Did you know nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults occur to children ages 17 and under? I didn’t until I spoke with Blythe Spitsbergen from “Carehouse” of Oakland County. Blythe is this week’s “Woman Who Rocks” on WCSX and is trying to break the cycle of silence and help children become survivors of sexual abuse and not just statistics.
Blythe is an amazing person who doesn’t ever want a child who has been abused or assaulted to go through life not having their voice heard. “Carehouse” of Oakland County is a children’s advocacy center, providing first rate services to victims of child abuse and neglect.
The mission of the 501(c)(3) non-profit agency is to be a leading resource in the prevention of child abuse and neglect, and the protection of children through advocacy, education, intervention, research, training, and treatment, in collaboration with the community. The “Carehouse” vision is to impact the safety of every child in Oakland County through intervention, prevention and treatment.
While speaking with Blythe, I learned that every story about abuse is different, but all had the same thing in common, it shouldn’t have happened. In my opinion, and as a sexual assault survivor, there needs to be a dialogue. Children deserve to be children and be happy. Sexual abuse and assault takes that away and sometimes leads to other issues in the future.
In the second half of the podcast, I am always joined by Cyndy Schalter-Salsido from Turning Point Macomb. This week we talk about the criticism faced by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer regarding the outfit she wore to her “State of the State” speech. “Fox 2 News” did a story about the mean, hurtful and sometimes lewd comments posted on social media about the Governor during her speech, but the reporter took back lash as well for telling the story. Cyndy has an interesting take on women in power and how they are perceived.
http://www.fox2detroit.com/news/local-news/social-media-dissects-whitmer-s-dress-not-her-address
Cyndy and I also a very important topic regarding mental health, should employees with depression problems be allowed mental health days off of work when they are struggling? I think it’s a great idea, especially for those who work in high pressure fields. Cyndy explained the cost of mental health for employers and also spoke about certain career paths that people do need breaks from.
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/26/employers-are-starting-to-think-about-healthy-differently.html
We all have heard of challenges some kids are performing that they find on the internet. A new one however has police officers around the country issuing warnings and pleading with children not to do it. Cyndy and I discuss when pranks go to far and how to teach children to utilize “safe” challenges for charity.
And finally, a little feel good story for your ears and eyes. We use Tinder and other apps on our phones for dating, so why can’t animals? No, seriously, animals need love too, or they need a legitimate mate to make more animal babies. Mooooooveeee over Tinder there is another dating app that is giving you a run for your dairy, I mean money.
Turning Point is ALWAYS here to help!!!!!!
(Cyndy Schalter-Salsido)
YOU ARE NOT ALONE…
TURNING POINT IS HERE TO HELP
Domestic violence and sexual assault rob an individual of their sense of safety, power, and dignity. Turning Point provides emergency and support services to meet both the immediate and long-term needs of survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Turning Point strives to provide a safe non-judgmental place for survivors to explore their feelings and options, and regain control of their lives.
There is a 24 crisis line:
586.463.6990