New Organization Battles Same Sex AbuseHot Stepz correspondent Beng Tan Interviews LGBT activist Dee Winter crusader against domestic violence.
By: Lee Beng Tan May 4,2011 First I would like to say that it is great to meet you, Beng. Thank you Hot Stepz Magazine for inviting me to this interview. 1- Are you victim of such a violence growing up? Yes. When I was a child I was a victim of Child Abuse and witnessed Domestic Violence in our home. Being the oldest I felt I needed to protect everyone I could in my family. I knew, even as a small child, that I wanted to make a difference in the World when it comes to families that are hurting. •2- Who inspire you to make an organization? The Victims, their families and friends. •3 - When makes you decides to put up a group/organization against LGBT abuse? Wanting to make a difference. I have been very active in Domestic Violence causes all of my adult life. Then I woke up one day and realized that I had become a victim of Domestic Violence again only now it was Lesbian Domestic Violence. There were very limited resources and organizations to help me, my family and friends. It seemed very few people understood the potential effects and outcomes of LGBT Domestic Violence in the home. It can be extremely difficult for LGBT victims to admit that domestic violence is an issue in their relationship. Unfortunately, there are a number of gay people who barely consider themselves worthy or valued as a gay person, much less a Domestic Violence Victim. Even once they have admitted to themselves that there is a problem, they are often at a loss at where to turn to for help. They can be fearful of receiving a homophobic response from those they ask for help. I did not have the internet to help me get my message out when I first realized this. It took a few years to figure out how to use the web to achieve this. •4- Who helped you and what is the most remarkable incident during the days your starting your organization? I believe everyone who continues to support the message is helping. The more support that is shown the less the Victim feels alone. With almost 33,000 supporters so far the Victim may even feel more empowered as well as supported. I truly feel that I have actually been successful in touching someone via the internet. •5- Your organization focuses on what aspect? 1 in 4 LGBT relationships experience Domestic Violence. Less Than 1/3 Are ever reported. These are just the numbers gathered from the LGBT people who are "Out of the Closet" and willing to talk. stalking, bullying, intimidating, belittling, isolating, and controlling are also types of abuse. I post News Headlines regularly, as well as any Resources and Information that I can find on the subject. • •6- How is it so far? The show of Support has been amazing. More importantly the message has now helped many people. I must say I thought I would have more negative responses than has happened. The response from around the World has been a very moving experience •7- All of organization and groups have the same reason “to at-least lessen then eventually stop abusing LGBT” what makes your organization unique? I am not sure. Maybe my drive to educate and empower everyone I can on the effects of Domestic Violence. I choose to reach out not just Locally but Globally. My passion has led me to use Social Media as a way to communicate my message. I am very thankful we have other Organizations. It will take us all to truly make a difference • •8- Motivation that make you keep moving forward? • Knowing that someone was able to get help and get to a safer environment. Many times now I have been able to help someone find counseling or some other form of help in their area. When I know I was truly able to help someone it drives me to try to do even more. •9- Your Message to your colleagues, supporters, and love-once. My message is Domestic Violence hurts. Not only LGBT families, but straight families too. It hurts people Mentally, and Emotionally, as well as Physically. Domestic Violence has even been shown to have a staggering effect on our Economy. In the U.S. alone, $3 billion - $5 billion is spent annually on medical expenses related to family violence. Businesses forfeit $100 million in lost wages, sick leave, absenteeism and non-productivity. Domestic violence is the number 1 cause of homelessness for women, children and teens. Children are likely to be physically assaulted in 86 percent of homes with partner violence. Anyone can be a victim. Anyone can be an abuser. Domestic Violence can affect any age, race, or gender. Value and empower yourself! Educate and break the cycle! Dee Winter Find me at: http://www.myspace.com/ http://www.facebook.com/ Dee Winter # # # “More than Dance!” Hot Stepz Magazine is a unique publication geared toward positive lifestyle, and entertainment. By highlighting a multitude of Dance, Fashion and Music genres, Hot Stepz is more than a magazine Hot Stepz Magazine is a Movement! End
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