is not a good idea.
I looked at my home page video today and thought "Good Grief!" I am going to leave it up though. Good thing Duchess (my mom) doesn't do computers she would fly in from Ohio to shoot me.
I posted on Facebook about domestic abuse. Tough issue but I am going to be doing a speech for a minister who really wants to speak to that issue in the church. He says he knows it happens among his membership and is refusing to turn a blind eye.
I know this is a tough subject especially for those who have lived through it. I read a lot about it. I have adjudicated thousands of abuse cases. I've been on the board of a domestic violence center and woman's shelter. My most cherished award is The 2002 Humanitarian Award from an abuse center for things I was trying on the bench to help.
But it's never enough. I want to talk about survival and and coping. Any nuggets of wisdom out there?
Peace. . . let's try to create some.
Good morning Judge Lynn,
It's a tough issue but there can never be enough positive influential speakers to encourage those being abused to get out. It's really tough when children are victims.
Have a great day everyone!
As a thespian I occasionally fundraise for the Women's Resource Center of Bermuda utilizing the theatre as a means for getting a message out there. I've also hired theatre professionals from the U.S. to assist me in these ventures. I have helped to donate thousands of dollars towards these initiatives. And yet, I still have no words of wisdom to offer. It is a subject that leaves me, for lack of a better word, speechless, albeit passionate on the subject.
As an 8 year old child I watched my step-father beat up my mother when she caught him in bed in OUR HOUSE with another woman. I have uncles who have been physically abusive to their now ex-wives. I have stood-up-to strangers who have displayed abusive behaviours in public. Thankfully, I have never been subjected to this in my personal relationships.
So, I say all that to say this. Everybody can help in some small way – whether it be directly or indirectly.
In Bermuda, the busiest times for the Women's Resource Center and the Physical Abuse Center are during those special occasions that most of us take for granted such as Xmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day. For a lot of women the holidays are a time of fear and horror. It seems they bring out the worst in people — and a lot of times the keys to the liquor cabinet.
If you know of someone who needs help, research the organizations direct them to the proper resource. Or call the abuse center yourself for advice on how to deal with it. Call the Police if you know of or are witness to something horrible going on. Help the professional organizations that assist these people in crisis by supporting their fundraising initiatives. And realize that it is not only women that are being abused. Men and children are victims as well and unfortunately it is a vicious cycle.
Anyway, that was a lot for someone who had nothing to say!! I'm done. Make peace.
Denise
My name is MSG Sabrina Washington and I serve as the Installation Equal Opportunity Advisor for the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. We are a military installation and each month we celebrate the accomplishments of different ethnic
groups. March is Women's History Month and we celebrate and honor women who have made significant events in the American society. We typically host luncheons that include but is not limited to guest speakers and entertainment for the military and civilian community. It would be a great pleasure to have you come out and speak. Thank you for your time and paitence. Looking forward to hearing from you.
V/r
Sabrina Washington
Good Morning Judge Lynn.
When you say domestic violence I'm think you may mean spousal abuse…I'm not familiar with that situation directly but I grew up in domestic violence…bad things happened around me and to me by some of the grown ups in my family. The biggest lesson I learned was years later-about nine years ago…I work with an actress and I made this HUGE mistake that could have (but thank God didn't ) cost her a multi-million dollar deal. She explained to me why what I did was a mistake and told me not to worry that she will teach me all there is to know and just check with her first in the meanime. She then checked on ME the next day to make sure I was okay…ummm that floored me…I actually felt like crap because I WASN'T verbally or physically abused…what was most likely the biggest mistake I'd ever made in my life..and there was no punishment..just understanding, explaining why it was a mistake and how to avoid repeating it in the future. She said I was coming from a good place and did what I did out of love and how can she get mad at me for that…she said everyone makes mistakes. She kept her word and taught me the ins and outs of the business and I haven't repeated the mistake.
So my biggest lesson came from living an experience that taught me how healthy people deal with mistakes and each other…I NOW KNOW LOVE AND RESPECT ISN'T ABUSIVE IF IT'S GENUINE!
Don't know if this qualifies but thought I share just in case.
Happy Wednesday All!
Sabrina, Thank you so much for your request but I am booked months in advance for speaking engagements so they can fit around my tape schedule. I wish you all of the success in the world though on your event!
Hi All
I just watched another three episodes on lunch your Honor.
I wonder …. People are special , the things they say, and some of the things they believe, i think maybe they dont really believe what they say, but like you say they have been saying it to themselves for so long, they think its ok, and others will believe it too.
Well the congregation will be Blessed when you are done, and we hope that the individuals that are being affected will have the courage to take a stand when you are done speaking, Cause i know it's going to be powerful.
Hey judge! It seems like domestic abuse is more talked about now more than ever. I actually did a project for class about it last semester. You are the perfect person for the subject seeing how you handle abuse cases on the show.
Hello all, Hi Judge Lynn,
Though I have not experienced or suffered from domestic violence, I have seen the mental damage it can cause to both children and adults close to me.
Though they survived and are no longer in the situation I believe that the way some of the children and adults are behaving is do to the fact they never received any type of counseling.
Emphasis placed on the importance of receiving the appropriate help even after survival may help those who thought they were doing fine but are not aware of what's really going on inside that may be causing some behavioral or other problems.
Some people are ashamed to even acknowledge that DV had occured and may need to be convinced that help with coping is out there. But I don't really know what to tell you because like Donovan said you are "the perfect person" for the subject.
Sorry if this sounds rushed: Hurring to take exam
Denise its cool to hear that you stand up for people in public..I've done it and have had friends say I'm putting myself in danger..but so far nothing bad has happened in return.
I worry about people when I see facial brusing. Usually occurs in the store…I always say something.."I know this is none of my business all I want to know is are you safe now. There are local places that will keep you safe if you need a place to go." So far all have promised me they are safe..and all have always said thank you for caring enough to ask. But I'm sure the day will come when someone tells me to mind my own fing business….I think just knowing someone cares may help a little. I can't just leave and not ask..in my head they could leave and be killed and if I had said something maybe it could have been prevented…so I always have to ask.
Judge Lynn your 4am video is cute…you keep it real and that's what makes you so special!