If you yourself have been the victim of bullying or experienced the heartbreak of watching a young person you love suffer through the experience, you know what all the fuss in the news is about. Bullying is leading some incredibly young people to lose hope and commit suicide, which is just tragic. Bullying comes in all shapes and sizes and has no age limit. Grownups bully too, as do governments and political powers.

The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida has made it its mission that we never forget the mass murder and ultimate bullying at the hands of a madman with power. They have taken on the issue of bullying in a very creative, informative and inspirational way. Along with the talented puppetry of MicheLee Puppets, the Center provides a free service, informing and entertaining young people. The message is fun but powerful as it shows young people how to recognize bullying in its many forms and lets them know that they have the power to stop it. It’s this empowerment that is behind their Upstander Initiative, the commitment to stand up for doing the right thing.

I took my nephews to the Upstander Day that was held at Lake Eola earlier this month, complete with a protest-like march around the lake. We had a great time, they got some cool balloon hats, and I hope some useful information had a chance to sink in. In any case, it opened the door to some interesting conversations about the topic, and sometimes that’s all a parent (or aunt) needs to make a lasting impression on a young mind.

Let’s do all we can to empower the next generation to not allow injustice to continue. Help us to support this project. Make sure to bid on something in this month’s gallery or buy a poster.

16″ x 20″ Original, Unframed, Acrylic & Oil Pastel On Gallery Wrapped Canvas

11″ x 14″ Print, Framed, Original Is Acrylic & Oil Pastel On Recycled Distressed Canvas, Newsprint

This hit close to home for me personally as I was the victim of mental/emotional abuse by my ex-husband. Although there were no physical scars, the mental and emotional wounds can take even longer to completely heal. His verbal abuse finally led me to a suicide attempt, something I never thought I’d do. I ended up in the ER, was Baker Acted, and spent a few days in a locked-down facility. When I was finally released, I was released into the care of my “loving husband.”

I was lucky, I left him before he became violent or my depression became so deep that I succeeded in ending my life. I was blessed to have a family to turn to for a place to stay while I started my life over and rebuilt myself emotionally. Many people don’t have that option.

Many people stay with an abuser because of fear of what they’ll do to a family pet that is left behind. Statistics show that almost half of domestic violence survivors delayed leaving for just that reason. Pet abuse is often a retaliatory action of the abuser. According to the American Animal Association, approximately 88% of pets living in households with domestic violence are either abused or killed. Of all survivors who enter shelters , 57% have had a pet killed by their abuser.

This is why Harbor House found it so important to build a kennel for their guests’ pets. Sponsorships are coming in and the official groundbreaking will be soon. More funds are needed and more sponsorships are available. Please contact mmartino@harborhousefl.com for more information. There is also the 2^nd Annual Paws For Peace Walk on Saturday, November 5^th. Click to download the flyer.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone. It is a pattern of controlling behavior by the abuser that can include physical, sexual, economic, cyber, emotional and/or psychological abuse as a means to control the victim.  More than 1000 women and children take refuge in the shelter at Harbor House each year. Harbor House provides 24-hour crisis assistance, emergency shelter, crisis counseling, support groups, court advocacy, children’s services, and much more.

Please do what you can to support this very important community non-profit. They are always in need of donations like bleach, anti-bacterial hand soap, paper products, plastic utensils, pots and pans, silverware and dishes, first aid supplies and much more.  To donate supplies, please contact tulman@harborhousefl.com.

Of course, this month’s gallery sales will benefit Harbor House, with 50% of the sales going to their cause. Please bid on your favorite Ann Scott painting and help us to raise funds for Harbor House.

Thanks,

Michelle Magnusson