Take a Stand, You’re Stronger than You Think! - (www.guamcoalition.org)

Here’s a an uplifting song by Sara Bareilles, entitled “King of Anything,” encouraging us to take a stand when we are being abused, made fun of, or controlled in any way. We each have our own voice and identity, and can made our own opinions. If your relationship is making you feel dependent, powerless, or worthless, walk away! No one has the right to make you less than you truly are. Your partner is not the “king of anything” – especially not with you.

King of Anything by Sara Bareilles

Keep drinking coffee

Stare me down across the table while I look outside

So many things I’d say if only I were able

But I just keep quiet and count the cars that pass by

You’ve got opinions, man

We’re all entitled to ‘em

But I never asked

So let me thank you for your time and try not to waste any more of mine

Get out of here fast

I hate to break it to you babe but I’m not drowning

There’s no one here to save

Who cares if you disagree

You are not me

Who made you king of anything

So you dare tell me who to be

Who died and made you king of anything

You sound so innocent, so full of good intent

You swear you know best

But you expect me to jump on board with you

Ride off into your delusional sunset

I’m not the one who’s lost with no direction

But you won’t ever see

You’re so busy makin’ maps

With my name on them in all caps

You got the talkin’ down just not the listening

And who cares if you disagree

You are not me

Who made you king of anything

So you dare tell me who to be

Who died and made you king of anything

All my life I’ve tried to make everybody happy while I just hurt and hide

Waiting for someone to tell me it’s my turn to decide

And who cares if you disagree

You are not me

Who made you king of anything

So you dare tell me who to be

Who died and made you king of anything

Let me hold your crown, babe

The Warning Signs - (www.guamcoalition.org)

One in three teens is in an abusive relationship. That’s a pretty high number, considering that teen dating is so common and natural today. However, even if dating at 12 or 13 years old, it is considered normal these days, abuse is never acceptable, no matter what age you are.

Are you or anyone you know is in an abusive relationship? Here are 10 warning signs:

·        Does your partner put you down, insult you, or embarrass you, either when alone or in public?

·        Does your partner constantly check in on you, through texts or calls, or force you to check in with him/her?

·        Does your partner keep you from seeing your friends or family?

·        Does your partner read your texts, chats, or emails?

·        Does your partner control or tease the way you dress?

·        Does your partner show anger all the time?

·        Does your partner threaten to hurt you or your family, or even him/herself?

·        Do you feel unsafe with your partner?

·        Does your partner ever talk you into sexual acts?

·        Does your partner ever hit, pinch, push, bite, scratch, or choke you?

If you answered yes to any of these questions – or they seem to describe the relationship of someone you know – take action! Love is not abuse. Call (671) 477-5552 or the National Domestic Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) if you or anyone you know is suffering from an abusive relationship. Stop the cycle, end the violence, before it’s too late.

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Did You Know? - (www.guamcoalition.org)

According to the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services, there has been a significant increase in cases regarding HIV and STDs on island. For example, the number of reported Chlamydia cases has increased by 19% between 2010 and 2011 (900 cases to 1071). Of this number, there were 6 cases in the 10-14 age group and 230 cases in the 15-19 age group. Guam cases of other STDS include:

1. Gonorrhea - There was a slight decrease of 2% of the total reported Gonorrhea cases  from 98 cases in 2010 to 96 cases in 2011;
2.  HIV - The number of new HIV infections from 2009 with 4 cases to 2011 with 6 cases, and  increase of 50%;
3. AIDS - There was a significant increase of 200% of the total reported AIDS cases from 2 cases in 2009 to 6 cases in 2011;
4. Syphilis - For syphilis cases, there was a increase of 136% of the total reported cases from 11 cases in 2010 to 26 cases in 2011;
5. Herpes Simplex II - There was an increase of 50% of the total reported Herpes Simplex II cases from 20 cases in 2010 to 30 cases in 2011.

Welcome to the Guam Coalition Blog - (www.guamcoalition.org)

Hafa Adai! The Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault & Family Violence (GCASAFV) provides community education, outreach and training to address and prevent sexual assault and family violence. Through the GCASAFV Project STAR (Strengthening Teens Awareness & Resources), the GCASAFV is youth-driven, reaches out to youth to be peer advocates, and engages youth to reach out to other youth to promote positive attitudes and behaviors that are supportive of healthy and safe relationships.

NO MORE! Together we can

Disclaimer: This project is supported by the Office of Minority Health Resource Center (Health Information Campaign Award). Postings are those of the authors, the opinions expressed are those of the Coalition organizers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funding agency.