October 5, 2012 - There's now less than a week left in the indiegogo fundraiser and it doesn't look like it will make it. Which is fine because it would have been a lot of extra work and I was far more interested in it as a something to talk about than act on. But if you'd still like to contribute, you're more than free to do so and I encourage you to do such.
I love Star's reaction in panel 4. Though I should probably point out that victims of abuse aren't all masochists. Kristen has a lot of emotional issues, mistaking any form of physical interaction as affection, and she's a deeply lonely character desperate for some form of community. She doesn't look out for herself, instead focusing primarily on others' needs or desires with many of the people in her life not looking out for her needs either.
Star and everyone on the staff is trying to do their best to help Kristen, but a large part of her healing process will come from within (and I don't mean that in reference to her pregnancy). Making an effort to get healthy is the first step towards recovery, and of course if you or anyone you know is a victim of abuse contacting an organization such as the Domestic Violence Hotline can be that first step. They can be contacted at their website, http://www.thehotline.org, or you can contact them by phone at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY (1-800-787-3224).
Kristen has a long way towards recovery. And I like the idea of making that first step by telling everyone else she doesn't want an abortion. But it's questionable whether she's thought that decision through completely. I feel it'd be unethical and only add to the abuse she's already facing to try to coax her back to having an abortion, but regardless of her decision and how much or how little she's thought it through, it's important that she's (finally) making it herself. Which I feel is always the ultimate goal when providing options for how to proceed.
Before I wish you a good weekend. I'd like to conclude by pointing out a new study indicating that access to birth control directly reduces abortion rates. A hypothesis already tested in the country of Georgia here but now confirmed in the US with this study. This only strengthens the importance of access to birth control options, and hopefully increases support to programs offering it. So have a good weekend. More comics Monday.
-D
I love Star's reaction in panel 4. Though I should probably point out that victims of abuse aren't all masochists. Kristen has a lot of emotional issues, mistaking any form of physical interaction as affection, and she's a deeply lonely character desperate for some form of community. She doesn't look out for herself, instead focusing primarily on others' needs or desires with many of the people in her life not looking out for her needs either.
Star and everyone on the staff is trying to do their best to help Kristen, but a large part of her healing process will come from within (and I don't mean that in reference to her pregnancy). Making an effort to get healthy is the first step towards recovery, and of course if you or anyone you know is a victim of abuse contacting an organization such as the Domestic Violence Hotline can be that first step. They can be contacted at their website, http://www.thehotline.org, or you can contact them by phone at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY (1-800-787-3224).
Kristen has a long way towards recovery. And I like the idea of making that first step by telling everyone else she doesn't want an abortion. But it's questionable whether she's thought that decision through completely. I feel it'd be unethical and only add to the abuse she's already facing to try to coax her back to having an abortion, but regardless of her decision and how much or how little she's thought it through, it's important that she's (finally) making it herself. Which I feel is always the ultimate goal when providing options for how to proceed.
Before I wish you a good weekend. I'd like to conclude by pointing out a new study indicating that access to birth control directly reduces abortion rates. A hypothesis already tested in the country of Georgia here but now confirmed in the US with this study. This only strengthens the importance of access to birth control options, and hopefully increases support to programs offering it. So have a good weekend. More comics Monday.
-D
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