Transitioning Times

The end of 2016 brought tragedy to the Susquehanna Valley.  PA State Trooper Landon Weaver was shot and killed when responding to a PFA violation .  Shortly before that, two police officers were shot and one was killed responding to domestic disturbance in Pittsburgh . Too many times, law enforcement deaths are related to responding to domestic violence calls.  In a study of U.S. law enforcement line of duty deaths by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 20% of the 132 officers killed responding to dispatcher calls or investigating unusual activity were killed relating to domestic disturbance calls.  We already know that domestic violence is potentially fatal.  Of all homicides with femalevictims, 45% were committed by intimate partners .  At Transitions, we are trying to do what we can to prevent homicides related to domestic violence by implementing the Lethality AssessmentProgram in our area.   But we, as a so...

Do you really know what human trafficking is in the U.S.?  Do you know what it looks like? Do you know who the people are that sexually exploit victims and why they do this? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you need to attend the Human Trafficking Symposium being hosted by the North Central Human Trafficking Response Team Faith Committee, where these and other questions will be answered.  The symposium, Open Your Eyes: Reasons, Responsibilities, and Responses to Combat Child Sexual Exploitation Symposium for the Faith Community, will be held at two locations: Faith Wesleyan Church, 1033 Tucker Street, Williamsport, on January 27 th , and at Christ Wesleyan Church, 363 Stamm Road, Milton, on January 28 th .  This symposium will bring awareness and education to our churches, our communities, provide information regarding physical and social indicators, list the effects of complex trauma for human trafficking victims, and inform those in attendance of t...

Human trafficking is a problem that we cannot and must not ignore. The U.S. Senate’s Subcommittee on Investigations recently reported on the serious problem of online sex trafficking with a focus on Backpage.com, the leading online marketplace for commercial sex.  This worldwide website is valued at more than a half-billion dollars.  These earnings should not be surprising given that human trafficking is the second largest criminal enterprise in the world, second only to the trafficking of illegal drugs.  Once a dealer sells their drugs, more must be manufactured before additional profit can be made. A person can be trafficked over and over with little downtime, making it an attractive investment for unscrupulous people. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 73% of all child trafficking reports received from the public note connections to Backpage.com.  Backpage never denied that the site has been used for criminal activity, in...

 Transitions of PA is pleased to announce a very special video contest!  In this dating violence video contest, high school students attending schools in Northumberland, Snyder, or Union Counties can create a brief video focused on dating violence for their chance to win cash prizes. Entering the contest is easy… from now until February 14 th , 2017 students can create a 30-60 second video focusing on dating violence, this should include what a healthy relationship is, the signs of abuse and how to get help.  Participants should upload their videos to YouTube and send their links to heather_s@transitionsofpa.org . (There is an underscore _ between heather and s). When submissions are in, a team of staff members at Transitions will choose up to five finalists.  These videos will then be placed on Transitions’ Facebook page for the public to decide the winner by the number of “likes” each video receives.  Your team will be notified if your video is ...

When we think about safety planning, we think about victims of domestic violence packing a bag, putting money aside, and grabbing important documents. But, have you thought about safety planning for a first date? Have you ever felt uncomfortable because of the person with whom you are on the date? A new campaign in Florida aims to help women who believe they are not safe when out at a bar. Ordering an "angel shot" at these bars is a way of letting a bartender know that you need help or you are uncomfortable.  If you ask the bartender for an "angel shot," it means you would like to be escorted to your car or taxi.  If you ask for an "angel shot" with ice, the bartender will call a taxi for you.  If you ask the bartender for an "angel shot" with lime, it lets the bartender know you would like them to call the police for you. In England, they are using a similar campaign for the same purpose.  If someone feels uncomfortable at the bar, they ask...

Everyone has celebrated the New Year. Now, here comes the New Year's resolutions. Have you made yours yet? Well, I have. Now, I know I’m not going to lose 30-50 lbs, but I want to change my eating and exercise habits so that I can be healthier. I know I have to stay active and committed to fulfill my goals. A lot of people say that making resolutions won't work. Usually, that's because we set unreasonable expectations of ourselves.  If we set realistic goals, we will be able to succeed.  First, decide what you want. Then, hold yourself accountable for doing (or not doing) the things it takes to accomplish your goal. If you stick with it for two weeks, it becomes a lot easier as it has become part of your daily routine. So tell your family, friends, and co-workers what you are planning to do, get started, stay committed, and let’s start the New Year off right. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Written by: D. Santa