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Sexting: It’s not just words-
Kaylyn Cairns, Sexual Violence Prevention Educator
While Sexual Assault Awareness Month was in full swing we got breaking news of Upper Peninsula schools and multiple county wide sexting and explicit material case with over 100 students from a dozen different school in three counties. Marquette County Prosecutor Matt Wiese dismissed the charges by proclaiming “the activity could be considered unlawful but he determined that is not what child-pornography laws were intended for” (Mlive). While not what the laws were intended for, this is the second large investigation out the Upper Peninsula. The other being in December 2015 where the Houghton Michigan State Police found over 300 explicit photos of roughly 35 teens. During both of these cases there was a lot of backlash on the public officials and law enforcement who received backlash that these students were not made an example.
Sexting is not limited to explicit photos and/or videos but can also be word messages or even use emojis to get their point across. Most emojis now have second meanings that can mean very different things than what they were intended. The issues come with the reality of nothing stays private and is very commonly shared between other teens or posted on social media sites or apps. Statistics from nobullying.com show that 24% of high school aged students (between ages 14-17) and 33% of college students (between ages 18-24), have at one time or another, sent a nude or semi nude photo to another person. The reasons behind sexting vary per the individuals involved but most say they engage in this behavior due to pressure of feeling as it is expected or pressure from their partner, to try to engage in a more physical type relationship, as a joke, and/or to feel more attractive as the most commonly cited reasons.
In the state of Michigan there are strict penalties when it come to child explicit material. While most students are taught that the legal age of consent is 16, that does not pertain to these types of messages. Photos or videos containing children or young adults under the age of 18 qualifies as child explicit material or child pornography. This a felony offense with punishments including:
· Creation of the material→ 20 years in felony prison, $100,000 fines, forfeiture of assets, and potential restitution to victims.
· Distribution of the material → 7 years in felony prison, $100,000 fines, forfeiture of assets, and potential restitution to victims.
· Possession of the material → 4 years in felony prison, $100,000 fines, forfeiture of assets, and potential restitution to victims.
This does not include court or legal fees and a victim can also seek additional retribution in civil court for personal damages. People convicted of these crimes would also be required to register as a sex offender. In a number of Michigan cases, prosecutors are charging young adults with these crimes even if there are under 18, including several cases with defendants as young as 14.
These types of activities can also have long lasting effects on those whom the photos and/or video is taken. Whether the child took it of themselves or not, they may not have realized that it would be shared or posted in social media for so many people to see. Many sites rarely remove these types of images even when asked. Leading to issues with depression, cyberbullying, using drugs and alcohol, etc.
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Tips to keeping children and/or young adults safe online:
- Communicate → Let your child know the expectations, dangers, and privileges involved with technology. Continue these conversations on a regular basis and let them know if people are sending or asking for inappropriate things it is important that they feel as they can come to you.
- Turn off devices → Some families set a “lights out” or “off” time for their devices and that all devices must be left in designates space. I would suggest a public place like the kitchen, an office, living room, etc. Not a bedroom.
- Time limits→ Make an agreement with your children about their screen time and how much they should get depending on age appropriate guidelines as well as your house rules. Setting limits of 20-30 minutes with the help of a kitchen timer before they have to go do something else: play outside, read a book, etc.
- Parental Controls→ Check out your devices and specific websites for parental controls and ways in which you can keep track of your teen. There are even some services that you can pay for to view all locations, texts, call, app use, etc. Even those that have been deleted.
- Don’t feel like you can’t add more rules or guidelines. Some parents don’t want to check their child’s phone or devices, while others do on a regular basis. What is good for one family or child may not be good for the other.
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From the Director
-Betsy Huggett
April was tremendously busy for us here at Diane Peppler Resource Center. It was Sexual Assault Awareness Month and full of activities. We had our Dolly and Me High Tea which was a wonderful success. We held our annual Take Back the Night Event with our guest speaker, Brittany Piper. Kaylynn Cairns and I attended an international conference in Orlando. End Violence Against Women International gave us an opportunity to work with some amazing people from all over the world. Tina, Thomas, and Samora from Denmark shared with us how they are fighting for the cause at the National Police Academy there. It was amazing to hear all of the wonderful things people are doing to work towards prevention and direct service work to keep all of us safe.
What I am most excited about came through a new grant that we received starting in January. We received the Rural Grant along with all of the agencies in the UP and DialHelp in Houghton. DialHelp runs a crisis hotline. They are not service providers but they will refer you to the best contact available for your circumstances. Through their crisis line, they have 24 hour a day text messaging and instant messaging also. This was so exciting for us.
Imagine how many people can’t just call and talk on the phone but they might be able to send a text or instant message. Now imagine that person you are texting or messaging can send you the information you need or connect you with a service provider in your area. This has been a true blessing to be able to partner with Rebecca Crane and her staff.
If you are in need of services and cannot call, please text to (906) 356-3337. You can also go to DialHelp’s website for instant messaging or chatting. Their website is www.dialhelp.org.
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Our Volunteer Coordinator, Kara Heggaton, presented certificates of appreciation to the volunteers in attendance of our volunteer appreciation dinner on April 25th, at the VFW.
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Daphne Patten is a Lake State Student, studying Forensic Chemistry. She attended the Take Back the Night event where she registered to win the Beats!
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Where: Sault High School Cafeteria/Commons
When: Saturday, May 13, 2017 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Admission: $20 per Father-Daughter couple
$5.00 each additional daughter
Includes: A flower for each princess, drinks, refreshments, prize drawings, dancing, and fun!
Join the Diane Peppler Resource Center in promoting and developing healthy relationships by enjoying a night of pampering and dancing with your princess, all while giving mom’s a night off for Mother’s day! Set the standard for how a little girl should want to be treated by someone she loves.
Tickets will be available at the door, or in advance from Sault Area Chamber of Commerce, Soo Co-Op Credit Union, mBank, and Kid’s Kastle Daycare.
Photo packages will be available for purchase by Misty Sibbald Photography
Musical Entertainment by Gabe and Rose Castaneda, Simply Unforgettable
All proceeds to benefit the Diane Peppler Resource Center
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Luce Co. Corner
"A message from our Luce Co. Advocate, Jessica Roberts."
Join Us – Women’s Support Group:
If you are a woman who is a survivor of Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault, come join us! This support group is free and confidential. Come get the support you need, or have been looking for, from other woman who have experienced what you are going through. Express your feelings and concerns in a safe environment, with people who care. Please call 906-293-4853 for the location and time of the groups!
Upcoming Events:
Luce County Project Homeless Connect will take place on August 17, 2017. Please be on the lookout, and stay tuned for more information
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Mackinac County Minute
"A message from our Mackinac Co. Advocate, Kristy Dickhousen."
Paper Tigers is May 17, at St. Ignace Library at 6pm and
May 31 at the St. Ignace Middle School at 6 pm.
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We gladly accept donations. The need for donors is constant. Here is a brief wish list that the shelter has (in no particular order):
- Monetary Donations via PayPal, Cash or Check
- Gift Cards to local stores, gas stations or other establishments.
- Towels (of all sizes & in good shape)
- Baby Monitors (gently used and in working order)
- Diapers of all sizes, baby wipes, baby wash and lotions, creams or medicines
- Trash Bags
- Toilet paper, paper towel, etc.
- Clothes Hangers
- Laundry Baskets
- Plastic Storage Bins
- New Batteries of all sizes
- New Unopened Packages of Underwear and Socks
- Laundry Detergent, Fabric Softener, and Dryer Sheets
- Personal Hygiene Products and Feminine Products (shampoos, conditioners, body washes, razors, shaving cream, hair brushes, q-tips, tampons, etc.)
- New Pillows
- Unopened over the counter medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, allergy medications, tums, children’s medicine, etc.)
- First aid kits
- Hand soaps and hand sanitizer
- Children’s Craft Items
- Household cleaning items
- Non Perishable Food items and Some Non-Expired Perishable Foods
- Kitchen Items including dishes, pots and pans, utensils, and knife sets
- Landscaping Items: Plants, flowers, woodchips, etc.
If you have any questions about what you can donate, call 906-635-0566.
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You can shop online at smile.amazon.com to make those same exact purchases and they will make a donation to the Diane Peppler Resource Center every time that you purchase from their website!
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If you are a victim, or are a friend or family member of a victim, in need of support, here are local support group options hosted by the Diane Peppler Resource Center that you are more than welcome to attend. If you have questions about locations, times, or topics of discussion please call us at 1-800-882-1515
Chippewa County
Domestic Violence Group
Every Thursday
6pm-8pm
Sexual Violence Group
Every Tuesday
6pm-8pm
Mackinac County
Walk in anytime
8am-4pm
Monday—Friday
246 Ferry Lane
St. Ignace MI
Luce County
Walk in anytime
8am-4pm
Monday—Friday
407 W. Harrie St.
Newberry MI
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You can donate to our shelter using the PayPal link on our website www.dprcenter.org
The Diane Peppler Resource Center uses monetary donations to purchase specific items for residents when the items are not donated or can't be donated. This can include but is not limited to: undergarments, medications, and specific dietary restriction food items.
All donations are tax deductible. Donation receipts available upon request.
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We would like to thank all of the donors who supported the Diane Peppler Resource Center in the month of April.
- Ida Kraft
- Janet Hess
- Kathy Smithers
- Presbyterian Church
- Mindi Espinosa
- First Free Methodist Church
- Cheryl Tellas
- Kristin Kempf
- Laura
- Jackie
- Michelle Bishop
- Rich Benson
- Students at LSSU
- General Federation of Women’s Club
- And many anonymous donors
We would also like to thank our volunteers for giving their time in the month of April.
- Don Corbiere
- Ellen Quinlivan
- Jennifer Dibble
- Bridget Akre
- Denise Maxson
- Errin Fornicola
- Caitlin Spink
- And Megan Hall
- As well as our Interns:
- Michelle Bishop
- Melinda Lujan
- Alyssa Barker
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The Diane Peppler Resource Center is looking for volunteers to help with the following:
- Working in the shelter to support our staff and residents
- Landscaping/Yardwork
- Overnight crisis line volunteers
- Organizing/cleaning of the shelter garage and storage areas
- Weekly sanitation/cleaning of our shelter
- Child Care for our residents in shelter who may need to attend work or appointments
- Moving services for residents that need assistance moving into independent housing
Please Contact Kara Heggaton at heggatonk@dprcenter.org or call 906-635-0566 if you can help with any of these.
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