CVS PETITION to UNLOCK CONDOMS in CONCENTRATED MINORITY AREAS

I received this in a personal email and think it's important to share, not only because I do know some people who have been affected by HIV/AIDS but because this has been an important issue for me from my days of having a candy dish/plate full of condoms in my room for my friends and family alike to take--no questions asked--to attending college and passing out Condoms on campus. Listen, Minorities will always be in a loosing battle if we are not equipped or willing to take care of ourselves and our families.

You can show you care by reading this blog, passing the info on to family, friends and colleagues. signing the petition, http://www.amplifyyourvoice.org/curecvs

CVS is one of the nation's largest pharmacy and drugstore chains. With more than 6,000 stores across the country, they are a major provider of condoms to people of all ages. However, a recent study showed that CVS stores in low-income and minority neighborhoods tend to lock up condoms. Often times these stores are in communities where the rates of HIV infection are the highest.

Advocates for Youth, in partnership with the Cure CVS Campaign, is working with college organizations to push CVS to adopt a policy that would prohibit stores from locking condoms behind glass. CVS's largest competitor, Walgreen's, already has a policy in place forbidding locked condom cases. It's time that CVS does the same!

Report taken from Amplify.org:

a report released by Change to Win highlights the fact that in many low-income and minority neighborhoods CVS stores display condoms only in locked cabinets. Those who want condoms must find a store employee and wait for them to unlock the cabinet – which might make some people turn right around and not buy the condom at all. The study looked at stores in Detroit, Los Angeles, Houston, Philadelphia, New York City and Miami between September 2007 and January 2008. In some cities, the percentage of CVS stores with locked condoms was more than three times higher in communities of color than in areas that are predominately white.The cities listed also have some of the highest numbers of AIDS cases in the country.

CVS says they lock up condoms “based on whether shoplifting is to such a degree that they’re becoming unavailable for customers to purchase.” However, competitors Rite Aid and Walgreen's both have policies against locking up condoms.

Don’t let CVS create barriers for young people who want to act responsibly and protect themselves. Join Advocates for Youth and Change to Win in demanding that CVS adopt a corporate policy against locking up condoms!

Want to help make a difference Like I just did , sign the petition:

http://www.amplifyyourvoice.org/curecvs

learn about Advocates for Youth, Click Here! http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/

SHE BIT HIS TONGUE OFF!-Convicted Rapist Fleds to Local Hospital

Ronald Douglas McGowan Jr.(booking photo Murrieta Police)



Convicted Rapist Loses Tongue to Victim



Quick Facts:

• Ronald McGowan, is a registered Sexual Offender and convicted Rapist (for Rape and Child Molestation)
  
• Arrested at hospital on Friday(Rancho Springs Medical Center) after seeking treatment, from having his Tongue Bitten off **Doctors unable to reattach**

• Tongue found in victim's apt. from attempted attack, hospital is across the street from where she resides and said to be about the size of a 50-cent piece.
  
• Ronald was booked Friday without bail at Southwest Detention Center on charges of suspicion of robbery, rape by force or fear, kidnap to commit robbery,committing a felony with great bodily injury
  
• McGowan arraignment is today at the Riverside Superior Court Southwest Justice Center
  
• Investigation into the rape in progress showed that victim was targeted and not a rare attack
  
• The woman, who reports to have suffered broken bones in her cheek and eye socket, she was released from Hospital.
  

For more on this story, check out the links provided below:

http://www.insidesocal.com/sgvcrime/2009/06/update-wc-sex-offender-has-ton.html

http://cbs2.com/watercooler/Arraignment.Rapist.Murrietta.2.1036131.html?detectflash=false

http://www.10news.com/newsarchive/19677879/detail.html

One child is raped in South Africa every three minutes, a report by trade union Solidarity said on Wednesday. A report compiled by Solidarity Helping Hand said that while there were about 60 cases of child rape in South Africa every day, more than 88% of child rapes were never reported."This means that about 530 child rapes take place every day - one rape every three minutes," said spokesperson Mariana Kriel.

The report will be released by Solidarity Helping Hand http://www.helpinghandfund.co.za/ It also contained statistics and facts about the levels of child murder, rape and abuse in South Africa."Several interviews with social workers and other employees of social welfare organizations across South Africa are included in the report, providing a unique look at the experiences of people who work with child abuse on a daily basis.

According to the report, the levels of child abuse in South Africa were increasing rapidly.The executive director of Solidarity Helping Hand, Danie Langner, said: "In 2007/08, 1 410 cases of child murder were reported - 22% more than in the previous year. In addition, it was found that 45% of all rapes in the country were child rapes.

The shocking reality, however, is that these figures do not nearly reflect the true extent of the problem. The report also highlighted the severe shortage of trained social workers and the difficult working conditions they faced."Certain organizations, such as Childcare South Africa, http://www.childcaresa.org.za/ work with more than two million children and their families on a daily basis. This means that the average social worker handles nearly 200 cases each year, while the accepted norm is 60.

"Langner who was interviewed after th report came out was quoted as saying"For the first time in the country's history, social work is regarded as a scarce skill."

There were 12,500 registered social workers in South Africa in 2007. The difficult working conditions and poor remuneration packages meanwhile discourage people from following the career.

Langner said the report covered several issues, including the influence of gangs and drugs, as well as facts regarding child pornography and the trade in children. (see links at end of post for related stories)

"The simple fact that 80% of all children under the age of two that are helped at Childline http://www.childlinesa.org.za/ in Port Elizabeth have skull fractures, or the fact that young boys are flagrantly abused by middle-aged men at advertised places in the Western Cape or the fact that 43% of all cases in which Childline South Africa is involved are those of sexually abused children, must simply be exposed,Langner said.

Helping Hand will also launch a CD Hande vir Hoop (Hands for Hope) at the launch of the report. Police director Piet Byleveld, one of the country's top detectives, will also receive an award for his contribution to child protection.

In need of free legal advice and assistance in South Africa try, Isis Legal Clinic - Western Cape, Knysna started by Anna-Marie de Vos.

For related stories in South Africa:

http://www.news24.com/Content/SouthAfrica/News/1059/f3fc05773cf6402cad1cfba0da4b5428/03-06-2009%2009-06/Child_raped_every_3_min_-_repor

Pastor Rapes Eplipetic(seizure) girl twice after church service
http://www.news24.com/Content/SouthAfrica/News/1059/44278fec24cf41e3b794b3a97676b15e//Pastor_held_for_raping_teen
man gets 20 yrs after raping 15yr. old girl in 2007
http://www.news24.com/Content/SouthAfrica/News/1059/f313887745e04608be02c5571dd4e6d4//Man_gets_20_years_for_rape
2 seperate men arrested in April for child rapes
http://www.news24.com/Content/SouthAfrica/News/1059/586f9f67cd4547e9b0694106d79fe61b//2_arrested_for_child_rapes
child sex ring uncovered in South Africa
http://www.news24.com/Content/SouthAfrica/News/1059/b917e91e43f64be1a7d0e3be005b4294//Child_sex_ring_uncovered_in_Dbn

Middle-School Teens in Tampa being tried as Adults in Sexual Assault Case

Randall Raymond Lee Diemante

This is very sad and developing story, going on in my Hometown(Tampa). I sat here pushing back a few tears, having trouble typing because it not only hurts me, but disturbs me deeply. I will keep you posted and follow this as much as I can. I posted pictures of the accused for principals that I hold dear.

I also would like all to understand a fundamental factor that is present in most cases involving victims of violence, that we as people(the public) tend to forget, It is "our"own who commit acts of violence against one another not random strangers as we would like to believe and conveniently hold .


Four Tampa middle-school students names listed below, will be tried as adults for Sexual Assault and Battery.

Randall John Moye, 14;
Raymond A. Price-Murray, 14
Lee Louis Myers, 14
Diemante J. Roberts, 15

When school officials questioned the defendants, all four admitted in a written statement that they had sexually assaulted the victim. it's important to note there was actual ongoing bullying investigation going on with the named individuals,but no one knew the extent and that it would later include rape(s) of the13yr. old they ganged up on. The victim didn't acknowledge being sexually assaulted until questioned.

What is equally sad is that several students and others were aware that he was being bullied for over two months and on one of the days in question April 30th,students heard the screams as he was attacked in the locker room but no one did anything about it. School Officials contacted the Authorities which led to the arrest of the Eight Graders. The victim finished out the school year at home.

On another note one of the accused students, who is represented by Atty. Tim Taylor made the statement that his client was from one of the finest in the community and brought several character witnesses forward to speak on his behalf including Raymond Moyle's mother Jeanne Meyers who wanted it known that her son wants to attend college and when asked about his confession statement, she dumbed it down by describing it as just "the guys clowning around in the locker room with a HOCKEY STICK , but added her son did say he held the victim down for a few seconds."

State Attorney's office Spokeswoman Pam Bondi said Wednesday that each boy faces four counts of sexual battery, stemming from "multiple incidents on different dates." Each count carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A 15,000 bond was set for each individual and automatic home monitoring (ankle monitors) on all except one, Moyle who relocated to live with his father. Diemante Roberts who remains in jail, will wear a monitor as well, he's the only one has not posted bail.

If you know someone who is being bullied or you suspect may need help please report! Ask for guidance on how to help a friend. The tauting and/or abuse of another is never okay and as you can see can lead to possibly more heinous crimes. It is often said that individuals feel more powerful and will act out more aggressively with intent when in pairs, groups or crowds compared to when acting out on violence alone. No Matter your age,
DON'T BE AFRAID TO SAY NO or WALK AWAY FROM YOUR FRIEND


Here are links reporting on this story:

http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local/story/Three-teens-accused-of-raping-classmate-released/RnsBPnfEsEav4QrGvKYi3g.cspx?rss=794

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/06/04/florida.sexual.assault/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/06/04/4-teens-charged-as-adults-in-Fla-attacks/UPI-55151244124490/

This link has good discussions points, interest and commentary on the case, Add your two cents at:
http://www.queerty.com/disgust-4-teens-rape-classmate-with-hockey-stick-and-broom-20090511/

Man Beaten Over Girl's Rape is Stable

Jose Carrasquillo

Man Beaten Over Girl's Rape In Stable Condition

Jose Carrasquillo, 26, has progressed from critical, to stable condition at Temple University Hospital after experiencing a brutal mob attack. Carrasquillo was badly beaten after his picture was shown by police for questioning in the rape of a 11-year-old girl in Philadelphia. A neighborhood mob took matters into their own hands after recognizing him and decided not to wait for formal charges or evidence. They just pummeled him. Police eventually arrived on the scene, only to arrest him on a unrelated bench warrant.

Interesting to note that no one has been named or charged in the vicious rape as of yet. Authorities are looking into whether to file charges against any of the neighbors,as of today no charges have been filed.

The girl in question dropped her sibling off at daycare,proceeded to walk to school when she was approached by a man who then started to walk with the victim, then threaten her.He took her to a nearby backyard and raped her repeatedly, authorities said.

Do you agree with the police sharing photos of possible"interested persons"when conducting a case?

Do you think there is a time when it's ok to take the law into your own hands?

Do you agree that Jose has rights, as a person,like me and you not to be violated despite his record of arrest that has been called out on the news and in print.

Questions I would like answered are:

Who will pay or help pay his hospital bill? What victim services will be provided to him?

I am not being funny, I am asking because whether Jose committed that crime in question he himself is now a victim and may be in need. I must admit and I am still thinking on why that was my first reaction upon learning of this unfortunate act,I chuckled and gave a personal silent head nod with a smile, not at the beat down, just at the fact that someone can feel so strongly and more importantly is willing to step up and out to do SOMETHING about it. now what they decided to do is wrong on many levels and accounts but I personally understand and can relate to the motivation behind it.

I hope that we are all aware that you can find many ways to channel your anger and outrage at the actions of someone else,but in life there may come a time when you sense of responsibility and your sensibility separate. To put it plainly,I think this was one of those times

For more info on this story check out these links:

http://newsone.blackplanet.com/nation/crowd-beat-man-accused-of-raping-11-year-old-in-philadelphia/

Man faces Charges of Sexual Assault on 17yr old Girl at High School

Christopher Robin Webster




17 year old Forrest Lake High School Student Sexually Assaulted


A 19 yr old Cambridge Man, Christopher Webster,was arrested 30 minutes after alleged assault on a victim who he may have been a acquaintance with. A staff member witness the incident and help detain suspect, while walking to office, Christopher Fled the scene but was quickly apprehended and is now in Washington County Jail. He entered the school through a locked side entrance that the victim opened for him after classes ended on Wednesday.

The school still had students and staff in the building at the time of incident and the school reports that there are 14 surveillance cameras in the school, but none of them covered the area between the exterior and interior doors where the assault took place.



For links to follow this story:

http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_12519212

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/06/04/sexual_assault_forest_lake_high?refid=0


Update:
Christopher Webster was released pending investigation, the Atty. General has declined to pursue in favor of more information and has giving it back into the hands of the Forrest Lake Police Dept. to investigate further.

Man Post Rape from his Laptop onto the Internet

Johnathan Richard Huck




Man Videotapes Rape from his Laptop PC


Quick Facts:

• Feb. 26, 2009, at about 5 a.m., 20-year-old Jonathan Hock set up the web cam built into his laptop and broadcast live as he sexually assaulted as she lay in bed unconscious
• booked him on charges of sexual assault and surreptitious video taping
• Hock is very popular on site for his Sexual Behavior and antics.
• The victim had reportedly been asleep for up to six hours before the assault occurred.
• woman found pictures on the Web site of Hock lying next to her as she was asleep and naked from the waist down friends sent text messages after seeing it.
• Hock reportedly made comments about him being able to commit the assault without her knowledge while he performed various sexual acts

Anyone who may have information about this incident or other possible victims are urged to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (942-6377)

for more info on this developing story

http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2009/06/02/20090602abrk-webassault0602.html

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Rape-Streamed-Live-On-Internet-Johnathon-Richard-Hock-From-Surprise-Arizona-Charged/Article/200906115294491?f=rss

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2009/jun/03/internet-video-sexual-assault

Janitor from El Modena High School charged for Sexually Assault of Special Education Student

Luis Antonio Mejia


Quick Facts:

• Mejia(49)charged with sexually assaulting a special education student in his campus office
• Faces charges of six felony counts of lewd and sex acts, one misdemeanor count of child annoyance.
• Arraignment is scheduled for Today in the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana, California
• Mejia has worked as a janitor at El Modena High School in Orange for 12 years.
• He exchanged written notes with the victim, including "I love you" cards and over 100 calls and text messages
• Several encounters at school in his office,relationship reported by girl's friend to principal
• According to prosecutors, he groomed her with candy,cards,gifts and money. He also instructed another janitor to cover a video surveillance camera with tape
• Orange Police Department, launched an investigation after being contacted by school
• Luis Mejia posted $250,000 bail and is not in custody, case number is 09CF1331

for more info on this story

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/school-mejia-prosecutors-2438390-sexual-office

http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-janitor-charged,0,192209.story