 Gender-based violence stems in large part from gender inequality and the social norms and beliefs that treat violence against women and girls as acceptable. Several factors increase the likelihood of gender-based violence (GBV), particularly during crises. Women and girls face higher risks and more severe forms of GBV when conflict and forced displacement disrupt communities, as these same conditions often fuel violence.
Poverty plays a major role in driving gender-based violence. Studies show that harmful practices like child marriage become more common when families face extreme poverty. Some families may force young girls to leave school so they can contribute to household labor, earn income, or marry early. Unemployment and financial stress within a household often worsen gender-based violence. Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) has grown more frequent as global conflicts increase. When the rule of law collapses, many commit CRSV without facing punishment, and armed groups may use rape to achieve military objectives. CRSV can also include the exploitation of the prostitution of others as well as other forms of sexual exploitation, forced pregnancy, forced abortion or sterilization, forced marriage, and other sexual abuse. In these conditions, women lose access to community support and legal protection. They may also have to travel long distances to collect essentials like food, water, or firewood, which exposes them to higher risks of assault and harassment. Displacement also contributes significantly to gender-based violence. Women living in refugee camps or temporary shelters often face security issues that increase their vulnerability. These may include restrooms without locks, shared facilities for men and women, or poorly lit areas. Displaced women may need to find new ways to earn a living, which can increase their exposure to exploitation. In many emergencies, displaced women and girls receive less visibility. National data collection efforts often exclude them, which leads to gaps in services and protection.
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 Feminism has reshaped how people view women and their roles in society. Its influence reaches legal, social, and cultural changes that affect women globally. To understand its impact, it’s important to examine not just the legal reforms but also the shifts in societal attitudes toward women.
In 1920, women gained the right to vote. Before that, the women's suffrage movement pushed for incremental changes. For instance, it’s efforts led to replacing the word "male" with "citizen" in legal language through the fourteenth amendment, which recognized both women and freed slaves as citizens. The nineteenth amendment in 1920 secured women's voting rights nationwide. Feminist movements also challenged workplace discrimination. For many years, employers refused to treat women as equals in the workplace. Women, particularly women of color, earned less than white men for doing the same work. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 addressed this by mandating equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender or race. Feminism has also shaped how medical science, the healthcare delivery system, health policies, and the organization of medical knowledge address gender-based encounters. Feminist movements raise education and awareness, which play a key role in changing how health care operates and in making sure new medical developments consider the specific health needs of women.  The roots of mass incarceration in the United States go back to post-Civil War after the 13th Amendment. While the Amendment ended slavery, it created а loophole allowing forced labor as punishment for crimes. This loophole fell hardest on immigrants and people of color. Later policies linked crime to race, pushing tougher drug laws and longer sentences onto people of color.
Today, the problem lingers. The US holds the record for the most people behind bars and in immigrant detention worldwide. The Vera Institute found that by 2009, the prison population had grown six times larger than in 1972. The report also showed that in 2015, Black and Latino people made up 55 percent of federal prisoners. As of 2024, about 2.5 million Americans remain in jails and detention centers. The impact of mass incarceration cuts deep. Jail sentences split families, strip the inmate's voting rights, weaken communities, and cost jobs and homes. Long sentences often do more harm than good, especially for those posing little risk to society. The money spent on prisons and jails drains resources that could help other sectors and community programs. Too often, these policies treat people unfairly, strip their dignity, and hurt families. One way to cut mass incarceration is to end immigration arrests and harsh treatment. Immigrants often face criminal-like handling and are held in rough conditions with children separated from their parents. Stopping the arrest-to-deportation cycle - where minor offenses or status issues lead to removal - is key. Justice improves if every immigrant facing detention receives legal representation and a fair trial. Instead of detention centers, government agencies should consider creating humane options that keep families together and treat people respectfully. Shifting to a kinder, rehabilitation-focused justice system is key, especially given existing issues such as staffing shortages in prisons. Programs teaching job skills and core competencies help the incarcerated succeed after release, making them less likely to return to prison. Cutting back solitary confinement also helps. Long stretches alone can damage mental and physical health. Shorter sentences for minor crimes would allow prisoners to return to their communities faster and rebuild their lives. Lawmakers should create options other than jail time, such as community programs and substance use disorder treatment. Moving resources to different places can reduce or end mass incarceration. Instead of pouring resources into maintaining high incarceration rates, governments should redirect the money to public safety to prevent crime. Proven programs aimed at those more likely to be incarcerated, community-building efforts, and support such as stable housing are solid places to invest. Better schools, jobs, and mental health services also make neighborhoods safer, reducing the need for incarceration. The First Step Act, for example, let low-risk people - especially the sick or old - get out of prison or detention. By empowering inmates to petition the courts directly, the Act bypassed the bureaucratic barriers that hinder compassionate release petitions. During COVID-19, this helped thousands of people return to their families and opened the door to more who qualify to leave, shrinking prison populations. Sources:
 The United States stands as a global outlier in the practice of imprisonment, indicating a flawed criminal legal system undermining the rule of law. What began as a vision of protecting individual rights has transformed into a system of mass incarceration that disproportionately impacts communities of color and fails to safeguard public safety.
The roots of this systemic failure trace back to the early 1970s when political rhetoric began to shift dramatically. Politicians like Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan championed policies that would reshape the entire landscape of American justice. The "war on drugs" became a powerful weapon, not for protecting communities but for institutionalizing racial disparities and creating a system of punishment. While the United States represents only a fraction of the global population, it incarcerates more people than any other nation. The prison population exploded from 329,000 in 1980 to 627,000 by 1988, with dramatic increases continuing through subsequent decades. According to Statista, at the end of 2023, the United States had almost 1.8 million people in prison, surpassing China with by 100,000. A proportional increase in crime did not drive this expansion but rather by fundamental changes in law and policy. According to Prison Policy even “progressive” states like New York, with incarceration rates below the national average, continue to lock people up at more than double the rates of some of our closest international allies. The system's impact on communities of color is disturbing. Despite similar rates of drug use across racial groups, people of color make up nearly 60 percent of those incarcerated for drug offenses. Around 20 percent of Black men are likely to be imprisoned at some point in their lifetime. The consequences extend beyond individual imprisonment, devastating entire families and communities through generational trauma and systemic disruption. The discrimination, distinct vulnerabilities and unique needs of women in conflict with the law are neglected and lost in our male-centered carceral system. Incarceration's disparate impact on women and their children is reflected in the lack of safety, alarming exposure to gender-based violence and stigmatization, with a lack of gender sensitive prison practices and rehabilitation programs. The mechanisms driving the prison crisis are complex. Mandatory minimum sentencing laws strip judges of discretion, while "three strikes" policies mandate extreme sentences for repeat offenders. Bail systems criminalize poverty, with nearly 500,000 people sitting in prison at any given time simply because they cannot afford release. The war on drugs, explicitly designed to target minority communities, has been particularly destructive, with roughly half of federal prison populations convicted of drug offenses. Imprisonment doesn't just remove individuals from society; it creates lasting damage. People who have been incarcerated face dramatically reduced employment prospects, lower lifetime earnings, and an increased likelihood of housing instability. Children of incarcerated parents experience significant declines in academic and health outcomes. The path forward requires an entire reimagining of justice. This means investing in prevention, mental health services, and community support rather than punishment. Research consistently shows that most criminal careers are relatively short, typically around 10 years. Continued incarceration beyond this point produces diminishing returns and wastes resources that could be directed toward meaningful intervention. It is important to address the systemic inequalities that contribute to crime. Structural disadvantages in economic opportunity, education, housing, and health create environments where crime becomes a seemingly rational "choice." True justice requires addressing these root causes, not simply warehousing human beings. Our carceral system overuses pretrial detention and imprisonment; reinforces discrimination and inequalities; and suffers from severe overcrowding as well as other forms of neglect and abuse of prisoners. For profit prisons at the state and federal levels must be abolished. We must shift policies towards prevention and alternatives, strengthen professional prison administration prioritizing the improvement of prison conditions and advancing the rehabilitation and social reintegration of offenders. As Nelson Mandela reminded: “It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.” Sources:
 Snowshoeing has grown in popularity as a winter activity and recreational activity for beginners and experts. Moreover, anyone with an adventurous spirit may snowshoe. Beginners simply need to complete a few steps, such as choosing the right equipment.
The main gear, the snowshoe, comes in several varieties for different terrains. Snowshoes for flat or undulating terrain are best for beginners. These lightweight, easy-to-use models are perfect for beginners. Renting snowshoes lets beginners try different types before buying. Insulated, waterproof boots give warmth and support on icy hikes. Dressing appropriately for snowshoeing enhances comfort and ensures safety in cold conditions. Layering allows people to change their attire based on temperature and activity. Experts advise insulating mid layers retain body heat while moisture-wicking base layers keep sweat off. They also advise waterproof and windproof outer layers to protect against snow and freezing blasts. Even in frigid temperatures, hats, gloves, and gaiters keep extremities warm. My experience has been that even in below zero temperatures a fleece top, fleece zip hoodie, jeans and hats and gloves are enough. The effort one puts into the activity helps to keep you warm, so a coat has never been needed in my experience, and when I first snow shoed and did not know this I regretted having a coat and tied it across my waist. Mastering basic snowshoeing techniques can make the first outing more enjoyable. Snowshoeing involves walking with a slightly wider stance than usual to prevent stepping on the edges of the snowshoes. Beginners may need to adjust to the extra weight and size of the equipment, but the movement quickly becomes intuitive. Techniques such as the herringbone step, where toes point outward for grip, can be helpful when climbing hills. Descending slopes requires a steady pace and bent knees to maintain balance. Familiarity with these techniques builds confidence and allows beginners to navigate varied terrains easily. Safety is a cornerstone of any outdoor activity. Environment knowledge is crucial, especially in locations prone to rapid weather changes or avalanches. A map, compass, and GPS provide dependable navigation on unmarked routes or in poor circumstances. In emergencies, food, drink, and additional clothes are essential. In the backcountry, avalanche predictions and safety gear like a beacon, probe, and shovel are vital. Preparation improves enjoyment and reduces danger. Snowshoeing offers an excellent opportunity to connect with nature in a tranquil setting. Unlike busy winter resorts and noisy ski slopes, snowshoe trails often wind through quiet forests and large meadows. Slowing down helps people appreciate snow-covered landscapes. Animal tracks, sparkling frost, and natural noises provide a relaxing and stimulating experience. Snowshoeing offers unsurpassed serenity and seclusion for anyone seeking introspection. In addition, it can engage in social outings. Snowshoeing's gentle learning curve suits groups, families, or friends of varying ages and fitness levels. What I have also found is that the motion and the cold temperature makes it quite easy on your knees, even for those with knee injuries. The sport's simplicity allows everyone to participate, creating shared memories and fostering a sense of camaraderie. Whether exploring a nearby park or embarking on a guided group hike, snowshoeing brings people together in a relaxed and inclusive environment. The shared laughter and collective discovery often become highlights of the experience. Beyond recreation, snowshoeing has physical benefits that make it an appealing choice for those looking to stay active during winter. Low-impact exercise increases cardiovascular health, endurance, and muscular strength. The resistance produced by snow adds effort, boosting the workout without putting unnecessary pressure on joints. For folks seeking an alternative to gym routines or high-intensity sports, snowshoeing provides a mild yet practical approach to keeping healthy and energetic. Snowshoeing offers a physical activity and natural connection that provides advantages beyond the path. For those who try it, snowshoeing may turn a walk into a journey through nature and inner peace. Its variety and accessibility make it a good winter sport for anyone seeking new experiences. My favorite places to snow shoe have been Twin Farms in Vermont, Mountaintop Inn in Vermont, and Dunton Hot Springs in Colorado. All three are great for beginners and experienced shoers alike, and provide the perfect apres shoe activity: a marvelous soak in a hot tub with a view (or in the case of Dunton, a hot spring). Source:
 A December 2024 Washington Examiner article reported that human trafficking rose 25 percent in 2022 globally, according to a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime publication. An increase in demand for children and adults to work as forced labor contributed to the rise. In New York, law enforcement has laid the groundwork for combating human trafficking.
New York became one of the first states to enact legislation that protected children, specifically through the Safe Harbor for Exploited Children Act (2008). It recognized that sexually exploited children are victims of crimes and need supportive services to help them navigate the trauma. Additionally, New York Governor Kathy Hochul expanded the New York State Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking Act in September 2023, which extended protections and support for those victimized by human trafficking. The Task force that is a part of this law is a coordinated effort among state agencies that guide protocols, collect data, and raise public awareness. Additionally, when Governor Hochul expanded the act that extended protections, she also signed legislation that required transportation hubs (airports, bus stops, subways) to hang signage advertising services for trafficking victims. Outside of legislation, the state has also encouraged businesses in certain sectors to recognize signs of human trafficking. For instance, employees at lodging accommodations and establishments serving alcohol receive training in recognizing signs and knowing how to respond to a victim. The state has also mandated that human trafficking awareness is a part of alcohol awareness training programs. Finally, survivors of human trafficking can access assistance through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and a network of providers funded by OTDA, such as Sanctuary for Families. These laws and services have become the foundation for law enforcement to make arrests and support survivors. New York human trafficking laws address the supply and demand aspect of trafficking by treating it as two crimes: trafficking and labor trafficking. Furthermore, the legislation also allows prosecutors to address sex tourism, and addresses demand by eliminating the difference between trafficking and prostitution, increasing the penalty from three months to as high as a year in jail. Law enforcement is using policy and law to tackle trafficking. A February 2024 CBS News article reported that human traffickers were targeting migrant shelters. Federal agents with New York’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) identified 30 people who had been human trafficking victims and arrested 38 people suspected of the crime. In addition to these arrests, organizations such as ECLI-VIBES have been on the support side of helping survivors with their trauma. The organization reported a rise in the trafficking of non-citizen girls and boys in sex trafficking and has assisted 45 non-citizen survivors with the trauma of trafficking. In addition to the migrant trafficking arrest, law enforcement sentenced a Long Island man, Javesh Persaud, to 12 years in prison for trafficking a woman who was homeless, according to a December 2024 article published in the Patch. The man sentenced to prison lured the woman, who was 18, to his home in Suffolk. The woman had been living in the subway, and he convinced her he would help her. Instead, he told her to bring her belongings to his car, parked next to another, and sexually assaulted her, forcing her to have sex with others to repay him. Eventually, the woman contacted the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and the Human Trafficking Investigations Unit began an investigation, arresting the man shortly afterward. District Attorney Ray Tierney stated the sentence sends a message that Suffolk County does not tolerate human trafficking. Traffickers are nimble quickly adapting their criminality to emerging vulnerable populations and new law enforcement methods. Stopping trafficking in its tracks requires a holistic approach. This means tackling root causes and demand and approaching both from a survivor centered perspective employing public private partnerships. I was honored to lead the United Nation Secretariat’s development, negotiation and eventual passage of the UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons as well as its Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children. The Plan, adopted by the General Assembly in 2010, calls upon all governments to target demand and “address the social, economic, cultural, political and other factors that make people vulnerable to trafficking in persons, such as poverty, unemployment, inequality, humanitarian emergencies, including armed conflicts and natural disasters, sexual violence, gender discrimination, social exclusion and marginalization, as well as a culture of tolerance towards violence against women, youth and children.” The Plan and its Trust Fund also highlight the importance of collaboration with non-governmental organizations in preventing and prosecuting the crime as well as protecting victims. Having recently left the UN to join Sanctuary for Families, New York’s leading service provider and advocate for survivors of trafficking and other gender based violence, I witnessed first-hand the unique value a NGO brings to the fight against trafficking, particularly when it prioritizes a holistic, survivor-centered comprehensive service model, offering shelter, counseling, workforce development, case management, legal services and systems change advocacy. Last year we serviced over 8000 adult and child survivors of trafficking and other forms of gender-based violence in 12 locations throughout New York City. It is through city, state, federal, and private funding that we are able to achieve this. We are particularly grateful for the financial and moral support we receive from OTDA which generously funds Sanctuary’s Survivor Advisory Board and which recently contracted with us to support their initiation of a statewide survivor board, recognizing our expertise in this area.  Poetry is a written form of art that follows specific arrangements and rhythms, shaping the movement of its lines. In poetry, lineation describes the arrangement of lines and how they pause or break to convey the poet's message and thoughts. It is common for a line to end where a phrase or complete idea concludes in poetry. Poets usually undermine this assumption through a method known as enjambment.
Enjambment serves as the continuation of a phrase or thought beyond the line break in poetry. In French, enjambment means to step over. In poetry, it means an idea steps over from the end of one line into the start of the next without any punctuation, requiring the reader to move past the line break swiftly to complete the thought. Enjambment breaks the usual anticipation of line endings, giving the poem a different rhythm. Enjambment in poetry has various uses. It also offers poets various techniques that allow them to enhance the meaning and complexity of their poems by carrying a thought or sentence beyond the line break. The use of enjambment has been able to make poets improve their work in various ways. With the use of enjambment, poets have been able to add anticipation to their works. The significance of enjambed lines remains unclear until the poet introduces a pause with punctuation, creating a sense of anticipation about what will happen next. This allows the poet to make a cliffhanger. Enjambment can reflect the continuous and complex nature of themes in poetry, especially when dealing with emotions or ideas that don’t fit neatly into one moment or thought. By using enjambment, poets can mirror how feelings, such as love, grief, or conflict, flow and intertwine without clear boundaries. This technique helps create a sense of connection between the lines, allowing the poem to unfold, and reflecting the ongoing, fluid nature of the emotions or themes. For instance, in WB Yeats' "The Second Coming," where enjambment reflects the chaos and disintegration of the world described in the poem: "Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer..." In this instance, the enjambment mirrors the idea of things spiraling out of control, with thoughts and actions spilling into the next line, emphasizing the sense of instability and disarray. By relying solely on punctuation, identifying enjambment can be difficult. Most poets use different approaches to punctuation, while some choose to omit it altogether. Punctuation does not reliably mark where a phrase or sentence concludes. For instance, in the opening line taken from Romeo and Juliet, the comma placed at the line's conclusion separates two segments of a single sentence. From this instance, the first line is incomplete, despite the punctuation mark, and relies on the next line to convey its full meaning, making it an example of enjambment. Because of this, a reader needs to focus on the poem's wording, that is, how the poet uses line breaks and punctuation to drive the poem's momentum or introduce pauses while reading. When I began writing poems in my teens, I did not consider the power of enjambment, nor possess the courage to share my work with other poets. Law school and the 1991 Rodney King verdict inspired me to write more and share more. It was then I met the late great poet safiya henderson-holmes and the mettlesome writer Asha Bandele. In their presence I shared my poems and was encouraged to consider employing enjambment in my own. A most simple and powerful use is found in safiya's poem "hello": and between these rocks and these hard places i'm, making diamonds Source |
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