CW: Gender Violence, Rape
Fear grows as two women are abducted from Boston bars over the past two months
The death of a young woman after her abduction from a Boston bar drew reactions from a myriad of officials, especially since only last month another woman was abducted from another bar and held captive for three days while being sexually abused. Mayor Marty Walsh urged Boston citizens to look out for each other after these frightening reminders that life is more dangerous for those who identify as women. On a positive note, most of the conversations centered not around what women could do to protect themselves but on the fact that the perpetrators should carry the blame and that bystanders should act in situations where they think something unusual or dangerous is happening.
Sex trafficking on the rise in Massachusetts
The arrest of prominent Massachusetts figure Robert Kraft for solicitation of sex along with the arrest of a Norwell couple for sex trafficking are bringing attention to the issue of sex trafficking in Massachusetts. Even though Kraft’s arrest was in Florida, it highlights the prevalence of illicit massage parlors and the pervasiveness of human trafficking. The Norwell couple were also operating a day spa that served as a front for prostitution. The National Human Trafficking Hotline said calls in 2017 were up 40 percent from five years ago and 25 percent from 2016, with spa operations making up 20 percent of the reports. Peter DiMarzio is the victims’ assistance specialist for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and stressed that human trafficking can happen to anyone. If you or anyone you know is a victim of human trafficking, the hotline number is 1 (888) 373-7888. They can also be texted at 233733 and their website is humantraffickinghotline.org
Plan for monument to Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King revealed
King Boston is an organization that was established to memorialize the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King in the city of Boston. This past Monday, they revealed the winning submission for a monument to the couple that will stand in the Boston Common. “The Embrace” will be a 22 foot bronze statue of arms designed by Hank Willis Thomas and the MASS Design Group. The monument will also include nearby signage highlighting the King’s connection to the area. MLK Jr. obtained his doctorate of theology at Boston University and met Coretta Scott while a preacher at the 12th Baptist Church in Roxbury. She herself received a degree from the New England Conservatory of Music. Construction is expected to take about 18 months.
