CHANGE workshops, that more than 85% of the students and even adults stand and come forth, deciding to make a change in their own lives, and knowing they can be the CHANGE for others!<br />
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Abuse, Bullying and Violence is all about making a CHANGE in our own lives, to impact others. Won't you stand with us today and be that CHANGE?<br />
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Now a word of thanks to all the angels who helped bring this about!</div>
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Special thanks goes out to our Volunteers like Ashley Thornton (below), who is so passionate to help, that even though she had a sprained ankle, she showed up and gave it her all! Thanks Ashley! We love and appreciate you!</div>
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Special Thanks to Thomas Dignan!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdFPAO0sMU4nHOZ6wB4QJTWvaJuRQLR8U_BVhK4-oUBE69SNn34niKib9Lx0_BDupVXC1aWfRllCKQ6oYCW2vl6zmOyoVHIEySt4n_WnC9L2Z5aYOonY9pwIa68y3t98yWWceKWK2_lw/s1600/Thomas+Dignan+&+Lisa+Freeman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdFPAO0sMU4nHOZ6wB4QJTWvaJuRQLR8U_BVhK4-oUBE69SNn34niKib9Lx0_BDupVXC1aWfRllCKQ6oYCW2vl6zmOyoVHIEySt4n_WnC9L2Z5aYOonY9pwIa68y3t98yWWceKWK2_lw/s320/Thomas+Dignan+&+Lisa+Freeman.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A great man of our community, Thomas Dignan, even found time in his busy schedule to come out and support us. Why? Because he's passionate about changing hearts and saving lives and stopping bullying!</div>
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Thank you Thom! You've got my vote!</div>
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Adults and kids alike received awesome prices thanks to our awesome sponsors. </div>
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Thank you Bob Evans...</div>
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Thanks Plush Pup...</div>
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Our children guests thank DONNA'S REFLECTIONS...</div>
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Everyone loved the Prime Time Pizza & Bread!</div>
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and we thank GiGi's for the Drinks!</div>
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Of course we give special thanks to The 401 South Restaurant </div>
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for their Delicious Cookies!</div>
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And kudos to the other great sponsors like Big John Steak & Onion, Maurices, Treasures, Jumbo's, Gilbert's True Value, Janelle's Family Restaurant, Mancinos, Crave Bakery, Wendy's, Burger King, Capitol Bowl, and Crave! </div>
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and to the Glo Kids Team for the Carnival & Face Painting!</div>
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Together we are all CHANGING hearts and saving lives! </div>
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<br />Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-61381077407914151952012-08-31T06:12:00.000-04:002012-09-04T12:42:18.685-04:00Healing Hearts<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It wasn't the news
we'd hoped for. Brian, 15, had already been through so much. In the past two
years he'd nearly died over a dozen times. He was in the hospital more than at
home. I stared at his lifeless body, hooked up to so many tubes, wires, monitors,
and I.V.'s.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tears streamed down my cheeks.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here it was a week after his 5<sup>th</sup> open-heart surgery and he
still couldn't breathe on his own. Normally he'd bounce right back. Not this
time. When they tried to take the ventilator out, he flopped like a fish.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I told the nurse right away. "That's not normal. He doesn't usually
breathe like that. Something's wrong." But she insisted he'd be fine.
Later, they took an x-ray.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"His diaphragm was paralyzed during the surgery and now it's pressing up
against the right lung," the heart surgeon said. "Usually the
diaphragm will come back and begin working on its own. We'll give it a few
days."</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But later that day, Brian's heart rate dropped down to 23 and they nearly lost
him. Apparently the special mapping they tried to do during the 16 hour surgery
hadn't worked and his rhythm problems were even worse.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"We'll need to perform emergency surgery," the surgeon explained.
"It's risky, but he needs a pacemaker and he needs it now. Once they get
that placed, he'll have the other surgery on the diaphragm."</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>Three major surgeries in one week. Wow!</i> He was already in such a weak,
critical state. All any of us could do was pray. And we prayed hard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmMjrouh6uTeBSt2kkiYUAKm2yJCfhrKRYbOTQ19c4mW9WvVEcT1icpj6_qGtMK1iSCoo13Ddm41HVFseGCH_Gmu-mbiWY4OyQjoaVNeZoNojA2MoHYzrcQtI78KzNy9gx1IYROul80Q/s1600/Brian3+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmMjrouh6uTeBSt2kkiYUAKm2yJCfhrKRYbOTQ19c4mW9WvVEcT1icpj6_qGtMK1iSCoo13Ddm41HVFseGCH_Gmu-mbiWY4OyQjoaVNeZoNojA2MoHYzrcQtI78KzNy9gx1IYROul80Q/s1600/Brian3+003.jpg" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Brian was born with
only two chambers in his heart. At that time doctors had told us he'd only live
to be a year old. Although he'd been critically ill for the first two years of
life, he had surpassed all the odds. And by the time he turned three, he was
raring to go. He rode his bike, rollerbladed, and swam like a fish.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Then, at 13, all of that suddenly changed. He started getting winded just
walking up a few stairs, and had to stop frequently while we were out on family
bike rides. His heart, we learned, was only functioning at 40%. They claimed he
needed another surgery. I figured, he'd have it, get better, go home, and he'd
be as good as new again.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sadly, after that surgery at 13, his condition only grew worse. No one in the
family had a clue. No one that is, except for our formerly abused, rescue dog,
Snickers. He would not leave Brian's side for a second. He slept in his bed at
night, stayed with him during the day on the couch, and even followed him to
the kitchen. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">"You know the
rules," I scolded. "Now go lay down!" But Snickers was
persistent. He hovered right by the doorway to the kitchen on all fours. His
eyes fixed on Brian. I was starting to lose my patience with that dog!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQvHWLBb0jD8Q__QibQFsw0p4lzVMcMw_nD-JXlDoECrjT221FwoUhVs6jFNBNauXl5MU2hQjPmFUJ0iK6gOHd-4hCQwCDqpfW_PSnsGN2UI-yc0Mqja4vR6AHSImqhGns8xKYUdTi-E/s1600/Brian%252520%2526%252520Snickers%252520Best%252520Shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQvHWLBb0jD8Q__QibQFsw0p4lzVMcMw_nD-JXlDoECrjT221FwoUhVs6jFNBNauXl5MU2hQjPmFUJ0iK6gOHd-4hCQwCDqpfW_PSnsGN2UI-yc0Mqja4vR6AHSImqhGns8xKYUdTi-E/s200/Brian%252520%2526%252520Snickers%252520Best%252520Shot.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just as Brian tried to
eat his macaroni and cheese, his head flopped onto the table. With bright red
cheeks, sweat dripping from his forehead, and hardly able to speak he gasped,
"I can't breathe!"<br />
<br />
While I ran to the phone to call 9-1-1, Snickers ran to his side and stayed
there until the paramedics arrived. I was surprised to find the macaroni and
cheese still on the plate at the edge of the table when I grabbed my purse to
follow them out.<br />
<br />
That's when I realized Snickers wasn't interested in the food at all, he was
concerned about Brian. He knew long before I did that something was wrong and
he was trying to tell me.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Brian continued having close calls and bouts with tachycardia (heart rate above
200) and even bradycardia (heart rate under 50). Again, during that two year
time span, Snickers rarely left Brian's side.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Strange, Snickers had ran under my van a few months before Brian got sick. I
had said we would only keep him for the night. Back then I tried everything to
get rid of that dog. I called the pound, they were full. I tried to lose him on
a walk, he found his way back. I placed an ad in the paper, and by the time his
real owner called to claim him, I was totally and hopelessly in love with him,
as well as my entire family. Thankfully she allowed us to keep him.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But never in a million years would I have imagined what a huge healing role
this new member of our family would play in Brian's healing.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Back in the waiting room at Detroit Children's Hospital, the surgeon finally
came out. "Everything went well," he said. "The pacemaker's in,
the diaphragm fixed, and Brian's in recovery. You'll be able to see him
soon."</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I breathed a sigh of relief.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We couldn't have gotten better news. We hadn’t been home in nearly a month, and
I knew we needed to pay bills. So, after seeing that Brian was stable, we went
home to take care of business. I decided while we were there to make a family
video for him. I went all over to see his cousins, grandparents, aunts, uncles
and taped everyone I could think of. I even did a small clip with Snickers.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we returned to the hospital, things didn't look good.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They had weaned Brian from the ventilator, but now he was hacking and coughing
uncontrollably, from the fluid on his lungs. He began vomiting too. The doctors
ran more tests. With those tests came more bad news.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"I'm sorry," the doctor said, "but your son has
Pancreatitis." He explained that it was an inflammation and infection of
the pancreas and could be quite serious, especially with Brian's underlying
heart condition, and all the surgeries he'd just been through. They went on to
say that he might not pull through. Every day was touch and go.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We soon learned the only way to cure pancreatitis is to not eat and wait it
out. Brian hadn't eaten for nearly three weeks. When I told him he couldn't
eat, he cried and begged me to take him home. "I just want to see
Snickers, please," he said in between coughs. "Can't I go home,
please?!"</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"I know, honey," I said, giving him a huge hug. "I want to take
you home to see Snickers too, but you need to get well first."</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At that moment I felt totally helpless.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Later that day I remembered the video I'd made. I thought it might cheer him up
to see everyone. So I plugged it in and pressed play. He didn't seem too
enthused by it at first, until it got to the part about Snickers. When he saw
Snickers sitting on his bed, wagging his tail, tears rolled down his cheeks.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Within twenty-four hours of watching that video, Brian's condition greatly
improved and he was moved out of ICU. One week later he was even discharged
from the hospital. Our three kids threw him a huge homecoming party. All our
close relatives were there. When he opened the door they all yelled,
"Surprise!"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But the best surprise Brian got was Snickers bolting to the door, so excited to
see him, he licked his entire face.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I'm not going to tell you that life has been perfect for Brian or us since
then. Actually there have been some really rough times. Brian was on the heart
transplant list for five years, but thanks to Snickers, he became fairly
healthy and lived at home most of that time. At the age of 22, Brian was
healthier than he'd been in years! He was working out at the YMCA a few times a
week, walking Snickers around the neighborhood every day, and he'd even lost 42
pounds!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sadly, Brian suddenly passed away one morning due to a blood clot in his leg.
But even then Snickers was right by his side comforting him. He even attended
the visitation and funeral, giving love and affection to all who were there.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I know now with all my heart that Snickers was born to bring healing and
comfort to others. I'm so glad he chose to run under my van that day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Snickers has been a Certified Pet Therapy Dog through Therapy Dogs
International for seven years now. He's won numerous awards for his therapy
visits, raised over $20,000 for needy and abused people and pets, but his
greatest gift to others is that fact that he continues to heal hearts
everywhere his paws go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-45341848413569500592012-08-29T11:57:00.004-04:002012-08-30T19:42:36.779-04:00The Runaway Abused Dog That Rescued MeI was driving home on slushy, nasty roads from my daughter's basketball game. When all of a sudden, a little brown pooch darted under my van. I slammed on the brakes, and slid to a stop. My heart sank.<br />
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Frantic, Melissa and I jumped out and looked under the van.<br />
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<i>"Oh God, please let the little guy be okay!"</i><br />
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The small wet bundle of straggly fur sprang out from under the van and hopped right into Melissa's arms. I smiled to see he was okay. Melissa took that as a signal to pop the old familiar question.<br />
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"Can we keep him, Mom? Please!"<br />
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That's when I caught a glimpse of her brand new white basketball shirt. It was covered in black muddy paw prints! All I could think is,<i> "That shirt is never gonna come clean!"</i><br />
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Besides, I didn't want a dog.<br />
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Let me explain. I'm not some heartless, cold, ruthless animal hater. No, I totally love animals. BUT I had four hyperactive kids with special needs, a husband, and a brand new house. I had enough cleaning to do, and I wanted the house to stay exactly like it was, brand new.<br />
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My number one rule was no pets. The kids knew better than to ask. I'd always say the same thing.<br />
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"No!"<br />
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But I also knew this dog was shivering, cold, and wet, and if he stayed there much longer on that busy street, he would be road kill. "We can't keep him, but we can't leave him here either."<br />
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Melissa smiled big as she carried him up into the van. "Can we keep him for the night, then?"<br />
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"Maybe for one night," I agreed, "if you give him a bath."<br />
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"Yes!" She grinned from ear to ear. "Isn't he cute, Mom?"<br />
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I nodded. Undeniably, he was cute. But with the heat turned up full blast in the van, the smell of wet dog was overpowering all my senses.<br />
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Once we were home, the excitement began. All four kids crowded into the bathroom, splashing around, shouting with glee, giggles echoing about. I had this warm mushy feeling like I had made the right decision to let the dog stay. "<i>What could one one night hurt?"</i><br />
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Then I caught a glimpse of it! Those same muddy paw prints I had seen on Melissa's shirt had now worked their way through the entire house, onto each of my brand new floora, and even onto my new couch! I couldn't contain myself any longer.<br />
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"DOWN!" I commanded firmly, as I gave the pooch a shove.<br />
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Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, he did the unthinkable! He lowered his bottom to my brand new carpeting, while lifting his tail, and began scooting his rear across the floor. The kids laughed. I wanted to scream!<br />
<i><br /></i><i>"Oh no you don't!"</i><br />
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I picked him up, set him outside, and slammed the door. The kids began whining and crying, begging me to let him back in, but I had made up my mind. A few minutes later a knock came at our door.<br />
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"Here's your dog," our neighbor said, "he wandered over into our yard."<br />
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I smiled sweetly and took the pup. What else could I do? I didn't want to look like an animal hater. So, I decided to stick with the original plan, but that backfired too.<br />
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"I'm sorry," the lady at the Humane Society said, "but we're full." She told me I could place an ad in the newspaper and if nobody claimed him after five days I could keep him.<br />
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<i>I don't want him!</i><br />
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I placed the ad, praying that someone would call and soon. The phone couldn't have been quieter. And the annoying little pooch followed me everywhere. Like a magnet he was stuck to my heels. When I sat at the computer, he laid under my desk. While trying to fix dinner, I tripped over him. Later, when I went to bed, he sat at the edge staring up at me with these sad, puppy dog eyes. He even followed me to the bathroom!<br />
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He was cute, but I wasn't budging!<br />
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Finally, after three days, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I leashed him up, took him to a good neighborhood about two miles from our house, and let him loose. I lost him quick and sped home. Walking into the yard, I announced to my husband proudly that I had gotten rid of the dog and hopefully he'd find a new home.<br />
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My husband, John, shook his head in disgust and said, "You might want to turn around."<br />
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I couldn't believe my eyes! Here was that dog, huffing and puffing walking up the driveway. He was determined to find his back back to me, a person who did everything in their power to lose him. My heart broke.<br />
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From that moment on, I fell hopelessly in love with him, picked him into my arms, and told the kids we were keeping him. They named him "Buddy."<br />
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Two days later, we came home from church to a message on our machine.<br />
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"I think you have my dog."<br />
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My heart sank worse than it did that first day when I thought I had hit Buddy with my van. Before saying a word to the kids, I called the lady back. She told me the dog's name was "Snickers" and he had ran away nearly a week ago. Sure enough, his ears perked right up when I called his name, and he came running to me. My heart hurt even more.<br />
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After I hung up, I broke the news to the kids. We all huddled together in a blanket of tears surrounding him. So strange how a dog I couldn't wait to get rid of a couple of days ago, had formed such a bond with me and our family that we couldn't bear to let go.<br />
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When the lady came to pick him up, he didn't run toward her, instead he hung his head and cowered in my kids arms in the middle of our living room floor. She explained how she had two other dogs, three kids, and one on the way.<br />
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"You can just have him," she said, as she handed me his shot record. "He bit me anyways." She showed us a huge scar going up her arm. This made me think there must have been some sort of abuse in the home, probably the reason why Snickers had run away in the first place.<br />
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I was shocked by the whole thing. We thanked her from the bottom of our hearts, overjoyed we got to keep him. After she left, I began to put the pieces together. Snickers had never even growled at me, my husband, or our four hyperactive kids the whole time he had been with us. And looking back, when I dumped him off on that walk, he was actually closer to his original home than he was ours, and yet he insisted on going the distance to find his way to us.<br />
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Snickers bonded with me instantly. Now I know why. We were meant to be together. Sort of like soul mates. We were both abused runaways. He came into my life to heal me, my family, and has went on to heal many others.<br />
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We've now had Snickers for twelve amazing years. During that time Snickers has become an Award-Winning Certified Pet Therapy Dog through Therapy Dogs International (after only ten days of training), he has worked to train other dogs and handlers how to become certified, he has served as the Mascot and "Bully Buster" of our Abuse Bites program to stop abuse and bullying, he won Mayor of the Shiawassee Humane Society for raising the most funds/votes ($5,000) for needy and abused pets, he helped raise over $20,000 for needy and abused people and pets locally, and he has put on an amazing trick presentation for kids all over Michigan at events in schools, libraries, and hospitals.<br />
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I thought I was rescuing Snickers that day on the side of the road, but really he was rescuing me. I may have had a brand new house when I met him, but he is truly what has made our house a home.<br />
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<br />Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-63317438540497157242012-08-25T09:39:00.000-04:002012-08-25T09:43:42.698-04:00Youth Anti-Bullying Rally Jackson, Missouri<div style="text-align: center;">
We had an amazing time in Jackson, Missouri this week at the the Rock International Ministries Church! Thank you Pastor Derrick Beasley for inviting us to come. I had my "I Love Being Me" shirt on that I found at Penney's right before the trip--it was an amazing message on top of everything else!</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">We started the program off with a Youtube <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCEYebvnypI&feature=player_embedded" target="_blank">video of Jeremiah singing</a>, since he was still in the hospital and couldn't be with us. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Jeremiah is battling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression related to bullying. Bullying is tragic, and can have tragic results. That's why we are passionate about going wherever the door opens to educate and bring about the safety and prevention that is needed to change hearts and save lives.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">As you can see above, a nice group of kids and adults came out to the Anti-Bullying Rally. There was a conflicting event going on in the community for back to school, so sadly many kids missed out because they had to attend this other event or they would not have gotten the school supplies they needed. Still we had a great time!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">We had so much fun interacting, playing games, and doing demonstrations. Below we are playing our peer pressure and self abuse games. Pastor Derrick is assisting in the first game. My hubby, John, was assisting in the second one.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZ7XhsefhEu-DQIzbCgDpRfyPynvwHzU_DSj1p6lXeDhnXn-c0114HBe-auH0eVFmPg8Af_Uxs9sIiK0dCLoQDzQimXikS3UInY2y0YktbJmxLgBK8eTsRG_SbkH48LRJxy6a7frcphI/s1600/Bully+No+More+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZ7XhsefhEu-DQIzbCgDpRfyPynvwHzU_DSj1p6lXeDhnXn-c0114HBe-auH0eVFmPg8Af_Uxs9sIiK0dCLoQDzQimXikS3UInY2y0YktbJmxLgBK8eTsRG_SbkH48LRJxy6a7frcphI/s320/Bully+No+More+2.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="text-align: center;">But we also got serious--down to business--and watched a big CHANGE take place! This beautiful little girl that was labeled the bullying in one of our demonstrations, kept the tag on and </span><span style="text-align: center;">labeled herself the "bully".</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">But at the end of the program she crumpled up the bully label and threw it away! </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I said, "What, you don't want to be a bully no more?" She said, "No!"</span></div>
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Nearly everyone came forward when we had our CHANGE CHALLENGE, only about 4-5 kids stayed in their seats. All the others wanted to make a change in their own lives and hearts so they could go out and be the change for others and stop abuse, bullying and violence!</div>
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Another great thing that happened, this was our SIGNING of the Memory Quilt. I'm so thrilled and honored that the FIRST HEART was signed by Pastor Derrick Beasley, a young man that grew up in our neighborhood, who has always been like a son to me, and now is a Youth Pastor at Rock International Ministries and is a fine preacher and teacher! He has such a love and passion for kids and is raising three children that aren't even his own, right now! I couldn't be more proud!</div>
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We were blessed so much with not only really nice hotel accommodations, but also took up a love offering, and even took us out for a delicious lunch. We met Pastor White and his lovely first lady. We were able to share our heart and our mission, and they are hoping to bring us back to do a community wide event with some schools! YAY!</div>
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Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-38135244969956732812012-08-19T15:22:00.000-04:002012-08-19T15:23:52.429-04:00Fixing A Broken Child--Starts With You!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w-25MILsyxBNNfG3r5IAdivDcBLQ7f84yhK3PKlJ-PTjIqeeS0tpZ7V_TY2I5navi0lWYMevGyA7-LhZG79pPCCVXZoKl4P7fayXy49HLmXgEM2lzmbv73BEOBGN59RFcEUjIG-t9Xg/s1600/children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w-25MILsyxBNNfG3r5IAdivDcBLQ7f84yhK3PKlJ-PTjIqeeS0tpZ7V_TY2I5navi0lWYMevGyA7-LhZG79pPCCVXZoKl4P7fayXy49HLmXgEM2lzmbv73BEOBGN59RFcEUjIG-t9Xg/s1600/children.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Children come in all shapes, sizes, colors, gifts,
talents, and personalities. They come to us in little packages of perfection,
so tiny, so precious, so fragile, we wrap a huge blanket of protection around
them their first few years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At least that’s what we hope a good mother and father
will do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Broken kids, with broken bones and broken lives, are hard
to fix. We can’t just take a shaken baby to the hospital and expect it to be
alright. Once the baby is broken, the damage has already been done. Many times the
destruction is irreversible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kids can be broken in a number of ways, physically,
sexually, and psychologically. But when a child is murdered—it’s a break that no
one can fix!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Department of Children and Families Officials say
that while the number of child abuse cases have remained stable, the number of
extreme cases is on the rise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One teenage mom facing jail time, admitted she burnt her
baby’s genitals with a straightening iron. The baby also had several broken
bones. <i><u><a href="http://www.imperfectparent.com/topics/2012/05/05/teen-mom-intentionally-burns-her-babys-genitals-with-straightening-iron/">Read
Story</a></u></i> A 20 year old mother who killed her infant son, took the
corpse shopping with her the next day. <i><a href="http://www.imperfectparent.com/topics/2011/06/29/mother-admits-to-killing-infant-son-takes-dead-baby-shopping/">Read
Story</a></i> A Grandmother and
Stepmother are being tried in the death of a 9-year-old Alabama girl for forcing
her to run for hours, without fluids. Police say the girl was ordered to run
for 3 hours as punishment for lying to her grandmother. <i><a href="http://www.imperfectparent.com/topics/2012/02/23/9-year-old-forced-to-run-for-3-hours-as-punishment-dies/">Read
Story </a></i> Another mother who was
being tried in the death of her 2 year old son, was given a suspended sentence,
and smirked on her way out of the courtroom. <i><a href="http://www.imperfectparent.com/topics/2012/05/30/shameless-mother-smirks-after-spared-jail-for-sons-horrific-death-from-cataclysmic-neglect/">Read
Story</a></i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The tragic stories seem to spread all over the U.S.A. like
wild fire. Many cases even involve the mother’s boyfriend. In one recent case,
Gavin Sola, 22, of West Melbourne, is facing first-degree murder charges for
the death of his girlfriend’s infant son. <i><a href="http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/dcf-number-extreme-child-abuse-cases-rise/nP8Wp/">Read
More</a> </i>This is just one of many horrific cases that are making headlines
each day. A Pennsylvania mother went out of town, leaving her 27 year old boyfriend
to take care of her three children. The youngest child, an 18 month old left in
his care, suffered a broken leg and later died. <i><a href="http://www.imperfectparent.com/topics/2012/03/07/babysitter-forces-baby-to-walk-on-broken-leg-baby-dies/">Read
Story</a></i> A 30 year old Raleigh man
abused his girlfriend’s 19 month old daughter. The toddler suffered lacerated liver
and bruised kidneys. She also had blood in her stomach, cuts on her lip, and bruises
on her head. He also tried to set the place on fire. <a href="http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=8770180">Read
Story</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These are tragic stories for sure. However, there are a
variety of ways to discipline children without abuse. Parents can give their
kids a time out, put them in their bedroom, take their favorite toy away, or
even offer rewards such as a special snack or to watch a favorite movie for
good behavior. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrWVeY3jnoMARPMpvyNyWiWSKNs7yHaeYv8fiGNX-krW495i8tUCthXUyQEdgVKYvCKgTnJ3iuaUITdML7tUYp84t63SEeCgvm295AZXl5SSZdB5U_-hUv25IfxLZ1qpDsCqXOlLpMOY/s1600/child+abuse+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrWVeY3jnoMARPMpvyNyWiWSKNs7yHaeYv8fiGNX-krW495i8tUCthXUyQEdgVKYvCKgTnJ3iuaUITdML7tUYp84t63SEeCgvm295AZXl5SSZdB5U_-hUv25IfxLZ1qpDsCqXOlLpMOY/s1600/child+abuse+2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sadly, this particular doctor thought that waterboarding
was a good way of showing discipline to his 9 year old daughter. Waterboarding
is where you hold a child’s head under a sink of running water, allowing it to
go up their nose and in their mouth. Thankfully, the good doctor, and his wife
(who watched this take place four different times over a two year period) are
being charged with reckless endangerment and conspiracy. Both of their children
have been removed from their home and placed in protective custody. <i><a href="http://news.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981530610">Read
Story</a><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Other parents from a Russian Muslim Cult are being
charged after taking their children into captivity for more than ten years.
Living underground in unheated cells, many of these children age 1-17 have
never seen light of day. <i><a href="http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1680260/Russian-sect-charged-over-child-abuse">Read
Story</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These articles show us that parents and adults are the
one’s who need fixing. These precious children have been betrayed and broken by
everyone and anyone they trusted. It seems anyone can have and own a baby—but to
purchase a house, car, or to take out any kind of loan, a mound of paperwork
and a background check is required first. Then, and only then, if you meet the
required qualifications, can you be trusted to pay back such a huge debt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tragically,
these children are paying their parents debts with their very lives!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What if, as adults, we made sure our lives were in order
and could pay the debt of being responsible parents before ever bringing a
child into the world? What if we, as responsible parents, checked the
backgrounds of those we entrusted to our children’s care and made them go
through a mound of paperwork before leaving our children with them? Imagine how
many kids would still be here today, unbroken, healthy, and thriving, planning
their futures!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">LET’S BREAK THE CYCLE OF CHILD ABUSE – GET THE
FIX YOU NEED TODAY…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Abuse Bites works to give kids, teens, and parents the fix
they need by offering awareness on abuse, bully, and violence safety,
prevention and healing methods for all victims, bystanders, and abusers/bullies
as well as family members. Our goal is to CHANGE HEARTS & SAVE LIVES! <a href="http://www.abusebites.com/"><i>More
Information on Abuse Bites Here.</i> </a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Written
by:</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Lisa Freeman,
Lifelong Abuse Survivor & Advocate for Child Abuse, CEO of Abuse Bites,
Healing Projects Specialist for Bully Police USA, Award-Winning Author &
Speaker from Michigan, Certified Pet Therapist & Dog Trainer <a href="http://abusebites.com/home/lisa_freeman_lifelong_abuse_survivor">More
About Lisa Freeman</a><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">More Stories/Links On Child Abuse:<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u>
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.dreamcatchersforabusedchildren.com/" target="_blank">DreamcatchersForAbusedChildren</a></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/high-gloss-and-sauce/2012/08/ear-piercing-for-babies-is-it-child-abuse/">Ear
piercing for babies: Is it child abuse?</a><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.indianexpress.com/news/exarmy-major-wife-get-10yr-jail-for-child-abuse/983988/">Ex-Army
major, wife get 10-yr jail for child abuse</a><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.imperfectparent.com/topics/2012/02/14/south-carolina-maggots-found-in-babys-diaper-say-cops/">South
Carolina: Maggots found in baby’s diaper say cops</a><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.imperfectparent.com/topics/2012/07/05/toddler-may-be-blind-after-mothers-felon-boyfriend-beat-him/">Toddler
may be blind after mother’s felon boyfriend beat him</a></span></u></div>
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<u style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/hayley-meachin/shafilea-ahmed-theres-no-honour-in-child_b_1736768.html?utm_hp_ref=uk">Parents Kill 17 Year Old Daughter There's No 'Honour' in Child Abuse</a></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u><u style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://newtown-pa.patch.com/articles/serious-charges-dropped-in-child-abuse-case">Serious Charges Dropped for Anger Management in Child Abuse Case</a></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.kjrh.com/dpp/bartlesvillelive/ochelata-man-charged-with-child-abuse-after-allegedly-hitting-12-year-old">Ochelata man charged with child abuse after allegedly hitting 12-year-old</a></span></u></div>
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<u style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2012/08/iesha_paris_darryl_hunter_child_abuse_son_shot_face.php">Iesha Paris and Darryl Hunter busted for child abuse after son shot in face</a></span></u></div>
<u style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.kjrh.com/dpp/news/local_news/tulsa-woman-arrested-for-child-abuse-after-toddler-hospitalized-wiht-skull-fracture">Tulsa woman arrested for child abuse after toddler hospitalized with skull fracture</a></span></u><br />
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Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-2431228901695542282012-08-18T17:20:00.000-04:002012-08-18T17:23:29.716-04:00Battered Men Speak Out!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We often hear about women being victims of domestic abuse
and assault, but rarely about battered men.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWvInKHKGwr0gskuqb6tnHuCl0GiDeVmMgExQUNUQLgiWXMOS1qLLM8aw2sM4iSKRoqK5USdO9AMN36uq6yz5amlgsAVBLDq8vBezYT_RApsPgpY2aPEzonrNR14kbFbWdgf0K9TzprU/s1600/sexual+abuse+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWvInKHKGwr0gskuqb6tnHuCl0GiDeVmMgExQUNUQLgiWXMOS1qLLM8aw2sM4iSKRoqK5USdO9AMN36uq6yz5amlgsAVBLDq8vBezYT_RApsPgpY2aPEzonrNR14kbFbWdgf0K9TzprU/s1600/sexual+abuse+5.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Just like women, men can be victims or targets of verbal,
physical, and even sexual abuse. Statistics say that 40% of domestic violence
victims are male and 2 in 5 domestic abuse victims are male. Men assaulted by
their partners are often ignored by police, watch their attacker go free, and
have less places of refuge to go. </span><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/sep/05/men-victims-domestic-violence"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">More
Info</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While there is a lot of help out there for women and
children, the intervention for men in these situations is scarce, if at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.livingwell.org.au/Default.aspx">Living
Well</a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
and </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/JustTell"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Just Tell</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> are
two great organizations that realize the desperate need to help both boys and men
who have suffered through sexual assaults in their lives. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Others like the
</span><a href="http://www.retfordtoday.co.uk/news/local-news/landmark-appointment-for-domestic-abuse-service-1-4819104"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">West Lindsey Domestic Abuse Service</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> have for the first time hired a
male board member, and now will offer domestic support for men too. Although
this is a change for the better, more change needs to come. Right now in most
places, women and children who are abused are the only ones who can get help
with shelter and food, while men are still left alone and out in the cold to
fend for themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Due to this
crisis, many men suffer in silence, afraid to speak up. Either due to
stereotypes put on them, or just because no one listens or wants to help. Being
abused can be humiliating and embarrassing for anyone, but especially for men. </span><a href="http://suite101.com/article/male-victims-of-domestic-violence-a54969#ixzz22W8ypksR"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Read Story</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpCjjBUtf1Fi-qCqcfga98uV5rzHJba98jI43FvrmFX_bxwUBx9xcgXoWdana9-idyZSSORIE1VnrUv_P7ISVCEY9dYC6a9KDus7gBrHwMXMumsSDVXDh5DO1HUJHIlrwXabXJP-iN_s/s1600/domestic+men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpCjjBUtf1Fi-qCqcfga98uV5rzHJba98jI43FvrmFX_bxwUBx9xcgXoWdana9-idyZSSORIE1VnrUv_P7ISVCEY9dYC6a9KDus7gBrHwMXMumsSDVXDh5DO1HUJHIlrwXabXJP-iN_s/s1600/domestic+men.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ian Burly, 46, who is nearly 6 feet tall and a mountain
of a man, compared to his partner Michelle Williamson just 5 feet. But the
abuse Burly suffered by Williamson, is incomprehensible. Over the course of a
year, Williamson scalded him with a steam iron, poured boiling water over his
genitals, thrust lit cigarettes up his nose and stubbed them into his chest,
and she smashed a gin bottle in his mouth — on top of numerous every day punches
and beatings she threw at him. Instead of reporting it, Burly felt ashamed and
embarrassed, so he hid it from everyone. </span><a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/woman/real_life/2411968/Ians-hell-as-male-victim-of-domestic-violence.html"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read
Story</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Royce Ali, 45, is a victim of domestic violence too. But
thankfully he reported the abuse. And his partner of four years, Andrea Madden,
29, was found guilty of “wounding with intent”, for stabbing him repeatedly,
and is now serving a seven year sentence. He says he was addressing an issue
with her about taking too many diet pills. A heated argument erupted. She grabbed
a 10 inch blade, and began cutting his arm and chest. “No one should put up
with domestic violence, man or woman,” Mr. Ali says. </span><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-19195433"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read
Story</span></a><b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I can’t agree with him more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Another incident involved Noreen Jessamine
Weetra, 35, a mother of seven, who, she claims, was choked by her husband. She
stated that in self-defense, she grabbed a knife, stabbed, and killed him.
However, according to an earlier report, she’s no innocent woman either, having
a past conviction of domestic violence herself which was suspended after only
serving five years. Obviously both she
and her husband needed help. </span><a href="http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/domestic-violence-killer-avoids-jail-again-20120808-23tt6.html"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Read Story</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDi3EzWw-SntANEKHjr_mKruQrKi6O_NQsqx_G5h6-1FoYqcuSXYGJyAGoXm8Ehegzvf-Jn8WjqVBGsZnP6J02sK3dzV5I2ZliNtE5qgbjHZLiRipResz8VpbE2i6kTN_aFnF_K4wgQ54/s1600/domestic+violence+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDi3EzWw-SntANEKHjr_mKruQrKi6O_NQsqx_G5h6-1FoYqcuSXYGJyAGoXm8Ehegzvf-Jn8WjqVBGsZnP6J02sK3dzV5I2ZliNtE5qgbjHZLiRipResz8VpbE2i6kTN_aFnF_K4wgQ54/s1600/domestic+violence+7.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kids are even
getting caught in the crossfire in domestic abuse. One daughter says her father
always called police about his ex-wife, </span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"She
constantly harassed us, with threatening phone calls. She threatened to burn
our house down, kill us, left messages on machines threatening my daddy, and trespassed
on the property at his job." </span><a href="http://www.wistv.com/global/story.asp?s=4927687&ClientType=Printable"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read Story</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Something
needs to be done and soon. Our legal system is lacking. If we aren’t able to
bring the help, healing, and aid that these victims need, we’ll see even more
abuse or worse!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.abusebites.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Abuse Bites is a non-profit organization</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> that works to raise awareness, educate, and bring safety,
prevention, and healing methods to victims, bystanders, and abusers. Our goal
is to offer </span><a href="http://abusebites.com/home/speaking_teaching_training#.UC_IOd2PV0g"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FREE HEALING WORKSHOPS</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.
</span><a href="http://abusebites.com/home/donations_sponsorship#.UC_D_t2PV0g"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Please support our cause today.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Written by:</b> Lisa Freeman, Founder
& CEO of Abuse Bites, Lifelong Abuse Survivor & Advocate, Award-Winning
Author & Speaker, Certified Pet Therapist & Dog Trainer<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b>More Info /Help On Men’s Domestic Violence <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.justtell.org/">Just Tell<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/help-for-battered-men"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Help
for Battered Men</span></a><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<a href="http://www.hiddenhurt.co.uk/male_victims_of_domestic_violence.html"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Male
Victims of Domestic Violence</span></a><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<a href="http://menscenter.org/issues-that-affect-men/domestic-violence/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Men’s
Resource Center of West Michigan</span></a><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://dahmw.org/">Domestic
Abuse Helpline for Men and Women</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/domestic-violence-against-men/MY00557" style="background-color: transparent;">Domestic
violence against men: Know the signs</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/mens_advice.php" style="background-color: white;">Help and support for male victims of
domestic violence </a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://bvinews.com/bvi/my-story-male-victim-of-domestic-violence-speaks-out/" style="background-color: transparent;">MY
STORY: Male victim of domestic violence speaks out</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2091837/Male-domestic-violence-victim-The-day-wife-beat-hated-haircut.html#ixzz22WEuQtOG" style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
day my wife beat me up because she hated my haircut</span></a></div>
Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-50053387929594575902012-08-18T09:02:00.000-04:002012-08-18T10:33:38.748-04:00Special Kids Have Special Hearts<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Changing Hearts & Saving Lives--</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In Loving
Memory of my precious son, Brian</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-BHN7pNd3fgILVwBJexQkLGhcVGBFGt0GxVnLaQXtg8CYjaBE3LHUElcdkm5MilFua_GjM7A15-MoL_8sLJ93xDBaUVN6dwJ-C2cOB8LqEe1xB9haOoHVH_jpySWN9mhAY7JAEIYg4A/s1600/4+children+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-BHN7pNd3fgILVwBJexQkLGhcVGBFGt0GxVnLaQXtg8CYjaBE3LHUElcdkm5MilFua_GjM7A15-MoL_8sLJ93xDBaUVN6dwJ-C2cOB8LqEe1xB9haOoHVH_jpySWN9mhAY7JAEIYg4A/s200/4+children+3.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Admittedly, having four children of varying disabilities wasn’t easy. Raising them turned out to be an even greater task. However, I wouldn’t have changed a single day of it for any other child in the world!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Robert, my eldest seemed perfect from the day he was
born. He ate well and slept even better. Twelve hours straight through the
night at three weeks old. Who knew parenting could be this easy! His motor skills
seemed fine; he grabbed things, rolled over, and even began crawling at around
8 months old. Developmentally, though he showed signs of struggle. Since he was
still only crawling at a year and a half old, I became concerned, wondering if
he’d ever walk. But by the age of two, and just the time our second child,
Melissa was born, he was walking fine.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRHj2S0hIQ9Yb_UGwNLicanxN8hQ9fgf4tlWiiQPRuXGbdptz2rFm7pkSRNv0U6WvXOMjPDTJRn2RqrfNUsnNWIB_J7C5bHkBeqisD2s0QW0ljBZqdm-vjo7yoft6rEyVH9MI02AfeMo/s1600/drinking2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRHj2S0hIQ9Yb_UGwNLicanxN8hQ9fgf4tlWiiQPRuXGbdptz2rFm7pkSRNv0U6WvXOMjPDTJRn2RqrfNUsnNWIB_J7C5bHkBeqisD2s0QW0ljBZqdm-vjo7yoft6rEyVH9MI02AfeMo/s200/drinking2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4WFAO4cJZOkxWIUO4JqJQFzg8qhyphenhyphennmIib4DlBh6qfocKCihPVu_kS63mSPvenymNHis3XCxPJPHwjHqv6pPM6vsIFFqyT2GMvYi6NQgWOxgVmyJ0qVwJGpK11CW_rIknJ0vUGSNr_2Y/s1600/melissa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4WFAO4cJZOkxWIUO4JqJQFzg8qhyphenhyphennmIib4DlBh6qfocKCihPVu_kS63mSPvenymNHis3XCxPJPHwjHqv6pPM6vsIFFqyT2GMvYi6NQgWOxgVmyJ0qVwJGpK11CW_rIknJ0vUGSNr_2Y/s200/melissa.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Melissa was a handful from the get-go! Obviously nothing
was wrong with her development. She was into literally everything and expected
me to catch her when she dove off the couch or jumped from the top of the
stairs. Tragically I didn’t always get there in time. And it didn’t matter how
many child safe gates I put in place, she could get past any barricade.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Soon after Melissa turned a year old, we had another beautiful baby boy, Brian. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Brian was way different than the other two. He cried a
lot, acted starving, but would fall asleep as soon as he began suckling at my
breast. There were other weird symptoms that left me unsettled too. He coughed,
sneezed, and breathed funny. I must have called the hospital every day, only to
be assured that everything he was doing was normal. Still my motherly intuition
would not be convinced.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally at three weeks old, I took him to see a
pediatrician. I’m so glad I did! We were only in the room mere minutes when she
detected his life threatening condition. “You need to take him up to ER right
away for blood tests and x-rays,” Dr. VanVloten said. “He has a hole in his
heart. It can be a small one, with an underlying infection making it sound
bigger. Or it could be a very large hole. I won’t know until these tests are
done.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So many disturbing thoughts raced through my mind as we
hurried to the hospital. I’d only heard of one other baby having a hole in
their heart and that child was given a baboons heart and didn’t live long.<i> Oh,
God please no! </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thankfully Brian didn’t have infection along with the huge
hole in his heart. His condition was life threatening enough on its own. He was
transferred to Ingham Medical Center in Lansing where they diagnosed him with
Tricuspid Atresia and Transposition of the Great Artery, which meant he only
had two chambers in his heart, with a single functioning ventricle, and that
the good blood and bad blood were mixing together and flooding his lungs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3p_PyB9RIU_S5slN9zmV8ZqhINazil1HQYFBSHGsIVMj-eH4mfUIEaJkKFkq3hrDuxHlGsZKe5AoB58vtDwWw94pAMQMO4Y96uoVcQVP8Se33TbeNp_-EC5MQF7WL-ClON0THwQA2jpI/s1600/Brian3+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3p_PyB9RIU_S5slN9zmV8ZqhINazil1HQYFBSHGsIVMj-eH4mfUIEaJkKFkq3hrDuxHlGsZKe5AoB58vtDwWw94pAMQMO4Y96uoVcQVP8Se33TbeNp_-EC5MQF7WL-ClON0THwQA2jpI/s1600/Brian3+003.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In his first two months of life, he had two surgeries,
one open heart to put a banding in pulmonary artery to restrict blood flow in
the lungs, and the second to enlarge the aorta so that moderate blood flow
could reach his lower extremities. Even then, doctors weren’t sure if Brian
would live to see his first birthday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Life was just a little crazy! On top of Brian’s special
dietary needs and medical needs to keep him stable and thriving, we learned
Robert had A.D.D. and Melissa had dyslexia and severe emotional impairments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Three special needs children all under the age of three.
Honestly, it was a little stressing to say the least. But we got to watch from
the sidelines as each of our children climbed through each obstacle and hurdle
in their path to accomplish what teachers, nurses and doctors said they never
would.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rynPnpxKiVpvGA7XsP3fz8B85ypm-iwoXDFU6D7lX5282JkMjnIZOK9aKhubqsevKLTlaDSaUb5Y10tQvPI8ETegtJSxUpRV-IoWoJuJu3aiFmdPf-qxkADi50KAwnLVHN8_sBJmp2s/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rynPnpxKiVpvGA7XsP3fz8B85ypm-iwoXDFU6D7lX5282JkMjnIZOK9aKhubqsevKLTlaDSaUb5Y10tQvPI8ETegtJSxUpRV-IoWoJuJu3aiFmdPf-qxkADi50KAwnLVHN8_sBJmp2s/s1600/book.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Melissa couldn’t read, but she fooled us, because she
memorized all of her favorite books. So I didn’t know about her true dyslexic
issues until she was much older. And Robert was held back twice in first grade
because he couldn’t write all the letters of the alphabet. One teacher even
embarrassed him and called him dumb in front of the whole class. Back then
there wasn’t much done about bullying, so we dealt with it the best we could.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As time went on I had baby number four! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jeremiah came
into the world sweeter than pie. But after falling out of a cart at Walmart and
hitting his forehead on a curb stop, he had a severe head injury, and battled
extreme psychological conditions. At the age of three, he was brutally
attacking our older children. By the age of five he was getting kicked out of
school for hurting others. He was diagnosed with everything from A.D.H.D. and
O.C.D to O.D.D. and Bi-Polar. A psychiatrist evaluated him weekly and wrote
prescriptions to treat everything from bed wetting to mood swings and sleep
disorders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jeremiah was only getting worse, and he even chased our
kids through the house with a knife. We continued fasting, praying and doing
everything humanly possible to make him better. Finally when he was eight years
old, he was healed, after a couple came and spoke at our church and laid hands
on him for healing. Within days he was off all the medications and did
amazingly well. The principle even called to say what a difference he’d seen in
him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While we were taking Jeremiah for therapy, we learned
that Brian had Asperger’s Syndrome, which is a rare form of autism, something
that was hardly heard of twenty-four years ago when he was born. This made
Brian even more different. I loved that difference though. He was much more
aware of things I took for granted. His sense of touch, smell, and sound were
amplified. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I can remember taking Brian into Meijer’s with me when he
was about three or four (before we knew he had Asperger’s Syndrome) and he
spread his arms like an airplane and began touching all the clothes hanging up.
Then he suddenly stopped when he got to a very large pregnant woman and began
outlining her belly with his hands. Thankfully she smiled. Still a little embarrassed,
I apologized and tried to explain to Brian that he needed to be more careful
what he touched.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No matter how many warnings I gave him, Brian was his own
person. His sensory skills were over functioning. So he touched everything,
even our new flat top range when the burner was red hot. Thankfully he wasn’t
burned badly. He also loved to smell things, especially foods, and began
cooking thanks to his father’s culinary skills. He would make finger and hand
motions along with swishing sounds like airplanes whizzing through the air. His
ears were very sensitive and disliked loud noises. His eyes were drawn to every
dictionary, Bible, and Discovery Channel ever made. I was baffled by all the
knowledge he often shared.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdnZU9eDQFq47-Ikgu-HCR0dUNFhyphenhyphen81TRF6py74grFMdlmd4k6uUvBgEPyHRavDAHy5vbnpzWG3_TrOHex5M6QdIH7HdVA1SptYmnjpbVFEDSOVd9vHf3m62YUJP2t50vltfHRzoU9g0/s1600/abilities.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdnZU9eDQFq47-Ikgu-HCR0dUNFhyphenhyphen81TRF6py74grFMdlmd4k6uUvBgEPyHRavDAHy5vbnpzWG3_TrOHex5M6QdIH7HdVA1SptYmnjpbVFEDSOVd9vHf3m62YUJP2t50vltfHRzoU9g0/s1600/abilities.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yet, because my children were gifted with what I call amazing
special abilities, they were often sought out by others and made targets for
bullying or to be left out and not included. I somewhat understood the school
bullying, but when it even happened at church after church, I was disheartened.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sadly, my kids (nor I) had many friends growing up. Still
we had each other. I didn’t focus on what they couldn’t do, but always told
them they could do anything they set their minds to. The only limits we have
are the limits we put on ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Even though there were some major challenges, all four of
my children graduated from high school—even Brian—with honors! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXyGAFDitIeNG6jYMM0Jc1LG3pW1bq-bGgOr9b-MZcMEkJ-Bwv3oDH6ptAGNYgLghvnHThJZQm6yDCQa7oRFM1CPJy24BFCz92AoZBBb4mJ6lEgxQjQz8jFGGt8VwI6zkZPb154W85Js/s1600/Brian+Dad+Melissa+Diplomas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXyGAFDitIeNG6jYMM0Jc1LG3pW1bq-bGgOr9b-MZcMEkJ-Bwv3oDH6ptAGNYgLghvnHThJZQm6yDCQa7oRFM1CPJy24BFCz92AoZBBb4mJ6lEgxQjQz8jFGGt8VwI6zkZPb154W85Js/s320/Brian+Dad+Melissa+Diplomas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Brian amazed me the most. When he was bullied severely in
school I was so upset and wanted to let them have it. But Brian had a change of
heart, and instead of taking revenge on his bullies, he loved and forgave them.
He wanted the bullying to stop, and to help victims, bystanders, and even
bullies to change. He knew they could change with the right help, and realized
very young, that bullying is simply a behavior, not who a person is. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Brian was on the heart transplant list for five years,
yet he wanted to travel with our Abuse Bites Program and go all over the USA to
take this healing message of hope to others. He often said, “Mom, you can’t go
without me. Besides, the doctors aren’t going to give me a heart anyway, God is,
and I want to help others.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqODrIKtjTRwJAbdWgCi5O0fbFD6jnyj1nhfdArXO92oXmByCpd2Wde457TaDzdHNIgm6_1dG6Ua76my3d5maTsyDWPDDLHj1B7jTMm0XiOFnAmpXsOnON6xaGtG7kQ5BB729TyULCU8/s1600/CHANGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqODrIKtjTRwJAbdWgCi5O0fbFD6jnyj1nhfdArXO92oXmByCpd2Wde457TaDzdHNIgm6_1dG6Ua76my3d5maTsyDWPDDLHj1B7jTMm0XiOFnAmpXsOnON6xaGtG7kQ5BB729TyULCU8/s320/CHANGE.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Just as we were getting ready to go on this mission,
Brian passed away. Soon after we found a change jar he’d been saving. It was
then that we knew we were to collect change, so we could go all over like Brian
wanted, to <a href="http://abusebites.com/home/in_loving_memory#.UC-Rhd2PV0g" target="_blank">change hearts and save lives. </a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Having a child, like Brian, literally changed my heart
and saved my life. I am so much different and better because of him (and all of
my children). Looking through his eyes, I’m able to be totally loving,
accepting and understanding of every single person out there, even the
seemingly unlovable ones, those we often refer to as “bullies”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Written
by:</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lisa
Freeman, Founder & CEO of Abuse Bites (a non-profit organization to stop
abuse, bullying and violence), Lifelong Abuse Survivor & Advocate, Healing
Projects Specialist for Bully Police USA, Award-Winning Author & Speaker,
Certified Pet Therapist & Dog Trainer<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Website:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><a href="http://www.abusebites.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">http://www.abusebites.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> / <i>We offer healing workshops to stop abuse,
bullying and violence—bringing CHANGE to all in memory of Brian</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Abuse
Bites Facebook Page:</span></b> <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/abusebites?ref=digest_email">https://www.facebook.com/abusebites</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lisa
Freeman’s Facebook Page:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lisa.a.freeman"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/lisa.a.freeman</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-90270005495118977482012-08-16T14:15:00.000-04:002012-08-16T14:51:30.692-04:00Hands Off! to Sexual Abuse<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLXOfMZi1feLjrbSHiWHF4YJXDBtXm8D6DPYPn2w3teQir8GlPvkU0Gd_ShUnzdfX-cGwRlclETkux1281z4jXXE2fHz5HBri0tz8nLGhsroEn4zQdFbN3CdCwj7o7uSG7pQ-JZ3rE7c/s1600/sexual+abuse+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLXOfMZi1feLjrbSHiWHF4YJXDBtXm8D6DPYPn2w3teQir8GlPvkU0Gd_ShUnzdfX-cGwRlclETkux1281z4jXXE2fHz5HBri0tz8nLGhsroEn4zQdFbN3CdCwj7o7uSG7pQ-JZ3rE7c/s1600/sexual+abuse+4.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As a child, teen, and even adult, I cannot count the
times I was sexually violated. Touched, felt up, felt down, forced up, forced
down and made to touch others. Gross! It turns my stomach to think about it. My
abusers, like most sexual abuse victims, were those I (or my family) put our complete trust in; neighbors, friends, and even relatives. </span><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(RAIN statistics say that 70% of sexual abuse is by someone the
victim knew)!</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Kk60AIHQ-OFfI2sxJyzBno4usL3u3QLDaWFYediRiAE0o4KA1zx_w453GXqVwQkQ6yFsW2KxsdZfI3UqN82Fmp-pSz3DgGXm6PNbRXYXU8RKtsOoOg5X7vwKmn3fKICB5Ef_5uVOn6g/s1600/sexabuse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Kk60AIHQ-OFfI2sxJyzBno4usL3u3QLDaWFYediRiAE0o4KA1zx_w453GXqVwQkQ6yFsW2KxsdZfI3UqN82Fmp-pSz3DgGXm6PNbRXYXU8RKtsOoOg5X7vwKmn3fKICB5Ef_5uVOn6g/s1600/sexabuse.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">By the age of two I was completely bald. I had pulled all
my long blonde hair out, strand by strand. Even worse, I hit my head on our
hardwood floors for hours. I rocked so hard in our family rocking chair that I
broke it. However, nights were the worst. Every night I had severe nightmares <i>(now I realize they were night terrors)</i>,
that had me gasping for air and so afraid I couldn’t go back to sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">So why didn’t I just report the abuse and get it over
with?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xSWZS0-WTvflfjraMYZFkVWCqKSv3Nrc3hlXl5LdCfHmdcJTV5NR2CwGp3PEc2qgkcr2tpoT5fEI2OFCYFbivuSQztxv0IwTSXNxNqgj_ZGYFWxkEAbuGA9SdfftBBDlnGZZaR5-Y18/s1600/sexual+abuse+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xSWZS0-WTvflfjraMYZFkVWCqKSv3Nrc3hlXl5LdCfHmdcJTV5NR2CwGp3PEc2qgkcr2tpoT5fEI2OFCYFbivuSQztxv0IwTSXNxNqgj_ZGYFWxkEAbuGA9SdfftBBDlnGZZaR5-Y18/s1600/sexual+abuse+5.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Like most victims of sexual abuse, I was threatened by my
abusers not to tell, and I was afraid if I did tell, no one would believe me,
or I’d be the one in trouble. Besides, I was ashamed. I felt dirty, disgusting
and nasty. There was no soap or hot water in the world that could clean all
that filth up. I was totally embarrassed by what had been done to me. I hated
myself and I knew others must too. I knew I must deserve the abuse, though. So
I learned not to fight, to stay still until it was over, all the while
pretending I was in a safe, good place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">My safe, good place never came until the age of 26.
Reality hit me like a hammer over the head when my husband of seven years
turned his dreaded porn addiction onto our three small children and sexually
assaulted them. That’s when I chose to stop the cycle of abuse and make a
better life for me and my children. Yes, it was hard, being a single mother of
three, battling horrible panic attacks, and trying to overcome Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder. But I refused to be a victim—I made up my mind to be a
survivor. It took a lot of time, but I have healed, and am still healing, and
have a passion to help others become survivors too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Sadly, stories of sexual abuse today are only getting
worse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Infants, children and teens are physically, verbally, and
sexually abused by their own parents or friends of the family every day. The
most horrific part is, these people are the ones we’ve taught our children to
trust. Sex offenders are lurking around in every aspect of society. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Just read the <b>stories
that are making headlines today</b>! <i>(News
Stories just in: </i></span><a href="http://www.cleburnetimesreview.com/local/x1962237731/Child-sex-abuse-case-among-the-worst-seen"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Among Worst Sex Child Abuse Case</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span></i><a href="http://kfor.com/2012/08/10/45619/"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Man Accused of Sexually Abusing Infant/Toddler</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span></i><a href="http://niagara-gazette.com/local/x585464247/Sex-abuse-charges-leveled-at-NT-abductor"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">5 Year Old Girl Abused</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span></i><a href="http://www.newsandsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/563992/Day-sentenced-for-sexual-assault.html?nav=5061"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Teen Sexually Assaulted</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">)</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Coaches
are sexually abusing their athletes.</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> (News Stories on coaches: </span><a href="http://www.thebiglead.com/index.php/2012/07/31/usa-swimming-accused-of-sexual-abuse-coverup-comparable-to-penn-state/"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Swimming Coach</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><a href="http://www.wcnc.com/news/crime/More-sex-abuse-victims-speak-out-in-Charlotte--nationwide-after-Sandusky-convictions--164215096.html"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Football Coach from Penn State</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/olympics/harrison_wins_first_olympic_gold_lMDeVqYkt1eIm7p0UgeuGO"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Judo Coach</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">)</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b>Daycare workers are sexually abusing
children entrusted to their care.</b> (</span><a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/08/more-victims-ages-3-to-5-come-forward-alleged-daycare-sex-abuse.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lanowblog+%28L.A.+Now%29"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read Story</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">)</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b>Two different babysitters are even being
charged in unrelated deaths of two children.</b> (</span><a href="http://www.floridatoday.com/article/A9/20120806/NEWS01/308060015/Alleged-Brevard-child-abuse-deaths-similar?odyssey=nav|head&gcheck=1&nclick_check=1"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read Story</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">).</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Pastors,
priests, and those in religious authority are sexually abusing those under
their provision. </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">(News
Stories on pastors: </span><a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865560351/Charges-Sandy-man-abused-mother-and-daughter-bit-son-in-sexual-assault.html"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">LDS Pastor</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><a href="http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/crime/youth-pastor-accused-of-sexual-abuse"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Youth Pastor</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><a href="http://www.smh.com.au/national/calls-multiply-for-inquiry-into-handling-of-sex-abuse-20120731-23d4p.html"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Priest</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">)</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b>Boy Scout Leaders are sexually abusing
those in their troops. </b>(</span><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/boy-scouts-perversion-files-stop-sex-offenders-preying-kids-article-1.1129444"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Boy Scout Perversion Files</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">)</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b>Teachers are
sexually assaulting students.</b> (News
Stories on teachers: </span><a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/54626105-78/fields-police-george-court.html.csp"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Worker for Troubled Youth</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><a href="http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/teacher-arrested-for-sexually-abusing-13yearold-girl/1032357.html"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Teacher</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><a href="http://www.wokv.com/news/news/local/teacher-accused-sexual-abuse-officially-terminated/nQC88/"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Teacher Terminated</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">) <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Movie
Stars are taking advantage of their co-star children on set.</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> (</span><a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/aussie-arrested-in-london-over-sex-assaults/story-fndo317g-1226446986905"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One Dad on set--Hey Dad! Star Robert Hughes </span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">) </span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Truck
Drivers are now taking minors across state lines so they can sexually abuse
them.</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> (</span><a href="http://www.wkbw.com/news/Truck-Driver-Convicted-Of-Sexually-Abusing-Minors-165723306.html"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read Story</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">)</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b>Police officers are even taking advantage
of their position and using sexual abuse tactics on innocent victims.</b> (</span><a href="http://www.northcountrygazette.org/2012/07/31/dare_abuse/"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">EX-Dare Officer</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><a href="http://sundaygazettemail.com/News/201208100081"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Former Sheriff’s Deputy
& Prosecutor</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">) <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Scary world out there isn’t it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQI9C9u80cz0pdPclFMuJszCKev4ytnj3QcSZjRoUqyEhCH-aEzwyhZzukQTvL4LHjp1A_iGjb3gUDmSa0DHolUOBTv1qR7RgQPV5C_7YxJR7Bdmf4vOSENXGN5mZ8kNKPyGcjM1ao_Ps/s1600/sexual+abuse+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQI9C9u80cz0pdPclFMuJszCKev4ytnj3QcSZjRoUqyEhCH-aEzwyhZzukQTvL4LHjp1A_iGjb3gUDmSa0DHolUOBTv1qR7RgQPV5C_7YxJR7Bdmf4vOSENXGN5mZ8kNKPyGcjM1ao_Ps/s1600/sexual+abuse+3.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Even scarier, many of these perpetrators told their child victims they loved them<i>, </i></span><a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/olympics/harrison_wins_first_olympic_gold_lMDeVqYkt1eIm7p0UgeuGO"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">including the coach of Gold Medalist Olympic Winner, Kayla Harrison</span></i></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">.
Some of these young victims even agreed to the terms of the sexual conduct,
confused at the time, and thinking it was okay. However, sex with a child or a
teen under the age of 18 is never consensual, it's more like statutory rape. <i>(</i></span><a href="http://www.gastongazette.com/sports/gastonia-74061-gets-proactive.html"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read Story</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">) <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Some mothers, like Laney Wyble, are trying to protect
their young children from sexual abuse by their own fathers, and not much is
being done. <i>(</i></span><a href="http://www.dailyworld.com/article/20120805/NEWS01/208050320?gcheck=1&nclick_check=1"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read Story</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">)</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We
need to do more before it’s too late. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">One soccer club is doing something to ensure the safety
of athletes and children in the future. They have put into place a Code of
Conduct for Coaches. Some of the rules state that mentors/coaches should not be
in dressing rooms, cars, etc. with an individual player, no inappropriate
touch, get parental permission before taking photos of players, use open door
policy and have another adult present when counseling players, no social
networking with players, no gifts or cards to individual players, and report
all abuse to proper authorities. <i>(</i></span><a href="http://www.gastongazette.com/sports/gastonia-74061-gets-proactive.html"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read Story</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">)</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Those are all great tips for sure. Still, sexual abuse is
everywhere. It’s even rearing its ugly head online too. With everything from<i> </i></span><a href="http://www.ottawasun.com/2012/07/30/child-porn-sex-assault-charges-laid-in-historical-abuse-case"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">pedophiles and pornography</span></i></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> now sexual harassment is
showing up virtual video games too. New systems have the capability to chat, so
people are being bashed, especially those who are LBGT, but even worse when
they learn the player is a woman, she suddenly becomes a sexual target. <i>(Article: </i></span><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/carolpinchefsky/2012/08/03/sexual-harassment-in-videogames-how-to-fix-the-problem/"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How to Fix the Problem of Sexual Harrassment Online</span></i></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Most of my life I lived in shame and blame for the horrific abuse I suffered. Today I'm free! That is why I founded </span><a href="http://www.abusebites.com/"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">AbuseBites.com</span></i></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">.
It’s a hands-on </span><a href="http://abusebites.com/home/about#.UC0tfd2PV0g"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">non-profit organization designed to break those feelings of guilt and shame and stop abuse, bullying and violence in
all realms</span></i></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">. We work with others to raise awareness,
educate, provide safety and prevention methods, and offer complete healing to
victims, bystanders, and even those who abuse. We write blogs, </span><a href="http://abusebites.com/home/lisas_book#.UC0tq92PV0g"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">books</span></i></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">,
host motivational healing </span><a href="http://abusebites.com/home/speaking_teaching_training#.UC0twt2PV0g"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">workshops</span></i></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">, do </span><a href="http://abusebites.com/home/dogs_training_testing"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">pet therapy</span></i></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">,
and <i>play </i></span><a href="http://abusebites.com/home/school_workshops"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">interactive games with
children and teens</span></i></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> while teaching an invaluable message “hands
off” about standing up for yourself and others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Please </span><a href="http://abusebites.com/contact#.UC0uWd2PV0g"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">contact us today</span></i></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">,
we’d love to help you </span><a href="http://abusebites.com/home#.UC0uiN2PV0g"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">stop sexual abuse, bullying and violence in your community</span></i></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Written by:</span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
Lisa Freeman, Sex Abuse Survivor & Advocate, Founder & CEO of </span></i><a href="http://www.abusebites.com/"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">AbuseBites.com</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">, Healing Projects Specialist for </span></i><a href="http://www.bullypolice.org/"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bully Police USA</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">, Bully Advocate for </span></i><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.dreamcatchersforabusedchildren.com/">Dreamcatchers for
Abused Children</a></span></i><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Other
Help, Hotlines, and Links to Stop Sexual Abuse:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">For help dealing with sexual violence, call the </span><a href="http://www.safeconnections.org/GetInfo/LocalandOnlineResources.aspx"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #0044aa; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Safe Connections Crisis
Helpline</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"> at 314-531-2003.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">For children, call the Child Abuse Hotline at 800-392-3738.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">If you’ve been the victim of a sexual assault, call the Crime
Victim Advocacy Center at 314-652-3623.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/JustTell">JUST TELL on FACEBOOK</a> <u><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20120805/OPINION10/308050005/Most-sex-abuse-criminals-heterosexual?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Opinion|s&gcheck=1&nclick_check=1">Most Sex Abuse Criminals Are
Heterosexuals</a></span></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/09/4710738/young-rower-finds-strength-after.html">Young rower finds strength after sexual
assault</a></span></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/08/4706488/suspect-in-child-sex-case-is-former.html">Suspect in child sex case is former NV
BLM chief</a></span></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/cherokee/lawsuit-child-sexually-battered-1494430.html">Lawsuit: Child sexually battered by
church member</a></span></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20120731/ARTICLES/120739929">Support group created to help victims of
sexual abuse</a></span></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.toledoblade.com/Courts/2012/08/08/Man-gets-year-in-prison-for-sexual-abuse-of-woman-s-corpse.html">Man gets year in prison for sexual abuse
of woman's corpse</a></span></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.valleycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=786420#.UCwrkMVQqPE">Brownsville sexual abuse suspect
'feared' he would do it again</a></span></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/time-ask-romney-about-lds-history-sex">Time to ask Romney about LDS history of
sex abuse cover-ups</a></span></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/54673513-78/tenorio-jury-woman-count.html.csp">Jury convicts phony
Utah marriage counselor on sex abuse count</a></span></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://arnold.patch.com/articles/experts-answer-questions-on-sexual-assault-after-teacher-rape-incident-02b1d8bd">Experts
Answer Questions on Sexual Assault after Teacher Rape Incident</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://nhregister.com/articles/2012/08/09/news/milford/doc5023f4a18643f295203003.txt">Restitution fund created for girls sexually abused by Peace
Corps volunteer</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/nfl-cheerleader-sarah-jones-denies-female-sandusky/story?id=16892271#.UCLnXflyovk">Former NFL
Cheerleader Sarah Jones Denies She Is the 'Female Sandusky'</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/mind-sight-american-kayla-harrison-wins-gold-beats-210000151--oly.html">Mind Sight: American Kayla Harrison Wins Gold and Beats
Sexual Abuse</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20120808/NEWS06/120808038/female-inmates-class-action-lawsuit-sexual-assault?odyssey=nav|head">Abused female inmates must pay restitution before
receiving settlement</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/beaverton/index.ssf/2012/08/americas_most_wanted_spotlight.html"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">'America's
Most Wanted' spotlights man wanted in strangling, sexual assault of a Beaverton
woman</span></b></a></span>Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-50205038021372853932012-08-15T12:06:00.000-04:002012-08-15T12:20:20.738-04:00Surviving Domestic Violence--I Survived, You Can Too!<br />
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<a href="http://abusebites.blogspot.com/2012/08/surviving-domestic-violence-i-survived.html" style="color: #a5a7a9; outline: none !important;">Surviving Domestic Violence--I Survived, You Can Too!</a></h3>
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<img alt="domestic_violence_3.jpg" class="left" src="http://abusebites.com/media/AA/AZ/abusebites-com/images/10643653/domestic_violence_3.jpg" style="border: 0px; display: block; float: left; height: 165px; margin: 0.4em 10px 0.4em 0px; width: 220px;" />Domestic violence is running rampant all over the world. Right here in the USA alone, tragic stories bloody the headlines every day. Many people ask why a woman would stay with a man who beats her? People often believe the myth that a woman who is beaten must like it or she’d leave. <a href="http://www.strengthenoursisters.org/battering_myths_facts.html" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Read More</a></div>
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I was one of those women. Fear was the biggest reason I didn’t leave. That, along with the fact that he promised he would get help and change. He cried with real tears in his eyes. I believed him. But the alcohol he drank, made him even meaner. Anytime he drank, I’d end up black and blue. And so the cycle of domestic violence continued, until he almost killed me, and I barely escaped with my life. <a href="http://abusebites.com/home/lisa_freeman_lifelong_abuse_survivor" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Read My Story</a></div>
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Sadly, things haven’t changed much. The FBI released a report saying that every 9 seconds a woman is physically abused by her husband. The report also states that women today stay with their abusers because of feelings of guilt, insecurity, fear for their children’s safety, as well as emotional and financial dependence. <a href="http://borderzine.com/2012/08/fear-of-deportation-stops-women-from-reporting-domestic-violence/" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Read Article</a></div>
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<img alt="DoSomething.jpg" class="left" src="http://abusebites.com/media/AA/AZ/abusebites-com/images/10643663/DoSomething.jpg" style="border: 0px; display: block; float: left; height: 165px; margin: 0.4em 10px 0.4em 0px; width: 220px;" />The cycle of abuse will continue until you make the decision to stop it. Leaving, in most cases, is the only way out. After Singing Star, Rhianna, was attacked by Chris Brown in 2009, Oprah dedicated a one hour program to domestic violence. During the show, Rhianna’s message was, “If you go back with a man who hits you, it’s because you don’t think you’re worthy of being with a man who won’t. I’ve said it before, ‘Love doesn’t hurt, and if a man hits you once, he will hit you again.’” <a href="http://bossip.com/623031/ridin-around-and-gettin-it-rihanna-and-oprah-take-barbados-by-storm/" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Read Article</a></div>
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This is so true of the abuse cycle. But how can women trust a judicial system that has failed countless women? Joe Biden wrote the Violence Against Women Act in 1994, which did some great things; helped prosecute abusers, gave aid to women for housing, and enabled a hot line for them to call in emergencies. However, Biden knows they must offer more and laws must get firmer when dealing with perpetrators. Or women like Sarah Rosio, a 24 year old Wisconsin woman, who was fatally stabbed because she couldn’t get a protection order, will continue to lose their lives. <a href="http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20120804/OPINION05/308040006/Joe-Biden-We-should-lay-aside-differences-protect-women?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7Cfrontpage%7Cp&nclick_check=1" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Read Article</a></div>
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<img alt="domestic_violence.jpg" class="left" src="http://abusebites.com/media/AA/AZ/abusebites-com/images/10643673/domestic_violence.jpg" style="border: 0px; display: block; float: left; height: 164px; margin: 0.4em 10px 0.4em 0px; width: 220px;" />Another case I read about, involves a young woman who was strangled to death in 2010. And the Wisconsin man who killed her, unbelievably was only placed on probation. In 2011 after this same man committed another violent act, they finally put him in prison. <a href="http://gazettextra.com/news/2012/aug/08/man-sentenced-2010-domestic-abuse/" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Read Article</a></div>
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What about the World Championship Boxer, Floyd Mayweather Jr., who stalked and threatened his ex-girlfriend and kids? He only got a six months sentence, but was released after just two months so he could continue his fighting career! Some people get a slap on their hand, because of their position or status, basically telling them it’s okay to do it again.<a href="http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-08-03/sports/sns-rt-us-usa-boxing-mayweatherbre8721i9-20120803_1_sentence-for-domestic-violence-josie-harris-puerto-rico-s-miguel-cotto" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Read Article</a></div>
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Then we hear about former Queen of the Stone Age bassist, Nick Oliveri. Although he had seven felony counts against him, including drugs and domestic violence, he made a deal with prosecutors, dropping six felonies and a 15-year prison sentence to basically community service. <a href="http://www.nme.com/news/queens-of-the-stone-age/65322" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Read Article </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120809/NEWS/120809845/-1/NEWS10" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">A Wareham Official is being charged with domestic assault</a> after punching a woman several times in the face and dragging her by the hair. <a href="file:///C:/Users/Abuse%20Bites/Documents/ATTENTION/Especially%20when%20police%20officers%20are%20abusers%20themselves%3f" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Cops are even involved in domestic violence</a> cases. No one is exempt. It happens in homes all around the country, at a rising rate every day.</div>
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Then we see things like supposed “mercy” killings. An Ohio man shot and killed his wife, who he claims was suffering in the hospital critical care unit. <a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/08/05/2246961/ohio-man-shoots-wife-of-45-years.html#storylink=cpy" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Read Article</a></div>
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Sadly, history keeps repeating over and over again.</div>
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A furious state attorney recently was angered that a prosecuting attorney let Melvin Perkins, a domestic assault perpetrator, slip through the system without being charged. Now two years later, this same man who had abused several women, is back in court, this time for stabbing his ex-girlfriend to death. <a href="http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/Campaign-2012-Weber-Says-Bruscato-Dropped-Ball-in-Domestic-Violence-Case-165218546.html?ref=546" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Read Article</a></div>
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<img alt="domestic_abuse_2.jpg" class="left" src="http://abusebites.com/media/AA/AZ/abusebites-com/images/10643693/domestic_abuse_2.jpg" style="border: 0px; display: block; float: left; height: 220px; margin: 0.4em 10px 0.4em 0px; width: 169px;" />Children are even involved many times, and caught right in the middle of a terrible domestic war. One woman, holding her infant, was beaten and pushed down a flight of stairs. (<a href="http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/former-racine-man-pleads-in-domestic-abuse-case/article_b2043738-ddbe-11e1-be6b-0019bb2963f4.html?comment_form=true" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Read Article</a>) When kids are involved, they often repeat the violence they grew up in. One teen is spending 12 years in prison for a horrific act of domestic violence against a young woman.<a href="http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/2012/August/04/Knox_sen-04Aug12.html" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Read Article</a></div>
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Kids in violent homes usually abuse or make a vow to stop the abuse. A 14 year old Michigan boy is being called a hero, after wrestling a gun out of his drunken father’s hands, to protect his mother from being shot. Statistics tell us that most young boys and teens who murder, kill the man that has been abusing their mother. No child or teen should have to be faced with such a tragedy. <a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2012/08/jackson_man_enters_wifes_apart.html" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Read Article</a></div>
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Yet, as indicated previously, most kids, like their parents, are afraid to seek help. Although many victims of domestic violence will never contact a police officer or other victim help agency, the number one place they will turn is to their health care provider. Due to increased stress and tension in the home, many women are battling physical conditions like asthma, high blood pressure, and heart disease. <a href="http://kmaland.com/02144_Domestic_violence_screenings_boosted_044529.asp" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Read Article</a></div>
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<img alt="domestic_stats.jpg" class="center" src="http://abusebites.com/media/AA/AZ/abusebites-com/images/10643703/large/domestic_stats.jpg" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: 197px; margin: 0.4em auto; width: 256px;" />Even though this article featured the loopholes in the system, there is still a great deal of help available for those who need it. <a href="http://abusebites.com/home/speaking_teaching_training#.UCuryN2PV0g" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Our Abuse Bites program</a> offers educational workshops to help victims of abuse cross over to becoming survivors. I was a victim once myself, but now I’m a survivor. I’m remarried, (just celebrated my 19<sup>th</sup> Anniversary) I’m happy, healthy and have three beautiful, amazing grown kids, and three awesome dogs that we use for pet therapy. <a href="http://abusebites.com/contact#.UCurat2PV0g" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">More Info</a></div>
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I’ve also listed several resources and related articles below to help women and children get the information they need to get safe and start a new life—abuse free!</div>
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National Domestic Violence Hotline<br style="line-height: 9px;" />(800) 799-7233</div>
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<a href="http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/what-causes-domestic-violence/" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">What Causes Domestic Violence?</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.strengthenoursisters.org/understanding_abuse_cycle.html" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Understanding the Cycle of Battering</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://groundviews.org/2012/08/08/the-domestic-violence-act-seven-years-on/&ct=ga&cad=CAcQAhgAIAAoATAGOAZAos-JgQVIAVAAWABiBWVuLVVT&cd=GI6B4zVVRXs&usg=AFQjCNGq3pVajDqx08YBVychiI9H2o80yg" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">The <strong>Domestic Violence</strong> Act: Seven Years On</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://chippewa.com/news/local/domestic-abuse-charge-follows-familiar-pattern/article_6d368f22-de89-11e1-b5f4-0019bb2963f4.html&ct=ga&cad=CAcQAhgAIAAoATAEOARApYn_gAVIAVAAWABiBWVuLVVT&cd=-vHte7QYYts&usg=AFQjCNGr4I0V4GmaJWtlsKF8Zv1gGuPPIQ" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;"><strong>Domestic abuse</strong> charge follows familiar pattern</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://mauinow.com/2012/08/06/stacey-moniz-ending-domestic-violence-on-maui/&ct=ga&cad=CAcQAhgAIAAoATABOAFAnKyEgQVIAVAAWABiBWVuLVVT&cd=5GvxT-8cCks&usg=AFQjCNGTpjRNZM1YTO5lzLbZdH5D_retzg" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Stacey Moniz: Ending <strong>Domestic Violence</strong> on Maui</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://psychcentral.com/news/2012/08/02/accusing-your-partner-of-infidelity-trigger-for-domestic-abuse/42555.html&ct=ga&cad=CAcQAhgAIAAoATAEOARAoqDvgAVIAVAAWABiBWVuLVVT&cd=QVbZz-tcoGk&usg=AFQjCNECmMkGMtgSJZa2H3-QDIVuoQ1IbQ" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Accusing Your Partner of Infidelity Trigger for <strong>Domestic Abuse</strong></a></div>
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ADVOCATE: <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://social.razoo.com/2012/08/spotlight-regina%25E2%2580%2599s-fight-to-stop-domestic-violence/&ct=ga&cad=CAcQAhgAIAEoATAKOABAoriZgQVIAVgAYgVlbi1VUw&cd=kGmXLLjQVcg&usg=AFQjCNFaAiv9pUvxrxKS-a3X_EoD4KYVEA" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Spotlight: Regina's Fight to Stop <strong>Domestic Violence</strong></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/content/action_center/detail/754?gclid=CIGfksytzLECFYcMKgodmCEAPg" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Get the Facts: The Facts on Domestic, Dating and Sexual Violence</a></div>
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SURVIVOR: <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://news.verizonwireless.com/news/2012/08/blogher-hopeline-domestic-violence-survivor.html&ct=ga&cad=CAcQAhgAIAEoATALOAFAoriZgQVIAVgAYgVlbi1VUw&cd=kGmXLLjQVcg&usg=AFQjCNFr9ayLAdtdq7n7RI8PVFF0mzbSGg" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;"><strong>Domestic Violence</strong> Survivor Shares Inspirational Story</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/battling-effects-domestic-violence-rural-alaska-communities&ct=ga&cad=CAcQAhgAIAAoATAIOAhAos-JgQVIAVAAWABiBWVuLVVT&cd=GI6B4zVVRXs&usg=AFQjCNEwV51bvWB5Ns51ra4Kzs1x3XUcNA" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Battling the effects of <strong>domestic violence</strong> in rural Alaska communities</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.disinfo.com/2012/08/new-research-focuses-on-treatment-for-perpetrators-of-domestic-violence-not-victims/&ct=ga&cad=CAcQAhgAIAIoATALOAFAqsP0gAVIAVgAYgVlbi1VUw&cd=YUPKgGV2h-U&usg=AFQjCNGNY4YZLe6b4h8SJoSCO5h8OC4a5g" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">New Research Focuses On Treatment for Perpetrators of <strong>Domestic Violence</strong> <strong>...</strong></a></div>
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Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1346406442061373345.post-78582658922618708732012-08-14T20:15:00.000-04:002012-08-15T12:23:11.619-04:00How To Stop The Cyber Bully: On Twitter, Facebook, & Cellphone<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9L5LJhJZJE1JuIbVAw6fJQXnuyVGlinhgWwrol5QLhQdVx9qdwXAZFd7dwxi3YATeGU2IBvfue7wtXnBXebRgoCN5cCkK4LhCsXM4ylRKf6nahXnMJwvmfekNfiiFLqmjFcGxDjcnCm0/s1600/online+bullying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9L5LJhJZJE1JuIbVAw6fJQXnuyVGlinhgWwrol5QLhQdVx9qdwXAZFd7dwxi3YATeGU2IBvfue7wtXnBXebRgoCN5cCkK4LhCsXM4ylRKf6nahXnMJwvmfekNfiiFLqmjFcGxDjcnCm0/s1600/online+bullying.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 13px;">Isolation, fear, and depression can drive kids, teens, and even adults to a serious low, which can cause them to commit suicide. As I’m sure most of us are aware being a victim or target of cyberbullying can also cause that tragic downward spiral. From fake Facebook pages and bad words to hate pages and death threats, cyberbullying continues to be a 24-7 battlefield for targets and victims.</span></div>
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Although a recent article would like to tell us differently, and basically states that <a href="http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1112670993/bullying-more-frequent-than-cyberbullying-080712/" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">cyberbullying isn’t as bad as traditional or school bullying</a>, a recent survey on Twitter proves both are equally as dangerous. About 15,000 bully-related tweets are posted every day. This means that 100,000 nasty messages taint the digital world each week. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/02/bullying-on-twitter_n_1732952.html" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;"><em>Read More</em></a></div>
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One users twitter account was recently shut down by police for such abuse.</div>
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These days with the use of cell phones, not only are nasty messages appearing more frequently, but also damaging photos. Kids and teens don’t always think of the consequences before sending a photo of themselves to others. Even though they may only intend for one person to see their photo, with digital imaging today and one click of a send button, the whole universe can view something that may have been intended to be very personal and private. The posting of nude or sexy images is referred to as sexting. This is cyberbullying at its worst! <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/204_bullying-moves-from-online-to-text-messaging-study-shows_10360004.bc" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;"><em>Article On Cell Phone Sexting</em></a></div>
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A recent survey interviewed both victims and bullies of cyberbullying and found some alarming facts from each. <a href="http://www.sciencecodex.com/cyberbullying_1_in_2_victims_suffer_from_the_distribution_of_embarrassing_photos_and_videos-95512" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;"><em>Read Article</em></a></div>
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Not surprising that another report from Ontario, Canada found that girls are more likely to be bullied than boys. The survey found that 29% of girls reported being victims of cyberbullying, compared with just 15% of boys. They also discovered that 31% of girls were more likely to report being victims at school, than 26% boys. <a href="http://www.thespec.com/news/ontario/article/767084--girls-more-likely-to-be-bullied-in-school-and-online-report" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;"><em>Read Article</em></a></div>
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Older men often prey on young girls and innocent victims. Recently, a <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2187295/Olympics-worker-arrested-online-child-abuse-charges-200-paedophiles-tracked-Twitter-just-hours.html?ito=feeds-newsxml" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">49 year-old man, who worked for the 2012 Olympics was arrested</a> after investigators found he had 200 Twitter accounts all linked to pedophiles<em>.</em> Online predators and internet pornography is huge today.<a href="http://abusebites.com/home/cyber_bullying#.UCqf2T2PV0g" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;"><em>Read More</em></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuW-hPavfE_kvfseOevU6QAv0nGGAOhwYn_EGBEcgZJBjvZuvxCBRZl6xQz34ZJ6aueidPbkMCuVO_i5t6X056WEmRXGVkWkOQAMutJPFAKV0dgTBVxfELxNT8MWon0FedIjRLjSJTf8/s1600/cyber+bullying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuW-hPavfE_kvfseOevU6QAv0nGGAOhwYn_EGBEcgZJBjvZuvxCBRZl6xQz34ZJ6aueidPbkMCuVO_i5t6X056WEmRXGVkWkOQAMutJPFAKV0dgTBVxfELxNT8MWon0FedIjRLjSJTf8/s1600/cyber+bullying.jpg" /></a>With new <a href="http://www.chron.com/business/article/Cuomo-signs-new-law-against-cyberbullying-3693905.php" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">cyber bullying laws being passed</a>, schools are finally beginning to see that they need to do more. One school in Tucson, Arizona is educating students on appropriate online behavior. The new effort is required under the federal “Protecting Children in the 21<sup>st</sup> Century Act”—school districts must update their policies to include instructions for students. Schools must also have anti-bullying training and workshops. <a href="http://azstarnet.com/news/local/education/precollegiate/schools-take-aim-at-online-bullying/article_3c775650-b45e-523d-91f7-df5d09a3def4.html" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;"><em>Read Article</em></a></div>
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<a href="http://abusebites.com/home#.UCqJxT2PV0g" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Abuse Bites offers educational healing workshops on every form of abuse and bullying, that bring about the CHANGE</a> that is so desperately need in schools, workplaces, and entire communities. <em><a href="http://abusebites.com/home/speaking_teaching_training#.UCrm-92PV0g" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Read More</a></em></div>
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Edgewave, a company out of California, believes it has the solution to help schools monitor student’s online activity. The program <a href="http://cyberbullying.edgewave.com/social_media_edu.asp?oc=1451" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Iprism Social Media Security</a> allows schools to seamlessly monitor and control user interactions with social networking applications such as Facebook and Twitter. It also gives educators visibility into student interactions with these sites. <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/48302135#.UBCqa_lyovk" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;"><em>Read Article</em></a></div>
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Parents can get on board too and protect their kids with other new innovative programs. uKnowKids has just released their back to school cyberbullying infographic which includes the rising statistics of cyberbullying from the 2011-2012 school year. Their surveys found that 97% of middle schoolers have been bullied online, but only 10% reported it to a parent.</div>
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If you have a child(ren) who is(are) being bullied/cyberbullied or you’re concerned that they could be a target or a bully, here are some inside tips from uKnowKids:</div>
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<li><strong><em>Set a Good Example:</em></strong>Kids learn from you and will mirror what you do.</li>
<li><strong><em>Talk Before It Happens:</em></strong>Have a chat with them about cyberbullying and what to do.</li>
<li><strong><em>When You See It, Address It:</em></strong>Whatever bullying there is, intervene and address it</li>
<li><strong><em>Talk About Your Rules:</em></strong>Let them know what happens if they cyberbully/ or bully others.</li>
<li><strong><em>Use a Parental Intelligence System:</em></strong>So you can view all their online activity.</li>
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<strong><em>Written by:</em></strong><em>Lisa Freeman, Lifelong Abuse Survivor & Advocate, Founder & CEO of AbuseBites.com, Healing Projects Specialist with Bully Police USA</em></div>
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<strong>Other Informative Articles:</strong></div>
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<a href="http://news.discovery.com/tech/software-detects-deters-cyberbullying-120711.html" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Software Detects & Deters Cyberbullying</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DKmyob4TatFo&ct=ga&cad=CAEQAhgAIAAoATAGOAZAtqKggQVIAVAAWABiBWVuLVVT&cd=z91Gy_0aSm4&usg=AFQjCNGIXigzDmMIvj11nx-DhGk6UXrozw" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Why You Should Care: Internet <strong>Bullying</strong> (E16)</a><u> *Video* need help with speakers</u></div>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.wmbfnews.com/story/19150790/school-bullies-take-to-the-web-in-loris&ct=ga&cad=CAEQARgAIAAoATABOAFA447dgAVIAVAAWABiBWVuLVVT&cd=_fvapgDkC9M&usg=AFQjCNGXSMb0ZZCN859WyjDhbyEc1Y3VqQ" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">School <strong>bullies</strong> take to the web in Loris</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2012/07/18/6446209.htm" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">AT&T, Verizon and WebSafety Inc. Offer Cyber Protection</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/Cyber-Bullies-163476496.html" style="color: #5a778f; outline: none !important;">Cyber Security: Bullies On The Web</a></div>
Lisa Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17987736563050330386noreply@blogger.com0