Shortly after 5:00pm Drew Peterson was arrested and charged for the alledged murder of his 3rd wife Kathleen Savio! This is a long time coming...
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Chris Brown and Rihanna
Unfortunately, we see exactly what happens to children who are in abusive homes. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, (NCADV) fifty percent (50%) of Children who witness domestic abuse in their home will abuse their spouse, girlfriend or fiancee when they themselves are adults. Not only will they abuse their significant others but their children also!
I think Chris Brown is doing the right thing by getting the help that he needs to better manage his anger. So many other offenders/abusers will not seek help because they simply believe that they do not have a problem. So what actually happens is that they go from relationship to relationship battering and abusing women and their children until they are caught, arrested and sentenced to prison.
An abusers image is only a concern when public perception of him begins to take a beating. Some abusers will continue their abusive patterns even if they know that others know. Domestic Abuse is about CONTROL, MANIPULATION AND POWER, over one's victim, their family and friends.
I hope that Chris Brown will seek the help he needs...I hope Rihanna also seeks the help she needs as well...
I think Chris Brown is doing the right thing by getting the help that he needs to better manage his anger. So many other offenders/abusers will not seek help because they simply believe that they do not have a problem. So what actually happens is that they go from relationship to relationship battering and abusing women and their children until they are caught, arrested and sentenced to prison.
An abusers image is only a concern when public perception of him begins to take a beating. Some abusers will continue their abusive patterns even if they know that others know. Domestic Abuse is about CONTROL, MANIPULATION AND POWER, over one's victim, their family and friends.
I hope that Chris Brown will seek the help he needs...I hope Rihanna also seeks the help she needs as well...
Monday, February 16, 2009
Dawn V. Martin Continues Her Fight...
Dawn V. Martin continues her fight to change stalking laws in the United States...
See television documentary (28 minutes long), on the Insider Exclusive website, with producer/host Steve Murphy, below.
http://insiderexclusive.com/martin.htm
(For clearest digital viewing, download Apple quicktime 7.6 version.)
A 10 minute version of the show has already been watched by thousands of viewers, on You-Tube. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxyzwRGYIgA&feature=channel_page
To post comments about the documentary and/or the case, go tohttp://alexisamoore.blogspot.com/2009/02/watch-tv-documentary-on-federal-case.html http://insiderexclusive.com/martin.htm
PRESS RELEASE: February 12, 2009
Law Offices of Dawn V. Martin, LLC e-mail: dvmartinlaw@yahoo.com
(202) 408-7040; (703) 642-0207 website: www.dvmartinlaw.com
TV Documentary on Federal Case Holding that a Woman can be Fired for being Stalked by a Stranger in her Workplace, or “Working while Female”
Washington, D.C. – Martin v. Howard University and Alice Gresham Bullock, U.S. Supreme Court No. 08-204. WATCH a new television documentary, featuring esteemed leaders such as Kim Gandy (President of NOW), renowned civil rights Professor Derrick Bell and a former Howard University Security Officer, Dr. Amos Sirleaf, who all strongly support former Howard Law School Professor, Dawn Martin in her efforts to protect stalking victims against employer retaliation. Insider Exclusive website, with producer/host Steve Murphy, at http://insiderexclusive.com/martin.htm (For clearest digital viewing, download Apple quicktime 7.6 version.) Ms. Martin has also been featured on Sky Radio as part of its series on “Salute to Women in Leadership,” noted in Time Magazine and numerous radio shows.
Martin is the first case to present the issue of "gender profiling" in the employment context -- or the "working while female" factor. The National Organization for Women (NOW) and the National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL), joined by additional women’s and victims’ advocacy groups, filed an Amicus Brief in this case, stressing the need to protect stalking victims from employer retaliation. Prof. Dawn Martin was stalked taught at Howard University Law School by a delusional, homeless, serial stalker of African-American female professors, Leonard Harrison. Harrison was searching for the physical embodiment of his "fantasy" wife -- a fictional female character in a book, written by the renowned civil rights Professor, Derrick Bell. Instead of following its own security procedures to ban Harrison from campus, Howard responded to Prof. Martin’s requests for protection by refusing to renew her teaching contract. She sued Howard, under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination and harassment, on the basis of sex/gender. Prof. Martin alleged that Howard permitted the stalker to harass her on the basis of her gender in her workplace. 78% of stalking victims are women. 54% of female murder victims reported their stalkers to the police before being killed by them. Prof. Martin further alleged that Howard retaliated against her by refusing to renew her teaching contract because she asked for protection from Harrison on campus.
In 1999, the federal district court set precedent in Martin, adopting the EEOC Regulation 29 CFR 1604.11(e), holding that an employer can be held liable for the sexual harassment of an employee, by a non-employee, if the employer knew or should have known of the harassment and failed to take reasonable steps to stop it. In 2006, after a trial, the jury agreed with Prof. Martin that Harrison’s harassment did create a “hostile work environment” for her and that that Howard did not take reasonable steps to end it; yet, the jury verdict was for Howard. With insufficient legal instruction from the Court, the confused jurors found that the harassment was not based on sex; Prof. Martin’s complaints were not therefore not “protected activity” under Title VII. The Supreme Court initially declined to review Martin, but nine days later, it decided Crawford v Nashville. Crawford clarified that “protected activity” under Title VII is a question of law for the Court, not a factual question for a jury. On February 9, 2009, therefore, Ms. Martin filed a motion to supplement her Petition for Rehearing, to include the law set by Crawford. Under Crawford, the jury should never have been required to decide this legal question. The Supreme Court has never addressed the issue of workplace stalking. The application of “gender profiling” to sexual harassment cases will also set precedent for racial, ethnic, religious groups in profiling harassment cases under Title VII and other EEO statutes. For more details and links to other cites discussing the case, see www.dvmartinlaw.com/MartinvHowardU.
Dawn V. Martin, Esquire
Law Offices of Dawn V. Martin, LLC
1725 I Street, N.W., Suite 300
Washington, D.C 20006
(202) 408-7040 D.C. phone
(703) 642-0207 home office(703) 642-0208 facsimileDVMARTINLAW@yahoo.comwww.dvmartinlaw.com Specializing in employment discrimination, civil rights and tort law"Working for Justice in the World"
See television documentary (28 minutes long), on the Insider Exclusive website, with producer/host Steve Murphy, below.
http://insiderexclusive.com/martin.htm
(For clearest digital viewing, download Apple quicktime 7.6 version.)
A 10 minute version of the show has already been watched by thousands of viewers, on You-Tube. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxyzwRGYIgA&feature=channel_page
To post comments about the documentary and/or the case, go tohttp://alexisamoore.blogspot.com/2009/02/watch-tv-documentary-on-federal-case.html http://insiderexclusive.com/martin.htm
PRESS RELEASE: February 12, 2009
Law Offices of Dawn V. Martin, LLC e-mail: dvmartinlaw@yahoo.com
(202) 408-7040; (703) 642-0207 website: www.dvmartinlaw.com
TV Documentary on Federal Case Holding that a Woman can be Fired for being Stalked by a Stranger in her Workplace, or “Working while Female”
Washington, D.C. – Martin v. Howard University and Alice Gresham Bullock, U.S. Supreme Court No. 08-204. WATCH a new television documentary, featuring esteemed leaders such as Kim Gandy (President of NOW), renowned civil rights Professor Derrick Bell and a former Howard University Security Officer, Dr. Amos Sirleaf, who all strongly support former Howard Law School Professor, Dawn Martin in her efforts to protect stalking victims against employer retaliation. Insider Exclusive website, with producer/host Steve Murphy, at http://insiderexclusive.com/martin.htm (For clearest digital viewing, download Apple quicktime 7.6 version.) Ms. Martin has also been featured on Sky Radio as part of its series on “Salute to Women in Leadership,” noted in Time Magazine and numerous radio shows.
Martin is the first case to present the issue of "gender profiling" in the employment context -- or the "working while female" factor. The National Organization for Women (NOW) and the National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL), joined by additional women’s and victims’ advocacy groups, filed an Amicus Brief in this case, stressing the need to protect stalking victims from employer retaliation. Prof. Dawn Martin was stalked taught at Howard University Law School by a delusional, homeless, serial stalker of African-American female professors, Leonard Harrison. Harrison was searching for the physical embodiment of his "fantasy" wife -- a fictional female character in a book, written by the renowned civil rights Professor, Derrick Bell. Instead of following its own security procedures to ban Harrison from campus, Howard responded to Prof. Martin’s requests for protection by refusing to renew her teaching contract. She sued Howard, under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination and harassment, on the basis of sex/gender. Prof. Martin alleged that Howard permitted the stalker to harass her on the basis of her gender in her workplace. 78% of stalking victims are women. 54% of female murder victims reported their stalkers to the police before being killed by them. Prof. Martin further alleged that Howard retaliated against her by refusing to renew her teaching contract because she asked for protection from Harrison on campus.
In 1999, the federal district court set precedent in Martin, adopting the EEOC Regulation 29 CFR 1604.11(e), holding that an employer can be held liable for the sexual harassment of an employee, by a non-employee, if the employer knew or should have known of the harassment and failed to take reasonable steps to stop it. In 2006, after a trial, the jury agreed with Prof. Martin that Harrison’s harassment did create a “hostile work environment” for her and that that Howard did not take reasonable steps to end it; yet, the jury verdict was for Howard. With insufficient legal instruction from the Court, the confused jurors found that the harassment was not based on sex; Prof. Martin’s complaints were not therefore not “protected activity” under Title VII. The Supreme Court initially declined to review Martin, but nine days later, it decided Crawford v Nashville. Crawford clarified that “protected activity” under Title VII is a question of law for the Court, not a factual question for a jury. On February 9, 2009, therefore, Ms. Martin filed a motion to supplement her Petition for Rehearing, to include the law set by Crawford. Under Crawford, the jury should never have been required to decide this legal question. The Supreme Court has never addressed the issue of workplace stalking. The application of “gender profiling” to sexual harassment cases will also set precedent for racial, ethnic, religious groups in profiling harassment cases under Title VII and other EEO statutes. For more details and links to other cites discussing the case, see www.dvmartinlaw.com/MartinvHowardU.
Dawn V. Martin, Esquire
Law Offices of Dawn V. Martin, LLC
1725 I Street, N.W., Suite 300
Washington, D.C 20006
(202) 408-7040 D.C. phone
(703) 642-0207 home office(703) 642-0208 facsimileDVMARTINLAW@yahoo.comwww.dvmartinlaw.com Specializing in employment discrimination, civil rights and tort law"Working for Justice in the World"
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
An Open Letter To: Advocates Against The Domestic Violence Database
Domestic Violence and Court Advocates:
I was a victim of domestic violence for 18 years. I was in and out of the Cook County Illinois Court Systems for years. I, just like victims everywhere, had to plead my cause in front of Judges who, for one reason or another, didn't want to be bothered. I had to make them listen. I didn't sit idly by and hope beyond hope that something or someone would may the judge see that I was the victim. That was my job. I had an overwhelming desire to be heard, to make my point, to show why I was the victim and why I needed the Order of Protection and not that my abuser/attacker needed to have one against me!!!! If you can't speak out in court, where can you speak out at? There are many advocates such as Alexis A. Moore and Heidi Markow and thousands like us, that victims can reach out to if they're being unfairly accused. We are astonished that we have not been contacted by one victim.
If I were you, I would encourage victims to have their paperwork, pictures, witnesses and all other available evidence at hand. When speaking with the police the victim should be encouraged to speak without the abuser being present and I would strongly encourage victims to have a witness who will be with them during police interviews, court appearances and during the process. This witness can be a victim advocate, family member friend, neighbor, pastor or any volunteer. The victims need support throughout the entire process and this can be accomplished in a multitude of ways.
What victims do not understand is the judge, doesn't owe them anything, doesn't know her and must remain impartial. So it would be to the victim’s advantage to ask for help/advocacy before stepping in front of a judge and to have practiced speaking about their case in a mock session before the hearing by phone or in person with an advocate. The victim needs to be clear and concise when speaking and more importantly get and keep her facts straight. The more help the better. We are here to help victims and to collaborate with you and all organizations across the nation; because we know that a united coalition of organizations is always better than one in the battle against domestic violence and stalking.
I am one victim trying to help a multitude of victims...The database is by far better than any brochure and/or any pamphlet regarding domestic violence that I've ever read or received.
In 2 years, I have only had 1 person email me to say that they were actually the victim. Her name was removed. I didn’t have to do this because its public record; however, it is not my goal or the focus of the database to victimize anyone. We are here to provide life saving information so that another person does not have to experience the hell that I have endured from abuse.
As I indicated above, the victims are only as strong and effective as their advocate/counsel. With that being said if you have knowledge of cases that involve victims of abuse and stalking being wrongfully accused please speak out and reach out for help.
There are thousands of advocates and agencies like The Weaker Vessel Inc. including: Alexis A. Moore, Heidi Markow, Susan Murphy-Milano, ACLU, Lewis and Clark Law Institute, DV Leap, Crime Victim Organization Network and others that will sign on in support of these victims. You must reach out so that they can garner the support that they need. This is essential to preventing the type of cases that you are describing. By collaborating with other agencies the victims like those that you describe will not fall through the cracks.
I urge you to reach out for help for these victims and collaborate with other advocates and agencies so that these victims will have the proper support and advocacy that they need and deserve.
We must unite and fight domestic violence and violence together in order to be successful!
United together we can make a difference!
Here is the link to crime victim organization network. Please join us in the pursuit of justice for all victims and in preventing crime across the nation and beyond.
Here are the details on CrimeVictimOrgNetwork:
Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CrimeVictimOrgNetwork
I was a victim of domestic violence for 18 years. I was in and out of the Cook County Illinois Court Systems for years. I, just like victims everywhere, had to plead my cause in front of Judges who, for one reason or another, didn't want to be bothered. I had to make them listen. I didn't sit idly by and hope beyond hope that something or someone would may the judge see that I was the victim. That was my job. I had an overwhelming desire to be heard, to make my point, to show why I was the victim and why I needed the Order of Protection and not that my abuser/attacker needed to have one against me!!!! If you can't speak out in court, where can you speak out at? There are many advocates such as Alexis A. Moore and Heidi Markow and thousands like us, that victims can reach out to if they're being unfairly accused. We are astonished that we have not been contacted by one victim.
If I were you, I would encourage victims to have their paperwork, pictures, witnesses and all other available evidence at hand. When speaking with the police the victim should be encouraged to speak without the abuser being present and I would strongly encourage victims to have a witness who will be with them during police interviews, court appearances and during the process. This witness can be a victim advocate, family member friend, neighbor, pastor or any volunteer. The victims need support throughout the entire process and this can be accomplished in a multitude of ways.
What victims do not understand is the judge, doesn't owe them anything, doesn't know her and must remain impartial. So it would be to the victim’s advantage to ask for help/advocacy before stepping in front of a judge and to have practiced speaking about their case in a mock session before the hearing by phone or in person with an advocate. The victim needs to be clear and concise when speaking and more importantly get and keep her facts straight. The more help the better. We are here to help victims and to collaborate with you and all organizations across the nation; because we know that a united coalition of organizations is always better than one in the battle against domestic violence and stalking.
I am one victim trying to help a multitude of victims...The database is by far better than any brochure and/or any pamphlet regarding domestic violence that I've ever read or received.
In 2 years, I have only had 1 person email me to say that they were actually the victim. Her name was removed. I didn’t have to do this because its public record; however, it is not my goal or the focus of the database to victimize anyone. We are here to provide life saving information so that another person does not have to experience the hell that I have endured from abuse.
As I indicated above, the victims are only as strong and effective as their advocate/counsel. With that being said if you have knowledge of cases that involve victims of abuse and stalking being wrongfully accused please speak out and reach out for help.
There are thousands of advocates and agencies like The Weaker Vessel Inc. including: Alexis A. Moore, Heidi Markow, Susan Murphy-Milano, ACLU, Lewis and Clark Law Institute, DV Leap, Crime Victim Organization Network and others that will sign on in support of these victims. You must reach out so that they can garner the support that they need. This is essential to preventing the type of cases that you are describing. By collaborating with other agencies the victims like those that you describe will not fall through the cracks.
I urge you to reach out for help for these victims and collaborate with other advocates and agencies so that these victims will have the proper support and advocacy that they need and deserve.
We must unite and fight domestic violence and violence together in order to be successful!
United together we can make a difference!
Here is the link to crime victim organization network. Please join us in the pursuit of justice for all victims and in preventing crime across the nation and beyond.
Here are the details on CrimeVictimOrgNetwork:
Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CrimeVictimOrgNetwork
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Un-Happy Holidays...
'Tis The Season...
Holidays and Special Events can be especially hard for victims. As you gear up for this Holiday Season and plan to have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, please consider that many women will be in a heightened state of panic. Many victims will experience more abuse and more aggressive types of abuse during major holidays. So as you sit down to enjoy your family and friends during this Holiday Season, remember those women and some men, your friends, daughters, sisters and co-workers and what they may be going through. Domestic Violence does not take a break, you can't pause it or in some cases, make it stop.
So while you're opening your gifts with much excitement, think about this...Do you know someone who is still in an abusive relationship, What Gift Did She/He Get?
Happy Holidays....
Holidays and Special Events can be especially hard for victims. As you gear up for this Holiday Season and plan to have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, please consider that many women will be in a heightened state of panic. Many victims will experience more abuse and more aggressive types of abuse during major holidays. So as you sit down to enjoy your family and friends during this Holiday Season, remember those women and some men, your friends, daughters, sisters and co-workers and what they may be going through. Domestic Violence does not take a break, you can't pause it or in some cases, make it stop.
So while you're opening your gifts with much excitement, think about this...Do you know someone who is still in an abusive relationship, What Gift Did She/He Get?
Happy Holidays....
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Profile Of An Abuser
I read an interesting newsletter/article that one woman wrote that really defined the characteristics of abusers well. Her family fell victim to domestic violence by her husband who she characterized as a "covert" abuser. She writes,
"They say one thing with their mouth and appear to be loving and kind, but their actions are controlling and conveying the message that you are stupid and worth nothing in their sight. They manipulate to get their way by getting people to feel sorry for them, making people feel guilty, etc."
"To get people to do this, he must manipulate their feelings and get them to believe that he has been unjustly wronged."
There are 2 types of abusive men.
If you are interested in know which kind of abusive person you are....or for victims of abuse...which one you were either married to or dated, please click on the link below.
http://www.latter-rain.net/articles/profile_of_abuser.html
I'm sure you'll agree, it's an interesting read...
"They say one thing with their mouth and appear to be loving and kind, but their actions are controlling and conveying the message that you are stupid and worth nothing in their sight. They manipulate to get their way by getting people to feel sorry for them, making people feel guilty, etc."
"To get people to do this, he must manipulate their feelings and get them to believe that he has been unjustly wronged."
There are 2 types of abusive men.
If you are interested in know which kind of abusive person you are....or for victims of abuse...which one you were either married to or dated, please click on the link below.
http://www.latter-rain.net/articles/profile_of_abuser.html
I'm sure you'll agree, it's an interesting read...
Friday, December 5, 2008
Update From the Executive Director, Myra Spearman
2008 has been a great year for the domestic violence database! We are working to fininsh collecting domestic violence data from over 52 counties in Indiana. The data from the 52 counties will be in the database before the years end. I have begun to request domestic violence data from Illinois.Just recently, I was on the cover of N'Digo Magazine in Chicago, Illinois! The Editor, Zondra Hughes, wrote, "Myra, You are a beautiful spirit and I have been trying to thank you for your contribution for two days, but the phones keep ringing about you! May you receive all the support you need to make this very needed service successful."
I was also interviewed by Jim Williams a CBS 2 Chicago News Reporter. He did a wonderful interview to let everyone know that we do exist and that we are expanding to include the entire United States!
I was also in the Newsletter Entitled, "After The Trama", written by Mildred Muhammad, Wife Of The DC Sniper. There are many more media interviews to follow!!! I am excited that everyone has such positive responses regarding the domestic violence database!
I've received so many emails of gratitude and appreciation from victims of abuse. The correspondence has been very positive and I continue to be inspired by the overwhelming support from victims of abuse, their families and the general public. A special thank you to the individuals inquiring with me wanting to volunteer, The Weaker Vessel, Inc. will continue to expand and need more volunteers to continue the expansion. The database has been receiving donations and this is very important because it will provide for the database to continue to grow and expand and facilitate much more efficient data entry of the conviction records and orders of protection. Please continue to send in your donations and ask others to do the same.
I have several upcoming speaking engagements scheduled for 2009 and will provide the information on the dates and times within my blog and web site. There have also been some changes and updates made to the web site because of the vast amount of emails received from victims and their family members who wish to contribute criminal conviction records to the database. The number of email requests to update the database has grown to hundreds of requests each week. The requests are from victims and their family members across the nation, requesting to include their specific abusers conviction records within the database. We now have added an additional feature to the database which allows either a past victim or someone working on behalf of the victim to publish their abusers information by following specific guidelines.. This is how it works:
1). Requests for additions to the database must include a Certified Copy of the Criminal Court Conviction Record/Proceeding
2). A money order or cashier's check in the amount of $12 made payable to The Weaker Vessel, Inc.
Once this information is verified, we will add their abusers name to the database...
I have several upcoming speaking engagements scheduled for 2009 and will provide the information on the dates and times within my blog and web site. There have also been some changes and updates made to the web site because of the vast amount of emails received from victims and their family members who wish to contribute criminal conviction records to the database. The number of email requests to update the database has grown to hundreds of requests each week. The requests are from victims and their family members across the nation, requesting to include their specific abusers conviction records within the database. We now have added an additional feature to the database which allows either a past victim or someone working on behalf of the victim to publish their abusers information by following specific guidelines.. This is how it works:
1). Requests for additions to the database must include a Certified Copy of the Criminal Court Conviction Record/Proceeding
2). A money order or cashier's check in the amount of $12 made payable to The Weaker Vessel, Inc.
Once this information is verified, we will add their abusers name to the database...
It's that easy!!!
We continue to reach out and hope to continue to grow and to collaborate with many other organizations that wish to help promote domestic violence awareness and prevention. Alexis A. Moore with Survivors In Action and also, Simone Travis-Tate of the organization; Vessel of Honor, Inc. are also helping to promote the database. We encourage non-profits, victim advocates, survivors and the public to get involved. One person can make a difference and help to prevent domestic violence. I was saddened by the unfortunate collaspse of "Nadgas Law" a California Domestic Violence Database Law initiative that did not pass through the Senate. A special work of thanks to Assemblywoman Fiona Ma of San Francisco, California for carrying this initiative and for making domestic violence prevention a priority within our nation.
We at The Weaker Vessel, Inc. will work hard to continue to expand and to include conviction records from all across the nation. The Vessel will continue to grow and to expand because prevention of domestic violence is and always will be a top priority because this life saving information must continue to be available to the public to help to save lives.
This is what I know:
Abusers come from all walks of life, their subtle cruelty and sometimes blatent acts will now be highlighted no matter what occupation or socioeconomic status they may have. Every convicted offender will no longer be able to hide their deviant conduct. Whether it be the attorney, teacher/school administrator or pastor that you respect or the law enforcement officier that works the best in your neighborhood all of those convicted of abuse will no longer be able to hide their brutal acts deep beneath the shadows. No convicted abuse is exempt from the database because domestic violence and abuse is not a "blue collar" crime!!! It can happen to anyone and by anyone.
We at The Weaker Vessel, Inc. will work hard to continue to expand and to include conviction records from all across the nation. The Vessel will continue to grow and to expand because prevention of domestic violence is and always will be a top priority because this life saving information must continue to be available to the public to help to save lives.
This is what I know:
Abusers come from all walks of life, their subtle cruelty and sometimes blatent acts will now be highlighted no matter what occupation or socioeconomic status they may have. Every convicted offender will no longer be able to hide their deviant conduct. Whether it be the attorney, teacher/school administrator or pastor that you respect or the law enforcement officier that works the best in your neighborhood all of those convicted of abuse will no longer be able to hide their brutal acts deep beneath the shadows. No convicted abuse is exempt from the database because domestic violence and abuse is not a "blue collar" crime!!! It can happen to anyone and by anyone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg)
