My Sister's Place Confronts Digital Disrespect

My Sister’s Place hosted their annual luncheon at Brae Burn Country Club on Thursday October 28th. The focus of the luncheon was “Media, Technology, Violence and our Children, and the excellent group of panelists and their enthusiasm for a good cause brought out 400 guests. The pre-election event also attracted many candidates running for office the following Tuesday.

Event Co-Chair Libby Pataki, wife of former Governor Pataki greeted the group and credited My Sister’s Place for their important role in legislative changes over the past 25 years. Deborah Slaner Larkin, Chairman of the Honorary Board of Directors presented the Community Partner Awards to the Pelham Junior League for their role in supporting those in need with a holiday party, specially selected holiday gifts, a Mother’s Day event and gift baskets and to Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester for providing wellness packages and raising awareness about domestic violence.

NYS Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson, who chairs the Senate Task Force on Domestic Violence and Crime was given the Milestone Award for her legislative leadership in passing 12 bills this fall to improve treatment of victims of domestic violence and strengthen penalties against those committing the crime. It should be noted that Hassell-Thompson was re-elected to her Senate seat the following Tuesday with 96.7% of the votes.

A panel of four experts on children and cyber bullying took the stage and imparted some wisdom on alerting teens to the dangers of cyber bullying and preventing it. Anne Engelland, a pediatrician who specializes in teen health encouraged parents to encourage fundamental values such as character, competence and confidence and to be a model of good behavior.

Jane Randel of Liz Claiborne discussed their research on teen dating abuse and reported that one in three teens receive stalking messages and one in four teens are harassed. Randel advised parents to talk openly to their kids about drugs, sex and drinking and let them know what to expect and demand from their relationships. Learn more about this issue on their information website, Love is Not Abuse.

Noopur Agarwal, Director of Public Affairs for MTV shared a short video, A Thin Line that addressed digital abuse and discussed MTV’s campaign to raise awareness about online abuse. She explained that bullying is now more common as teens have easy access to technology, they can’t see the reaction to their words, and it is easy to maintain anonymity. MTV seeks to help kids draw the line between appropriate use and abuse of technology and to empower kids to turn to adults for help when they need it. Check out their informative website

Audrey Stone a D.A. with the Special Prosecution Division of the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office spoke about the real consequences of online abuse. In some instances an email or a text message can be grounds for criminal prosecution. She encouraged the group to keep a record of abusive emails, texts or online postings as they can be used as evidence. She assured the audience that the D.A.’s office seeks to protect victim and change behavior, not to ruin the future of offenders.

The informative discussion alerted the group to abuses that they may not see on their children’s computers or cell phones and raised awareness of this troubling trend.

My Sister’s Place works to end domestic violence through advocacy for social change, community education and direct service to abused women and children. To learn more about My Sister’s Place and find out how you can help, go to www.mysistersplace.org

Pictured Above: Executive Director, Karen Cheeks-Lomax, Esq, Terri E. Simon, Esq, Chair, Board of Directors and NY State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin

Photo by Paula Wittlin