I received the copies of the filming that I did in Washington.  I also asked for and received a copy of Lisa's testimony at the prosecutor's office following a beating from Alan  Matheney.  They converted it for me from VHS and as soon as I get the how-to's down, I'll be uploading it.  This will be heart wrenching and controversial , but if it raises awareness and helps the cause for victims, I know Lisa would approve because she used the same film when working with police departments

We often hear about a cycle of violence. 
This is when a victim is hurt mentally or physically, the abuser then goes away for a while and then contacts the victim with what seems to be remorse, "I'm sorry, I'll never do it again. 
It happens again, again, the abuser is sorry and there's another "honeymoon".
Each time this happens the abuse escalates.  She's sure he will eventually change, but he doesn't. 
The wait for the change is sometimes a death sentence for the victim.
There was once a traveler going up the mountain on foot.  At the bottom, he met a snake. 
The snake begged:  "Please take me up the mountain, I'm so tired and you could just put me in your pocket." 
The traveler said," Oh, no, you're a snake and you will bite me." The snake was so pathetic and said, "Oh, I would never do that, if you were so kind to me and just put me in your pocket .
I'll never do that." 
So, the traveler picked up the snake and started up the mountain.  When he got to the top and was taking the snake out of his pocket, the poisonous snake bit him. 
The traveler cried in pain and crushing disappointment:  "You promised you wouldn't bite me!"
The snake sneered and looked him in the eye and said:  "You idiot, you knew what I was when you picked me up!"
Are you picking up a snake?
How many times should you pick up a snake before you learn?
Please learn sooner than later.
Millie working for you

We can see from this video clip that domestic violence is not taken seriously by those who are trusted to   protect women.   This is the case of  Lenahan v. USA.   This illustrates how far, particularly domestic violence victims need to go just to get their basic rights.  In my book,  Who Killed Lana B?, you will see how often and to what lengths my daughter Lisa experienced this up to and including her brutal murder.  In this case Lenahan's three children were killed by their father .  She feels, as I do, that education at a very young age will be the springboard for change.  That is why I was thrilled when one of my readers told me that Barnes and Noble had it categorized as a text book.

This is a national case result that should have made national headlines.  Imagine, the first time a domestic violence survivor was acknowledged by a federal human rights comission as having her rights denied.  Click here to see the video.

While getting good response and exposure to my book, “Who Killed Lana B?” in my new home state of Florida and areas outside South Bend, Mishawaka and Elkhart, the major newspapers in South Bend and Elkhart,  Indiana refused to print press releases on my  book.

What does that tell you? 

Some things they would like to keep from the public? 

Some things not good Chamber of Commerce material? 
                                           
Some people pull shady stuff?.

These are the things you need to know. 

During the time of the big story and my work on behalf of domestic violence victims, I was the media darling.

That was when I had to be somewhat "politically correct". 

The book is not, and I am so happy to be able to divulge some of the "secrets of the system". 

Take advantage and learn  from Lisa.

Millie

 For those of you who have never feared going to the internet for help, please be aware that this is a very real punishable offence for victims from their abuser. 

Computer use can be monitored by the abuser to access email and find out what sites are visited on the internet. 

If you think you are in danger, use safe computers such as at the public library, domestic violence organization or community center.

You can first call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE  (7233), from a phone where the number called is not available to the abuser. 

You cannot know how many ways an abuser can access what you do on the internet. 

For your security, please go to WomensLaw.org.

There you will find information and answers to the questions

“Can the abuser access my email account?”.

“What steps should I take even if I think the abuser does NOT have access to my email account?”,

”What should I do if I think the abuser can access my email account?”,

What should I do if I think the abuser can access my email account?”,

How do I know I am sending email from my account or from the abuser’s account when I click on an email link that I found on a website?”, and

“What should I do if I receive threatening or harassing emails from the abuser?”   

For those of you who do not live like this, go to the site and see how much time and effort and fear and difficulty is involved in just this ONE minute area of a victim’s life. 

I know, Lisa knew, and you should, too.

These are your sisters in womankind.

Take good care of yourself.

Millie