“A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” Billy Graham

June, the month of Father’s Day. Similar to what we said last month, every one of us has or had a father. Some fathers only planted a seed. Some fathers were very involved in our upbringing, and some fathers did a great job. Some, ummm, not so great. But most fathers started off really wanting to be an upstanding part of their child’s life. Then life got tough. Hat’s off to those fathers who hung in there and were a positive and lasting influence in their child’s life.

The Body Keeps the Score

There is so much to say about trauma. It is something we have all experienced and may never forget. In this thoughtful and insightful book, well known trauma expert, Bessel Van der Kolk, expounds on the amazing way trauma is stored in the body and how we can recognize its legacy. Hidden abuse and childhood memories impact many relationships. This is not a clinical manual but a wake-up call to all who have experienced abuse or are supporting those who have. Healing must come through the body because there are so many ways the body is in survival mode and fear. I highly recommend this book.* May, 2024 CL

*As always, catch this author on the internet to get a preview of his ideas and presentation.

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Types of Elder abuse: Physical – Use of force to threaten or physically injure; Psychological/Emotional – Verbal attacks, threats, rejection, isolation, or belittling acts; Financial – theft, fraud, misuse or neglect of authority, and use of undue influence to gain control over money or property; Sexual – sexual contact that is forced, tricked, threatened, or otherwise coerced, including anyone who is unable to grant consent; Neglect – failure or refusal to provide physical, emotional or financial safety. Signs of Elder Abuse: Injuries such as bruises, sprains, broken bones or scratches, especially when the explanation given doesn’t fit the injury; – -Changes in behavior such as depression, withdrawal or fear; Changes in regular social activity, such as missing social events or scheduled appointments or not taking them to church anymore. Changes in living arrangements, such as previously uninvolved relatives or strangers moving into the home; Changes in finances, such as the cancellation of services, utilities or stacks of unpaid bills; Changes in hygiene; Disappearance of items from the home; Signs of neglect, such as lack of food, glasses, hearing aids, medications or proper clothing; being left alone for long periods.

If an older adult says he or she is being neglected, exploited, or abused, it is important to take them seriously even if signs are not visible. If you suspect Elder Abuse: In cases of immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise call Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County hotline at 425-252-2873 OR Adult Protective Services of Washington State hotline @ 866-363-4276, OR Aging and Disability Services of Seattle and King County @ 206-684-0600, OR www.aginginfo@Seattle.gov.

Hope for Perpetrators

The State of Washington has many treatment programs for perpetrators of domestic violence (DVIT). These programs provide an opportunity for individuals to understand the effects of abuse, take responsibility for behavior, remain accountable, change attitudes of power and control in relationships, learn anger management skills, and heal from their personal cycles of violence. For a complete list of Domestic Violence Intervention Treatment Programs see: DVIT Programs by COUNTY (www.dshs.wa.gov)

Great way to celebrate Father’s Day!

Refuse To Abuse® Game Day for Domestic Violence Prevention, Sunday, June 16, at T-Mobile Park, 1:10 p.m. Each Game Day ticket includes:

Specially priced $35 View Level ticket to the Sunday, June 16, Mariners vs. Texas Rangers game! $18 donation to the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence for every ticket sold! Mariners-themed Refuse to Abuse® Dri-fit T-shirt!

Deadline to purchase: Friday, June 14 at 5 p.m. Purchase your tickets on the Mariners Refuse To Abuse® Day website. (This special ticket offer is available online only and is not available in the Team Store or at the Box Office. Redeem Mariners-themed Refuse To Abuse Dri-fit T-shirt (while supplies last) by bringing your ticket to Section 339 before the end of the 3rd inning. This giveaway is only available to those who purchase through the special offer.)

Webmaster

CCSF is in need of a temporary, volunteer webmaster for our website. The responsibility would involve only about 2-3 hours a month. If you know of anyone who has an interest in bringing awareness to relationship abuse/domestic violence, please let us know at ccsf.hope@gmail.com. Thank you.

Scripture Verse

“Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4 NIV