Jackson Free Press

Sandy Middleton, director of the Center for Violence Prevention, will join Donna Ladd and Todd Stauffer today—Friday, Nov. 30—at noon on WLEZ-FM 103.7. In the wake of another domestic murder of a young woman, allegedly by her by-then-ex-boyfriend, we will discuss the horrifying issue of domestic abuse and violence in Mississippi, one of the most deadly states for women. The show streams live at http://www.wlezfm.com; we will post an audio file later today. Please join us, and post questions and comments under this post during the show.

Update: Podcast posted at the JFP on WLEZ web page at wlezfm.com. Enjoy.

Previous Comments

ID

97466

Comment

Donna, thanks for being at the forefront of exposing such a crucial social issue. I will tune in today at lunch.

Author

Izzy

Date

2007-11-30T10:44:47-06:00

ID

97467

Comment

Thanks, Laurel. We plan a town-hall meeting in Jackson after the first of the year still. We did the panel last night in Flowood, and it was good. I'm motivated to do everything I can to keep this issue on the front burner. (Not that it takes media coverage to keep the issue out there. Sadly.) One thing of note here: Natasha DID leave. So here is the very tragic to the question that is always asked first, it seems: What didn't she leave? Blaming the victim is not good enough, as this tragic case proves.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-30T10:48:19-06:00

ID

97468

Comment

Donna I have all the confidence in the world that you and ONLY you will be able to heighten the awareness of the of this tragic episode. I don't think there can ever be enough attention brought to this issue. Wish I could tune in, however duty calls today. Thanks for all you do for Hinds County.

Author

JMK

Date

2007-11-30T10:56:35-06:00

ID

97469

Comment

I'll be tuning in during lunch today too... by the way Donna it's Latasha not Natasha.

Author

andi

Date

2007-11-30T10:58:49-06:00

ID

97470

Comment

In my mind the issue goes beyond the personal relationship of the couple - it extends to the fabric of society and the way women are devalued, especially when it comes to our confidence in ourselves and our understanding of what we deserve.

Author

Izzy

Date

2007-11-30T10:58:59-06:00

ID

97471

Comment

Thanks, Andi, for pointing that out. I do know that. I mistyped. My apologies to all. And JMK, I couldn't possible be the "only" one who can heighten awareness, but I promise to do my part. We need everyone on board, though—especially men. We've got to change the culture in which men think they can own and control women. The "boys will be boys" attitude makes people turn their heads away problems—until it's too late. Think of the Heather Spencer case. This problem crosses every boundary. No group, regardless of education, income, race or anything else, is immune. It's not women against men; it's good people against batterers. It's time to unite.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-30T11:06:38-06:00

ID

97472

Comment

Donna, I guess I should have clarified. Today you are that person. You are a voice today, which will speak for others. One day I'll tell you my story.

Author

JMK

Date

2007-11-30T11:23:00-06:00

ID

97473

Comment

JMK, I do think that each of us has to get up each day and say, "Today I am that person." As Medgar Evers told Myrlie before she died, "If not me, who?" Change is effected one person at a time. We can change this. We can save lives. Speak up about domestic violence. Talk about it to men and women. Pay attention. Give support. Believe the victims. A young woman last night said that none of her husband's friends will believe that he could do such a thing. They think she's lying.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-30T11:33:33-06:00

ID

97474

Comment

By all means believe the victim.

Author

JMK

Date

2007-11-30T11:45:41-06:00