The Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence-GCASAFV is planning its “2013 Youth and Family Fun Day”. This event is being held in collaboration with the Governor’s Office, the Department of Public Health and Social Services Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Program, the Office of Minority Health Resource Center, Community Services and Resources Incorporated, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guam, the Guam Police Department and Payless Market Incorporated.

This is an opportunity to continue promoting the message of “Healthy Relationships: "Think Smart. Be Smart. YOUth Smart”.  The Youth and Family Fun Day will provide cultural, sports/physical and education/community fair activities that support the message of healthy relationships for our youth, focusing on middle school ages.  GCASAFV and its partners believe nurturing and promoting positive youth behavior will be a successful prevention strategy.  

To download registration packet, please visit our website at www.guamcoalition.org

Join the Conversation!

About the 2013 campaign
The 2013 National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) campaign focuses on healthy sexuality and its connection to child sexual abuse prevention. 

This April, join the conversation. Start talking about healthy childhood development to prevent child sexual abuse.

The upcoming SAAM campaign provides tools and information on healthy childhood sexual development that adults can use. By learning about the characteristics of healthy sexuality, adults can better identify risks, support healthy boundaries and challenge negative messages. These tools support parents, community members and organizations as they work to prevent child sexual abuse. 

http://www.nsvrc.org

End Human Trafficking!

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Save the Date!

You are Beautiful!

Stand up and hold your head high, "You Are Beautiful!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3jcvgdbvo8&feature=youtu.be

Be Part of NO MORE Day A National Day of Awareness for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault MARCH 13, 2013

We’re pleased and excited to announce that March 13 is NO MORE Day, the public launch of the country’s first unifying awareness symbol for domestic violence and sexual assault. Join us to launch NO MORE and participate in one of the most concerted and collaborative efforts to raise awareness for these issues. WHAT IS NO MORE? NO MORE is a groundbreaking symbol (like the pink breast cancer ribbon and the red AIDS ribbon) designed to galvanize change and radically increase the awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault in our communities. WHAT IS NO MORE DAY? On March 13, NO MORE Day, thousands of advocates and supporters across the country will unite to officially launch NO MORE. WHY NO MORE? Domestic violence and sexual assault are not easy to talk about, although they impact millions of men, women and children every year. Because of the stigma and shame, these issues often remain hidden in our society. NO MORE seeks to bring domestic violence and sexual assault into the national spotlight to generate more attention, more resources and more action to prevent them. NO MORE aims to empower bystanders of domestic violence and sexual assault in every community to break their silence around these issues and get involved.   WAYS TO TAKE ACTION: • KNOW MORE. Learn the signs of domestic violence and listen without judgment to victims/survivors of   sexual assault. Get the facts and know the resources available. • Say NO MORE. Break the silence. Speak out. Seek help when you see this problem or harassment of any kind in your family, your community, your workplace or school. • Share NO MORE. Share the NO MORE symbol with everyone you know. Facebook it. Tweet it.Pin it. Instagram it. Email it. Wear it. Help to increase awareness about the extent of domestic violence and sexual assault. Visit the NO MORE Shop at nomore.org. • Ensure NO MORE. Get involved. Volunteer in your community, or donate to a local, state or national domestic violence or sexual assault organization. THINGS TO DO ON NO MORE DAY: • Request the NO MORE Toolkit at nomore.org to get the symbol and start using it • Start following NO MORE on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram • Take a picture of how you’re using NO MORE in your community, or tell us why you say NO MORE. Share photos on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook using the hashtag #NOMOREday • Participate in the #NOMOREday Twitter Chat on March 13th, 2013, 3 pm EST • Help make #NOMOREday a trending topic on Twitter by participating in our Thunderclap • Forward this email to 5 friends! Events will be taking place nationwide in celebration of NO MORE Day, including: • Washington Wizards Game (open to the public) – Come support NO MORE, get free products and see the debut of our new PSA (Purchase tickets, here. Promo code: nomore)  • Invisible War Screenings (open to the public) – Find one near you • A National Press Club Luncheon Hosted by Founder and President of the Joyful Heart Foundation, Actress Mariska Hargitay in Washington D.C. (sold out) • Congressional Briefing on Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. (Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 538 at 9 am EST. Please RSVP with your name and number of guests) – Results of the new Avon Foundation-funded NO MORE Study: Teens and Young Adults on Dating Violence and Sexual Assault, to be presented by Ashley Greene, Actress and Ambassador for Avon's mark Brand. CONNECT WITH US Hashtags: #NOMOREday & #NOMORE Questions? Contact nomore.org. (source: nomore.org)

Sound Relationships

What’s playing on your iPod? Music, like food, can feed our brains and give us energy. But, it can also make us think of bad things that can affect us negatively. Some music could also change our health and the health of our relationships. Just like food we eat, it is important to have a balanced “song” diet that includes things for a healthy relationship. Knowing the mixture will help you make a wise choice about which songs will promote good healthy relationship.

Do the love songs you listen to promote happiness, enjoyment, support, respect, and trust? Or do they cause drama, disrespect, jealousy, and fear? The songs we listen to can affect our relationships, so it’s important to cut out anything unhealthy so we can have a balanced “diet” for a sound relationship.

(source: http://www.bphc.org/Newsroom/Pages/TopStoriesView.aspx?ID=132)

We are all different with different characteristics.  You are unique, there's no one else like you.

Watch this music video by One Direction "What makes You Beautiful".  An inspiring song for being YOU.

Helping a Friend

It is sometimes hard for a person in an abusive relationship to leave or end the relationship. It is also hard to know what you can do to help someone you care about who is being abused. Even if you want to do everything you can to protect that person, the choice to leave an abusive relationship or not can only be made by the person going through the abuse. But, there are some ways you can help the person you know find their own way to escape abuse and be safe.

The serious and painful effects of domestic violence could impact the victim wanting to end their relationship. They may have been told the abuse was their fault and they feel responsible. Even though the relationship was abusive, they might feel sad and lonely when it’s over. And there are many different reasons why victims stay, they may break up with and go back to the abuser many times. Remember that it may be hard for them to talk about the abuse.

Here are some tips that can help you safely use your cell phone:

                         Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone who you think needs help. Tell them you are concerned

                         for their safety and want to help.

                         Be supportive and listen patiently. Acknowledge their feelings about their relationship.

                         Help them recognize that the abuse is not “normal” and is not their fault. Everyone deserves a

                         healthy relationship without violence.

                         Focus on your friend or family member, not on the abuser. Even if the person stays with their

                         abusive partner, it is important that they still feel comfortable talking to you about it.

                         Be respectful of your friend or family members’ choice about the relationship.

                         Give them resources in their community that can give them information and guidance.

                         Help them develop a plan to end their relationship safely.

                         If they break up with the abuser, keep being supportive of them after the relationship is over.

                         Even when you feel like there’s nothing you can do, don’t forget that by being there and by being

                         supportive and caring-you are already doing a lot. 

Cell phones and Abuse

Cell phones are a great way to keep in touch with friends and family. But, they can also play a role in teen dating abuse. Because phone calls, texting and messaging allow you to be in constant communication, cell phones can be a powerful tool for abusers to monitor and control their girlfriends or boyfriends day and night.

If you are feeling threatened or suffocated by your partner’s endless need to keep track of you, it may be a sign that you are in an unhealthy and probably in a dangerous relationship. If the person you are with says or does anything that makes you scared, makes you feel bad about yourself, or tries to controls you, it is verbal or emotional abuse. It doesn’t matter if the person is online or by phone, abuse is the same. You have the right to be in a safe and healthy relationship, free from all types of abuse.

Some tips that can help you safely use your cell phone:

                         Remember, it is always okay to turn off you phone. (just be sure your parent or guardian knows

                         how to contact you).

                         Do not answer calls from unknown numbers. Your abuser can easily call you from another line if

                         he/she suspects you are avoiding them.

                         Do not respond to tough, harassing, abusive or not very nice texts or messages. If you respond, it

                         will encourage the person who sent the message. You won’t get the person to stop-and your

                         messages might get you in trouble and make it harder to get a restraining order or file criminal

                         report.

                         Many phone companies can block up to ten numbers from texting or calling you. Contact your

                         phone company or check their website to see if you can do this on your phone.

                         Remember that pictures on cell phones can be easily shared and passed around. Be careful what

                         images you take and send out.

                         It may seem harsh, but if the harassment will not stop, change your phone number. 

Why It Matters

Each of the partners supporting Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month believe that every young person deserves a safe and healthy relationship, no matter who they are or who they love.

A Silent Epidemic

We are living in a world where one in three students report experiencing some form of abuse, and more than 2/3 never report that abuse to a caring adult. A world where young people in more than 35 states still lack unfettered access to legal protection or other assistance to end an abusive relationship. A world where over 80% of school counselors report being unprepared to address incidents of abuse. This tells us – dating abuse isn't just a big issue. It's a growing epidemic.

The Effect of Dating Violence

Less attention to academics. Increased exposure to drugs and alcohol. A greater likelihood of teen pregnancy. Growing isolation. Sexual assault. Even one of these things can have a profound impact on the physical, social and emotional growth of a young person. Together, they create a perfect storm that not only affects the victim of abuse, but their friends, families, schools and surrounding communities. 

And it goes beyond preventing the actual violence. Parents need to feel comfortable talking to their kids about these issues. Schools need to take steps to become better prepared to address incidents on campus. Communities need to rise up and say NO MORE.

Thankfully, there are so many examples of where we’re getting it right, where we’re really making an impact. With your help, we can all work together to ensure that everyone knows this is a big issue.

Need Help?

Do you have questions about your relationship? About a friend's? Visit loveisrespect and you'll find interactive quizzes, information on all your relationships quizzes and the ability to speak to a trained peer via chat, text or phone, 24/7. Or call 671-477-5552, the National Dating Abuse Hotline at 1-866-331-9474 or the National Domestic Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

If you're experiencing abuse, contact:

  

 

Online/Digital Relationships

Social networking sites, like Facebook, Twitter and Tumbler allow you to stay in connected with your friends and increase your social circle. But they can also allow others to monitor your life and use information to hurt you. And because you provide personal information on profiles, blogs, and message boards, these sites may possibly be very dangerous.

It is important to wise and have healthy relationships, whether they are with people you know in person or online. When people talk about using social networking sites safely, they usually focus on strangers or predators. But you are just as likely to be harassed or abused online by someone you know. There are ways to have fun online and stay safe at the same time.

                         Don’t do or say anything online you won’t say in person.

                         Only post things you are okay with people seeing and knowing. Phone numbers and addresses

                        will let people contact you directly, things like school and team names, landmarks and photos

                        may also make it easier for people to find out where you live, hang out or go to school.

                         Remember, it’s not just about you. If you post information or photos about your friends or family,

                         they can be at risk.

                         Don’t respond to harassing, abusive or negative comments. It won’t make the person stop and it

                         could get you in trouble or put you in danger.

                         Use the privacy preferences to keep your page as private as you can.

                         If you are in or coming out of a dangerous relationship, don’t use any form of technology to

                        contact your abuser. It can be dangerous and may be used against you in the future.

                         Save or keep a record of all harassing or abusive messages, posts, and comments in case you

                         decide to tell the police or get a protective order.

                         Never give your passwords to anyone other than your parent or guardian. It’s a good idea to

                         choose passwords that aren’t easy to guess, do not use the same password for all your accounts,

                         and to change passwords regularly.

                         It may seem crazy, but if the abuse and harassment will not stop, changing your username and

                         email address may be your best choice.

                         Always report inappropriate behavior to the site administrators.

                         Trust your instincts! If you think something is wrong or are feeling threatened, tell someone who

                         can help. 

Most teenagers do not experience physical aggression when they date. However, for some teens, abuse is a very real part of dating relationships (Teen Dating Violence: A Closer Look at Adolescent Romantic Relationships, National Institute of Justice, 2008). Studies investigating the effectiveness of programs to prevent dating violence are beginning to show positive results. Most programs focus on changing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors linked with dating violence and also address the skills needed to build healthy relationships. In one rigorous National Institute of Justice-funded study, for example, school-level interventions reduced dating violence by up to 50 percent in 30 New York City public middle schools (Prevention and Intervention of Teen Dating Violence, National Institute of Justice). The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) defines dating violence as follows: violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim and where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors: The length of the relationship. The type of relationship. The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. From 2004 through 2009, Congress designated the first full week in February as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week. Beginning in 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice worked with the Senate to designate the entire month of February as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. To help bring greater awareness to the dangers of teen dating violence, NCJRS shares with you the Teen Dating Violence Special Feature, an online compilation of publications and resources on the topic. PublicationsTeen Dating Violence: Co-Occurrence With Other Victimizations in the National Survey of Children's Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV) Sponsored by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 2012 Teen Dating Violence: A Literature Review and Annotated Bibliography Sponsored by the National Institute of Justice, 2011 Understanding Teen Dating Violence Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012 More Publications Related ResourcesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention: Teen Dating Violence National Institute of Justice: Teen Dating Violence The White House: 1 is 2 Many More Related Resources

What are the symptoms of Tuberculosis?

Most people who become infected with the bacteria that cause tuberculosis actually do not present symptoms of the disease. However, when symptoms are present, they include unexplained weight loss, tiredness, fatigue, shortness of breath, fever, night sweats, chills, and a loss of appetite. Symptoms specific to the lungs include coughing that lasts for 3 or more weeks, coughing up blood, chest pain, and pain with breathing or coughing.

How is Tuberculosis diagnosed?

Tuberculosis diagnosis usually occurs after a combination of skin, blood, and imaging tests. The most common diagnostic test is a simple skin test called the Mantoux test. The Mantoux test is made up of a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) tuberculin that is injected into the forearm. After 48 to 72 hours, a doctor or nurse looks for a reaction at the injection site. A hard, raised red bump usually indicates a positive test for TB. Blood tests may also be used to determine if the TB is active or inactive, and microscopic sputum analyses or cultures can find TB bacteria in the sputum. Chest x-rays and computer tomography (CT) scans are also used to diagnose TB. If the immune system traps the TB bacteria and creates scar tissue, this tissue and the lymph nodes may harden like stone. This results in a rounded marble-like scars that often appear on x-rays and CT scans. However, if these scars do not show any evidence of calcium on an x-ray, they can be difficult to distinguish from cancer .

Although anyone can get infected with TB, some people are at a higher risk, such as: 

                         Those who live with others who have active TB infections.

                         Poor or homeless people

                         Foreign-born people who come from countries with TB being common

                         Older people, nursing home residents, and prison inmates

                         Alcoholics and intravenous drug users

                         Those who suffer from malnutrition 

                         Diabetics, cancer patients, and those with HIV/AIDS or other immune system problems

                         Health-care workers

                         Workers in refugee camps or shelters 

Tuberculosis 101 

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that is caused by a bacterium (bac’te’ri’um) called  Mycobacterium (my’co’bac’te’ri’um) tuberculosis. TB mostly affects the lungs, but it can also affect organs in the central nervous system, lymphatic system, and circulatory system among others. The disease was called "consumption" in the past because of the way it would consume from within anyone who became infected.

When a person is infected with TB, the bacteria in the lungs multiply and along cause Pneumonia with chest pain, coughing up blood, and is always coughing. Also, lymph nodes near the heart and lungs become big. As the TB tries to spread to other parts of the body, it is often broken up by the body's immune system. The immune system forms scar tissue (fibrosis) around the TB bacteria, and this helps fight the infection and prevents the disease from spreading all over the body and to other people. If the body's immune system is not to fight TB or if the bacteria breaks through the scar tissue, the disease returns to an active state with pneumonia and damage to kidneys, bones, and the meningitis that line the spinal cord and brain.

TB is generally classified as being either inactive or active. Inactive TB occurs when the bacteria are present in the body, but this state is not active and shows no symptoms. Inactive TB is also not contagious. Active TB is contagious and is the condition that can make you sick with symptoms.

TB is a major cause of illness and death worldwide, especially in Africa and Asia. Each year the disease kills almost 2 million people. The disease is also common among people with HIV/AIDS.

(source: cdc.gov)

STDs and Teens:

Unfortunately, STDs have become common among teens. Because teens are more at risk for getting some STDs, it’s important to learn what you can do to protect yourself.

STDs are more than just an embarrassment. They are a serious health problem. If left untreated, some STDs can cause permanent damage, such as infertility (the inability to have a baby) and even death (in the case of HIV/AIDS).

One reason STDs spread is because people think they can only be infected if they have intimate body contact. That’s wrong. A person can get some STDs, like herpes or genital warts through skin-to- skin contact with an infected area or sore. The viruses or bacteria can also enter the body through tiny cuts or tears in the mouth and private parts.

STDs can also spread easily because you can’t tell whether someone has an infection. Some people with STDs don’t even know that they have them. These people are in danger of passing an infection on to their partners without even realizing it.

Five most common sexually transmitted diseases?

                        1. Syphilis

                        2. Chlamydia

                        3. Gonorrhea

                        4. Herpes

                        5. AIDS 

Preventing and Treating STDs

·       Abstain from all types of intimate body contact. 

·       Get regular check-ups with your doctor. Don't let embarrassment stop up from seeking medical attention. Waiting to see a doctor may allow disease to grow quicker and cause more damage. 

Not all infections in the private parts are caused by STDs. Sometimes people can get symptoms that  seem very like those of STDs, even though they've never had intimate contact. For girls, a yeast  infection can easily be confused with an STD. Guys may worry about bumps on their private part  that turn out to be pimples or irritated hair follicles. That's why it's important to see a doctor if  you ever have questions about your health.

Source from www.kidshealth.org/teen  

STDs 101  

STD– Sexually Transmitted Disease (also known as STIs-Sexually Transmitted Infections): Spread from  person to person through intimate contact. It can affect guys and girls of all ages and  backgrounds who are having intimate contact.

What the difference between STDs and STIs?

STDs or sexually transmitted disease, are diseases, viruses and parasites transmitted through fluid  exchange, or occurring through intimate contact between humans. Other names for STDs include venereal disease (VD) and sexually transmitted infections (STI). 

STIs or sexually transmitted infection is currently the preferred term as it includes a wide range of  diseases, including infections transmitted through the sharing of needles used for intravenously  injected drugs. Sexually transmitted infections can be passed from person to person without  showing any signs of infection or disease. 

Teen Violence

Throughout civilization, the advancement and spread of knowledge has led to the growth of freedom.  This is just as true when it comes to dating abuse.  Knowledge and education can empower people, save lives and make a difference.

Abuse can take many forms in a relationship.  Teen in abusive relationships may face unique obstacles when they try to leave the relationship.  Sometimes it can even be difficult just to ask for help.

·         Domestic violence is not a problem just for adults.  Teen experience domestic violence in their relationships too.  In fact, domestic violence is very common in teen dating relationships.

·         One in three teens experience some kind of abuse in their romantic relationships, including verbal and emotional abuse.

·         40% of teenage girls, ages 14-17, know someone their age who has been hit or beaten by their partner.

·         Nearly 80% of girls who have been physically abused in their intimate relationships continue to date their abuser.

·         1 in 4 teenage girls who have been in relationships reveal they have been pressured to perform or engage in intercourse.

Need to know

Recognizing abuse in a relationship is difficult, but especially for teens.  There are many types of abuse that teens often believe are not abusive or are normal in a relationship.  Even though teen relationships may be different from adult relationships in many ways, teen do experience the same types of physical, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse that adults do.

Teens also face unique obstacles if they decide to get help.  Unlike many adults, teens may not have money, transportation, or safe places to go to.  They may have concerns about lack of confidentiality, reports to police and child protective services. 

If you, or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, please call our hotlines below.

Hotlines:

(671) 477-5552

National Dating Abuse Hotline: 1-866-331-9474

National Domestic Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)