Transitioning Times

We would be remiss if Transitions didn't include some mention of Representative Todd Akin's comments in our blog.  In case you have not heard, Rep. Akin (R-Mo.), while being interviewed on KTVI-TV, was asked if he supports abortion in cases of rape.  His response included the following statements:  “It seems to be, first of all, from what I understand from doctors, it’s really rare. If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut the whole thing down.” Herein sparks the outrage. There have been many articles and statements  about the comments, what they mean, what consequences there may be for both Rep. Akin and the Republican Party, as well as general outcry about the words he chose and what he's saying.  We wish to add our voice to all the other voices who are loudly saying that this is unacceptable.  We stand with President Obama and other organizations saying that rape is rape.  There is no q...

Did you know that if you are the victim of a crime in Pennsylvania there is a program that may pay for your medical bills? It is called the Victim's Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP).   Eligibility Requirements include: Clients must be a victim of a crime that happened in Pennsylvania or a PA resident who was injured or killed in a foreign country that does not have a compensation program. They must report the crime to authorities (law enforcement, hospital personnel, courthouse filing) or file a PFA within three days of the crime, as well as cooperate with these authorities and the Victim's Compensation Assistance Program. The claim must be filed within 2 years of the crime.  The client filing must not have been involved in any illegal activity that may have caused the crime to occur.  Clients must also have an out of pocket expense of at least $100, unless they are older than 60 years old. VCAP may be able to help reimburse victims of crime for medical bil...

This is Lavena Johnson; she was raped and murdered while serving with the United States Army in Iraq. Many of the posts on this blog have centered on sexual assault within the military.   It is not because assaults are suddenly happening more often, or more severely.   Sexual assaults have been occurring in the military for a long time.   The military has recently been in the news due to a Department of Defense  report and subsequent hearings on the topic in Congress.   Another reason military sexual assault is in the news is the allegations against superior officers at Lackland Air Force Base. Representatives in the House have met with victims of military assault and are working toward the passage of the STOP (Sexual Assault Training Oversight and Prevention) Act.   Representative Jackie Speier, D-Calif, introduced this legislation, which would eliminate the chain of command from having the authority to investigate sexual assault allegations ...

Transitions is pleased to welcome our new Education Outreach Specialist, Sara. Sara was raised and currently reside in Milton.    She recently graduated Suma Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, with a Bachelors degree in Sociology and a minor in psychology and counseling psychology.   While at Pitt, she interned at Geisinger as a Research Assistant and at Mckean County Children and Youth Services.   Throughout her time at Pitt, she has worked as a tutor and got the chance to help other students.   Sara loves working with children and cannot wait to begin working with children in the local area schools.   She is very excited to be a part of Transitions! Welcome, Sara!

I am sad to report that one of our sister agencies, Your Safe Haven , serving Bedford County , had to close the doors to its shelter this month.  Your Safe Haven was the only domestic violence organization providing shelter for Bedford County.  When cuts in funding are made at the state level, it greatly affects local organizations, and local people.  Your Safe Haven, like us, serves a largely rural population.  Can you imagine having to travel to another county for a safe place to stay?  What about work?  What about childcare?  What about transportation?  What if the client has never lived outside of her hometown?  These are scary thoughts for someone who is already scared enough to call a domestic violence hotline.  Our hearts and thoughts go out to Your Safe Haven and Bedford County for their loss.  Please, contact your legislator to ask them not to cut domestic violence or sexual assault funding any further.  

In order to start a child support case , you need to go to your county’s Domestic Relations Office.  To qualify for child support, the parents may not live together and your county may require you to have a custody order.   To start a case, you will need: Your Social Security number Your child’s Social Security number Your child’s birth certificate Your address The name and address of your health insurance company (if applicable) Proof of your income (copies of pay stubs) A copy of your divorce agreement (if applicable) The other parent’s full name The other parent’s current address The other parent’s Social Security number The other parent’s birthday The name and address of his/her employer The date of your marriage and the date of your separation/divorce (if applicable) When filing, do not be afraid to ask questions, and make sure to tell the caseworker any relevant information, such as the existence of a Protection ...

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence recently published a tip sheet in the Spring 2012 edition of PA Academy of Family Physicans Magazine, available on their website on pages 20-21.  They have presented other information about TBI and DV, and continue to be a useful resource.  It estimates that 36% of domestic violence survivors sustain injuries to the head, neck, or face.  The most severeTBI symptoms include post-traumatic amnesia beyond one week, open head injuries, intracranial contusions, lacerations, hematomas, hemorrhages, and diffuse axonal injuries.