February 3

February 3, 2014

While I was researching domestic violence statistics here at the facility, I came across a very interesting article regarding homes with guns. If there is a gun in a home than the risk of being killed by your intimate partner is eight times greater than homes without guns.

This statistic in of itself shows how much more dangerous a domestic violence incident becomes if the abuser is a law enforcement. Not only are the guns in the homes but the law enforcement partners are trained on how to use it and get away with it.

Although federal law bans anyone convicted of domestic violence from owning firearms, many perpetrators are still able to access them because of the lack of enforcement of state and federal laws. This is a frightening fact for me and my family.

I am a Grandma!!!!

1/30/14

I am so excited! I became a grandma on January 28 at 8:44 PM. Little Jesse weighs lbs., 3 oz.’s.

Being a grandma is so special and I am blessed that my daughter is doing well and so was the baby. Congratulations to Jennifer, Jesse, and the new little man, Jesse!! God is good!!

January 27

1/27/14

I hope everyone enjoyed their week. I have gone to the law library here at Albion to do some research. I have found out statistics that are very alarming.

How do you think it would feel if you found out you were sleeping with enemy? That’s what happened to me and it happens to 1 out of 3 women in the United States. Almost 1 of 2 women have experienced some psychological abuse, such as humiliation, name-calling, insults, etc., and one out of six women have been stalked by their intimate partner. This does not happen overnight, it sneaks up slowly. In the past five years, the number of victims seeking help has risen while the attacks have become ever more brutal.

Is your partner a present or future abuser? Here are some signs to look for:

1.       constantly checking up on you
2.       isolation by criticizing your friends
3.       putting a wedge between you and your family
4.       acting overly charming and false
5.       monitoring your social media accounts or any other social aspect of your life
6.       moving too fast and the relationship
7.       wine to control all the finances
8.       repeatedly putting you and your appearance down
9.       calling you names and otherwise generally insulting you
10.   not valuing your opinions
11.   always blaming you for what is wrong in the house or the relationship

Please trust your instincts! 99% of the time if he makes you uncomfortable or you notice the size, he is in fact an abuser. Seek help to get out of the relationship. The abuser is not always a man and victim is not always a woman. If you see yourself in this type of environment, you need to seek help before it is too late. 

January 20, 2014 entry

1/20/14

As I sit here in Albion, I am reflecting on the people that have passed through my life. Some just smiled and others have led an ear to listen. But all have a special place in my life. Although there are approximately 1400 inmates here at my facility, I am lonely and I feel sad.

I miss my children so much. I want to be present when my grandson is borne which will be a less than a month. I believe that God has a plan for me and I must be patient while his plan plays out. I am doing the best I can. I have moved into my own room, actually a cell, this past week. I enjoy the quiet alone time but it is a weird sensation when the officer bolts the door closed every night at 11 PM.

They opened it again during morning count at approximately 5:45 AM. It is lonely and eerie! Thanks to everyone for their support and for signing the petition. I would appreciate any help you can give to  pass the word on about the petition to get as many signatures as possible