My Morning Musings |
February is here already and SO much is happening behind the scenes!
I may have been quiet, but that is because I am learning, growing, reaching out and working hard on how to help those who need support after an assault. I am excited at the progress and the new people and groups I have to work with! Thank you all for your support! February can be a hard month since it is such a "Hallmark Holiday" for Valentines. This can cause added stress, anxiety and upheaval in a family home. Any event that puts added pressures or expectations on a family/relationship, increase the chance of making an already volatile situation, violent. Some people feel lonely because they feel like they "should" be in love or in a relationship during the "season of love." This can make the vulnerable, even more susceptible to dating or situations that may go wrong. I'll be honest, the worst physical assault I ever had from my then spouse, was ON Valentines Day. We had a party, we had fun, we celebrated, but then, everyone left... it was just me - with my child and friend's child across the hallway... I couldn't make a sound, I just had to cower down, cover myself and try to remain silent. I could barely move the next day. I went to work on Monday, covered in bruises, aching and lying about a "mountain biking accident." I can't even believe anyone bought that story, I was no cyclist, I worked in a Social Services Office and was supposed to be the District Supervisor that day at a meeting at the Women's Shelter. I didn't go, and I sent a colleague. Holidays hurt - Valentines Day may seem like nothing to many people, but... well, suffice it to say, it is NOT my favourite Hallmark holiday! With this project, a main key point is RAISING AWARENESS. We never blame or discriminate - we provide supports to anyone who sees the nurse in the emergency room and could use our resources. This month, if you have a friend who needs a little extra love on Valentines Day - make a lunch date, go for a walk, show them they are loved and valuable and cared for. If a friend or family member discloses that they have been assaulted in any manner - listen, don't judge, don't blame - and let them know, there is support and they can go to the emergency room, see a nurse and are NOT required to report to the police if they don't want to. Our purpose is to ensure those affected who present to an emergency room in our province of New Brunswick, receive our support, in addition to the knowledgeable, compassionate, Forensic Nurse Examiners. We want to help the nurses give their patients who have suffered from sexual assault, domestic and or intimate partner violence. WE CARE! By providing new clothing, comfort kits with basic needs and toiletries, as well as gift cards for fuel, travel, meals, groceries, and resources, we allow the patient to take at least 24 hours to help them figure out WHAT TO DO NEXT. Many have no place to go, many return, and some realize this is the last time and go elsewhere. By supporting our program, you are supporting those who are vulnerable and in need. This is how you can help: E transfer to [email protected] - it is deposited directly into an account for the people we serve. Please add your name so we can thank you! On our website - we now have an active commerce page, where you can pay by credit card or debit. If you go to our donations page, the links are NOW active and the funds are deposited into our account. The donations page has levels of support from $1 and UP! Or, if you like, we can invoice you! Just email us at [email protected] and ask for an invoice, indicating how much you would like it to reflect. The support of the community, allows us to continue forward. The goal is to be a charitable non-profit at which time we can issue charitable donation receipts. If you need a receipt in the interim, please indicate via an email, and we may be able to provide that! HOW ELSE CAN YOU HELP? FOLLOW us on Facebook & Instagram, subscribe to our blog/newsletter and SHARE to those you know! You never know, who may want to help! Events coming soon! Keep watching!
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Sarah Sherman - Founder of We're Here For You - Comfort Kit ProjectThe founder of this project, Sarah Sherman, felt compelled to help other women, children and young men - who find themselves seeking help after a sexual assault. From personal experience, Sarah knows the trauma of having to get help from the RCMP, going to the ER and the devastating experience of having to undergo a rape kit from a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) which can take several hours. The nurses are amazing, but nothing makes it feel any better. At the end of the exam, Sarah recalled what it was like to put on clothing that did not fit right, was inappropriate for herself and to walk out of the room with nothing. She wanted to do something that would make this recovery a little bit less intimidating for the next person. She hoped to help provide them with some dignity, respect and equality as they make their way through what will inevitably be a long journey of working through justice, healing and recovery. |
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