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No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Like many of our Divas and especially our Atlanta Divas; who attended our Kicks & Flicks for this movie, I could not stop hearing about ‘No Good Deed’ and its plot.
As I sat with my mom in the theatre the question – Can this really happen? Popped up scene after scene.
We’ve all done it: answered the door, when we know we are not expecting anyone. Thank goodness for most of us, it is usually your friend, neighbor or postman. But what if they are not
In the first 10 minutes I saw a billion steps the main character played by Taraji P. Henson did absolutely wrong:

Here is a brief list just incase you missed the signs:
Open door for someone she wasn’t expecting.
Continue conversation with stranger then informed stranger that she was home alone
Left door unattended.
Invited stranger into the home.
Alarm pad not in use!!

The Divas In Defense team has put together a few hints so we can all avoid being caught on the wrong side of home invasions.

Know Thy Neighbor
The reason behind this is three-fold. Firstly, if you know the people who live around you, then you can tell much more easily if someone there is out of place. Also, in the event of an emergency, it’s a good idea to have at least one of your neighbor’s phone numbers (if not more) to reach out for help.

Stay Secure
There are many levels of prevention. There are the simpler measures (get a dog, which make for great deterrents; make sure doors have peep holes, and use them; make sure all locks are functional and that any outside fences are in good condition) to the larger ones (get an alarm that actually alerts a security service; install security cameras–even ones that are visible to any possible perps) to the really big guns (panic room, anyone?). Which of these you should employ ultimately depends on your personal circumstances, but all (or nearly all) of them are worth investigating.

When Precautions Fail

There are further measures you can take in the event someone does breach your home.

Have a pre-meditated escape plan: Know how you will quickly and safely evacuate you and your family from the house. Make a Meet Up Place!

Learn self-defense: This is not only from a physical stand point from the self confidence you gain from becoming Empowered over your own body. Attackers play on a victim’s vulnerability.

Let them take your stuff: They’re only there for your girl’s jewelry and expensive electronics…let them have at it! All of that stuff—ALL of it—is replaceable. You and your loved ones are not.

Don’t let them take you: As bleak as it sounds, whatever may happen to you wherever they take you will be far worse than what happens in the house. Be it by negotiation or by force, do not let home invaders take you or your loved ones.

Was this movie extreme, ehhhh I say yes but it was done correctly. It gained attention of everyone. The roles played by all characters can easily be reverse. Man home alone with his kids then a stranger knocks…

Women Rule The World

This year has gone by crazy-fast. Wasn’t it just yesterday that we welcomed the year 2014, yet it’s already halfway over? Quite a few newsworthy events happened recently, putting the spotlight on women and female empowerment. First, on May 23, our country was shocked by the actions of a young man, who will remain unnamed. The gunman opened fire in the Delta Delta Delta sorority house at University of California, Santa Barbara killing two innocent women. After writing a lengthy manifesto and posting misogynistic rants on his YouTube channel, he made it clear that the rejection he faced from women over the years angered him. This man targeted women simply because they were women.

In light of the shooting there’s much controversy surrounding the winner of this year’s Miss U.S.A pageant. Miss Nevada, Nia Sanchez, was asked why college campuses are so eager to dismiss reports of sexual assaults that occur under their watchful eye. In response, Sanchez stated that women should learn to defend themselves. Reasonable response, right? Many people are attacking her response, however, because it is believed that we shouldn’t blame women for being assaulted, but rather make harsher laws for the perpetrators. While both sides have excellent points, females of all ages should certainly take the initiative to protect themselves first. There are lots of things women and girls can do to educate themselves on self-defense. While Nia Sanchez is a 4th degree Black Belt, simply learning the basics is a huge step in the right directions.Taking a self-defense class or purchasing a can of pepper spray is a great first step! After all, women are very, very close to ruling the world.

You Need A Man???

A teenage girl said to me, “I need a man.”

“Need a man?” I responded. “Well, what type of man do you need?”

Her reply was typical, “Tall, dark and handsome! Oh yeah, and no kids.”

I asked, “Are those your only qualifications?”

She said, “Of course not, he needs to have money.”

Flabbergasted, I questioned, “Is that all?”

Her reply was just as shocking. “No, he has to have his own money, a car and dress nice.”

Reaching my limit of tolerance to this superficial take on finding love, my response was simple:

“I can tell you what kind of man you need…

One that trusts in God despite hardship

One that will love you more than himself

One that educates you and not berates you

One that won’t use or abuse you

One that you can grow with, not apart from

One that can make you smile when you frown

One that needs you just the same

One that apologizes when he’s to blame

One that comforts you when you’re sad

One that does something romantic just because you are feeling bad

One that motivates you to be a better person

One that uplifts you when things worsen

One that compliments your shortcomings with achievement

One that your Father would call Son in agreement

One that would sacrifice his happiness for yours

One that provides til sweat bleeds from his pores

One that encourages you when you fail

One that each kiss feels like a fairy tale.”

Remember, the way one looks today can easily change tomorrow.

Campus Safety for College Women

Evaluate the safety and security of the places on campus and the quality and availability of resources to ensure safety. For example, find out about campus escort services often offered through campus security and student government programs.

Do not walk by yourself at night. Walk with a friend or use a campus escort service.

Report any violence that you see to orientation and awareness programs on campus. Help develop effective linkages between campus and community law enforcement personnel.

Do not let anyone into your dorm who looks like they don’t belong there.
Support a coordinated community response/ college initiative to prevent violence against women.
Provide a voice for women on campus. Start a support group and/or victim advocacy group on campus.
Take a self-defense course.

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