First of all, thank you to Sen. Lorraine Inouye, Rep. Cindy Evans and the entire Women’s Caucus for listening and caring on behalf of victims of sexual and domestic abuse.
I also read the story from Zahava Zaidoff. Wow. Eye opening is the fact that 66 percent of the entire U.S. attributes reported addiction and alcoholism to childhood trauma. And our war on drugs is really a war on traumatized individuals who have no ability or resources to get help that they need — to heal from their childhood trauma.
It is sad that in Thursday’s paper attorney Ann Datta, defending her client Mr. Cummings, got more press and a higher bail, ($130,000 for passing a few $100 fake bills) than her last client Jose Henriquez, who was indicted for child incest and got off with a bail of $10,000. Why are we backwards on this? You rape your child and you get $10,000 bail? You pass a few fake $100 bills and your bail is a $130,000? Wow. Henriquez is the real danger to society folks. Is lowering the bail for these sex offenders contributing to the reasons behind addictions, mental illness, etc.?
On a positive note, however, there is a place I highly recommend for free to anyone out there who has been sexually abused and is under the age of 18. It is called “The Haven Retreat Younique.”
https://youniquefoundation.org/the-haven-retreat
All you have to do is fill out the paperwork and a case worker will contact you. It is anonymous and they are caring. You will need to get there and that is it! They even continue your treatment by webinar weeks after you are done. It is the only place in the world with professionals that specialize in this type of trauma. It is life-changing, and they turn no one away. Since we have limited resources here, this place may be able to help. God bless and take the step.
To our judicial system, please raise the bail of sexual predators to protect our children. They are the victims here and have no voice or protection. These predators go back to their homes while awaiting their trials that take months to get on the books. However, in the case of Mr. Cummings — the guy with the fake money — he got his day in court in a few days! What’s wrong here? Please keep our children safe!
Debbie Haumea is a resident of Hilo.