Finding Our Voice, Sharing Our Vision
Ending Violence Against Women and Children
Women in Prison EMDR- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Vita's Story
Teen Dating Violence- PSU/Cramer Hall- February 21-22, 2003
I really enjoyed this class because it helped me realize that my last relationship was more than just
unhealthy, but rather abusive. After reading some of the material within the course packet, I experienced six
out of the ten early signs for teen dating violence. A year and a half later, I was finally able to use distance
and college as my excuses to end the relationship. What was especially confusing for me was, when I was questioning
my relationship and considered seeking advice from my mom, she, along with my family and friends told me on more
than one occasion how great, romantic he was, and would most likely be successful since he was going to Stanford, therefore I
should not let him get away. Not until we broke up did they finally confess the brutal truth of fear of hurting me.
They told me they felt that he was very manipulative and controlling by using guilt trips and deceit on me. When
they told me this, I was upset because they had not confided in me sooner, which might have spared me some
unnecessary pain, although I did not blame them either. I just wished they would have been more educated on the
topic and would have known how to intervene in that situation for me to listen and take necessary action.
In addition to benefiting from this class, I thought Jim Winkle was a great speaker. I am not sure if I enjoyed
him more for the material he presented or how he presented it. However, either way I thought it was very interesting
how the U.S. still will not allow sex ed. in our schools due to fear of encouraging the students to engage in
sexual activities, but Europe has accepted comprehensive sex ed. into their curriculum. As result, Europe has four
times less pregnancy and STD rates than the U.S. This just shows that the U.S. needs to stop being in denial and
face the issue head-on.
The weekend workshop on teen violence and interpersonal relation ships can be summed up for my experiences as
enlightening and concerning. Throughout this experience I went through realizations and compassion as well as
frustration and confusion.
I realized through this that I had been a victim of a violent teenage relationship in my life. I was in a
relationship with a boy who was extremely verbally and emotionally abusive. It is this kind of abuse that goes
unnoticed but can be most defective and damaging. The abuse that I endured was so subtle yet painful, and as the
victim I personified with all of the things this course mentioned one would feel under these circumstances. I was
too blind and embarrassed to let anyone know what was going on so I just internalized it and made it my own problem.
It took me a long time to get out of the relationship and an even longer time to realize that the things that had
transcended in that relationship were not right and ultimately very unhealthy. I just recently became engaged to a
wonderful, loving supportive man and I know that I will have to struggle with my views of a healthy relationship.
From that one boyfriend and that one experience my views are forever tainted.
Because I have been in this type of relationship I have a great deal of compassion for the girls and boys who are
going through this in their own lives. I have learned and seen that it is very hard to confront someone about the
issues that you are having and it becomes very easy to believe or fall into the trap of a verbally and emotionally
abusive person. That is why I believe that education on this subject matter is so important and crucial to the
safety of young people in their relationships. I was very frustrated to find out that this topic is so tabooed and
not taught in our schools. Girls need to have the knowledge of what these relationships look like before they can
be expected to get out of them or how to handle it when they are in them. I am a future educator myself. I am
currently applying for the masters of education program and I feel very strong about supporting the cause of this
education in the classroom as a basis of general curriculum under sexual education. I feel that this class has
given me the knowledge and the resources that I need in order to implement this subject into a classroom of my own.
This class was done in a very effective and informative way. I would definitely recommend it to my fellow future
teachers or anyone who has contact with a teenager.
I'm very happy I decided to register for this class. It's the third Voices Set Free weekend class I have
attended this quarter, and I have one more to go. I happened to attend these classes as a fluke -- my class schedule
became quite out of control due to my work schedule. I'm grateful things worked out this way. I've decided to get
a certificate in Women's Studies in addition to the Master's degree in Conflict Resolution I was already working
toward.
An abundance if salient information was brought to light in just two days. The instructors are great mentors
to those of us who are new to activism. I enjoyed the presentation given by Jim Winkle. His particular subject
is not easy for many people to hear about, but his delivery made it quite palatable. I also enjoyed Jacquie
Pancoast's presentation - she seems dedicated to her work and very knowledgeable about teen issues. I feel the
videos were very effective and provided an interesting and different medium from which we could gain additional
information - this is something that I think is important since weekend classes can be a challenge after a long
week of work and study.
One reason this class was important to me is because I plan to work on issues of violence against women and
children when I graduate with my master's degree in Conflict Resolution. One of my goals is to help kids understand
the power within them. Our society feels the need to educate children with regard to things outside themselves:
math, reading, sports, etc., but, we don't address emotional skills until people reach adulthood. Unfortunately,
many kids have the spirit beaten out of them when they are young. With luck, we can connect with many kids before
someone has a chance to hurt them. In addition to working directly with kids, I'd like to effect change in the way
parents think of and treat their children. I believe these classes will greatly help me achieve my goals.
This week's class was truly informative and hard. It was hard to take in because it hit so close to home. I was
a witness of domestic violence for a very long period of time. As a kid, I watched my mom and dad get in to
arguments that eventually led to him throwing the dinner out the window, slamming doors, punching walls, and
eventually physically abusing her. In the beginning, it was not that bad, but it got worse. Raised with the
Vietnamese culture, it was understood that this type of thing happened in Vietnam a lot. But there was one problem,
we weren't in Vietnam. Eventually I grew taller and stronger and more aware of the growing situation. One day I
finally confronted him and that was that. It is funny how he listen and read these great articles and prevention
courses and realized how much there was to help out your situation. It's funny because it seems that there are
millions of organizations to help us, but I did not know how to contact anyone of them. This is where I see the
problem. We have tons of volunteers and organizations that mean well, but how can they do their jobs if the victims
don't even know they exist? We need to educate the youth, show them their options, and leave the door open. I just
can't believe how much goes on and I never knew any of it until I began taking the women studies class. Isn't that
sad? Sad for me, but more importantly sad for the victims who need our help. Finally, Professor Bauschard asked the
question, "Who is an Activist?"
Only a few raised their hands. I think the willingness to give up part of
your weekend to learn prevention, abuse, or domestic violence, makes you as much as an activist as the next person.
Maybe in the future, I will become that activist who raises my hand, but until then I believe that this enough to
make a change, even a little one.
In my 26 years, I don't believe I've had as moving a weekend as February 21-22,2003. An awakening like I have
never experienced took place in Cramer Hall. Although I've been taking classes at Portland State, on Cramer Hall,
for almost a year now, I've never been given a reason to examine my life to such great depths. It has been life
altering to say the least!
Having removed myself from an emotionally and financially abusive marriage over a year ago, I still struggle
with what direction my life held. Combining religious beliefs, family ties and the inability to decipher, through
it all, what it was that I really wanted for my life, I've been "stuck in a rut,"
spinning my wheels, driving
myself crazy. I realized now that this was because I was blaming myself for not being able to make my marriage work,
for failing at something I considered "for life,"
for giving up. Now I know that this is exactly how my
perpetrator (husband) wanted me to feel, and in feeling this way, be motivated by guilt to return to the abusive
relationship.
Empowered now with the knowledge that these are tactics used, and reused by perpetrators, I have been given
the courage to actually finish the relationship. Not just removing myself from it, but ending it. I don't in any
way want to give the impression that now I have a person (my Husband) to reallocate the blame to, but I do have my
eyes open to the reality of the situation. That reality is: those who are emotionally abusive are not apt to change.
This abuse is something that they can get away with time after time with no consequences to themselves. Time after
time though, they are beating down the confidence, self-worth and esteem of their partner. I choose to lead a
healthier life than that, starting now.
I really enjoyed the seminar; it made me think about how I could handle my anger with my family. It also
brought out some old wounds about my upbringing that I needed to address so whenever the need fits I'll know how to
handle them and deal with them in a positive manner. The class itself was helpful in making me look for signs of
abuse in others and what I could do to help them understand that such behavior is unacceptable in any male/female
relationship. I have three daughters of my own an I don't want them to be in a relationship where they feel it is
O.K. for their mate to verbally or physically abuse them.
I experienced spousal abuse as a child when I was six years old, by trying to not be like my father I ended up
being like my father. Now that I have been to the seminar it has made me a better man because I was able to see
what I needed to do to prevent this cycle from continuing on in my relationship with my wife. I love my wife deeply.
I am doing what ever I can to make sure that whenever I get angry to leave. Instead of yelling at her I sit down
and communicate with her, because I have seen signs of my children acting out what they have seen in the past and
I do not want them to be like their grandfather or me.
I have gone to counseling with my wife and my counselor has been very helpful in keeping us aware of what is
necessary to keep our family together. I am a music and history major, but I would one day like to help young men
like my self to realize the danger of abuse and what it can do to a family. Louise, Jacquie, and Songcha were very
insightful in their presentation to the class. I feel more needs to be done in order for all men and women to bring
about change in how we raise our kids, and more needs to be done in law enforcement as well as a political plane.
It was the most interesting weekend class I have ever attended the two guest speakers, Jackie Pancoast and Jim
Winkle, they both addressed the subject so well and clearly. As a non-English speaker, it is difficult to
understand every detail of the speech, however, I did not have any problems understanding the whole lecture
this time.
I have a son who just turned sixteen years old. In the past I was verbally abused for thirteen years of a
marriage. Unfortunately my son was exposed to his father's behavior. It was the main reason why I took the class.
Both speakers explained various situations teenagers are likely to come across and what is going on around them.
Furthermore, what we can do to prevent violence. One of the videos which interviewed Kelly, who was verbally abused
by her boy friend captured my heart. I thought as if Kelly was speaking on behalf of myself with my own experience.
I went through the same path Kelly did. Like Kelly said, "It is easy to show scars and bruises on the body but it is
impossible to show scars inside your mind."
It is all psychological and emotional pain we have to go through verbal
violence.
My ex-husband was Mr. Prince Charming and people around us thought he was a kind man. I believe people only see
what they want to see and do not know what goes on behind the door. When my son was five years old, he asked,
"Why daddy is so nice to his friends and neighbors and talks to us like dogs?"
I answered his question,
"Daddy does not know what he is doing but when you grow up, you can make the difference. You can talk to everyone
nice especially to your own children. That is the difference you can make."
For many years, I was overpowered,
controlled, being out down by my ex-husband all the time. My children felt the fear I was going through. Finally
when I said, "Mommy wants to have a separate life. That means divorce."
My children said, "Mommy you are
brave."
They have never complained about my divorce.
As well as the knowledge, timing is also important. My teenage son wanted to talk to me last night. He asked me
if he could go out on a date, his very first date, with a classmate this coming Saturday. My answer was that they
could go out as a group. He was not too thrilled with my answer. Luckily the girls mother had the same idea as mine.
So, four of them are going out instead of just two. I explained to my son what is appropriate and what is not. I
also explained what a healthy and safe relationship is I showed a NON-VIOLENCE wheel to him right away to emphasize
on equality. I worry about my son having a father who does not respect women and wants to dominate woman. As Jim
Winkle said, behavior is constructed. I told him that it is his responsibility to create a safe environment for his
girl friend. I also added how important it is to communicate with his girl friend to build a healthy, happy and
equal relationship. Both Jackie and Jim emphasized the importance of having information to educate teenagers on
this matter. I think, I provided enough in formation at this point, in a timely manner.
Two years after the divorce, out of the blue, my son said, "Mom, you made the right decision."
I said,
"You mean... a divorce?"
He said, "As long as you are happy I am happy for you."
It was very assuring
and supporting. I do not have anybody to put me down any more. No more fear. No more cloudiness in my mind.
This paper is in response to the last class in the women studies: Violence against Women and Children. This
particular course was entitled: Youth and Violence. This class is also highly recommended, thus far I have taken
two of the three courses in this series I am looking forward to taking the other. After attending the second class
in this series a couple weeks age, I thought, "how can they top that," but sure enough you did. This seminar was
right on time; I was and am struggling with an abusive situation that began while I was a teen. The guy I was
dating was my high school sweetheart and had I know the signs of abuse then; I would have been gone long ago. This
class broadened my awareness of domestic violence, and it could do the same for others, especially at the high
school level.
During high school I knew my relationship did not feel right, but did not think it was abusive, it wasn't
until I took this class that I understood that. I have always correlated domestic violence with physical abuse,
which is one of the reasons I stayed in the relationship aside from the guilt that I felt if I left. I have always
had an idea of domestic violence, I knew it could be verbal and emotional, but I never had any examples of what
those were. I imaged what verbal was, such as being cursed out all the time, but I never understood emotional
violence. I remember getting a questionnaire at my high school asking if certain types of events in my relationship,
but I didn't take it seriously. I thought I'm to smart to be in a domestically violent situation, and that's
exactly how he kept me around. When I began realizing I was in a bad situation it became a thing of reputation
for me, I'm Naishia, a high school graduate, college student, in several leadership programs, a church girl, a
good girl, I can't possibly admit to being in an abusive relationship. What would everyone think of me? It wasn't
until I was struck that I left him alone. I still believe I wasn't in an abusive relation, he just hit me once and
I caused it, unaware of the emotional abusive built up. That's why I couldn't quite understand when we broke up,
two weeks later he was in another "serious relationship,"
and he was physically violent. We still stoke to
one another until this class and he actually had me believing it was her fault, she pushes his buttons, and had me
feeling sorry for him, being very manipulative, as usual.
I thank you for this class; it helped me not to fall back into the circle of violence. I just wish they would
have offered something as detailed as this course in high school and I wish it were mandatory. I think girls really
need to find out why women of domestically violent situations stay, because that will be the tool to help them
leave. I greatly encourage what Jackie Pancoast and Jim Winkle are trying to do, trying to get this program
implemented in public schools and inform people of this common existing problem, and I am in full support of it.
I also, encourage you two, to continue offering these classes, especially this one; it was truly a lifesaver.
Dating Violence! What an important topic to talk about to educate individuals. This was my forth class on
violence and I am glad that I have taken all of the classes. They are very important and I feel that the
information that is spread is so useful to all individuals who interact with other individuals. I plan on being a
parent some day and I have learned valuable tools that I can use to communicate and share with my children in the
future.
I really like taking these classes because people are brought in for the community and share there hand on
experiences, which are so valuable to really, help understand all the situations and all of the aspects. I also
really like the visuals that are used. I wished we could see more video clips.
I have never experienced violence personally, nor has anyone I have met (at least nobody has talked about it).
I feel very confident that I now have learned the valuable tools to be able to notice. Assist somebody or know what
to do if I become aware of a violent situation. I believe it is so important to educate young people how to nurture
healthy relationships and I really hope that schools will realize how important it is to bring this topic into the
classroom. Many children witness violence in their homes and this model that they receive on a relationship is not
healthy so to make sure children are getting a health model than the school needs to step in. Thank you for
spreading the word so that we can spread the word also!
I think this class offered a lot of valuable information. I think it is absolutely sad that people who are
the victim of emotional and physical abuse seem to have no recourse; that the courts only address physical abuse.
I believe that psychological abuse and emotional abuse can do much more long-term damage.
During the class I came to the realization that I have been in a lot more abusive relationships then what
I thought. I too fell in to the thought process that a violent relationship was based on physical abuse. I wrote
off all of the other forms as just "jerks."
But in fact they were more than that they were "abusive jerks."
For example when I was 18 years old, this man would not allow me to spend any time with my family or friends.
He would say that they "only want in your pants."
He would say that I was fat, even though I was 20 pounds
underweight.
He would say that I was flirting all of the time. One time he had created such a big scenario in his head that
he was completely overwhelmed with jealousy. He grabbed my head and head-butted me. I ended up with 10 stitches on
my eye. Although my eye hurt, it was the emotional abuse that to this day still haunts me; even moreso, the fact
that I could have allowed anyone to treat me like that. I stayed in that relationship for one year. Even after
breaking it off, I remember being so consumed by the thought of him. I truly thought I loved him and my world
revolved around him.
After I got divorced 10 years ago, I was afraid to date, I chose not to for about 5 years. Since I began
dating again I can now see a pattern. Although I get rid of them fairly quickly, I tend to attract abusive men.
Not physically but the emotional batterers.
This surprises me. I have never been known as a weak woman. I have consistently been on my own career path and
very self sustained. But there must be some personality trait that makes men thinks that they can try to control me.
I am going to have to explore this possibility in more depth.
I learned a lot regarding the cycle of abusive men from even as young as a toddlerhood. I have gained a new
sensitivity towards them. Society really damages us by the preconceived roles we are socialized to adhere to. I
knew this to be true before, but usually just looking at it from a woman's perspective. I still blame the men, and
expected them to past their stereotypes on there own. I can recall myself saying (more times then I care to
admit), "you need to share your feelings"
or "stop being so macho."
I think it is important to bring
to their attention, but if you don't know how then you don't know how. Early intervention is a really important
key, as well as tools for adults, towards giving men and boys a fair chance at becoming more rounded individuals.
I have found a new purpose -- I feel that getting information into schools is necessary to help our youth and
hopefully help prevent some of the painful mistakes we as a society have endured and made in the past. Arming our
kids with knowledge will only help all potential victims and potential predators alike. It is so sad to see
children slip through the cracks, only to become a statistic. I am going to find a way to do my part! I am
graduating next term and then am going to get my teachers certificate. Maybe I can integrate this with this
information and more and get it into the schools. I am also a parent, and my educating others starts here at home!
When I registered for this class, I was unsure of what I could expect. I had no idea it would be such an
in-depth look at America's prison system. This is not typically an issue that weighs heavily on my mind, not
something that has ever hit very close to me, yet I found the class to be extremely effective and relatable. The
format was open, and all panel members seemed ready to answer any questions we might have.
The panel of formerly incarcerated women really brought the issue home to me. Their stories were both so
touching. Not only had both of these women faced with amazing obstacles throughout childhood, these issues
continued through adolescence and adulthood. To be able to change as an adult is perhaps the most difficult. I
often feel like I have a set path that I cannot escape from, but that entails work and social life. These women
were battling for their lives. It was interesting to see how similar both of their lives were. I suppose they were
given the same list of limited options and did the best with what they were given. We all do what they have to in
order to survive and I am amazed that they survived and are able to tell their stories today. It is very brave to
get up in front of people to speak, but I cannot imagine having to get up and tell a group of strangers how about
the mistakes I made over and over in my life.
The most ridiculous bit of information I learned this weekend was what happens to these women once they get out
of prison. They are kicked out onto the streets and put in a position that is extremely vulnerable. I am not sure
how the prison system expects these women to survive if they boot them out onto the street with five dollars in
their pocket and have them return to the county in which they were arrested. How are they ever going to make a
clean break? It was so relieving to hear about all of the new programs that are available now to those people who
want to make a change. Resources are often so few and people can get desperate. The system is set up in a way that
causes failure over and over.
The presenters who went over the parenting classes and new programs that were available to former incarcerated
women and men were extremely informative. It really brought together what the panel was saying the night before. It
was good to see both sides of the program and see how both the incarcerated women and the coordinators who wok with
them appreciate and see potential in the other. They were extremely effective in demonstrating the strong need for
more of these programs, and for a stable support structure and educational system to stop the cycle.
This was such an inspiring class. I had taken the two previous Women's Studies classes this term but I found
this class had a profound effect on me. Having the panel of women offenders' talk about their life, their struggles
and how they ended up succeeding was amazing. I would never have thought to look at these women outside of class and
know they had been in prison. All of them had not only turned their life around but were now advocates, helping to
teach others about what life is like inside bars and explain the struggles to get back on track again. You do not
have to be a previous offender yourself to be inspired by these women's stories. However, I would imagine that as an
inmate hearing them speak, I would feel some hope for myself at the possibility of success for my life.
What I found especially moving was the demonstration with the baby and the backpack. When the speaker was
describing how all of the women come in to her class with 'baggage,' she began taping the words on to her assistant
and it really proved the point that these women have a lot of issues to deal with. Not only do they have their
crime that put them in prison but they may have domestic violence issues, DHS, mental health issues, a criminal
background, social stigmas, they may be unwilling, and they may be facing a life of poverty or racism. Then she
began taping 'baggage' items to the baby, and this baby was only months old. I am a visual learner so this had a
profound effect on me and really made me think that if 15 women came in all taped with their 'baggage' I as an
instructor might feel hopeless. How do you help all of those women who clearly do not show they want to be helped
and were possibly forced in to the class? But this advocate does help these women succeed. The panel themselves
were proof of that.
The other part of the class that was clearly touching was the videos shot at the Coffee Creek Correctional
Facility. I think this is really a great new program that should be offered to the women and men showing promise
through the other prison programs. Unfortunately as we were told, not all women are allowed in this program and
there are always some that try to take advantage of the system and lose this privilege. To see the children and how
happy many of them were to be seeing their mom was so heartbreaking. Hopefully these women can see what it is doing
to their children and this will motivate them to stay on track and succeed.
I do hope in the future that a panel is always brought in so that the students can see some of the success
stories of women who have attended these programs in prison. I believe that this is an important aspect for
students to have the chance to experience. If you are looking for advocates this is the place to recruit and what
better way to recruit than explain the struggles and show the successes.
I cannot nor would I want to personally imagine what life would be like in prison. Living life as an African
American woman in today's society can be challenging enough. Not only am I listed in the minority in race, I am
also a woman and a single parent of three. Living life under these three conditions can be extremely difficult and
can feel like prison within it self. There are times when I feel so much pressure that I pray to be someone else,
living a entirely different life. I come back to my self. I appreciate the things that I have and knowing that my
problems are not going anywhere. I gain strength and refuge from my God, who shows up many times when I least
expect him to.
Friday's class was both inspirational and enlightening. I was captivated while listening to the two stories of
both women. I was not surprise to find out that domestic violence was a culprit on both of their lives. They both
showed enormous courage and strength in sharing intimate details of their lives. They have overcome so much in
their lives and yet lived to tell others about it what a blessing. One thing I knew as I walked away from the class
that night and it was that they are survivors.
As I sat there listening to their stories, it was hard for me to believe that they were telling stories from
their true lives. They looked like average women that you would see walking down the street. The first woman that
spoke was very attractive. She seemed also very well educated. She dressed well and displayed an aura that she was
about Janet's success. She articulated well, and she told it like it was. The second speaker was more done home. She
was straight-forward. She was funny and put humor into a story that had little to laugh about. I appreciate both
stories so much because it put real perspective on something that was hard for me to understand.
Saturday's class was informative as well. The history of the first woman who spoke, who is now a teacher,
really surprised me. She did not mention coming from prison until asked. I wonder why? I thought this was very
important in her success. She seemed so tough. Before she revealed her history, I said to myself if I was even in
prison I would not like to be under her. Then when she spoke about where she had come from. I was amazed. Humans
possess an inner strength that we must learn to tap into daily.
I felt that the most vital part of this class was when they presented the film of the women having visits with
their children. During these visits the women did not seemed to have a real relationship with their children. In
the first clip a women was visiting with her son. She seemed so distant from him. He kept trying to get her
attention but she was busy discussing other issues with someone else. It was difficult to see that she had
established a true relationship with him. He pulled on her and squeezed in next to her trying to get her attention.
He interrupted her over and over again, but she seemed to be caught up into a life that was out of her control. I
think that she felt safer not getting attached to him knowing that she would have to let him go.
My children are so vital to who I am right now. I make decisions based on them. I wonder what would be good for
them before I wonder what would be good for me. I cannot imagine what life without out them would be like. I feel
that I have to have them in my life each and everyday because they are a part of me. The thought that they only see
their children a few times in a year is horrifying. This would be so devastating to me. I would suffer from severe
depression. I would not want to live with out them. I think that no mother no matter what they have done deserves
to have their children taken away unless they have harmed the child. It is a double punishment to take children
away from families. It punishes innocent children as well as the parent. If this is what the judicial system calls
justice they are wrong.
I am thankful that I had an opportunity to take this class. I found it to be rewarding. I gained an opportunity
to learn something that I would never had the opportunity to learn from just books. I got a chance to hear real
life stories. Stories that made me think how women get to become involved in the prison system.
I first decided to take this class when I needed a couple elective credits. As I was wondering what class to
take, the title Women in Prison appeared under the women studies class listing. I thought to myself this class
will help me understand why so many women are in prison today. Also I work for IRCO as a domestic violence
caseworker, so I thought this class would be a good opportunity for me to broaden my horizon.
The class session on Women in Prison was definitely a rewarding experience for myself. To be able to sit in and
listen as these powerful women as they told us their life stories and how they changed as a result. The first panel
of women (Kim and Connie) talked about the life they used to live and why they were living that way. Kim and Connie
were both victims of sexually, mentally, emotionally, and physically abuses by family members. I believe that was
the main reasons that lead them both to live the life that included drugs, alcohol, more abuse, and in prison. I
believed that if as children they were brought up in a normal environment with lots of love and support from their
family members instead of harming them, then maybe they would have taken a different route on life options. It was
very emotionally for me to hear the aches and pains these ladies have suffered as a result of being abused as
children. As they were both telling their stories, I kept picturing myself in their shoes and it was indeed a
painful site.
I like the fact that both the ladies did go through transitioning program. I believe that we do need more
programs to help people stay out of prison. It's sort of like what Kim was saying, "It would be cheaper to keep
me out of prison than keep on getting incarcerated."
I believe everyone who pays tax should have the right to say
were their money is going. I know for a fact that taxpayers would want their money to go into transitioning programs
instead of prisons.
Overall, my reflection of the class was very enjoyable as well as skillful. I got a chance to hear first hand
experiences of exactly what the title says (Women in Prison), as well as hear from transitional workers from Coffee
Creek Correctional Center. Also the way the class was instructed and designed helped people focus more and stay
alert. Everyone that I talked to in the class said the class went by so quickly and usually weekend taught courses
seemed longer. I believe this was so because it was an interesting class to be in. I will be referring this class
to people, because I think no matter what your major may be, this course is something that is needed in everyone
life. I feel that I can be able to relate more to women and hear their stories. Where as before many people just
assume that's what she gets for using drugs and that's what she gets for not caring for her children, but that's not
right, everyone should have a chance to be heard.
This was the second lecture of this type that I have attended. It was very interesting and I learned many facts
about Women in Prison, and the struggles they endure in and out of prison. Plus the struggles and the pain that
there children have to endure, while the mother is in prison.
Having the panel format for this lecture was fantastic. It was great and moving to hear these women's stories
first hand. It helps to change the misconceptions that people may have about women that are in prison. And it
moves one to know that if these women can be helped and change, than others can too. We as a society can help to
change the system to make it a place where one is not just doing time, but working at becoming rehabilitated. It
is unfortunate that the funding for programs, such as the ones discussed in the lecture, is cut all the time. It
would be fantastic to have all the money needed for such programs, but that is just unrealistic. I seriously doubt
that the voters in the state of Oregon will pass a tax increase that will help fun these types of programs; so
hopefully other private funding can be made available.
It is my hope that the information I learned in this lecture will help me in my new career as a nurse. Being
educated is the first step in making a difference in the lives of patients I will be working with. And by attending
lectures such as these, I become more sensitive to how having a parent in prison would affect a young child. And
since I wish to work in pediatrics, I at least now have somewhat of an understanding to bring to the job. I am so
glad that PSU offers classes such as this to its students.
One message that I took from this lecture was the need to get the message out about how programs that
rehabilitate women in prison really are beneficial to society as a whole. And by having many different majors
coming together to discuss this topic can only help in the long run. Such as, what can we do to prevent women from
even going to prison in the first place? How do we become a proactive society instead of a reactive one, since the
reactive type of society is not working?
Overall I really enjoyed this lecture and I am looking forward to the next one. I am sure to learn many new
facts that I was totally unaware of. One message that I took from another lecture, and I think can pertain to
this one is, "The way we treat our children determines the level of crime in our society."
That is such a
powerful statement and it is one that I will not forget.
I felt this weekend's class was very beneficial. I had never heard of EMDR before. This class opened my eyes to
something new, and I was grateful for the insight shared.
I was so thankful to finally hear some information on how to help people that have gone through traumatic
experiences, such as violence, rather than just talking about violence its self. The information about abuse and
so forth is very critical, I'm not saying that it is not. There are many people unaware of the issues surrounding
domestic violence, but to finally hear a positive way to deal with those issues was a relief.
The presenters, the client volunteers, and the information about EMDR were outstanding. The presenters were
very thorough in explaining EMDR and very enthusiastic about the treatment, which made me become excited about it
too. For a while I felt like I was watching an infomercial because the points they made about EMDR were so
convincing and it didn't take long until I was "sold". The part I appreciated the most was hearing the true
testimonies from the women who shared their stories about EMDR. The women's experiences were all very emotional,
but to hear how far along they have come in their lives was very heartening. What I was surprised to hear was how
fast-acting EMDR was on their issues.
I was also very grateful for the small group discussion time we received with each clinician. It was nice being
able to have any remaining questions we had answered one on one, and in some respects, the small group discussion
cleared up any misconceptions I had. I was in Mary's group and it was nice because she asked us what we thought of
EMDR and it allowed us to think about and explore what we had learned all day about the issue and then discuss what
we all felt. I wasn't too surprised at the fact that everyone thought sounded like a great therapy and knew of at
least one person in his or her life that EMDR could help.
I know this class has made a lasting impression on me because I have been thinking about it ever since the last
class. I really think that I would like to try EMDR on myself to try and deal with so issues in my past. I told
all my friends about this class and if anything, I think this weekend has really turned us all into activists on
a subconscious level. There is no better relief than to say that you have come to terms with an issue that had
been bothering you, and EMDR really seems to be a great tool in order to reach that goal in a fast way.
Before taking this class, I had never heard of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). During the
first part of Friday evening's class, EMDR was not clearly defined and I felt a little lost- as if I had missed
the first half of the course. All the speakers spoke of EMDR as if the class already understood what it was.
Eventually, though, I did come to understand the process and purpose of EMDR.
Once I understood what was being discussed, my initial reaction was that EMDR sounded a bit far-fetched. I
mean, how can moving your eyes back and forth reduce stress that is caused by remembering traumatic events? And
if it works so well, why haven't I heard of this method before and why isn't everybody using it? However, once
Dr. Lovenstein began to explain how the left-right movement creates a bilateral stimulation in the brain, helping
to connect various memories, EMDR began to sound more logical to me.
Dr. Lovenstein was an excellent speaker. He was both humorous and informative, which kept my attention. He
covered several points that particularly peaked my interest. I was quite intrigued by the study he described in
which college students were paid to sleep and then awakened every time they began REM sleep. I found it interesting
that after several days of being deprived of REM sleep, the students became psychotic. I learned that an average of
two hours of REM sleep does not occur until after a person has been sleeping for about six hours. This explains why
eight hours of sleep is so important. Dr. Lovenstein also explained that trauma is a physiological occurrence
which was surprising to me. He explained that trauma is a lesson in the brain, which is in need of repair. This
explains why what makes a trauma a trauma is not the event, but how an individual's brain is affected by the events.
This also makes it clear why one person might be very traumatized by an event, while another person is not at all
traumatized by the same event.
While Dr. Lovenstein was, in my opinion, the most effective speaker, all three speakers brought up interesting
points. I found it very interesting that EMDR is an ineffective treatment for chronic marijuana smokers. I also
learned that smell is one of the most important ways to connect to trauma.
This was an excellent course. I was pleasantly surprised by the topic and it was very refreshing to not be
listing to the depressing issues and violence once again.
The EMDR class was absolutely fascinating! EMDR is such an interesting treatment tool. I was so impressed with
the effectiveness of EMDR in treating trauma survivors and in the way it facilitated a reduction in the length of
treatment. This is a great tool for therapists to use in conjunction with traditional therapy methods.
All the speakers were wonderful. They each provided a different perspective on the use and success of this
treatment modality. I enjoyed the brain science lecture from Dr. Lovenstien. His explanations were descriptive,
clear and definitely understandable. He enabled the class to see how EMDR works in the brain and why it is so
successful. I was sorry that we couldn't hear more about Holocaust survivor therapy. I was quite interested in the
information he shared about that field of therapy.
Estelle Seeley interested me most on personal level. I was fascinated with her use of the medicine wheel and
intend to learn more about that. Her use of EMDR in overcoming math anxiety was quite interesting. I liked her
explanation on how to better remember information, especially for school and testing. Both Theresa Ann Dudley and
Estelle gave the class a great overview of their use of EMDR in private practice. I really enjoyed hearing how
effective this treatment has been with their clients.
The panel of clients was excellent. It was so enlightening to hear from clients directly about their
participation in EMDR treatment. I was particularly interested in woman who was treated for compulsive/destructive
behaviors. The positive results related by that client is encouraging me to look at this treatment approach for my
child who has been diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder.
I was personally grateful for the reminder on how our brain functions and how much sleep we require to
remember what we have learned, as well as to simply stay healthy. We live in such a frantic paced world that
it is very easy to get caught up on being busy and forgetting what our bodies need. This class has motivated me
to get back on track and start taking care of myself.
This was a great class. I am looking forward to exploring EMDR further.
When I walked into the class Friday night I was not expecting to take part in a unique topic that was
presented to the class. I was looking forward to learning more about the issues that we women studies classes
focus on, but was pleasantly surprised when we got to participate in obtaining knowledge about a method that
is breaking records in the healing process for many patients.
Admittedly, I was quite confused about the process being discussed. I had never heard of Eye Movement
Desensitization and Reprocessing or EMDR before Friday night. The mechanics of it's success seemed to go over
my head for the first part of the class, but as I listened and more presenters spoke on the topic, it became
somewhat clear to me what a remarkable process EMDR is and how much potential it has for future patients. I am
hoping to gather more information about the process to become certain I understand how EMDR works.
The best part of the weekend class, as well as the most production for me, was the small breakout session.
Here I was able to ask questions about the process and how it worked that I was not comfortable asking in front
of the entire class. I was able to comprehend information that I did not fully understand through the other
speakers. After this session, I felt more knowledgeable about EMDR and have given information about EMDR to a
couple of my friends that have experienced very traumatic events in their life and hope that they may be able to
find some relief in it's success as others have in the past. EMDR is a very encouraging process that I hope will
continue to help patients from their pain and memories.
I was very impressed with the content, delivery and scope of the EMDR class this weekend. I had very little
prior information about what to expect from this class and came basically to earn the one credit for the class.
From the beginning of class on Friday evening until the end of the class on Saturday afternoon, I felt like my
brain was being crammed with valuable information. I left Saturday knowing enough about EMDR to speak knowledgeably
about it.
The presentations were helpful, the reading material was eye-opening and the structure of the class was well
suited to the material being presented. I do feel that we received a great deal of information in a short of time.
I felt overwhelmed with the immense amount and depth of the information we were given. Perhaps, I missed some of
prior information in previous classes that other students had received to help them understand the material more
thoroughly. It felt to me like a quick overview of a huge amount of information and I am left wondering where to
go from here to learn more about this obviously valuable tool for recovery.
Both the panel of speakers as well as the panel of clients was insightful to me. I marveled at the vast and
varied experience of each of the presenters, the route they each took to discover EMDR and the ways in which they
chose to implement it in their practice. I was most impressed with Dr. Lovenstein's information about brain
function/biology and trauma. His basic drawings and down to earth presentation helped me to better understand the
highly technical information. Personal testimony from clients was poignant and I am grateful for their
self-disclosure that helped us to better understand what EMDR really is about on a practical, individual basis.
I believe this class to be very worthwhile and would recommend it to all helping professionals and students
in any of the helping fields. The class is a wonderful introduction to a positive process that will benefit trauma
victims and eventually, society as a whole in terms of recovery costs and services. I have recommended the class to
my Community Psychology class as well as friends who are in the helping professions. Don't change a thing about the
class but give us information on where to go from basic knowledge to practical application.
I was very apprehensive about going to another women studies weekend class. Up until now, they had all
discussed the cycle of abuse characteristics of preceptors, and the effects of all types of abuse. I would be
mentally exhausted after attending them because of their content. This was such a refreshing change, and I want
to thank you for the experience. Like I said, earlier I was pretty reluctant to go, so Friday night I zoned out
the first hour or so, but I was so intrigued to hear what the ladies who had to say about their EMDR treatment,
that I began to focus in. Their stories were inspiring and hopeful even though some of them expressed how hard it
was to explain how they felt, I thought they gave great analogies. For example, one said she felt like weeds were
being pulled out of her garden, In comparison to having the trauma being taken out of her memory or cleaning up
her brain and thoughts. Another one related the EMDR therapy to an unraveling sweater, revealing memories bit by
bit.
Saturday's answer and question session in our small groups were incredibly helpful to me. The EMDR process was
still very vague to me and after our small groups I had a complete understanding of it. My husband had some
traumatic experiences in his childhood that he is still working on and after I told him about EMDR, he wants to
have it done on him. I would like to experience it myself to see what it brings up for me.
I found the topic of EMDR to be a fascinating approach to therapy. I was unfamiliar with this approach to
treatment. I also appreciated the contrast this weekend provided to the previous courses I have taken. The speakers
seemed knowledgeable and dedicated to the process of recovery. I was quite touched to learn that they were not in
the field for profit.
The breakout which I attended was facilitated by a wonderful woman who was so dedicated to helping people that
she set her fees at a reasonable rate and was even willing to barter. This grassroots approach seems to have been
forgotten along the way. She truly inspired me to continue with my educational dreams even though I will be working
in a low wage field. I am in the process of completing my term and am considering which masters program to apply
to. I have recently been weighting the financial pros and cons of social work. This breakout session reminded me of
why I am drawn to the field.
I am fascinated by the variety of ways in which we cope with and recover from trauma. I am surprised that the
topic is not more widely discussed as if effects so many people. In the breakout session several individuals shared
their stories of childhood trauma. I know there are countless others of us who were unable to share our stories.
It is a bit depressing to think about how many of us have been traumatized. Without asses to therapy so many are
reliving their trauma in pain. Those without the means to participate in therapy are re-victimized as they are
forsaken the opportunity to heal. This is one more reason to fight for national as opposed to privatized health
care. Those who need therapy the most tend to be ones who are depraved.
I felt that this course was definitely a new experience. I had never heard of EMDR before this weekend and
was very impressed with the results of using this type of therapy. What stuck out to me the most about this
seminar was having people come and tell their stories of how EMDR was a success for them. I don't think I would
have believed the treatment of EMDR worked if I hadn't seen the results of the women that were under going (or had
under gone) EMDR. I felt that having the patients and the therapists there had a very powerful affect on me.
I really liked the idea of EMDR because it seems that most therapists these days use a lot of medication that
they were taking.
I really enjoyed this class; I feel that out of all the different women studies seminars that I have taken
I have learned the most in this one. I hope that EMDR will continue to help the people that it is helping, and
that it will reach out to people that it could help.