Category Archives: Home and Family: Marriage / Relationships

The latest PR about Home and Family. Press release announcements, about how to help your family and home grow in a healthy way.

Ella Paradis Receives The Startup Weekly’s 2021 Consumer Products & Services to Watch Award


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As the first sexual health & wellness company to receive this award, or any recognition from The Start Up Weekly, this exemplifies how mainstream stigmas relating to sex are being lifted, further highlighting how the pandemic changed this industry forever.

Ella Paradis, one of the premier sexual health & wellness eCommerce retailers, was recently recognized by The Startup Weekly as one of the 2021 Consumer Products & Services Companies to Watch. The Startup Weekly presented the Consumer Products & Services Companies to Watch award to businesses that have showcased strong growth and excellence in 2020.

As the first sexual health & wellness company to receive this award, or any recognition from The Start Up Weekly, this exemplifies how mainstream stigmas relating to sex are being lifted, further highlighting how the pandemic changed this industry forever.

“While we are experiencing a rapid proliferation of sexual technology that suggests we are in the midst of a sexual revolution – a revolution that could permanently change the way we treat sex, this is an incomplete picture of what’s going on in our bedrooms. It is our mission to empower everyone to have a happy, healthy and fulfilling sex life. To be recognized by progressive and mainstream media is an honor and another great step in the right direction,” explained Tino Dietrich, CEO of Ella Paradis.

Over the past two years, Ella Paradis has expanded rapidly with 183% growth, serving over 10,000 customers every month. With thousands of transactions occurring weekly, Ella Paradis is proud to have over 250,000 satisfied customers returning to their site for products to enhance their sexual health and wellbeing.

“We continuously review and optimize our processes to make sure that we offer the best products and services available to our customers. This includes listening to customer recommendations and their proposed improvements as well as an ongoing benchmarking which goes far beyond our industry standards. It’s great to see that Startup Weekly recognizes our efforts. However, this is just the beginning,” added Andreas Bergmann, COO of Ella Paradis.

This year’s awards attracted a record number of applications across company stages in the United States. The winners were selected by a panel of judges composed of top executives, founders, investors, and industry experts. The companies were evaluated based on growth, strength of the product or service, impact on the industry, and commitment to customer success.

“We have been focusing on our end consumer and using our products and services to make a positive impact in their lives. Through our startup journey we realized that sexual health and wellness is such a large part of an individual’s overall wellbeing. We continue to strive to make a difference especially during this global pandemic” said Leon Benz, CRO of Ella Paradis. He continued by focusing on the impact of the pandemic by stating, “This period of time of social distancing has proven how important human connection is along with maintaining intimacy in a relationship. We hope that Startup Weekly’s award will continue to shine a light on the importance of this category.”

About Ella Paradis:

Ella Paradis, one of the fastest growing wellness eCommerce companies in the US, offers tailored solutions and high-quality products for the sexually active adult. By breaking down barriers and disrupting outdated taboos regarding self-pleasure and self-care, Ella Paradis provides modern and approachable intimate care products for every price point. Founded in 2015, Ella Paradis made a mark as one of America’s leading and innovative personal care brands, overcoming stigmas by making premium sexual wellness products available and affordable for everyone nationwide, regardless of gender and sexual orientation.

Boasting an inclusive atmosphere, Ella Paradis believes everyone deserves pleasure and fulfilling intimate relationships with both themselves and their partners. Ella Paradis also believes providing a space free of judgement with respect to others empowers the democratization of self-pleasure. Studies show sexual pleasure & wellness directly affects overall emotional and mental wellbeing, leading to a happier life. Ella Paradis’ mission is to leave bread crumbs of happiness for all who shop with them. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Ella Paradis’ multiple fulfilment centers across the US provide seamless shopping experiences nationwide.

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Relationships” is a mesmerizing story about the author finding, living, losing and returning to love


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Milton A. Brown, an information technology professional, has completed his new book “Voices Inside My Head: Relationships”: a gripping and potent tale about the author’s own life experience. In his work, the author shares his journey to discovering his inner voice.

Author Milton A. Brown discusses his work, writing, “Human imperfection and frailty guarantee there will be challenges in getting along. I have not been immune. I have gained perspective and wisdom from the challenges. Romantic relationships were front and center in my hall of fame of personal failures. My imperfections solidified my status as a full-fledged human. The mistakes accumulated, and the process was painful sometimes. The journey was filled with equal portions of ecstasy and despair. The lessons learned overflowed with the perfection of hindsight. The ‘University of I Should Have’ received a lot of my attention, and I accepted my PhD with mixed emotions. As I dared to peek inside my head to make sense of the journey, train wrecks included, a story was born.”

Published by Page Publishing, Milton A. Brown’s compelling work follows the author’s journey of highs and lows as he overcomes various obstacles to discover his true purpose in life.

Readers who wish to experience this captivating work can purchase “Voices Inside My Head: Relationships” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Page’s accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.

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Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts and St. Gabriel’s Marion Sued in Federal District Court


In amended filings, Eric J. Bonetti, part of the first same-sex couple married at Grace Episcopal Church in Alexandria Virginia, earlier this week added the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts and St. Gabriel’s Church in Marion, Massachusetts as defendants in a lawsuit previously filed in federal district court; revised case number 1 21 CV190.

The pleadings allege:

  • That a video on the church’s website, containing remarks by former interim rector Robert H. Malm, falsely claim that the plaintiff stalked and threatened Malm and his family, and thus are libelous.
  • That Plaintiff previously asked that the church remove the video, but was refused.
  • That the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts is conspiring with Malm and the church, to damage Plaintiff’s reputation and to prevent him from peacefully protesting outside St. Gabriel’s church.
  • That the Diocese and its officials have ignored perjury on the part of Malm, made before the Massachusetts courts.

The move follows a written statement by the Diocese declining to address the allegations that Malm committed perjury.

Bonetti, a resident of Northern Virginia, is a retired attorney and proceeding pro se in the matter.

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Manly Bands Steps Up To the Plate with New MLB Collection


Manly Bands is announcing the launch of their latest collection of officially licensed MLB wedding rings. The line offers multiple designs for every team in the league inspired by their colors, logos and history. Manly Bands is excited to share a collection inspired by one of the most popular sports in the country played by celebrities, presidents, and even civil rights leaders.

Since they were founded, Manly Bands has been making rings for everyday Americans. Designed for men who want more than a boring wedding ring, Manly Bands creates rings inspired by the hobbies, interests and passions that any man can relate to. Using unique materials such as tungsten, meteorite and dinosaur bone to create hundreds of design options, the company has positioned itself as the largest ecommerce brand for men’s wedding bands.

Manly Bands has offered several ring designs inspired by sports in the past, but this marks the first collection dedicated to America’s national pastime: baseball. Couples will be able to choose from multiple ring designs for their favorite teams in the league, tastefully designed using their logos and signature colors.

“We’re so excited to launch this collection, as avid fans and as our first step into official partnerships within the sporting world,” says Johnathan Ruggeiro, co-founder and co-CEO of Manly Bands. “With the return of both baseball and weddings since the start of the pandemic, we knew it was important to offer a collection that really speaks to a new demographic of customers. I really think we’ve hit a home run with this lineup!”

The company has previously partnered with Jack Daniel’s to create a collection made from the aged oak barrels that their world-famous whiskey is cured in. The success of this line led them to consider other options that help couples show their personality in their wedding bands, instead of opting for a traditional silver or gold. The MLB collection will be made of Black Zirconium and Cobalt Chrome with different inlay options including Louisville Slugger Wood and Cerakote, and every ring will be made in America.

“When designing these rings, we spoke to fans and players to really understand why it’s important to offer people more personalization in their wedding rings,” says co-founder and co-CEO of Manly Bands, Michelle Luchese, who directed the design effort. “By looking at wedding bands as not just something they wear on their wedding day, but representing their whole life together, we were able to create classy styles that any baseball fan would love!”

The MLB collection is launching on April 12th following this season’s Opening Day and starting at $500. Fans can discover their favorite team’s designs at https://manlybands.com/collections/mlb-collection.

About Manly Bands

Manly Bands is the fastest growing direct-to-consumer e-commerce retailer of badass men’s wedding rings. We make it easy for couples to order a ring that looks (and fits) perfect on every man. With more than 300 unique styles made from dozens of non-traditional materials like dinosaur bone, meteorite and Jack Daniel’s whiskey barrel. Manly Bands is on a mission to give men the ring that they’ll never want to take off. To see our latest collections, visit ManlyBands.com today.

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The Problem of Rhode Island Divorce and Foreclosure and How We Buy Houses RI Can Help


Call us now! 401-489-1922
Visit Our Website! www.webuyhouseri.com

Avi K says, “We are there for you when you need it the most. You do not need to head into this uncertain time of your life alone. We have a background dealing compassionately with families experiencing the pain of divorce.

Rhode Island saw a drop in divorces of 30.5% last year. However, 50,747 people still got divorced in Rhode Island in 2020. Due to the economy and the Covid crisis, many Rhode Island divorces are also involved with financial issues such as home foreclosures, credit counseling, and bankruptcy. Couple this with the uncertain future of home sales due to Covid and you can see why there has been an uptick in recent internet searches for ‘Sell my house fast RI’.

Foreclosure and divorce can go hand in hand. Many divorcees find that they are unable to afford their mortgage after the divorce and are then faced with the reality of losing their home. Avi K from We Buy Houses RI is making a positive impact on the housing crisis that is affecting Rhode Island. He says, “We are there for you when you need it the most. You do not need to head into this uncertain time of your life alone. We have a background dealing compassionately with families experiencing the pain of divorce. In the event of a divorce time can be of the essence and waiting for a home to sell can just add undue stress to the situation.”

Foreclosure can affect your life for up to two years after the event. Your borrowing power becomes greatly affected. We Buy Houses RI can give you a cash offer for your home with no commissions or fees. This means that there is no waiting for open houses, no realtors, no negotiating with buyers, no repairs, no inspections, no cleaning, just a simple and easy way out of a bad situation. No matter the condition your home is in We Buy Houses RI will buy your home. Even if that means you want to leave all your old furniture behind. You can walk away and start a new life. An offer can be submitted to you in as fast as seven days. We Buy Houses RI is motivated to help their fellow Rhode Islanders out of difficult situations and keep the Rhode Island economy thriving.

About We Buy Houses RI

Based out of Providence, Rhode Island, We Buy Houses RI is a real estate solution and investment firm that specializes in helping homeowners get rid of burdensome houses fast. They are investors and problem solvers who can buy a house fast with a fair all-cash offer.

Media Contact:

Name: Avi K

Phone: (401) 489-1922

Email: WeBuyHouseRI@gmail.com

Website: http://www.WeBuyHouseRI.com

Click Here to learn more

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I Think, Therefore I Am…Loved


A partner cannot fulfill our desires if we do not even understand what we want and why.

The better we understand ourselves, the easier it is to connect and get along with other people.

Everything that occurs in our outer world is a reflection of what’s going on in our inner world.

Age-old wisdom dictates that in order to be loved, a person must first love themselves. Otherwise, they will doubt their partner’s adoration and loyalty, and even question whether they deserve to be loved in the first place. It appears that the same could be said of self-awareness. Research conducted by PsychTests.com indicates that people who are self-aware tend to enjoy more fulfilling relationships because they use their self-knowledge to better manage their feelings, to understand what they want and need from a partner, and to take responsibility for their own happiness rather than relying on someone else to make them feel whole.

Analyzing data collected from 12,259 people who took the Emotional Intelligence Test, PsychTests’ researchers looked at how self-awareness impacts relationship satisfaction. Here is what their study revealed: (Note: Scores are on a scale from 0 to 100)


  • Self-aware people are more comfortable expressing their feelings (score of 69 vs. 28 for unaware people, a 41-point difference). They understand the importance of emotional vulnerability, and how it allows them to connect with someone on a deeper level. Self-aware people don’t fear their emotions, because they know that their feelings are a part of who they are.
  • Self-aware people are better at regulating their emotions (score of 76 vs. 30 for unaware people, a 46-point difference). They are attuned to their feelings, and understand what makes them sad, angry, or anxious, and why. This allows them to put emotionally charged situations in perspective. Self-aware people also understand that feelings are self-generated and therefore, within their power to control. So a partner can’t “make them” feel upset, unhappy, or unworthy – they choose how they respond to external triggers and how they interpret difficult situation.
  • Self-aware people are good at resolving conflict (score of 83 vs. 61 for unaware people, a 22-point difference). They understand how their words and actions can impact other people, and are willing to take responsibility for the role they played in creating the conflict.
  • Self-aware people are flexible (score of 84 vs. 62 for unaware people, a 22-point difference). Self-aware people know what they want and why, and they use it as motivation to take actions that are aligned with their goals. They also understand that putting their foot down too often and too firmly will not serve them in all situations. Thus, they are much more willing to compromise. This also means that they know how to pick their battles wisely (where they also outscored unaware people 79 to 58, a 21-point difference).    
  • Self-aware people have higher self-esteem (score of 90 vs. 39 for unaware people, a 51-point difference). They recognize their worth, and will therefore choose partners who will respect them and treat them well. It also means that they are less likely to struggle with self-doubt and jealousy, which can harm their relationships. This ties into assertiveness as well, where self-aware people outscored unaware people 75 to 30 (a 45-point difference).
  • Self-aware people know, and are willing to stand by, their values (score of 89 vs. 62 for unaware people, a 27-point difference). This means that they will consciously choose partners who share their ideals and principles, improving the compatibility of the couple.
  • Self-aware people are happier in general and more satisfied with their lives (score of 82 vs. 25 for unaware people, a 57-point difference). They know what they need in order to feel fulfilled, and when they are discontent with some aspect of their circumstances, they will take steps to change things. This also means that they won’t place the responsibility of their happiness on their partner’s shoulders, a mistake that many people often make.
  • Self-aware people are less likely to ruminate (score of 25 vs. 77 for unaware people, a 52-point difference). This means that they won’t endlessly entertain self-doubts about their partner’s love or loyalty, or contemplate everything that could go wrong, and consequently, sabotage their relationship.

“It might seem odd that self-awareness has such a significant impact on the quality of our relationships, because we think of self-understanding as only affecting what happens inside of us,” explains Dr. Ilona Jerabek, president of PsychTests. “However, everything that occurs in our outer world is a reflection of what’s going on in our inner world. So if you hate yourself, lack self-respect, and believe you are unworthy of love, all of that will be mirrored back to you: you are more likely to attract people who mistreat you and relationships that don’t fulfill you.”

“If you lack self-awareness – or have an inaccurate perception of yourself – you’re less likely to understand why you’re unhappy, why things are going wrong in your relationships, and what you need to change in yourself in order to make things better. You will lay the responsibility for your happiness on someone else’s shoulders, and that almost always ends in disappointment. Your partner is not a mind reader or a magician; he or she won’t know how to fill the emptiness you feel…only you know what you need in order to feel fulfilled. This is why self-awareness is so important. If you know what you desire and what you don’t want, what motivates your actions and what you value, and are attuned to your feelings, you can take the type of actions and make the kind of decisions that move you forward, help you grow, and make you happier. This in turn will attract the right partner to you – someone who recognizes your value, rather than determining your worth.”

Want to assess your EQ? Check out our Emotional Intelligence Test at https://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3979

Professional users, such as HR managers, coaches, and therapists, can request a free demo for this or other assessments from ARCH Profile’s extensive battery: http://hrtests.archprofile.com/testdrive_gen_1

To learn more about psychological testing, download this free eBook: http://hrtests.archprofile.com/personality-tests-in-hr

About PsychTests AIM Inc.

PsychTests AIM Inc. originally appeared on the internet scene in 1996. Since its inception, it has become a pre-eminent provider of psychological assessment products and services to human resource personnel, therapists and coaches, academics, researchers and a host of other professionals around the world. PsychTests AIM Inc. staff is comprised of a dedicated team of psychologists, test developers, researchers, statisticians, writers, and artificial intelligence experts (see ARCHProfile.com).

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OnlineTherapy.com Ranks Best Online Marriage Counseling Platforms of 2021


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OnlineTherapy.com, a premier global database that connects carefully vetted therapists with clients, has announced the best online marriage counseling platforms of 2021. The top-rated websites were evaluated based on core features across several categories.

All platforms were expected to provide flexible communication tools for clients to connect with therapists through phone, video, email, text messaging, and live chat. Experts at OnlineTherapy.com also reviewed services that offer a variety of therapists and, in some cases, allow patients to choose counselors based on unique preferences. The final list prioritized services with same-day or on-demand appointments.

“When it comes to couples therapy, it can be challenging to find a therapist that fits everyone’s schedule and preference,” says Caitlin Kingston, LCSW. “Our service guide identifies the best marriage counseling platforms with the largest network of therapists.”

OnlineTherapy.com reviewed numerous platforms across the globe in high demand categories. To access the complete list of best online marriage counseling platforms of 2021, please visit

https://www.onlinetherapy.com/online-marriage-counseling/.

Best Online Marriage Counseling Platforms of 2021

7 Cups — Best Overall

Amwell — Best for Insurance Coverage

Couples Learn — Best for Overall Marital Assessment

Couples Therapy Inc. — Best for Gottman Method

E-Therapy Cafe — Best for Value

Growing Self — Best for Solution Session

Our Relationship — Best for Self-Guided Therapy

Regain — Best for Unlimited Messaging

Relationship Hero — Best for Membership Plan

ABOUT ONLINETHERAPY.COM

OnlineTherapy.com connects people with therapists all over the world. With advanced search tools, clients can find carefully vetted therapists based on education and experience, or use a personal matching tool to identify the best counselor for their specific needs. The platform also provides resources for therapists that want to start or expand their virtual practice. In addition to an extensive directory of professionals, users can access articles, reviews, and a podcast series. To learn more, visit https://www.onlinetherapy.com/.

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Engaged Couples Could Win $5,000 for a Vegas Wedding with a Unique Bracket Challenge


Wedding Bracket Challenge

Wedding Movie Madness Bracket Challenge

We love weddings, and we love sports, so why not combine our two passions to create a fun contest.

Every March, sports fans fill out brackets during the annual college basketball tournament for a chance to win an ultimate prize. Chapel of the Flowers has taken the traditional tournament bracket challenge and has given it a wedding twist. Today, the world-famous wedding venue announced their “Wedding Movie Madness Bracket Challenge,” which encourages couples to fill out a prediction bracket for a chance to win $5,000 to use towards a wedding package at the Las Vegas wedding chapel.

“My Best Friend’s Wedding” or “Runaway Bride”? “Bridesmaids” or “The Wedding Singer”? Wedding enthusiasts have been debating for years — what is the best wedding movie of all time? Chapel of the Flowers is eager to settle the score with their unique bracket challenge. The wedding movie “tournament” features 16 blockbuster movie titles, and participants will be asked to pick a favorite movie for each match-up “game,” similar to a sports tournament. The deadline to enter this contest by submitting a bracket is March 12, 2021, at 4 p.m. (PST) on the contest website bit.ly/weddingbracket.

Starting on March 15, 2021, the chapel will publicly release the weblinks to vote on favorite movie titles on their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages. The public’s votes will determine the winning movie titles for each round. Voting will continue for four rounds until there is only one wedding movie left. The lucky person that submitted the “perfect” bracket will win the $5,000 to use at Chapel of the Flowers. The winner will be announced on the chapel’s social media channels in April. Go to bit.ly/weddingbracket for more contest information.

“We love weddings, and we love sports, so why not combine our two passions to create a fun contest,” states Donne Kerestic, CEO at Chapel of the Flowers. “Times have been hard this past year, and we have always loved giving a positive outlook to the future. If that means boosting morale with creative sweepstakes and contests, then count us in!”

Chapel of the Flowers is no stranger to original contests. In 2019, the chapel awarded a hockey-loving couple a ceremony of a lifetime as Ryan Reaves (NHL hockey player and Vegas fan favorite) in the “Get Married by Ryan Reaves” contest. In January 2021, they gave away a honeymoon to one of their couples that got married this past winter at their wedding venue.

Couples interested in exclusive wedding contests and specials are encouraged to follow Chapel of the Flowers on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) for updates on this contest and upcoming wedding promotions.

About Chapel of the Flowers

Chapel of the Flowers has been planning dream weddings for couples from around the world for over 60 years. Located minutes from the Strat and the Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas (1717 Las Vegas Boulevard South), they are known for being the “Best Place to Get Married in Las Vegas” (Las Vegas Review-Journal Readers’ Poll’ 2010-2012 & 2016-2019′).

With an acre of Las Vegas Blvd real estate, the chapel is the largest free-standing chapel with four indoor wedding chapels featuring the Glass Gardens, a popular rustic-chic wedding venue, and one outdoor location. The expansive property is perfect for an intimate micro wedding or larger events of up to 88 guests. The wedding planning team can arrange everything from a Las Vegas Strip photo session to wedding reception to floral décor.

The chapel is top-rated and highly recommended earning many awards on TripAdvisor, The Knot, and Vegas.com. Chapel of the Flowers has also been featured in the media on TLC shows, “Say Yes to the Dress” and “90 Day Fiancé”, as well as music videos for “Last Name” by Carrie Underwood and “Why Wait” by Rascal Flatts.

Continually innovating, in 2020, Chapel of the Flowers rolled out their “Safe and Clean Program,” which is their Covid safety program dedicated to keeping couples, guests, and employees safe while performing timeless Las Vegas weddings. This COVID initiative was created using CDC and Government guidelines to help stop the coronavirus’s spread with a robust cleaning routine using EPA/ FDA certified products and safety equipment. For more information, visit the company’s coronavirus Safe and Clean Program post, available on Chapel of the Flowers’ wedding blog.

Intimate. Elegant. Legendary – Chapel of the Flowers is a premier and preferred Las Vegas chapel in the “Wedding Capital of the World.”

###

Media Contact

Michelle Goldberg,

Head of Marketing

http://www.littlechapel.com

Phone: 702-735-4331

Email: media (at) littlechapel.com

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Connecticut Senator Alex Kasser and National Domestic Violence Advocates Introduce “Jennifer’s (Dulos) Law” for 2021 Legislative Session


Senator Alex Kasser with members of Connecticut Protective Moms

Research shows that DV only presents as verifiable physical violence in 10% of reported cases. However, many DV cases include an abuser’s escalating use of Coercive Control tactics. This bill could have better protected Jennifer Dulos and would protect countless mothers and children seeking safety.”

Connecticut Protective Moms, a grassroots group of Connecticut moms working to make family court safer for Domestic Violence (DV) Victims, announces that Senator Alex Kasser has introduced “Jennifer’s Law” for the 2021 Legislative session. The bill is named in honor of Jennifer Dulos, the New Canaan, Connecticut, mother who went missing and was suspected of being allegedly murdered by her husband while she was pleading for her and her children’s safety in family court. The focus of the bill is to update and modernize the definition of Domestic Violence (DV) in Connecticut state law to include Coercive Control – a pattern of abuse which is not necessarily physical that isolates, dominates and intimidates a victim into submission through a pattern of behavior. This can include assault, psychological abuse, financial abuse, revenge porn, stalking and other forms of domination and threat. The bill would also prioritize child safety in custody proceedings by making DV, including child abuse, the first factor assessed by the family court in a case involving custody. The bill also requires Coercive Control training by professionals with direct experience working with survivors, as well as legal support for victims seeking a protective order from the Court. Kasser’s bill would require judges to recognize victims of DV and child abuse and give them the safety and protection they deserve.

“When women are the victims of abuse, they seek safety for themselves and their children,” said Senator Kasser, lead sponsor of this legislation. “Often that means staying with the abuser because the danger of leaving is too great. But when victims do summon the courage to leave, we have a responsibility to believe and protect them. Too many women have lost their lives just trying to get free. And too many children have become collateral damage in this struggle. It’s time for us to shine a light on DV in all its forms and protect those who need protecting. Women often feel shame and fear when they’re with their abuser and when they leave they are re-traumatized by a society that doesn’t believe them. DV is a public health crisis that’s been exacerbated by the pandemic. And oftentimes the signs are invisible.”

“Many victims say that the invisible forms of DV – Coercive Control – are more terrifying than physical violence,” noted Senator Kasser. “It’s time to update our systems and beliefs to reflect this reality. It’s time to remove the stigma, shame and fear. It’s time for real change.”

“National experts agree that DV includes not only physical and sexual abuse, but it includes additional actions used to dominate and control a spouse/partner, making her afraid, powerless and subjugated,” said Betsy Keller, founder of Connecticut Protective Moms. “These actions are collectively referred to as coercive control. Hawaii passed a coercive control bill in September, 2020. California has one too. Given the national attention on the Jennifer Dulos case, and the fact that DV affects women in every community, Connecticut should be a leader on this issue.”

In an Op-Ed written by Hon. Family Court Justice Michael Albis published in March, 2020, the Connecticut Judicial Branch publicly supported the key component of Kasser’s proposal – expanding the legal definition of DV to include Coercive Control. Current law only recognizes “continuous threat of present physical pain or physical injury” but not other types of threat or injury. The current definition “severely restricts” what the court can do to protect victims, Albis noted. Judge Albis concluded that “by adopting language as suggested by Sen. Kasser, the legislature will allow judges to elevate all DV to the scrutiny it deserves, particularly in cases involving child custody.” 

Research shows that DV only presents as verifiable physical violence in 10% of reported cases. However, many DV cases include an abuser’s escalating use of Coercive Control tactics. “This bill could have better protected Jennifer Dulos and countless other Connecticut mothers and children who have been harmed while seeking safety from an abusive partner in family court,” says Danielle Pollack of CHILD USA, a national think tank for child protection. “In addition, a way to punish an victim for leaving, abusers who previously had perpetrated violence against their adult partner will often redirect their abuse toward children and/or litigate for control of the children once their adult partner – no longer available to abuse directly – exits the relationship. Unfortunately, family courts often do not recognize this pattern, but Jennifer’s Law aims to improve the courts capacity to do so.”

According to Joan Meier, Law Professor at George Washington University Law and Director of the National Family Violence Law Center, who published a 2019 study of DV and family court harmful practices,“My family court research is a groundbreaking empirical study of over 4000 cases powerfully affirming the reports from the field, that women who allege abuse – particularly child abuse – by a father are at significant risk (over 1 in 3) of losing custody to the alleged abuser in family court. Protective parents are often forced to share custody with an abuser while enduring years in contentious family court proceedings.”

Evan Stark, PhD, MSW, Professor Emeritus at Rutgers University, introduced the concept of coercive control in his book Coercive Control where he shows most abuse in relationships includes a combination of violent and nonviolent tactics (such as threats, stalking and psychological abuse), introduced over time, that often extend to use of the children to control the mother by threatening to harm them if she leaves or disobeys. The abuser may also use the children as allies in the mother’s abuse.

To learn more about DV and the Jennifer’s Law Bill, read more at https://www.connecticutprotectivemoms.org/press.

A Policy Brief: Legislating Coercive Control- Jennifer’s Law provides additional background information. 

About Connecticut Protective Moms

Connecticut Protective Moms (CPM) is a 501 (c) (3) grassroots organization of Connecticut moms who are dedicated to improving the Connecticut Family Court process to validate all forms of Domestic Violence (DV) including physical, coercive control, emotional, verbal, financial and legal abuse.

Contact: Jill Rosenfeld

admin@connecticutprotectivemoms.org

connecticutprotectivemoms.org

203-561-6988

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Las Vegas Global Wine & Spirit Awards returns in 2021 with Early Bird Pricing Open Now


2021 is going to be our most exciting year yet! Expect some big announcements about how we are bringing a bigger audience from around the world to learn more about our winning entries.

Las Vegas Global Wine & Spirit Awards return in 2021 after a record-breaking year of entries in the truly chaotic year of 2020. 

The competition is proud to be one of the very few events who was able to honor their industries and the competitions are now back for its 5th year to celebrate the Wine & Spirits industry.

In 2020, they did what they do best, their expert judges blind-tasted submissions from around the world with the only criteria being: the quality of the juice in the bottle. Medal winners were recognized from globally known brands, emerging brands from lesser-known regions and every level and location in between. 

Proudly, their honors have increased the sales and visibility of several winners and they look forward to sharing even more exciting results with the world this year.

“2021 is going to be our most exciting year yet! Expect some big announcements about how we are bringing a bigger audience from around the world to learn more about our winning entries. 

Founder and Executive Director Eddie Rivkin continues: “With all signs pointing to convention business returning to Las Vegas by summertime, June is the perfect time for the Las Vegas Global Wine and Spirit Awards to be held. I am looking forward to having our biggest and best competition yet. And most importantly, having our international judges be able to travel and join us again this year. With wine and spirits being submitted from all over the globe, having palates with expertise in all different facets assures all of our entries the fairest ratings and scores.”

Las Vegas Global Wine and Spirit Awards sets itself apart from many others based on its global reach, its setting in the #1 Wine & Spirits market in the world – Las Vegas, and the undisputable credibility of its judges. Over two dozen recognized experts in their industry who have been acclaimed for their palates and skills by the most respected media and trade organizations in the world.

As always, wine and spirit brands of all production sizes and from all regions around the world have the valuable opportunity to be tasted and assessed by our panel of judges.

The 2021 Las Vegas Global Wine Awards will take place in June 2021 in Las Vegas, NV.

The 2021 Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards will take place in August 2021 in Las Vegas, NV.

Early Bird entries have just been announced. If you enter now, their early pricing is the best it’s going to be all year — saving you up to $45 per entry on wine and up to $125 on spirits! 

Early Bird pricing won’t last long, so act now to lock in your chance to be honored at this incredible price.

You can enter your wines today on their website at https://www.vegaswineawards.com/entry

Spirits can be entered today on our website at https://www.vegasspiritawards.com/entry/

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