At the Women United Against Violence event last night East St. Louis mayor Alvin Parks spoke, pledging to address violence against women in his city. The Chief of Police also spoke, in addition to many survivors who shared their personal stories- some were victims of random violence (one lady was robbed at gunpoint in her own yard), some were victims of domestic violence (one lady was stabbed by her then-boyfriend FIVE TIMES, but lived, thankfully), and victims of sexual assault.
They also had a US Attorney there who represents the Southern Illinois District (where E. St. Louis is located, technically) who spoke about Human Trafficking, and what to look for in spotting potential victims. He said the largest problem in this area isn't so much young children and teens (though it does happen) like most of us think. It's immigrants, here in this country LEGALLY who trust the wrong people. A lot of victims are Mexican/Latino immigrants who find what they believe to be legitimate work- landscaping, roofing, etc- but their "employers" take their papers (they say it's for safekeeping), and also keep their wages as part of some fake "debt" system they've made up. The workers can't complain because their bosses have their papers- without them, they can't even prove they're here legally. Plus, many come from nations where LE is not to be trusted anyway. Riveting.
Many of us remember the horrible hail storm from a few years back- there were roofing companies- literally operating on the side of the road out of tents- set up throughout the entire area. Many of those laborers were victims of human trafficking. That's how those "fly by night" roofing companies kept up with their work load, as thousands and thousands of home owners/property owners sustained serious damage to their roofs and siding of their homes. I was shocked. I'll never see a sign advertising a roofing company the same way again.
They had some wonderful ladies from a local Rape Crises help center speak. They gave common-sense tips to women that may decrease our likelihood of being the targets of random crime (be aware of your surroundings, carry a whistle at all times, if in trouble don't yell, "Help!" or "Rape!", yell, "Fire!" because people are nosy and will run to look if there's a fire).
They had a chief prosecutor speak about teen violence. 1 in 5 teens, ages 12-19 will suffer violence at the hand of a boyfriend or girlfriend. 1 in 4 women will be sexually assaulted during their college years. She spoke about the date rape drug, how you should never drink or do drugs on a date, as it clouds your judgment. She also talked about the warning signs of a potentially abusive relationship, and how those signs can seem endearing at first ("I don't want you to go out with your friends tonight, I just love spending time with you. Can you please come hang out with me instead?"). She also spoke about being there for someone you suspect is a victim. Victims have been told repeatedly in many different ways that they are worthless, useless. Every time a friend or member of the general public turns their backs on that person, or chooses not to get involved, it reinforces that they're useless and they're less likely to see help.
They had members of the E. St. Louis police department do self-defense demonstrations- little tricks to drop an assailant to the ground (knee to the groin, hip/thigh area, or a punch to the adams apple), buying just enough time to run. If you're in a situation where you cannot run away, run circles- over and over again- around your car instead. It will make an assailant think you're crazy and they're likely to leave you alone when you try to play a game of ring around the rosy with your car
OMG- there was sooooo much more, but that's the gist of it!