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Tag: domestic violence

  • Tech Resources to Empower Those Dealing With Domestic Violence

    Tech Resources to Empower Those Dealing With Domestic Violence

    243 million women and girls typically experience intimate partner violence in a single year, but the U.S. has seen a growing number of domestic violence cases since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, calls to helplines increased as much as five times amid the pandemic. 

    Domestic violence has spiked throughout the U.S. For example, Portland, Oregon saw a 22% increase in domestic violence arrests while domestic violence calls increased by 27% in Jefferson County, Alabama since 2020. More people have also downloaded spyware as at least 7% of Americans report having been the victim of cyberstalking. However, of those arrested for misdemeanor stalking, only 24% were convicted while 76% were not.

    For marginalized groups, rates of abuse have increased by 50% or more. These same groups were also affected in other ways by the pandemic, including higher likelihood of infection and higher unemployment.  

    What exactly caused the rise in abuse? Increased stressors such as concerns about security and health, unemployment and financial worries, and cramped living conditions amid lockdown are some of the contributing factors. Others include increased opportunities for isolation at home with abusers, restricted movement due to lockdown, and deserted public spaces. Fewer safeguards like less interactions between mandated reporters and families, inconsistent reporting procedures amid the pandemic, and the shift to telemedicine reducing access to safe screening have also led to the uptick in abuse. 

    Typically only 34% of people injured by an intimate partner receive medical care while 66% receive no medical care for their injuries. What’s more, nearly half of domestic violence incidents go unreported. Why exactly is domestic violence not being reported? 

    One of the big reasons is social pressure; many victims feel too embarrassed to report. People can feel pressured by family or friends to remain silent or live in smaller communities that lack privacy. Others might even fear they won’t be believed by others. 

    Knowing the Signs of Abuse

    Another reason for domestic violence going unreported is the psychological effects of abuse, which can also make it harder to leave. A “make-up” period strengthens the relationship, making victims believe the abuse will end. Abuse can also isolate victims from friends and family. Prolonged abuse can even reduce people’s confidence and self esteem.

    Strong dependence on the partner can also make it harder to leave an abusive relationship, especially if the other person provides financial support to pay bills and necessities. The loss of immigration status or deportation can definitely motivate someone to endure the abuse as well as the possibility of losing custody of their children. 

    Abusers sometimes use pets to control victims. 71% of women in domestic violence shelters had their abuser threaten, injure, or kill a pet as a means of control. Nearly half of victims actually stay in abusive situations rather than leave their pet. 52% of survivors in shelters had to leave their pet with their abuser while 25% of victims returned to their abuser because of their pets.

    How to Stop Domestic Violence

    Fortunately, there are ways you can help stop domestic violence. One is to learn how to spot early warning signs as domestic violence often doesn’t happen immediately. These could be jealousy arising from time spent with friends or away from your partner, threatening violence against you or the ones you love, and intentionally damaging your property among other signs. 

    In most cases of domestic violence, a friend or family member is aware of the abuse. 19% of people know a friend or family member who has been the victim of domestic violence while 17% know someone who has subjected another person to some form of domestic violence. If you suspect someone to be in immediate danger, call the police. It is also a good idea to make sure to document every incident of domestic violence you witness. 

    If someone confides in you for help, listen without judgment, ask how you can help, and check in regularly with the person. If someone you know is thinking about leaving, keep your phone with you and have gas in your car as well as establish a meeting place or escape plan in advance. You can also support local organizations by helping to raise awareness in your community, making donations to local shelters and organizations, and refusing to support content that glorifies violence. 

    In Conclusion

    It is important to know your local services as someone experiencing violence may not be able to research shelters and services. As fewer than one in 10 people who are victims of violence actually contact a victim service provider for support, you can provide aid by finding organizations, local hotlines, and shelters that are ready to help.

    Domestic Violence: How You Can Help

  • St. Louis Woman Stabs Brother For Criticizing Nicki Minaj, Sentenced To Seven Years Jail Time

    A woman who stabbed her brother to death after he allegedly criticized “Anaconda” hit maker Nicki Minaj is facing seven years imprisonment after her sentence was read on Monday.

    The accused, Angela Hallmon, now 55, reportedly stabbed her brother, Edward Hallmon on December 21, 2013 at their home in the 5300 block of Northland Avenue after a heated discussion over Nicki Minaj. Both Angela and Edward were drunk at the time of the incident, and Edward apparently made remarks about Minaj, which angered the suspect.

    What Edward said about Nicki Minaj that provoked Angela remains unclear. She stabbed her brother in the chest with a knife, putting him in grave condition.

    Police records stated that Angela hid the weapon, and onlookers claimed she had cleaned up her brother’s blood from the crime scene. The woman was immediately arrested at the scene.

    She was initially charged with first-degree domestic assault, evidence tampering, and two counts of armed criminal action afterwards. However, prosecutors in July 2015 upgraded the charges to second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and two counts of evidence tampering after her brother, who had been in a state of coma since the incident, died on March 8. And because the amount of time between the stabbing and his death is less than 18 months, his death was counted as a homicide.

    On Monday, the avid fan of Nicki Minaj pleaded guilty to a “reduced charge of involuntary manslaughter, armed criminal action, and evidence tampering as part of a plea agreement,” according to stltoday.com.

    “Based on the defendant’s lack of criminal history and the facts of the case, the state and defense believe this is an appropriate disposition,” Assistant Circuit Attorney Angie E. Danis reportedly indicated in the said plea agreement.

  • Bristol Palin Shares News of Death in the Family

    Bristol Palin, who recently shared the exciting news of the birth of her baby girl, also shared some sad news with her social media followers.

    Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Bristol shared word that her great-grandmother, Lena Andree, had passed away.

    “5 generations under my beautiful great grandma Lena, rest in paradise ❤️ we love you GG,” she captioned a photo of herself, her great-grandmother, and other family members.

    A photo posted by Bristol Palin (@bsmp2) on

    Bristol Palin’s great-grandmother was dad Todd Palin’s grandmother. A Yupik Eskimo elder, Lena Andree was 95.

    Shortly before the announcement of her great-grandmother’s passing, Bristol Palin shared a sweet photo of youngest sibling Trig Palin holding his baby niece Sailor Grace.

    “Trig officially loves her ?#mybrotherhasmorechromosomesthanyou,” she captioned the precious post.

    Trig Palin was just a baby when mom Sarah Palin was John McCain’s VP running mate. He has Down syndrome.

    A photo posted by Bristol Palin (@bsmp2) on

    Bristol Palin and her family have experienced a wealth of highs and lows in recent days. In addition to her great-grandmother’s death and the love shared between her little brother and her baby girl, Bristol’s brother Track Palin was arrested days ago in Wasilla, Alaska, for domestic violence. Sarah Palin recently endorsed Donald Trump for president.

    Hopefully all quiets down in the Palin family so that Todd, Sarah, and Bristol Palin–as well as the rest of their family–can say their goodbyes to the family matriarch.

  • Jenelle Evans Arrested For A 15th Time After Assaulting Ex-Fiance

    The law of averages dictates that you should get lucky after several tries. In Jenelle Evans case, she got a get out of jail free card.

    The Teen Mom 2 mainstay had a police warrant put out for her after she attacked her ex-fiance Nathan Griffith.

    The drama started on May 26 when the volatile Evans went to Griffith’s house. According to the police report, Griffith went out to meet Evans after she threatened to damage his truck. She allegedly started to attack him. She “slapped, punched and tried to kick him down some stairs” and at one point even tried to choke her son Kaiser’s father.

    The 23-year-old Evans turned herself in on Thursday, accompanied by a camera crew. Looking somber and wearing a tank top, she was charged with domestic violence and processed.

    It was the 15th time Evans had to pose for a mug shot. She has been arrested several times for disturbing the peace, breaking and entering, drug possession, assault and parole violation.

    But this time around, Evans was released on her own personal recognizance and according to her lawyer Amy Lawrence, “she did not have to pay a bond fee.”

    The reality star initially tried to defend herself after her assault on Griffith by claiming that he tried to run her over with his truck and that she would be “seeking charges.”

    But her lawyer explained that the embattled Evans was just acting out because she was hurt over their break-up.

    “I think that in her heart she thought that maybe with them breaking up that they would get back together because they have a child together,” Evans’ lawyer explained. “And I think she’s just very hurt that he has moved on.”

     

    Griffith is said to be already dating someone else. Lawrence also hinted that Griffith wanted the charges against Evans dismissed.

  • Christy Mack Getting New Tat to Block Out “Property of War Machine”

    Christy Mack is getting that regrettable tattoo blocked out. You know, the one that says: “Property of War Machine.”

    Christy Mack and MMA fighter “War Machine”, AKA Jon Koppenhaver, used to be an item. Then he — allegedly — beat the hell out of her. Since then, they sorta cooled off. Koppenhaver was arrested, Christy Mack has undergone surgeries, and then he tried to kill himself while in jail.

    Koppenhaver’s fan base has been pretty vicious to Christy Mack, as though her being a porn star entitled their intrepid hero to knocking her teeth out. Since then, she has had some veneers put in just so she can eat.

    “I didn’t look in the mirror for weeks,” Mack told ESPN recently. “Just feeling my face, I knew it wasn’t right. So when I’d look in the mirror, it’s not me — that person wasn’t me. It’s so hard to go every day without being you anymore.”

    Although she is thankful for her veneers, which allow her to function somewhat normally, they are uneven. She won’t smile for cameras right now, not until she gets some better dental work done.

    As Mack retells the tale that we have heard so many times, she reveals some new details that most may not have been aware of. For example, her address was released as part of the public police record of the beating incident. So she could not go back home. She had to move.

    Christy Mack has been through so much pain in the past several months, but she plans on enduring some more — this time voluntarily. She is going to get a new tattoo. This one will be designed to block out the red stencil print that says “Property of War Machine.”

    For his part, War Machine has written about who is to blame for what happened. He lays blame on society as a while, Christy Mack herself, and wishes that other guy he — allegedly — beat on that night had not been there when he showed up. If only, that would’ve changed it all.

    Christy Mack assesses War Machine’s mindset. “He blames his childhood, he blames me, he blames fighting. He claims he found God now — he’s looking for any kind of way not to take responsibility for what happened.”

  • Halle Berry Opens Up About Terrifying Domestic Violence

    Halle Berry seems like a woman who isn’t afraid of much; in 2013 she helped get a bill passed that would ensure the safety of celebrities and their children from paparazzi, and last year she took on a much-talked about television role–while pregnant herself–about an astronaut who heads into space only to come home pregnant. But recently the actress opened up about the fear she felt as a child living in an abusive home, and said that’s why she felt compelled to work with the Jenesse Center–a domestic violence intervention center–in Los Angeles.

    “I’m a victim of domestic violence. I wasn’t married to a man that beat me up, but my mother was. Knowing that she wanted nothing more then for her little girls to see her be empowered and be a woman of strength, but having no way to make that happen was heartbreaking for me,” Berry said.

    Berry shared some of the horrific moments she watched her mother endure, such as being kicked down the stairs and hit on the head with a bottle, and said she knew her mom stayed too long in the relationship. For Berry and her sister, having to witness the abuse was life-altering.

    “The reason I say this organization is my heart and soul is because I understand the good that it does and the lives that it changes and the impact it has on women and the children in our community,” Berry said.

    Berry says that becoming a mother herself changed her in a lot of ways, and that being pregnant when she took on a new project with Extant actually helped her.

    “I’m the happiest in my life when I have been pregnant, truly. So to be pregnant again on a show right after giving birth didn’t scare me at all. I thought, ‘I’m going to ace that part of this, for sure!’ ” Halle Berry said.

  • Brooke Axtell With Katy Perry: Spoken-Word Piece On Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault at Grammys

    Brooke Axtell joined Katy Perry at the Grammy Awards on Sunday. Katy Perry sang a song called ‘By the Grace of God’ from her most recent album ‘Prism,’ and Brooke Axtell performed a spoken-word piece about domestic violence and sexual assault. Both women took the stage following President Obama’s televised message supporting the cause.

    “It’s on us–all of us–to create a culture where violence isn’t tolerated, where survivors are supported, and where all our young people–men and women–can go as far as their talents and their dreams will take them,” the president said.

    “Artists have a unique power to change minds and attitudes, and get us thinking and talking about what matters,” he added. “All of us, in our own lives, have the power to set an example.”

    “It’s an honor to collaborate with Katy in this way,” Brooke Axtell said in an interview with People magazine before the Grammys. “She has been very devoted to various aspects of female empowerment.”

    Axtell is an Austin, Texas-based activist, a survivor of domestic abuse and sexual assault, and Director of Communications for Allies Against Slavery. Her spoken-word piece detailed her frightening personal experiences with abuse and urged those who may be in abusive relationships to seek the help they so deserve.

    “Authentic love does not devalue a human being,” Brooke Axtell said. “If you’re in a relationship with someone who does not honor and respect you, I want you to know you are worthy of love. Please reach out for help; your voice will save you.”

    Did you catch this powerful message from both Katy Perry and Brooke Axtell at the Grammy Awards on Sunday? It’s one that everyone who can should get on board with and help promote. There is way too much domestic violence and sexual assault going on–much of it in secret–and word that help is attainable must be spread.

  • Katy Perry Gives Moving ‘By the Grace of God’ Performance Against Domestic Abuse at Grammys

    Katy Perry made a powerful and moving statement against domestic abuse with her Grammys performance of her Prism ballad By the Grace of God Sunday.

    The segment featuring Katy Perry’s performance started with a taped video from President Barack Obama urging the end of “violence against women and girls” in order to “change our culture for the better.”

    “It’s not OK and it has to stop,” President Obama said, before citing the staggering statistics of women who were the victims of attempted rape or domestic violence.

    Obama noted the impact musicians like Katy Perry have in bringing social ills into he light.

    “Artists have a unique power to change minds and attitudes and get us thinking and talking about what matters.”

    Brooke Axtell, an Austin-based domestic-abuse survivor, activist and performance artist, followed Obama’s opening with a spoken-word piece.

    “If you are in a relationship with someone that does not honor or respect you, I want you to know that you are worthy of love,” said Axtell.

    Finally, Katy Perry, 30, took to the stage, dressed in white against a white backdrop, and sang the ballad while interpretive dancers performing as shadows behind her.

    Katy Perry‘s performance received a standing ovation from the audience.

  • Nordstrom Black Friday Shooting Victim Dies

    A man walked into a Chicago Nordstrom department store during its Black Friday event, and shot his ex-girlfriend in the back of her head, before turning the gun on himself. The victim has since died.

    Authorities say 31-year-old Marcus Dee approached Nadia Ezaldein, 22, shot her, and then committed suicide. Ezaldein was pronounced dead at 3:43 p.m. on Saturday, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. Her family has since donated her organs.

    A Facebook page has since been set up in Ezaldein’s name.

    Ezaldein, a seasonal employee at the Nordstrom situated in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile shopping district, turned 22 on the day of the shooting. Police evacuated the store, and it remained closed on Saturday, before reopening on Sunday. Nordstrom spokeswoman Tara Darrow commented that the shootings were a “really sad and scary situation,” though authorities have deemed the store to be safe.

    Ezaldein had reportedly broken up with Dee last year, and he was accused of stalking and harassing her ever since, before shooting her at approximately 8:30 p.m., in front of a store full of Black Friday shoppers.

    Ezaldien was rushed to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, but doctors assessed that she had no brain activity, and she was taken off life support after her organs were harvested.

    Spokeswoman Darrow added, “We are deeply saddened to learn that our employee who was injured in Friday evening’s tragedy passed away this afternoon. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”

  • Christy Mack Testifies as War Machine Laughs in Court

    The story of Christy Mack and War Machine has dragged on since August.

    Last month, Christy Mack was supposed to get the chance to tell a judge in Las Vegas what happened to her on the night she was allegedly beaten by her MMA fighter ex-boyfriend.

    But War Machine’s lawyers were able to get a continuance on that hearing, possibly hoping to make a deal with prosecution. The prosecution signaled that they were wary of the defense trying to “ice the victim” by delaying the hearing.

    Jon Koppenhaver — who has legally changed his name to War Machine — was found in his jail cell in Vegas, attempting to hang himself. He wrote letters out to friends in which he said that Mack deserved what happened that night, and that charges against him were inflated.

    But this week War Machine sat in a court room and faced Christy Mack on the stand for the first time since his arrest. He listened as she sobbed, relating the events of the night she was beaten.

    He listened as she was asked by a prosecutor, “Was there sexual violence?”

    He heard her say, “Yes.”

    Then War Machine laughed. The prosecution team saw it happen.

    “Judge I would like the record to show that Mr. Koppenhaver is laughing and shaking his head,” the prosecutor said.

    “Objection. He wasn’t laughing,” War Machine’s lawyer shot back.

    But someone else had seen War Machine too.

    “I watched him laugh,” said the judge.

    Earlier in the day, the court had listened as Corey Thomas testified about the attack.

    “My face was covered in dripping blood. She was very scared to death,” Corey Thomas said. He told the court that War Machine had let him go after admonishing him to not tell police.

    Christy Mack told the court that War Machine had threatened to kill her and her family multiple times in the past. She described her injuries, which included a lacerated liver, broken bones in her face around her eyes, broken teeth, and injuries to her leg.

    War Machine now faces arraignment in District Court on Thursday.

  • Christy Mack: War Machine Says Mack “Deserved This”

    Ever since the news of Christy Mack’s alleged beating at the hands of Jon Koppenhaver, AKA War Machine, people have been divided into two camps: fans or supporters of Christy Mack, and fans or supporters of Koppenhaver.

    Mack’s case has become a rallying cry for opponents of domestic violence. She has tweeted photos of her recovery, listed details about her injuries and the surgeries she is undergoing to fix the damage.

    Meanwhile, Koppenhaver has friends in the MMA fandom world. Not everyone supports him, of course. But there is a vocal bunch who do. They call Mack names, insult and shame her, and accuse her of faking the severity of her injuries.

    Some of these people send money and letters to Koppenhaver in jail, thanks to his brother who coordinates those efforts. Not all who support him are abusive, but some are.

    When Koppenhaver attempted suicide recently, an event that seemed to coincide with Mack’s latest batch of recovery photos, that vocal bunch lashed out at Christy Mack.

    Now Koppenhaver is reaching out to his fans, and he has a message for them:

    Christy Mack deserved this, but leave her alone. He tweeted:

    “I have cheated on women, I have lied, I have hurt people, and I have slept with women in relationships. Nobody is innocent, we have all earned the pain we receive, and if you look hard enough, you will find it. When you find that you truly are the one responsible for it all, it really hurts, the guilt is devastating…forgiving yourself at that point then becomes even harder than forgiving the ones who originally ‘wronged you’.

    “If you are a fan of mine please don’t harass Christy, just let her be. Don’t respond to all the people spewing hate against me. If you’re a fan of mine, just please analyze and learn from my situation, and apply it to your own life.

    “I deserved this, she deserved this, he deserved this, and we are also all innocent at the same time. I just hope to one day have the opportunity to put this new way of thinking to use, out there in the real world. I can’t wait until this court nightmare is over and I can begin the next chapter in my life.”

    While seeming to be apologetic for what he is charged with doing, Koppenhaver somehow comes to the conclusion that Mack “deserved this.”

    In the past, he has also written that he ‘forgives her’ for what she did to him.

    The matter is in the hands of the courts in Clark County, Nevada now. Unless Koppenhaver’s defense team can cut the deal they want.

  • Christy Mack Ready to Testify Tomorrow; But War Machine Looks for a Deal

    Christy Mack is ready to face War Machine in court. But War Machine may be looking for time to cut a deal.

    The former porn star, who police say was brutally beaten by her MMA-figher ex-boyfriend Jonathan Koppenhaver — AKA War Machine — was slated to testify against him in a hearing tomorrow. But Koppenhaver’s attorney is asking for more time.

    Koppenhaver’s defense lawyer, Brandon Sua, asked Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Melanie Tobiasson for more time to put together what he called “a plea deal to resolve the case … without further litigation and pretrial proceedings.”

    Chief Deputy District Attorney Jacqueline Bluth said Mack and her friend Corey Thomas, who was also allegedly beaten by Koppenhaver, are ready to testify now. But she added that “the state is always willing to take into consideration any information the defense would like to present.”

    Koppenhaver’s attorneys say that some of the charges he is up against now are not even related to the assault on Mack and Thomas, but are from 15 months prior.

    In the end, Tobiasson postponed Friday’s hearing for another month, leaving Koppenhaver to cool his heels in the Vegas jail without bail while his legal team reviews the charges against him.

    But the prosecution was wary of the postponement. They stress that this had better not be an attempt by the defense to wait the victims out and hope they heal up and grow weary of fooling with the court proceedings. This is commonly called “icing the victim”.

    “It is not going to work,” Bluth said. “The victim is always going to be cooperative with us. Both victims in this case want to get this process going.”

    Koppenhaver has to weigh his options carefully. He faces over thirty years in prison if all his charges stick and result in a conviction. Those include attempted murder, sexual assault, battery, coercion, preventing or dissuading a witness or victim from reporting a crime, and first-degree kidnapping resulting in substantial bodily harm.

  • Christy Mack Out of Surgery Today, Testifies Against War Machine Soon

    Porn star and domestic abuse awareness champion Christy Mack still has a long road ahead of her. After her alleged beating at the hands of ex-boyfriend and MMA fighter, Jonathan Koppenhaver, who goes by the name War Machine, Mack was left with life-threatening injuries.

    The saga of bringing her attacker to justice continues still. Mack is slated to testify against War Machine on October 17, at a preliminary hearing. War Machine faces life in prison without parole if convicted.

    Recently, Mack tweeted an update to her fans, which included four photos documenting her recovery up to that point. She also included some details about her injuries that had not yet been released.

    “I’ve had several dentist visits to make eating more comfortable and make my smile look more normal. I still have a few more dental visits to go. I’ve had my eyes checked and made aware that I’m very lucky to have my vision where it is, since the muscle is tethered by the fragments from the blowout fracture in my left eye. My multiple nose fractures will be fixed in the next couple of months. While they’re fairly symmetrical, my nose is shifted on the inside and out causing breathing issues (I also make everyone feel how my bones stick out on the left side because it feels so weird). My top lip will regain movement in less than six months … looking forward to using straw again.

    “My liver seems to be alright. I was admitted back to the hospital shortly after I was released the first time for some minor treatment, but I did not have surgery.”

    Today, Mack tweeted that she was “out of surgery and resting”. She had previously said she had surgery coming, but did not specify what that was for.

  • Hope Solo Still Playing Soccer In Spite Of Domestic Violence Charges

    Hope Solo Still Playing Soccer In Spite Of Domestic Violence Charges

    A lot of athletes have been involved in domestic violence incidents lately and most of them had been fined and either banned from a set number of games or the sport entirely.

    Hope Solo is also facing domestic violence charges, but she is still playing soccer and has so far received no punishment from the league.

    In June, Solo was arrested after she allegedly assaulted her half-sister and her nephew. Solo’s nephew called 911 and when police arrived they found Solo drunk outside the home.

    Her half-sister and nephew reportedly had scratches and marks on them and said Solo was angry with them and had attacked them several times that night.

    Solo was arrested and faces two misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree domestic violence assault in Washington. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges and will go to trial in November.

    Solo’s National Women’s Soccer League team, the Seattle Reign, has allowed her to play since her arrest and says that they will continue to let her play until the issue is dealt with in court.

    “U.S. Soccer takes the issue of domestic violence very seriously. From the beginning, we considered the information available and have taken a deliberate and thoughtful approach regarding Hope Solo’s status with the national team,” U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati said in a statement. “Based on that information, U.S. Soccer stands by our decision to allow her to participate with the team as the legal process unfolds. If new information becomes available we will carefully consider it.”

    Solo’s attorney believes that he will get the charges dropped and thinks that the league is doing the right thing by allowing Solo to continue playing soccer.

    “Hope is not guilty of any crime,” her attorney Todd Maybrown said in an email to The AP following her arrest. “In fact, our investigation reveals that Hope was assaulted and injured during this unfortunate incident. We look forward to the opportunity to present the true facts in court and to having this matter behind Hope very soon.”

    Do you think the league is right to allow Solo to play in spite of the charges?

  • Christy Mack and Face Forward: Helping Domestic Violence Victims

    Recently, domestic violence victim Christy Mack, who was allegedly beaten by an ex-boyfriend, tweeted out an update to her fans and supporters about her recovery. In addition to details about her own injuries and road to recovery, Mack talked about an event that she recently attended.

    “After having makeup done and dressing up for yesterday’s charity event, I felt much better about how I look now. It made me feel more normal, and beautiful for the first time in a very long time. The event that I went to was for Face Forward, a non profit charity that funds surgeries for women and children that have been in horrible situations that require them to have reconstructive surgery. They are not funding me, my surgeries are being donated by other doctors. I met many wonderful people and look forward to working more with them in the future.”

    The organization that Mack talks about is Face Forward, Inc. Face Forward describes their mission this way.

    “The mission of Face Forward is to provide facial surgical reconstructive services for women and children who have been victims of violence through gang aggression or domestic violence. Such injuries are devastating, and we primarily offer facial reconstructive services for affected innocent individuals.

    “The urgency in providing relief to innocent individuals lies in the fact that the lasting physical and emotional effects of gang and domestic violence have a documented ripple effect through generations and can affect many more than just the abused. The scars of abuse are a constant reminder of the abusive event and cause physical and psychological pain, often times lasting much longer than the abuse event. These reminders can cause victims to feel shamed, ostracized, and unable to fully recover. Our mission is to pave that first step forward toward recovery and toward the future.”

    Face Forward was founded in 2008 by Mrs. Deborah Alessi, herself a victim of domestic violence. Alongside her husband, Dr. David Alissi, they work to help victims who need reconstructive surgeries. They say that the average patient’s initial treatment costs $5,000. The organization passes along 90% of all funds it receives toward victim treatment and recovery, with little used for operations and other budget needs.

    While Mack does say that Face Forward is not helping cover cost of her own reconstructive surgeries, she supports the mission of the group and attended their 2014 Gala Event.

  • Christy Mack: New Pic, New Info, New Video

    Christy Mack, the pornstar who was allegedly beaten within an inch of her life by her ex-boyfriend, an MMA fighter who calls himself War Machine, has given her supportive fans a treat.

    Mack had posted details of her attack to Twitter back on August 11. That tweet included graphic pictures of her injuries and her account of the timeline of the night. Since then, Mack has been fairly silent. She responds to tweets and direct messages, but posts little of her own accord.

    One picture of her after the attack that made it to Twitter got her a lot of grief from War Machine’s fans and supporters, people who believe she faked her injuries, or the severity of them.

    According to her own account and reports, Mack had broken and missing teeth, broken bones around her eyes, a broken nose, a ruptured liver, and stab wounds to her head and hands. She was getting dental surgery to repair and replace missing teeth, but she was badly bruised and cut up.

    No one expected her to show her face in public or on social media anytime soon.

    But in the past few days, Mack posted an update for her fans.

    “2 days, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and last night. I’ve had several dentist visits to make eating more comfortable and make my smile look more normal. I still have a few more dental visits to go. I’ve had my eyes checked out and made aware that I’m very lucky to have my vision where it is, since the muscle is tethered by the fragments from the blowout fracture in my left eye,” she said.

    “My multiple nose fractures will be fixed in the next couple of months. While they’re fairly symmetrical, my nose is shifted on the inside and out causing breathing issues. (I also make everyone feel how my bone sticks out on the left side because it feels so weird.) My top lip will regain movement in less than 6 months… looking forward to using straws again. My liver seems to be alright. I was admitted back to the hospital shortly after I was released the first time for some minor treatment, but I did not have to have surgery. While my face is starting to look decent again from the swelling going down, it is still not my own.

    “Cutting what was left of my hair off, and losing 15 lbs(it’s a lot when you’re 5’1″) made me feel even further away from myself. It’s hard to look in the mirror every day and see someone you do not know. After having makeup done and dressing up for yesterday’s charity event, I felt much better about how I look now. It made me feel more normal, and beautiful for the first time in a very long time. The event that I went to was for Face Forward. A non profit charity that funds surgeries for women and children that have been in horrible situations that require them to have reconstructive surgery. They are not funding me, my surgeries are being donated by other doctors. I met many wonderful people and look forward to working more with them in the future.”

    TMZ was at the Face Forward event Mack mentions. She spoke to them there.

    “It was a little bit of a rough recovery, it’s been about a month now, I was in a lot of pain at first but now I’m feeling really good. I just have a couple more surgeries to go through with my nose and a few of my mouth, but past that I think I’ll be okay,” Mack said.

    “I look fairly decent for what happened,” she told TMZ.

  • Hope Solo And The Media Spin Machine That Could

    You know, as a long time association football fan and a woman, I can say that I actually knew who Hope Solo was prior to a couple of weeks ago.

    I also knew about her domestic violence charges and was appalled that she was allowed to continue to represent the United States as part of the women’s national soccer team.

    I can also practically guarantee that, despite what a number of concern trolls in the media are claiming, the average American would have had no idea who she was even IF she weren’t embroiled in an ugly scandal.

    American professional soccer simply does not have the popularity that sports such as American football, basketball, baseball, or even hockey enjoy in the US.

    Add in the fact that womens sports are even LESS popular at the national level and you have a clear, non-conspiracy-related explanation as to why many people don’t know about Solo or her case….and didn’t genuinely care about her situation until fairly recently.

    But that’s not the spin that generates clicks in a post “Men’s Rights Activism” world.

    You see boys and girls, the hope (no pun intended) is that you are so stupid, you’ll honestly believe that Hope Solo’s case was carefully buried like major sports scandals involving players like Ray Rice, Ben Roethlisberger, and Warren Moon because she’s a woman.

    These individuals will sputter, “In a world where women demand equality, shouldn’t the pain and humiliation suffered by THE MEN be given equal weight? For shame!”

    You know what, folks. I imagine these are the same type of people that say that blackface isn’t something that African Americans have the right to be upset about because of that White Chicks movie.

    The same people who believe that it’s perfectly alright to knock a woman out cold in an elevator and then drag her unconscious body into a lobby because “she must have done something to deserve it.”

    These people seek equality about a topic where there simply is no such thing.

    Do I acknowledge that domestic violence leveled at men is a serious problem? Absolutely. ALL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES ARE TERRIBLE THINGS AND ALL VICTIMS NEED HELP AND SUPPORT.

    But perhaps those of us with functioning brain cells and an ability to read between the lines are more than a bit disgusted at the blatant use of a red herring involving domestic violence and an attempt to take a shining light away from women victims of domestic violence.

    Yes, women can be perpetrators. But far more often they are victims.

    Instead of asking why one in four women will be a victim of domestic violence in her lifetime, media outlets are instead hoping to shift the issue to get the “other side of the story” (male victimization). This allows them to ignore female victimization and escape holding male abusers accountable.

    Even more startling is the need to highlight male victim-hood even as women are screaming for a conversation about why it’s okay to blame domestic violence victims for staying in abusive relationships. Excuse me, I mean blame WOMEN domestic violence victims.

    Thanks to popular media outlets, we have that answer don’t we? If you’re a woman, it’s your own fault. If you’re a man, you get the benefit of the doubt as both the victim AND aggressor. How unapologetically and blatantly sexist.

    Almost as blatantly sexist as the so called “all things being equal, let’s look at women abusers” tactic employed by professionals who should really know better.

    Or at least, for the sake of the women who will die this year at the hands of the men in their lives, pretend as if they do.

  • Christy Mack Beating Case: A Safe-for-Work Rundown of the Porn Star’s Harrowing Tale

    Perhaps you’ve seen the headlines about the porn star whose mixed martial arts boyfriend allegedly beat her within an inch of her life. Until the elevator footage of Ray Rice knocking his wife out cold surfaced, resulting in his lifetime ban from the NFL, it was the topic of conversation in domestic violence circles.

    But, let’s be honest, an NFL player gets more screen and page time than a porn star. Most people probably don’t want to look at a headline featuring the words “porn star” at work, just in case the boss walks by or the fellows in IT don’t understand.

    So, allow me to give you the Cliff’s Notes version of the Christy Mack story. Because, believe you me, it’s not over.

    Pornstar Christy Mack alleges that she was at her Las Vegas home with a male friend when her ex-boyfriend, MMA fighter Jon Koppenhaver, also known as “War Machine,” burst in, beat on her friend, and then put her through an evening of torturous hell.

    In a Twitter post detailing the incident, Mack says War Machine made her shower, threatened to rape her, beat her badly, stabbed her, and cut off her hair. She says she escaped out her back door while he rummaged through her kitchen for a knife, since he had broken the handle off another while hacking her hair off.

    Mack ran to another house in her neighborhood and called police. She was taken to the hospital, where her injuries were detailed and treatment begun. A manhunt for War Machine started. He tweeted that Christy Mack was his “property,” a term that she herself had tattooed on her body: “Property of War Machine”.

    Porn star friends and fans came out of the woodwork to support her. An online fundraiser was started to pay for her medical care that insurance might not cover. A reward was offered for War Machine’s arrest. Dog the Bounty Hunter threatened to go after War Machine. In the end, War Machine was reported by a woman in a California hotel who spotted him. He was arrested, and she donated the reward to a battered women’s shelter.

    War Machine was booked and then extradited back to Nevada. He is charged with attempted murder and a laundry list of other charges. He could face life in prison.

    An online battle has brewed up between War Machine’s supporters and Christy Mack’s. A picture was posted to Twitter that allegedly showed Mack “out on the town” in Vegas. War Machine fans decried her as a liar and said she faked her injuries. Mack responded that she had been bedridden and in one room for days, and had simply gone out with a friend, wearing sweatpants and no makeup, to get ice cream then return home.

    War Machine’s brother has defended him on his own Twitter account, posting his brother’s jail info so supporters can send him money and letters.

    Now new info has emerged that Christy Mack actually did place a 911 call from within her home, on her cell phone, earlier in the timeline of the beating. Cops responded to the wrong address, ignored a tip to check at her home, and left the neighborhood.

  • Chris Brown and Rihanna Together Again?

    Chris Brown and Rihanna Together Again?

    Chris Brown and Rihanna broke up back in 2009.

    Their highly publicized domestic assault case made national headlines for quite some time and their break-up seemed inevitable.

    However, several media outlets, namely MediaTakeOut.com and Hollywood Life, are now reporting that Brown and the Unapologetic singer may be on the road to reconciliation.

    An inside source recently spoke with Hollywood Life about Brown and the “Where Have You Been” singer. The alleged details are quite interesting!

    “Rihanna and Chris never stopped talking. They were supposedly ‘just friends’ but they would always flirt. There is a real ‘soul mate’ connection between them,” a source said.

    “They have a bond and connection that’s so deep that no one can fully understand except them. That’s just a fact. He knows it. She knows it. Everybody knows it and that’s that. When it comes to Rihanna, you know, her name and his name will forever be intertwined, no matter who she’s talking to at any given moment,” the source explained.

    All of the speculation comes just days after the 25-year-old singer was spotted wearing a chain similar to one Rihanna wears. MediaTakeOut also shared a picture of Rihanna kissing her necklace.

    Another reason for all of the speculation may be the big discussion about domestic violence in light of NFL player Ray Rice’s highly publicized ordeal. The “Loyal” singer recently spoke out about his 2009 domestic altercation with Rihanna. He had some enlightening words for Rice.

    “To Ray, or anybody else, because I’m not better than the next man — I can just say I’ve been down that road. I deal with situations and I’ve made my mistakes too, but it’s all about how you push forward and how you control yourself.”

    However, all of the allegations may just be speculation, because apparently Karrueche Tran isn’t going anywhere either. Although Brown and the aspiring model have had their ups and downs, he seems pretty focused on their relationship. As a matter of fact, just a couple days ago he posted an interesting picture of him and Tran on Instagram.

    The Chris Brown and Rihanna reconciliation rumors may or may not be true. Only time will tell!

  • Evelyn Lozada Speaks Out About Ray Rice, Domestic Violence

    Evelyn Lozada definitely isn’t a fan of Ray Rice.

    Like many other celebrities, the former Basketball Wives star made her sentiments quite clear last week.

    For those who missed it, the former Baltimore Raven made headlines when footage surfaced of him knocking his fiancé Janay Rice out in an elevator. Although the altercation initially made headlines back in February, the footage of what occurred inside the elevator didn’t surface until Monday, September 8. Immediately after TMZ released the infamous video, the Baltimore Ravens terminated Rice’s contract.

    Fans and celebrities took to different social media platforms voicing their opinions of Rice’s actions. Lozada had absolutely no reservations about voicing her opinion on Twitter.

    “That video has me PISSED THE F—OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Lozada tweeted.

    However, that wasn’t all she had to say! The 38-year-old reality TV also tweeted an indirect statement to Rice’s wife, encouraging her to stand against domestic violence.

    But, Rice’s wife isn’t trying to hear what anyone has to say. Although she was the victim in the altercation, she took to Instagram to lash out at the media for scrutinizing her now-husband.

    “I woke up this morning feeling like I had a horrible nightmare, feeling like I’m mourning the death of my closest friend,” she wrote on Instagram. “No one knows the pain that the media and unwanted options from the public has caused my family. To make us relive a moment in our lives that we regret everyday is a horrible thing.”

    Rice’s actions definitely struck a nerve with Lozada, who has also been a victim of domestic violence at the hands of an NFL player. Back in 2012, Lozada was involved in a highly publicized altercation with her ex-husband, former NFL star Chad Ochocinco.

    TMZ also released shocking photos of Lozada’s injuries after she was head-butted by the former Miami Dolphin player. Lozada filed for divorce less than two months after the incident occurred. The Latin beauty is now an advocate against domestic violence.

  • Ray Rice Scandal: TMZ Claims NFL Never Bothered With Tape

    This entire situation is getting increasingly disturbing.

    It was TMZ that had possession of and chose to leak the full video of Ray Rice’s assault on his then-fiance Janay Palmer (now Janay Rice).

    In the 24 hours since the scandalous video was made available in full to the public, there has been a huge backlash against Rice, the Baltimore Ravens, and the NFL.

    The latter two parties, in an effort to clean up their bad PR, made the decision to dump Rice.

    While this is the most logical course of action, the events that occurred months before cannot be erased or overlooked.

    What Ray Rice did to his partner in that elevator is only the unfortunate beginning.

    The behavior of the Baltimore Ravens and NFL when the situation first came to light should have been enough for decisive action. Somehow a video of Rice dragging a woman’s unconscious body out of the elevator wasn’t nearly as alarming to these organizations as it SHOULD have been.

    Instead, Mrs. Rice was forced to sit side-by-side with the man who attacked her. She was forced to “own her role” in getting KNOCKED OUT. To add insult to previous injuries, the Baltimore Ravens chose to declare this on Twitter.

    By the way Ravens, deleting that tweet and the unbelievably gross Rice quote that followed, will not make them go away.

    Once on the internet, always on the internet.

    As for the NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell finds himself having to explain whether or not a disturbing accusation leveled at him and the NFL by TMZ is true.

    The site is currently claiming that the NFL did not see the full elevator assault tape at all.

    Not because the organization lacked the ability to gain access to it, but because they never requested it! The implication is that the NFL never had any intention of viewing the tape at all.

    This would also mean that Rice was given a virtual slap on the wrist because Goodall made his decision without even bothering with a rather huge piece of important evidence.

    As TMZ pointed out, Goodall made his decision with regard to the two game ban because the abuser and abuse victim sat down and “agreed” that they were both responsible for what happened.

    This is very very upsetting information to consider.

    It would mean that the NFL and Baltimore Ravens BOTH had a hand in not only forcing a woman to protect her attacker, but to stand up for him and actually apologize for her unfortunate situation.

    The deletion of tweets and termination of Ray Rice’s contract cannot erase that kind of tasteless and inconsiderate behavior.

    Now is the time to ask tough questions…like whether or not certain parties should be joining Ray Rice as former employees of the NFL.