Beyond The Call™ 24 7, Inc.

Sexual Abuse

In this episode of the “Hard Issues” series, (On The Call, S 8 Ep 6) we tackle the issue of sexual abuse.

Mario Golden was born in Mexico City and his family immigrated to Southern Texas when he was 14. He attended Stanford University, where he learned about theories on social transformation, feminism, Freirian pedagogy, and sexual politics and became an activist.

Despite this, Mario is a survivor of sexual abuse as a child. In his story, he was aware that his older brother who was 11 at the time was being abused by the husband of an aunt. His brother later abused him, as well as the same man who abused the brother. The sad part of this is the knowledge that his family was aware and the abusers were supported by the family. He suffered physically and psychologically from this sexual abuse.

In the early 1990s, Mario worked as a teacher specializing in bilingual curriculum development in the California public education system. He then worked as a trainer and counselor in the field of HIV/AIDS. In San Francisco he was a coordinator and counselor at the Hermanos de Luna y Sol Program at the Mission Neighborhood Health Center Clínica Esperanza. As an activist, he participated in various organizations and movements.

Mario began his acting training with Rob Reece. As an actor, he has won accolades and several awards. During this time, Mario gained an interest in playwriting and began studying with Yale University School of Drama alumnus Allen Davis, III.

In 2018, Mario published Semillas, a Spanish language novel about a young gay revolutionary, which has been received enthusiastically by readers. For over 30 years, Mario has contributed to the healing and growth of countless individuals, couples, families, and communities. This includes innovative work with marginalized populations focused on empowering psychological and cultural transitions in order to make positive adjustments towards a freer and more genuine life.

Mario is married to German theater director and journalist Andreas Robertz. He lives in New York City.

As a psychospiritual teacher and counselor, through his School of Mysteries, he offers counseling services, training, facilitation, and tools in areas of self-awareness, interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, empowerment, and community development.

Hidden Domestic Abuse

On the Call Podcast took to the airwaves to tackle it’s “Hard Issues” episode (On the Call S8 Ep 5) which dealt with topic of Hidden Domestic abuse and life within it. Marilyn Cruz-Hayes is the founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization “Palms Upon My Hands Inc. ” Marilyn is an advocate and a survivor of domestic abuse, which she endured for 13 years, suffering silently, from the age of 15. She persevered quietly through her husband’s cheating, becoming a father of two children outside of their marriage, and then walking out on her.

She was raised in the church but with all the silent suffering, never divulging to family members who were both in the NYPD as well as in gangs, when her husband left, Marilyn turned to clubbing and drinking, losing herself for two years, she turned her life around through prayer. She went back to college, received her Associates Degree in Occupational Studies with a concentration in Public Health, afterwhich she formed her nonprofit, “Palms Upon My Hands Inc.”

“Palms Upon My Hands Inc. has a mission to educate, advocate, raise voices to support efforts that demand change for teenagers and those who have suffered from domestic violence. They have collected Career Attire for men and women who are on probation, living in shelters, welfare to work programs.

To this day, Marilyn still experiences triggers from those thirteen years of abuse at times, even though she has since found a loving man who helped raise her children, regain her self-confidence, taught her to value herself, as well as, assisted her with her nonprofit.

For more information please contact Marilyn Cruz-Hayes at palmsuponmyhands@gmail.com or at 718-530-0610. For further information about the organization, please visit https://www.facebook.com/Palmsuponmyhands.

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a serious crime that involves the exploitation of people through force, coercion, or deceit for various purposes, such as forced labor, sexual exploitation, or even organ harvesting. Victims of human trafficking are often vulnerable individuals who are deceived or coerced into situations where their freedom and dignity are taken away. It is a global issue that affects millions of men, women, and children, regardless of age, gender, or nationality. Efforts are being made worldwide to combat human trafficking, raise awareness, and support victims in their journey towards recovery and justice.

Our Call to Action

The On The Call Podcast has highlighted the issue of human trafficking in episode (On The Call S7 E11) MONIQUE FERGUSON- RILEY. They focused on victims who were trafficked as children and young adults. The organization highlighted is the Freedom Youth Family Justice Center, whose founder was a guest on On The Call. Below is a summary of the organization and its founder. We ask that anyone who wants to get involved read below and contact this organization for further information on how you can help victims of trafficking.

About Freedom Youth Family Justice Center Inc.

Monique Ferguson-Riley, a mother of five, founded Freedom Youth Family Justice Center Inc. In the Fall of 2021, Monique Ferguson received the esteemed Alumna of the Year Award where she was recognized By Bethel University in the state of Minnesota for the work that she has done in the lives of at-risk youth and her fight against human trafficking. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for several years, focusing on victim services as it applies to youth, adults, and families.

In 2019 she founded Freedom Youth Family Justice Center Inc. a 501c3 Nonprofit, that empowers, strengthens, and stabilizes survivors of human trafficking, sexual assault, & domestic violence who reside within New York City and Westchester County by providing holistic comprehensive supportive services, housing, and financial resources for the survivor and their immediate family members.

Monique herself is a sex trafficking survivor, after having been coerced into trafficking, by a friend at the age of 12. Since then, Monique has trained over a thousand youth, parents, teachers, and professionals through various organizations and has assisted victims, survivors, and their immediate family members. Also, she has given teens a platform to speak out on many of the social and health issues they are faced with such as bullying, teen pregnancy, depression, belonging, and abandonment, while empowering youth to stand up and use their voices.

Monique spearheaded the Vulnerable People Project working closely with elected officials, NYPD, and department of homeland security as it pertains to the recovery of young people and promoting awareness and safety in the community. She has worked with various colleges and universities to assist in community efforts and provided jobs and internships for college students and poor youth. Wanting to gauge the community in various neighborhoods of New York City, she created surveys to explore what people knew about human trafficking and discovered that only 27 percent of the people surveyed knew what human trafficking was and how children were lured in the lifestyle.

January 23. 2023 Freedom Youth Family Justice Center has reached another plateau by opening up its first Safe Home in New York for girls between the ages of 12-17 years old, via Young Adult Discovery (YAD) program.

If you are being trafficked or suspect trafficking activity in your area, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or Text “Be Free” to 233733. https://www.freedomyouthnyc.com/ or email: info@freedomyouthnyc.com

Domestic Violence and Bullying

Domestic violence is one of the important causes that our organization sheds light on. On The Call podcast sat with Arrow the Symbol (On The Call S7 Ep 12) who spoke about an instance of abuse with a young boy. Men women and children can be victims of such abuse. It can affect anyone at any time. Below are a few thoughts on this issue.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence refers to a pattern of abusive behavior in a relationship where one person seeks to gain power and control over another. It involves various forms of physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse inflicted upon a partner or family member. Domestic violence can have severe and lasting impacts on the victim’s physical and mental well-being, as well as affect the overall dynamics within the household. We need to raise awareness, support survivors.

What is bullying?

Bullying refers to repeated aggressive behavior, generally among children or teenagers, that involves a power imbalance. It can occur physically, verbally, or through social manipulation, causing distress or harm to the targeted person. Bullying can take place in various settings, including schools, workplaces, or even online platforms.

Advice for Victims

Being a victim of domestic violence can be an incredibly challenging and delicate situation. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, here are some important steps to consider:

Safety First: Your safety should be the top priority. If you’re in immediate danger, call emergency services or your local helpline. If possible, try to have a safety plan in place, such as identifying a safe place to go and keeping important documents and emergency numbers accessible.
Seek Support: Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or support organizations who can provide emotional support and guidance. They can help you connect with resources in your community that specialize in domestic violence support.
Confidentiality: Be cautious about discussing your situation with your abuser or others who may disclose information to them. Seek support from individuals or organizations who can maintain your confidentiality.
Legal Protection: Consider obtaining a restraining order or protection order to help ensure your safety. Consult with a lawyer or seek advice from your local domestic violence center for legal options available to you.
Counseling and Therapy: Engaging in therapy or counseling can provide valuable support and help you heal from the emotional and psychological effects of domestic violence. Look for professionals who specialize in trauma and domestic violence.
Financial Independence: If possible, work on establishing financial independence. This can include finding employment, setting up a separate bank account, or seeking assistance from organizations that provide financial support for individuals leaving abusive relationships.
Self-Care and Healing: Take time to prioritize your well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, practice self-care, and consider joining support groups where you can connect with others who have experienced similar situations.

Remember, you are not alone, and there are people who can help you navigate this difficult journey. Reach out for support and know there is hope for a better future.

Arrow, The Symbol, formerly known as Felisha George, is a recording artist, performer, lyricist and conjurer of rhythmic color, who walked the same school hallways as artists such as Lauryn Hill, Bisa Butler, and Sza. She was on the first season, of Netflix’s Rhythm and Flow, hosted by T. I, Cardi B, and Chance The Rapper, and made it into the Top 16 contestants. In season 7 episode 12, Arrow the Symbol talks about the abuse of a non-verbal boy who was hung by his feet in his classroom by his teacher.

The NYC Anti-Violence Project is a great resource for people in the NYC area. They are located at 16 Nassau St #3, New York, NY 10038.

The Anti-Violence Project, (AVP) is another resource. committed to addressing and ending gender-based and sexualized violence on campus and beyond. They are located in Vancouver.

The Domestic Violence Project is a NYC based organization who, are a team of lawyers, advocates, and volunteers serving survivor needs in all five boroughs.

The National Coalition of Domestic Violence is an organization that provides resources for people who have experienced domestic violence.. They have projects like a hotline , a conference and Project Opal that support survivors.