Transitioning Times

At a recent Keith Urban concert, a 17 year old was sexually assaulted.  This news alone has been far too common lately.  But, what I would like to highlight is the following from the article .   The attack only allegedly came to an end when a woman asked the victim if the act was consensual. “Do you want this?” the woman was heard saying. According to a police report,  the girl said , “no,” and then a witness “saw the female break free and run.” This is what everyone, ourselves included, is talking about when we preach bystander intervention.  It is this easy!  Simply asking this young woman "do you want this?" showed her that she didn't have to continue, and it allowed the sexual assault to end.  Four words.  That powerful. Lots of people in the media talk about what we can do to end sexual assault.  THIS.  This is what we can do.  Men or women, when you see a situation that seems out of control or odd, if you feel sa...

Voyeurism can be a dirty word, especially in light of the stalking victims that we at Transitions see.  However, I am referring to the voyeurism that happens when people allow themselves to be photographed, or when we see something in public that seems like it should occur in private--a fight, a spanking, a scolding, an insult. Time Magazine recently published a photo essay "Photographer as Witness: A Portrait of Domestic Violence."   I would strongly urge you to view this essay.  Its images are powerful, and it has raised some important questions.  Many people making comments have expressed disgust at the photographer for idly standing by while Maggie, the subject, is abused physically, verbally, and emotionally.  How would you respond?  How have you responded?  Have you ever seen something that maybe just didn't "sit right" with you?  Have you ever intervened?  Sometimes, when staff are in the community, we are as...