Chest of Hope Magazine

CHEST of HOPE

ISSUE 12/October 2023

The Domestic Violence Awareness Month Issue

FROM THE DESK OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Greetings,

Our summer has been a very challenging, exciti However, my staff rallied as a team to get the job Tasks were accomplished, and various excerpts g achievements We worked hard and were able to some frolicking and fun, which equates to balance.

The articles in this October edition of our magazine are to enlighten your awareness of what we do. In collaboration, we recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Continue to be inspired, informed, and maybe even encouraged as the shadows of summer stretch behind us

Let’s recognize that a certain class of people does not experience Intimate Partner Violence, and it is not only experienced during October However, it affects all cross-sections of society No one is exempt If we are to pay attention to the signs, then “when we see something, we must say something ” We then become our brothers’ and sister’s keepers

Sincerely,

Merlyn Pittman Founder and Executive Director Chest of Hope

Support

TECHNOLOGY & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The Negative Effects of the Digital Era

Technology has opened up new avenues for communication and connection but it has also introduced new challenges in the fight against domestic violence As we continue to embrace technology it is crucialtoremainvigilantandinformedaboutthepotential risks it poses By raising awareness educating individuals and fostering digital literacy we can work toward a safer more secure online environment and a worldwheretechnologyisnolongeraweaponofabuse butatoolforempowermentandconnection

Abusers have found ways to exploit and weaponize technology intended to connect us and instead isolate control,andintimidatetheirvictims Socialmediastalking and harassment have become a common way for abusers to invade victims privacy by monitoring social media and tracking their activities, interactions, and locations Abusers use public social media platforms to humiliate and isolate victims by creating fake profiles impersonatingandsecretlysurveillingthem Manyabuserscontrolvictimswithvarioustechnological tactics that inflict emotional distress: public shaming distributing explicit content without consent changing victims' passwords to online accounts and even locking themoutofsocial work andfinancialaccounts

The best way to combat technology abuse is to empowervictimsthrougheducationaboutdigitalliteracy Prevention is key: learning how to keep online accounts secure by choosing unique passcodes and changing them frequently, implementing two-factor authentication apps like Google Authenticator updating privacy settings to minimize how much personal information is shared online and being particularly mindful of location settings Report instances of online abuse to the platform and to your local authorities Be sure to take screenshots and share them as a part of your documentationofharassmentorabuse

209.259.5552

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San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors

Proclaim October

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

In1989Congresspassedalawdesignating October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Every year since, cities, counties and organizations across the country have designated October as the month to acknowledge,increaseawarenessandeducate aboutresourcesandsupporttopreventandhelp endthecycleofviolence

Last month, the Board of Supervisors declared October “Domestic Violence Awareness Month Accepting the proclamation alongside his team, District Attorney, Ron Freitas remarked before the Board “Domestic violence encompasses physical, emotional, financial, or sexual abuse within a domestic or intimate relationship It affects men and women, the young and the old and everyone in between Someone you knowisavictimofdomesticviolence”

DistrictAttorneyFreitasthankedhisteamfor their daily efforts in combatting domestic violence in San Joaquin, stating the issue is epidemic with 99% of children in households wheredomesticviolenceoccurswillbecomea victim of domestic violence or a domestic violence abuser DA Freitas praised The FamilyJusticeCenterandtheVictimsWitness Advocatesfortheresourcesandsupportthey offer that help survivors escape the cycle of violenceandbringtheirperpetratorstojustice

The proclamation passed unanimously with eachSupervisorsharingthoughtsacknowledging the important work the District Attorney’s Office provides to help keep victims of San Joaquin County safe Supervisor Ding remarked that he couldn’t help but draw parallels between SeptemberbeingAddictionRecoveryMonthand October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“Theygohandinhandalotoftimes Thank you for reaching out to all of our volunteer organizations in the network Once again, San Joaquin County is about its people and you’vemadeusproud.”

Chairman of the Board, Robert Rickman for the 5th District shared remarks about San Joaquin County’s “zero tolerance” approach to criminal activity “If you’re going to come here to San Joaquin County and break our laws,especiallywithdomesticviolence,you’re goingtobeprosecuted”

Chair Rickman expressed gratitude for the DA’s office looking out for victims “In news and in other places, it seems victims are forgotten. With your team in San Joaquin County,asawhole,victimsareatthetop,the very top We are going to take care of our victimsofdomesticviolenceorwhateverother crimes”

San Joaquin County offers an extensive number of resources and support for victims of domestic violence through the District Attorney’s Office in partnership with various non-profitorganizations

(209) 468-4100

948-7111

San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office (209) 468-4400/4421

Stockton Police Department

Violence Unit (209) 937-8323

Lodi Police Department (209) 333-6727

Manteca Police Department (209) 239-8401 / 8410

Tracy Police Department (209) 831-4550

Escalon Police Department (209) 838-7093

Lathrop Police Department (209) 858-5551

“If you’re going to come to San Joaquin County and break laws, especially with domestic violence, you’re going to be prosecuted.”

~Robert Rickman, Chairman of the Board, 5th District

By Staff Writer

RobertRickman,ChairmanoftheBoard,5thDistrict

Chest of Hope was proud to attend and support United Way of San Joaquin’s 13th Annual Wine, Chocolate, and Art Event held at the Great Wolf Lodge in September. United Way distributed over $22,000 in collected donations to various local non-profit organizations, including the Chest of Hope. On behalf of the Chest of Hope team, we would like to thank United Way for its generous donation and for helping us advance our mission of supporting victims of domestic violence in San Joaquin County.

San Joaquin Family Justice Center is a one-stop location of services to assist victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Child Abuse, Human Trafficking, Stalking, and Elder Abuse

Partnering with the San Joaquin Family Justice Center allows us to expand our services and work in conjunction with families in need. We collaboratively offer various services that are of no cost to the community. Chest of Hope has on-site case managers who assist with Domestic Violence, restraining orders, court accompaniment, risk assessment, and safety planning, access to emergency shelter and transitional housing, as well as parenting classes

Our partnership allows us to efficiently and effectively serve our community by providing wraparound services. Nala, a sweet yellow lab, serves on the SJFJC team, offering warm, gentle greetings and emotional support to all in need

San Joaquin Family Justice Center is located at 222 East Weber Avenue, 1st Floor, Stockton, CA 95202 To learn more about the San Joaquin Family Justice Center and its service offerings, please visit them online at https://www sjcfamilyjusticecenter com/

Exploring The Diverse Culinary Landscape of the Philippines

ASymphonyofIngredients

In the Philippines, ingredients are a tribute to nature's abundance. Coconut milk, calamansi, pandan leaves,andtheomnipresentricelay the foundation for Filipino cuisine These components are not just mere ingredients; they are the essenceofeverydish

TheArtofKamayan

TheWorldofStreetFood

To truly grasp the essence of Filipino culinary culture, you must venture into the realmofstreetfood Alongbustlingstreets and market stalls, you'll encounter isaw (grilled chicken or pork intestines), balut (duck embryo), and fish balls drenched in a sweet and spicy sauce These unpretentioustreatsformtheheartbeatof Filipinostreetlife

YourTickettoCulinaryAdventure

Imagineaworldwhereeachmealis a fusion of flavors, a cultural amalgamation, and a culinary adventure. Welcome to the Philippines, where every dish narratesataleandwhereaworldof possibilitiesunfoldsonyourplate

AMultifacetedPaletteofFlavors

The Philippines is more than just a collectionofpicturesqueislands;it's a fusion of tastes cultivated over centuriesofhistory,commerce,and cultural interactions. Here, flavors are as varied as the population itself. From the sweet notes of ripe mangoes to the savory umami of adobo,thefierykickofBicolExpress, and the refreshing zing of kinilaw, the culinary scene is a captivating kaleidoscope

Let'sdelveintokamayan,theFilipino traditionofeatingwithone'shands. Envision a feast spread out on banana leaves, a communal affair wherelovedonescometogetherto relish dishes like lechon (roast pig) and grilled seafood The tactile sensationofeatingwithyourhands immerses you in the country's heritage like no fork or knife ever could

InthePhilippines,"AWorldofPossibilitieson Your Plate" isn't just a slogan; it's a way of existence It's an invitation to explore the rich tapestry of flavors, textures, and traditions that make Filipino cuisine a dynamic and ever-evolving art form So, grab your culinary passport and embark on a journey to savor the Philippines, one dishatatime.Kainnatayo!(Let'seat!)

RAIDER DAD PARTNERS WITH CHEST OF HOPE

By Stella Lakey

Raider Dad is a non-profit organization based in Las Vegas, Nevada The organization's primary mission is to support underserved children who do not have the means to experience the bonding that occurs when families attend sporting events On September 23, 2023, Raider Dad partnered with the Chest of Hope, extending an opportunity to children residing at Hope’s Place, a family shelter for victims of domestic violence, to be treated to a day they will never forget

Raider Dad founder Josh Camanite flew in from Las Vegas to spend the day and treat the excited children to their first baseball game at the Oakland Coliseum, where they saw the Oakland Athletics play the Detroit Tigers. Not only did the children see a great game, they were treated to a VIP suite with all the trimmings, creating happy, lifelong memories.

Chest of Hope extends our heartfelt gratitude to Raider Dad for forging this rewarding partnership that has provided such a positive and heartwarming experience for the children of Hope’s Place.

Raider Dad! Thank You

Domestic Violence and Its Social Dynamics in a Community

By Wanda Irish

Communities have changed so much since the 1970s but then again,notmuchhaschangedwhen it comes to social dynamics of domesticviolence Backinthedays oftherotaryphoneandnotinternet to seen, everyone on the block was still aware of each family and how they handled themselves We all knew who had the stay at home andwhoseparentsbothworkedjust toputfoodonthetable.Bytheend oftheweek,youknewwhosehouse you were staying at the next weekend You also knew what happened at that house behind closed doors No whispering behind each other’s back was necessary, that was your neighbor and you loved them just the same as your own

However, the repercussion of you watching your best friend’s dad clock their mom in the mouth is somethingthatwillneverleaveyour memories. You wish there was something you could do at that moment more than anything else. Doyouyellathimtostop,notinthe 1970s, that would be like yelling at your own parent It would never happen AllIcouldthinkofwas,that I’m telling my parents when I get home tomorrow They’ll know what to do! Well, they didn’t know what quite to do They had figured there was domestic violence going on but, those were the days when you didn’t call the cops on your neighbors You tried not to meddle toomuchontheirfamilyvalues.But this behavior is not good for the neighborstohavetoendure.

Years later, that proved to be true. My friend was spiraling into depression and her grades were failing immensely. My parents stayed true as neighbors and offered to take her into our home. One, to help her get back on track with her education but, to also witness what a healthy relationship should consist of It’s not all rosy but with compromise and compassion it has the ability to sustain a lifetime My friend successfully went on in lifetohaveahealthyrelationship,thatshe isstillenjoyingsome30yearslater I would like to hold onto the hope that our communities can once again become neighborhoodswherewelookoutforeach other, even each other’s children They mockwhatwealldo.Let’sbegoodadults.

OldSchool Mac& Cheese

Ingredients

· 1 ¾ pounds whole-wheat macaroni

· ¾ cup butter

¾ cup all-purpose flour

· 6 cups milk, divided

· 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon mustard powder

· 1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

· salt and ground black pepper to taste

· 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

3 (8 ounce) packages shredded American cheese

· 1 (8 ounce) bag potato chips (such as Lay's®), crushed

· 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

· butter-flavored cooking spray

PrepTime:30mins

CookTime:45mins

TotalTime:1hr15mins

Servings:20

Yield:20servings

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

2 Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes; drain

3 Melt butter in a large pot over medium-low heat Slowly add flour to butter, whisking constantly; cook until brown and the mixture no longer smells of flour, about 5 minutes Pour 1 cup milk into the flour mixture, whisking continually until fully incorporated, about 45 seconds; repeat twice Add remaining 3 cups milk to the mixture, whisking to incorporate Stir Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper into the mixture; season with salt and black pepper.

4. Reduce heat to low. Cook sauce, whisking frequently, until it begins to thicken, about 10 minutes. Add about half the package of shredded Cheddar cheese; stir continually until the cheese melts completely. Repeat with remaining half package of Cheddar cheese and the American cheese, about 4 ounces at a time Once cheese is entirely incorporated, remove sauce from heat

5 Stir drained macaroni into the cheese sauce to coat Divide macaroni between two 9x13-inch baking dishes

6 Mix crushed potato chips, 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl Top the macaroni with the potato chip mixture evenly Spray the potato chip mixture with cooking spray

7. Bake in preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling, 35 to 45 minutes.

By Wanda Irish

With the count being up to 4 3 million people succumb to human and labor trafficking per year That’s each year and every year after that Why, as a society, have we become so numb to those numbers? Is it because from a visual perspective those are just numbers? Do we not associate a face with those numbers? Or do we just not care about what another person is going through or forced to accept as their normal? As I sit here and cringe on those facets of life; I cannot help but challenge our communities to open their eyes and hearts to become more aware and compassionate. Not just towards others but also towards ourselves We need to be willing to give ourselves grace in the not knowing and protection as we navigate awareness But having awareness does not obligate you to become your local Robinhood Quite the contrary, your safety is important to remain valuable to another.

Taking a community-based approach on this situation, according to the data found on the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) website, has been found to have the most positive-effect for the successful rehabilitation of victims of Human and Labor Trafficking I say this because not one person can take on all these burdens for another without the community intervening. This can come in many variations for a successful outcome That is because each victim has a different need than the next victim Each one can be saved in a different manner and timeframe

Unfortunately, the trafficker is masked like a chameleon Just as you think you know who they are, a new color will pop out of nowhere Having you wondering if you even know what to look for anymore Leaving the vigilante in you feeling useless for the victims It’s time to rally up our community leaders and business owners to collaborate and engage each other

Never despair in your effort to eradicate this evil of this world Never give up on what the power of knowledge can do for mankind I challenge you to question every gut feeling you get. It’s not a conspiracy theory or gaslighting You were blessed with natural instincts. I dare you to act on that feeling. Just one simple question of “Are you safe?” can provide you with profound knowledge So profound, that it can offer power to another person And that’s the power of knowledge in effect My apologies if, I made you cringe

Onto how a community-based approach gets started Identify if your city has an agency that will advocate for victim’s rights and the resources that may be available to them Reach out to them and request if, community training and/or collaboration is available in your area

Most agencies will embrace in the community interest and willing to share the language, statistics and stigma that goes with the human and labor trafficking industry With some agencies, your staff can earn a certificate award for project awareness and receive literature with a crisis number for victims to contact Training can be presented specifically by community industry (i.e., Hotel, restaurant, agriculture, hospital, police, and education)

WINTER VEGETABLE GARDENING

Ideally, each industry will learn what to look for, how to respond and refer a victim, within their own walls safely As each industry is empowered, they’ll be able to make a small difference and one-byone they’ve become part of an engaged community-based approach that is trying to offer safety to a victim, that wants to become a survivor

By Howard Ong

Legislating Hope

Penalties for Domestic Violence in California

There are significant penalties for domestic violence in California. Under Penal Code 273 5, if an individual gets convicted of a misdemeanor, the penalties could include the following:

Up to one year in jail; A fine of $6,000; and Up to three years of probation

If the individual gets convicted of a felony, the penalties could be even more severe For example, the individual could be sentenced to 4 years in prison, or he could be sentenced to 5 years of probation

If someone gets convicted of domestic battery under 243e1, the penalties could include the following:

Up to a year in county jail; Up to $2,000 in fines; and Up to three years of probation

If you or someone you know has been impacted by domestic violence and needs support, please contact Chest of Hope's helpline at 209.259.5552.

“Transforming Legislation To Transform Lives”