Shari's Blog

A Poster for Peace

2008-03-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

Created by yours truly!

Grow Love

2008-03-05T15:28:00.000-08:00

Abuse is such a real, yet heavy, topic. If we could plant a little love wherever we go, the world would definitely be a better place. And abuse... would probably be well on its way to nonexistence. I designed a few images that I would pitch as a logo for some love.

A Worthwhile Campaign

2008-02-27T15:22:00.001-08:00

This is a project I created using Photoshop and the following photos:

Photo by Pink Sherbet Photography.

Photo taken from Neat-O-Rama.

A quote I created using InDesign software.

Suffering is Universal

2008-02-20T17:23:00.000-08:00

This photo is touching. Titled Watering the Wall of Indifference, it showcases a woman's pain and sorrow as she mourns her land and lost people of Palestine. Plagued by war, suffering, and yes-rape, the woman and children here are not immune to desperation and many tears.

Here, you can see how I manipulated the photo:

Wouldn't This Be Nice?

2008-02-20T13:06:00.000-08:00

A Photoshop alteration I created from the following two photos:

Photo provided by The White House website.

Photo provided by Declan McCallagh Photography.

Make It Stop

2008-02-13T09:16:00.000-08:00

Amnesty International USA fights for basic human rights for all people. As part of their work for Women's Human Rights, they have a Stop Violence Against Women Campaign. To learn more about this important campaign and how you can get involved, click here.

Get Your Facts Straight

2008-02-08T13:59:00.000-08:00

Taken from Searcy and Searcy Training Services. They "educate both medical and law enforcement professionals of the importance of a collaborative response to domestic violence (www.searcytrainings.com)."

When Is It Going to Stop?

2008-02-08T13:46:00.000-08:00

Many women and children suffer not only from sexual abuse and assault, but from domestic violence as well. In Philadelphia, a non-profit called Women Against Abuse (WAA) works to provide resources, education, and shelter to victims of domestic violence. If you or someone you know may be a victim, you can call their anonymous hotline at 1-866-723-3014.

This sign, taken from the site of a company that provides domestic violence crime scene techniques, sums up the horrific toll violence of any kind can impose on our children.

Funding is Key

2008-02-08T13:31:00.000-08:00

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) is a powerhouse organization that not only funds other organizations, such as Women Organized Against Rape, but uses its voice to raise public awareness and change policies for victims of sexual violence. What's really great is that they have a teen-friendly site to bring education to our youth. Log on to their website here to be In The Know.

Lending a Voice to the Unheard

2008-02-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

There are many national and international organizations focused on advocating for and educating about sexual violence - rape, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, harassment - as well as domestic violence. Since I live in Philadelphia, it feels good to know there are a few in my own backyard; some of which I have had rewarding experiences working at. One organization whose mission is to eradicate sexual violence is Women Organized Against Rape (WOAR). Located in Center City, Philadelphia, WOAR has been servicing victims of sexual crimes since 1973. They provide counseling, education, and court and hospital accompaniment services.

If someone seeks help outside of the Philadelphia area, WOAR can direct him/her to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the largest anti-sexual assault organization in the nation. Here's a pic from their campaign to end sexual violence and bring education & awareness about the subject:

Still a Long Way to Go

2008-01-30T18:14:00.000-08:00

My last job was as an Education Specialist for a rape crisis center in Philadelphia. Before I took on the position, I had no idea of the horrific statistics involving crimes of sexual violence. I faced victims - women, children, and even men - on a daily basis. I only stayed for a little under a year, but one thought remains: there is still a long way to go in eradicating violence towards women and children.