A WOMAN TRAVELLING ALONE: 10 SAFEST CITIES IN THE WORLD

 

On this chilly morning in Atlanta, I cannot help but let my mind wander to a warm tropical beach, with hammocks and palm trees.  I long for the weeks ahead when temperatures rise and people shed their heavy coats and boots for t-shirts, shorts and flip flops.  We are approaching the time of year when many are planning their summer vacations.  However, I am aware that there are many single women who would love to jet-off to somewhere fun, but are too afraid to do so on their own.

We know that the world can be a dangerous place for women travelling alone.  Just take a look at the statistics!  However, it is not just the physical assault that concerns us, it is that we become easier targets for pickpocketing and for those seeking to con tourists!

The POWERHOUSE mission is to educate and empower ALL females to live Safe, Healthy and Active lives.  This means we want women to enjoy living life to the full, which includes travelling the world, without the fear of threat to their personal safety.

So I have decided to make a list of the top 10 cities in the world which are safe enough for women to travel alone.  This list is based on the low statistics for crimes against females.

1. COPENHAGEN (DENMARK)

 



Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark, with plenty of attractions, sights and places to eat to suit everyone's taste.  Most of the attractions are within walking distance from each other, with the two most famous being Tivoli Gardens and the statue of The Little Mermaid.

Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park, founded in 1843. Tivoli is a MUST for all visitors.  It is located just a few minutes from City Hall and the Copenhagen Central Station.

The Little Mermaid can be found at Langelinje Pier.  It is a bronze and granite statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale about a mermaid and her handsome prince.

Other spectacular attractions include Nyhavn, Stroeget and Amalienborg Palace, home of the Danish Royal family.

2. OTTAWA (CANADA)

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, standing on the south bank of the Ottawa River.  It is a multicultural city where you will hear both French and English spoken.

No matter what time of the year you visit Ottawa, the city welcomes you with an abundance of attractions and historic landmarks.  Two of the most popular attractions are the Byward Market and the Rideau Canal.

The Byward Market is one of the oldest markets in Canada, where you can shop for artisan breads, cheeses, clothing and jewelry.

The Rideau Canal is a 12.6 mile canal that connects the city of Ottawa on the Ottawa River to the city of Kingston on Lake Ontario.  During the summer months the canal is open to sightseeing cruises and in the winter, it is turned into a skateway for skaters to enjoy.

Other attractions in Ottawa include the Parliament of Canada and the National Gallery of Canada.

3. AUCKLAND (NEW ZEALAND)

Auckland lies on the North Island of New Zealand and is the largest and most populous area in the country.  It is known as the 'City of Sails' because of its vast amount of yachts in its harbour.

Auckland has many 'must do' activities and attractions, like the Sky Tower and Auckland Harbour Bridge.

The Sky Tower is an observation and telecommunications tower.  It is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand, standing at 328 meters and offers breathtaking views with up to 80 kilometers in every direction.

You will get stunning views of the Waitemata Harbour from the Auckland Harbour Bridge.  The bridge provides a walk-out, where the more daring can experience bungy-jumping, just to add some adventure and thrill!

Other wonderful attractions in Auckland include Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium and Waitenmata Harbour.

4. HELSINKI (FINLAND)

Helsinki is the capital city of Finland.  It has the most amazing architecture and was chosen as the World Design Capital for 2012.

Helsinki has lots to do and see for visitors of all ages.  Some of these include the Helsinki Cathedral and Linnanmaki Amusement Park.

The beautiful Evangelic Lutheran Cathedral is a symbol of Helsinki for many people.  It was designed in the 19th century by Carl Ludwig Engel as part of the Empire-style downtown area.

Linnanmaki Amusement Park has been a hit for families since 1950.  It has a large selection of rides, including a special wooden rollercoaster that is over 50 years old.

Other attractions in Helsinki include the Ateneum Art Museum and the Old Market Hall.

5. HILO (HAWAII)

 

 

Hilo is on the 'Big Island' of Hawaii.  Hilo has the largest settlement on the Island with over 40,000 people.

 

With so much beautiful, natural scenery, a visit to Akaka Falls State Park is a must. With Hilo being home to the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation, a visit to its farm will be lots of fun.

 

Your hike through Akaka Falls State Park will take you through lush rainforest filled with orchids and bamboo groves, to two gorgeous waterfalls.  First you will see the 100-foot Kahuna Falls and then the Akaka Falls that plummets 442-feet into a gorge.

 

On the road leading to the Macadamia Farm, you will pass lots of papaya trees, followed by the macadamia nut trees.  During your tour you will see how the nut is farmed, harvested and prepared for packaging.  A real treat!

 

Other amazing attractions in Hilo include the Tropical Botanical Gardens and the Farmer's Market.

 

6. PERTH (AUSTRALIA)



Perth is the capital of Western Australia with a population of over 1,800,000 people.  The beaches in Perth are some of the most beautiful in the world.  The Swan River flows through Perth, where you can see its famous black swans.

With so many fun things to do in Perth, do not forget to check out Kings Park and do a little surfing at Scarborough Beach.

Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of the largest inner city parks in the world, with stunning views of the city of Perth.  You can take an indigenous tour of one of the oldest surviving cultures on earth.

Scarborough Beach has the best surfing conditions in the Perth area with its waves being suitable for surfers of all abilities.

Some other wonderful attractions in Perth include the Swan Bell Tower and Rockingham Dolphins, Penguins and Sea Lions.

7. OSLO (NORWAY)

 

Oslo is the capital and largest city of Norway.  Each year the Scandinavian countries rank highly for their equal treatment of women.

 

With Oslo being steeped in history, there are many things to do and see for people with various interests.  Two recommendations are the Viking Ship Museum and the Akershus Fortress.

 

The Viking Ship Museum displays the world's two best preserved wooden Viking ships that were built in the 9th century.  It also holds sledges, tools, textiles and household utensils.

 

The Akeshus Fortress is a medieval castle located in the city center by the Oslo Fjord.  This is a perfect place to discover Oslo's history on a beautiful summer's day.

 

Other amazing attractions include the Royal Palace and the Nobel Peace Center.

 

8. SETUBAL (PORTUGAL)

 

 

The city of Setubal is located about 25 miles from the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, with a population of around 800,000 people.  Though Setubal is a busy industrial port, it is the perfect place to visit if you want a nice, quiet and relaxing vacation.

 

Sebubal is a vibrant and energetic city with plenty to do and see, including Castelo de Sao Filipe and the Nature Reserve of Estuaria do Sado.

 

Castelo de Sao Filipe dominates the skyline high above the city of Setubal.  It was built in 1595 on the orders of King Phillip II of Spain.  It is the amazing panoramic view of Setubal that draws tourists to this 16th century fort.

 

The Nature Reserve is a 23-hectare wildlife park that is home to around 220 variety of bird species.  A perfect place for a budding ornithologist!  The main draw to the Nature Reserve is its estuary which is home to bottlenose dolphins, where you can come up close and personal to these beautiful, intelligent mammals.

 

Other wonderful sights in Setubal include the National Park of Arrabida and the 16th century Monastery of Arrabida.

 

9. MALMO (SWEDEN)

 

 

Malmo is located at the southern tip of Sweden and is its third largest city.  Sweden and Denmark are linked by the Oeresund Bridge, which runs 10 miles from Malmo to Copenhagen (the safest city for women to travel alone).

 

Just like all the Nordic cities, Malmo is steeped in history, with many attractions for visitors of all interests.  Two of these are the Turning Torso and Emporia.

 

The Turning Torso is a building at the Western Harbour. It stands at 190 meters high and twists 90 degress from the base to the top.  Take a leisurely stroll too through the winding alleyways of the Western Harbour, with its fascinating architecture and beautiful bathing sites.

 

The Emporia is one of the biggest shopping malls in the Nordic Region.  You can find everything under one roof, from clothing stores and sports shops to restaurants and hairdressers.

 

Other great sights that you can either walk to or bike to are Lilla Torg, a cosy sport in the heart of Malmo and St Peter's Church.

 

10. MARSEILLE (FRANCE)

 

 

Marseille is the second largest city in France, lying in the south on the Mediterranean Coast.  It is well known for its beautiful beaches and delicious seafood.

 

With its busy harbor and cosmopolitan feel, Marseille is very appealing to visitors of all ages.  The city's colorful heritage makes it quite a fascinating place, with lots to do and see, including the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Old Harbour.

 

The Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde stands on the summit of Marseille and is a landmark that is visible from afar.  The lavish and opulent design of the church is mesmerizing.  The terrace offers a beautiful, panoramic view of Marseille, the Old Harbour and all the way to the Frioul Islands in the Mediterranean Sea.

 

The Old Harbour is the birthplace of Marseille.  Take a walk around the Harbour to get that bustling, Mediterranean feel.  The waterfront is a focal point for visitors and one of the best places to find authentic bouillabaisse, which is a specialty of Marseille.

 

Other beautiful places in Marseille to visit include Chateau D'If and Le Panier (Old Town).

 

Although these are the top 10 safest cities in the world for women to travel alone, you should always apply Powerhouse's rule of PROI: PREDICTION of misplaced situations; that is being aware of anything that appears out of context.  RECOGNITION of potentially harmful behavior.  OBSERVATION of your surroundings.  Look for street signs and landmarks.  Know exactly where you are at ALL times.  INTUITION: Trust your gut and when in doubt, both feet out!

Jennifer Riis-Poulsen is the Founder & CEO who formed POWERHOUSE as a response to the ever-increasing statistics on emotional and physical attacks on females each year. She made reducing these statistics a mission and personal goal and has set out to develop a comprehensive, HOLISTIC Personal Safety and Empowerment Program focused on awareness and powerful techniques to build courage and confidence and self-esteem. For more information visit http://powerhouseselfdefense.com

 



"ROSES ARE RED, VIOLETS ARE BLUE"

At the start of a relationship it goes something like this:

"Roses are Red, Violets are Blue,

Sugar is sweet and so are YOU!"

 

In 1 out of 3 teen relationships, the words change to this:

"Roses are Red, Violets are Blue,

Do as I say, or I will hurt you!"

 

 



February is the month of LOVE!  We tend to focus on Valentine's Day!  The flowers, the teddy bears, the jewelry.  It is difficult to walk past a store without noticing the big red hearts and balloons.  However, ironically enough, February is also Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

 

SOME STATISTICS AND FACTS!

 - Nearly 1.5 million high school students in the US experience physical abuse from a dating partner in one single year.

 - One in three adolescents in the US is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner.

 - One in ten high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a dating partner.

 - One quarter of high school girls have been victims of physical or sexual abuse.

 - Approximately 70% of college students say they have been sexually coerced.

 

Instead of focusing on the gifts around Valentine's Day, it is time to focus on the nature of the relationship.  Is it a healthy one or a destructive one?

 

Though 1 in 3 teens experience some form of dating abuse, two-thirds never tell anyone.  Often teens do not know how to talk about it.  OR, they simply do not recognize the signs!  It is time to start the conversation with our teens on fostering healthy relationships and to recognize abuse.

 

Most of us have an understanding of what a healthy and unhealthy relationship is.  Our youth do too, to some extent, but may not see the changes in their partner's behavior because they are blinded by love.  A partner who is constantly texting, inquiring of your whereabouts 24/7 and isolating you from family and friends may be interpreted as complete and utter love and adoration.  It may not be recognized for what it really is!  That is controlling behavior, which can lead to an unhealthy and abusive relationship.

Dating violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors that usually occurs over a course of time.  The abuse can be emotional, verbal and physical.  Every relationship is different.  Relationships start out healthy and noticing when it begins to transition to an unhealthy relationship can prevent our youth from becoming victims of violence.  Let's remember the two things that unhealthy and abusive relationships have in common - power and control!

Though there are many warning signs to look out for, like constantly wanting to know your whereabouts, or isolating you from family and friends, here are some of the most common signs of dating abuse:

 

- Extreme jealousy or insecurity.
- Possessiveness.
- Telling someone what to do.
- Constant belittling or put-downs.
- Explosive temper.
- Physically inflicting pain or hurt in any way.
- Pressuring someone to have sex

IT IS TIME TO START THE CONVERSATION!

 

 

Young people will keep parts of their relationship private from adults and that is perfectly normal.  It is common for both our youth, and adults, to romanticize dating relationships, but being realistic is very important and can prevent them becoming a victim of abuse.

 

Our teens must be informed that a healthy relationship has open and honest communication, in which partners share control over decisions.  Partners should:

 

- Respect each other's individuality

- Respect each other's boundaries
- Have equal say in the relationship
- Feel safe in being open and honest
- Be able to share feelings and voice opinions without negative consequences.

 

All relationships have their ups and downs.  We all know that.  Even when they do not work out and the flame starts to die, it is important to inform our youth that it is understandable to get upset and be irritated with our partner.  However, it is NEVER acceptable to be abusive, whether emotionally, verbally or physically!

 

"The Roses are still Red, the Violets are still Blue,

Though we are no longer in love, I still RESPECT You!"

 

POWERHOUSE recommends you visit Itstimetotalkday.org's website and download the conversation guide on how to start the conversation with your Teen on healthy relationships.

http://www.itstimetotalkday.org/sites/default/files/How-To-Start-A-Conversation-Guide.pdf

POWERHOUSE also highly recommends your Teen Girl becomes Powerhouse Strong through its Personal Safety & Empowerment Program.

 

POWERHOUSE is the LEADER in Emotional Self-Defense.

The Powerhouse mission is to EDUCATE and EMPOWER ALL girls and women to live Safe, Healthy and Active Lives. In order to do this our Program includes the very important component of Emotional Self-Defense.  We teach skills in Prediction, Recognition of danger signs, Observation and understanding and being in tune with your Intuition.

Take the first step towards your personal safety TODAY by contacting us and becoming POWERHOUSE STRONG!PowerhouseStrong@gmail.com
http://powerhouseselfdefense.com



 

 

 

 

 

 





LOOKING WITHOUT SEEING: A DETRIMENT TO SAFETY!

Have you ever turned your house upside down looking for your car keys, your wallet, or even a piece of jewelry, only to discover it lying right in front of you on the table?  Or have you ever been so engrossed in reading a book that you didn’t notice your kids had changed the TV channel?

This is psychologically known as Inattentional Blindness and Change Blindness, or more commonly, LOOKING WITHOUT SEEING.  Inattentional Blindness is the lack of attention, or failure to recognize what is in plain sight.  Change Blindness is failure to see an obvious change.  Research shows that unless our attention is directed to it, we rarely see what we are looking at.  This can have serious life-and-death consequences.

In 1991, a study was done with experienced airline pilots training in flight simulators. Some pilots proceeded to land when a clearly visible plane was blocking the runway.  They were paying close attention to the display console and carefully watching the airspeed indicator that they were unaware of the second plane until it was too late to avoid a collision!

As unnerving as this sounds, such an event is not uncommon.  This may also be the reason for so many car accidents.  People become distracted and inattentive for various reasons, like talking on the cell phone or turning up the radio and singing along to the music.

Inattentional Blindness and Change Blindness are also factors in in physical assaults.  This happens when you are engrossed in texting or speaking on the phone when outside and also when listening to music with headphones in.  These are just some of the many distractions that can put us in harm’s way, threatening our personal safety.

Additionally, our need for routine can lead to Change Blindness.  We sometimes get so wrapped up in keeping to our daily schedules, doing the same things at the same time, day in and day out, that we fail to see the changes within our environment.  This too can be detrimental to our personal safety, as we may not notice danger that is right underneath our nose.

This is why using the “10-Second Rule” to scan your environment is so important.  Look at this image, firstly, for just 3-seconds then look away.  How many triangles did you see?

Now look at the image again, but this time for 10-seconds.  How many triangles did you see on looking for longer?  Most people will answer with a higher number of triangles after observing for 10-seconds.

We need to adopt the 10-second rule in our everyday lives.  You will see a lot more in your environment by doing so.  When you drive to the store, before you get out of your car, scan your environment for 10-seconds!  When walking towards the store, scan again!  When going for a run or walk, scan, scan, scan! Pay attention and observe changes.

Take a look at this photo.  Can you spot the 9 differences?  These types of puzzles are an excellent way to test your observational skills.

 

Powerhouse is the LEADER in Emotional Self-Defense.

The Powerhouse mission is to EDUCATE and EMPOWER ALL girls and women to live Safe, Healthy and Active Lives. In order to do this our Program includes the very important component of Emotional Self-Defense.  We teach skills in Prediction, Recognition of danger signs, Observation and understanding and being in tune with your Intuition.

Take the first step towards your personal safety TODAY by contacting us and becoming POWERHOUSE STRONG!
PowerhouseStrong@gmail.com
http://powerhouseselfdefense.com/index.php

SAFETY DURING THE 'MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!'

"Tis the Season to be jolly!"  "Tis the Season to be careless too!"  We get so wrapped up in the excitement of the celebrations, the Christmas music, the buzz at the Malls, people laden with gifts for their loved ones! A time for giving and a time for receiving. It really is the most wonderful time of the year for many! It can also be the most dangerous time of the year in terms of personal safety!

Many people tend to forget about their personal safety during the holiday season, as they become distracted and zone out due to all the festivities.  The criminals know this and they are always looking for an opportunity!  POWERHOUSE wants you to have a fun, happy and SAFE Holiday Season. Here are some SAFETY TIPS to reduce the chance of you becoming a victim!

SOME POWERHOUSE SAFETY TIPS WHEN SHOPPING

It is important to be aware AT ALL TIMES!

 

- If possible, shop during daylight hours.  If you do have to shop at night, park your vehicle in a well-lit area close to the entrance.

 

- Avoid carrying large sums of cash. If you do have to carry large sums, divide into several amounts and place them in different pockets.

 

- Hold your purse/bag close to your body, in front of you.

 

- Keep your personal items like money, credit cards and cell phones hidden.

 

- Do not make expensive purchases where lots of people can see, especially if the purchase is made with cash.

 

- If someone bumps into you, stay alert and back away from them.  Be sure they do not follow you.

 

- Do not wear expensive jewelry when shopping.

 

- Avoid carrying too many bags in one go.  If necessary, make several trips back to your car, keeping items out of sight. Then move car to a different parking spot.

 

SOME POWERHOUSE SAFETY TIPS IN THE PARKING LOT

 

Walk with confidence, looking around you AT ALL!



 



- On leaving the store/mall, have your car keys ready.  Look around the parking lot.  If it looks isolated and you are feeling nervous, get Mall Security to walk you to your car.

- As you approach your car, look under it and around it.

- Keep all your valuables out of sight and in the truck of your car.

- When placing bags in your car, look around you for anyone approaching.  Move quickly.

- Be aware of anyone striking up a conversation with you when you are walking to your car.

- Always lock your car and roll up windows, even if just popping into the store for five minutes.

SOME POWERHOUSE SAFETY TIPS WHEN LEAVING HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Use common sense AT ALL TIMES!

 

- Make sure you have locks on all doors and windows and remember to activate your home security system, if you have one.

 

- Ask a trusted neighbor, or close friend or family member to keep an eye on your home while you are away, including collecting your mail.

 

- Put lights on a timer to give the illusion that someone is home.  It is a good idea to put a timer on a TV or radio too.

 

- If you are not driving your car on vacation, park your car in the usual way.  If you are taking your car, ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway.

 

- As excited as you are, DO NOT post on social media your plans to go away.

 

POWERHOUSE cares about your Safety and the Safety of your loved ones! Please share this blog with them and have a SAFE, FUN and MEMORABLE Holiday Season!

 





The Powerhouse mission is to educate and empower ALL girls and women to live SAFE, HEALTHY and ACTIVE lives. In order to do this our Program includes the very important component of Emotional Self-Defense.  We teach skills in Prediction, Recognition of danger signs, Observation and understanding and being in tune with your Intuition.Take the first step towards your personal safety TODAY by contacting us at POWERHOUSE STRONG!
PowerhouseStrong@gmail.com
http://powerhouseselfdefense.com/index.php

"I FEEL INVISIBLE": A PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEM THAT CAN LEAD TO TRAFFICKING!

Sex-trafficking is the fastest growing crime in the US. It is a massive $9.8 billion industry. Globally, it is a $32 billion industry, which means the US represents almost one-third of this, with Atlanta ranking Number 1 in terms of it being the city where it is most lucrative!

There are certain factors that put people at risk of becoming a victim of trafficking. These include poverty, low levels of education and discrimination relating to race, gender or class.  They also include volatile family situations like domestic violence. In all these situations, there is one common denominator.  That is the children, usually girls, have very low esteem! Additionally, they may feel they are invisible!

Human beings are naturally social beings.  We have the need to feel connected and valued by others, especially our family and friends. When we are ignored or ostracized, we feel we are invisible.  This is especially true for adolescents who are already experiencing hormonal changes and transitioning from child to adult.  They are no longer really considered as children, but are not yet adults.  The feeling of being invisible can have a negative emotional and psychological impact on adolescents, with their self-esteem levels dropping dramatically, as they do not feel they are being fairly treated, heard or respected!

 

Traffickers are well aware of the emotions of adolescents and teenagers and so search for their victims in school yards, malls and online.  A common approach is to infiltrate themselves into the life of a victim by playing the role of a boyfriend, thereby starting the grooming process!  They buy the girls gifts, give them praise and pay them a lot of attention.  Over a period of time the girls begin to trust the trafficker, the pimp, who by this time has persuaded the girls to turn away from their family and friends by playing with their emotions.  They may say things like, “Your friends don’t really care about you, but you know I do!” Or, “I would never treat you like a child, the way your parents do! You are an independent woman in my eyes!”

Adolescents and teenagers respond to this sort of flattery, especially when they are feeling invisible, or lacking self-esteem.  The trafficker knows this!  They know that the girls will be flattered with an offer of becoming a model or an actress and may pose as a Photographer for a Modelling Agency, a Movie Producer, or someone with strong connections to this glamorous industry, which is so appealing to a teenager.  The trafficker may even offer to buy clothes and pay for photo shoots.  The result is that these photos will invariably be put on an escort service website, or something similar!

The girls will eventually be coerced into running away, with the promise of a glamorous life that their parents would object to!  Once the girls have left, they are then forced into working for the pimp.  A pimp may have numerous ‘girlfriends’ and if the girls believe he is THEIR boyfriend, they are likely to feel jealous about the other girls and therefore want to please their ‘boyfriend.’  The pimp knows this and plays the girls’ jealousies off each other!  In doing so he is able to keep them in line and under his control.

Through intimidation and persuasion the girls are coerced into prostitution.  Once they have completed their first act, the girls believe they are now criminals, but that their ‘boyfriend’ will protect them.

How Can We Protect Our Girls?

Powerhouse believes that in order to combat this feeling of being invisible, or lacking self-esteem, adolescents and teenagers should get involved in a Program that helps to build their confidence and courage.  The POWERHOUSE Personal Safety & Empowerment Program is designed specifically for this.  Through Emotional, Verbal and Physical Self-Defense, it trains individuals to build their courage, increase their self-esteem and provide the confidence to heighten their sense of leadership, which helps them to reach their personal goals and full potential.

RISE UP! SPEAK UP! POWER UP!

 

Take the first step towards your personal safety TODAY by contacting us at POWERHOUSE STRONG!

PowerhouseStrong@gmail.com
http://powerhouseselfdefense.com

FINANCIAL ABUSE: THE MOST POWERFUL FORM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Although we are no longer in this month, awareness on intimate partner abuse must still remain a topic for discussion and we must continue to strive to reduce the statistics.

Domestic violence is not just a problem in other countries far beyond the shores of the US. It is a very real and insidious problem that is occurring right under our noses and occurs across all socio-economic, ethnic, educational and religious groups.



The number of US women that were murdered by their partners between 2001 and 2012 is 11,766.  This is almost twice as many American Troops that were killed in Afghanistan and Iraq during the same period. This is not a ‘domestic’ issue that we can just ignore.  It is a national problem that is not going away anytime soon.  The facts and figures are sobering!

-          3 women are murdered each day in the USA by a current or ex male partner.

-          4,774,000 women experience physical violence by an intimate partner each year in the USA.

-          1 in 4 women will be victims of domestic violence in their lifetimes.

-          Women lose 8,000,000 days of paid work each year as a result of the abuse.

-          10,000,000 children are witnesses to domestic violence each year.

Many people wonder “Why does she stay?” “Why doesn’t she just take the kids and leave?” “If it was that bad she would have left a long time ago!”

Domestic violence is often associated with physical and emotional abuse.  However, there is another ambiguous form of abuse that plays a key role in preventing a woman from leaving.  It is financial abuse!  This is a common tactic used by the abusers to gain power and control over their partners.  The decision to stay has nothing to do with having a choice to decide at all.  It is the lack of power that prevents the women from leaving.

Financial abuse is a very powerful way of keeping someone trapped in a relationship. Research has shown that financial abuse is experienced in as high as 98% of abusive relationships, and it is the victim’s concern over their inability to become financially independent and provide for themselves and their children, that has them staying or returning to an abusive situation.

As is the case with other forms of domestic abuse, financial abuse progresses over time. Initially the abuser may start to take advantage in a very subtle way, even appearing as loving and charming and claiming to only have the victim’s best interests at heart. For example, in seeing that the victim is under a lot of stress, the abuser may suggest they lighten the burden by taking care of the finances and giving whatever is needed each week.  Over time, the amount given becomes less and less and by the time the victim decides to take back control over the finances, it is too late.

Here are some examples of financial abusive behavior that includes controlling the finances, sabotaging employment, theft and unpredictability:

-          Giving you an allowance.

-          Putting your paycheck into their bank account and not allowing you access to this account.

-          Spending money on themselves and not allowing you to do the same.

-          Hiding car keys to prevent you from going to work.

-          Forbidding you to work, or limiting your hours.

-          Getting you fired by harassing you at work and disrupting your duties.

-          Stealing your key resources.

-          Using your Social Security Number to obtain credit without your permission.

-          Using a joint savings account without your knowledge.

-          Maxing out credit cards without your permission.

-          Offering resources in an unpredictable and inconsistent way, causing the victim a lot of stress as they have no idea if they are getting money for food, medicine or clothing.
 

Financial abuse is usually coupled with physical and emotional abuse.  Anyone that is in an abusive relationship is deprived of power and this can make it extremely difficult to leave.

The POWERHOUSE Program is designed to build self-esteem, confidence and courage in girls and women in order for them to reach their full potential.  According to Abraham Maslow’s pyramid of human needs, safety is a key part in our development, and comes second to our physiological needs.  Feeling safe and secure can help you feel empowered to gain the financial security needed to escape an abusive relationship. Additionally, the POWERHOUSE Program is an education in prevention and avoidance. Learning how to identify potentially harmful behavior, the warning signs, from the start is key to preventing someone becoming a victim of domestic violence.

Take the first step towards your Personal Safety and Empowerment TODAY by contacting us at POWERHOUSE STRONG!

PowerhouseStrong@gmail.com
http://powerhouseselfdefense.com

 

BE POWERHOUSE SAFE ON HALLOWEEN!

The origins of Halloween is dated back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when they celebrated their New Year on November 1.  This marked the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture and the beginning of winter.  It was also believed that on October 31, the ghosts of the dead returned to earth.  The word Halloween is an abbreviation of All Hallows’ Evening.

The Samhain festival involved huge sacred bonfires, where crops and animals would be sacrificed to the Celtic gods.  The people would wear costumes and masks and would tell each other’s fortunes.

By 43AD the Roman Empire had ruled the Celtic lands for four hundred years, at which time they combined their Roman festivals with the traditional Samhain festival.  This was known as Feralia, where the Romans commemorated the passing of the dead.
In 609AD Pope Boniface IV dedicated the 13^th day of May to all Christian Martyrs, but it was Pope Gregory III (731-741) that expanded the festival to include all Saints and moved the observance from May 13 to November 1.  In 1000 AD the church made November 2 ‘All Souls’ Day’ in honor of the dead.

Trick-or-Treating is one of the main traditions of Halloween today.  It is socially expected for children to knock on a door and shout ‘Trick-or-Treat’. Trick-or-Treat can be traced back to the early All Souls’ Day festivities in England.  During these festivities the poor would beg for food and were given pastries known as ‘soul cakes’ by families, in exchange for prayers for the family’s dead relatives.

As we approach Halloween, children all over the world are getting excited about dressing up in their costumes to go trick-or-treating, in the hope that they collect even more candy than they did last year! The candy buckets get larger and larger each year! While the focus is on racing around to as many houses as possible, it is extremely important that while having fun, SAFETY must be taken seriously! Not just for the Trick-or-Treaters, but for the motorists as well.

TRICK-OR-TREATING

-          All children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by a responsible adult.

-          Children need to be instructed to ONLY go to well-lit areas and to avoid trick-or-treating alone.

-          Children should NEVER enter a stranger’s home.

-          Give your child a flashlight, or glow stick, so they can be seen and can see others.

-          If possible, use face paint or make-up on your child.  A mask can obstruct a child’s vision.

-          Make sure you are able to communicate with your child, by having them carry a cell phone.

-          Avoid crossing the road too often.  Walk down one side of the street, then the other. DO NOT dart back and forth across the road.

-          Always walk on sidewalks and walk facing oncoming cars.

-          When crossing the road, look left, right and left again before crossing.

-          Do not allow your child to take their electronic devices with them. ONLY cell phones.

-          Agree on a time when you expect children to return home.

-          Children should not eat their treats until they return home.

SAFETY TIPS FOR MOTORISTS

-          Slow down when driving through a neighborhood.  Children are unpredictable when excited.

-          Enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully.

-          Do not use your cell phone while driving, and eliminate any other distractions inside the car.

-          Trick-or-Treating typically takes place between 5.30pm – 9.30pm, so be especially alert during these hours.

-          Discourage teenagers from driving on Halloween, as they are inexperienced and there are too many distractions.

HAVE FUN!

BE SAFE! BE VIGILANT! BE AWARE!

 

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