How Victims Of Sexual Assault Can Get Justice

Sexual assault is an act of sexual and intentionally touching a person without their consent or using force to physically persuade against their will to engage in a sexual activity. A form of brutally forcing someone for a sexual activity, which can include attempted rape, Penetration of the victim’s body (or rape), child abuse, groping, and forced sexual torture to a person.

It covers a wide variety of unwanted sexual acts and behavior in which controls and assert the power to another person.  Being a victim of sexual assault, you’ll experience different emotions, fear, anxiety, isolation, and more.  It could be a terrifying experience for most of the victims. For a victim of sexual assault, justice for this traumatizing experience is very important.

1.  LEGAL RIGHTS

For sexual assault victims, it’s very crucial to know your legal rights. Know how you’ll get justice from the laws. Knowing the basics can be a good ground, but researching more about the different laws associated with sexual assault will be a great help for the victims. Not only because the victims can use the laws, but how it’ll be able to protect the victim from penetrators or offenders. However, keep in mind that the laws related to this crime vary from state to state.  

For example;
In California, it is charged as rape if it’s a sexual assault that leads to unwanted and forced sexual intercourse. While Sexual assault in Florida covers indecent acts and rape. It is always charged as a felony, regardless of how severe the crime is. 30 years of Life imprisonment bestowed upon conviction if the victim is under the age of 12 years old.  Doing the right research and seeking help from professionals would be very helpful for you.

2.  REPORT THE EVENT SOONER

Sexual assault victims don’t report right away after the event happened, they tend to keep it to themselves and be silenced about it until the pain is unbearable enough to ask for help. Many research found out that there’s a huge possibility it will be prosecuted; the sooner the report is. The sooner the survivor reports the incident, the more credible medical forensic evidence can be acquired right away, and the victim’s story will be most likely valid for the juror, prosecutors, and law enforcement.

The longer the report is, the most likely to have the chance for it to be prosecuted. As wounds heal, our body changes, stories became less valid as time passes by. So for the victim to get justice, reporting the incident as soon as possible will have a greater percentage of getting it.

3.  ASK FOR MEDICAL HELP

Most victims of this crime end up experiencing a great deal of depression, anxiety, mental, and emotional health problems. As important as getting justice, asking for medical help is also paramount. If the crime will be brought upon a jury trial, one must be mentally and emotionally stable for it to win the case. As the survivor itself must play an important role in the investigation and prosecution process. 

It’s already difficult to be a sexual assault victim, but if one must get the justice they should be prepared to undergo the legal rights process. So make sure, that they’re asking for medical help or counseling.

4.  VOICE

The victim’s voice has been the main source of understanding of justice for them. As many of them wished to be heard and express the trauma they have suffered and for it to be acknowledged. Research believe a more in-depth approach to the survivor’s voice or story serves as an essential part of meaningful and respective conversation between the justice officials and victims, and also greatly influenced when it comes to making decision.

As they are the sole witness to the crime, using their voice to get justice is one of the things they can do for themselves. Remember, the stronger your voice is, the stronger you’ll get justice. If the victim will choose silence, they wouldn’t get the justice they want. The research found out that most sexual assault case that ends up being prosecuted, 69% of it are using the victim’s voice in the court and being brave to share the traumatizing indecent sexual acts to them.

A Concise List of Some of the Top Cultural Institutions in the Philippines

 The grandeur and wealth of human culture and its legacy can be found within the halls of history of a museum. Forget about the required school field trips to museums! Now is the time for that worthwhile experience! And guess what? We cordially invite you to experience a trip down Filipino heritage memory lane. Additionally, we provide information on some of the unique and eccentric museums in the Philippines. Thank you, everyone! 

Lakbay Museo 

By visiting Lakbay Museo, you’ll get to learn about the Philippines’ tradition and culture in a very fun and modern way. It has incredibly Instagrammable exhibits and dioramas! This contemporary museum takes pride in being the Philippines’ first interactive millennial museum, which enables visitors to experience the finest of the country in under two hours without having to fly or spend thousands of dollars. It is another unique art museum in Manila. 

 The 1,000 sqm establishment pays homage to the customs and local culture of the Philippines through unique exhibits, including a room stocked with a range of traditional garments and materials, a sari-sari store, and a vintage jeepney. Additionally, you can savor the delicious Filipino cuisine! Lakbay Museo will offer you a variety of cuisines and specialties like sinigang, tinola, and adobo! This is one of the must-visit museums in Manila. 

Rizal Shrine 

Being one of the most frequented historical and tourism destinations in Laguna, Jose Rizal Shrine in Calamba receives an average of 270,000 visitors annually. The museum is a recreation of the family house where Jose Rizal was formed and molded and who would later become the finest representation of his race. 

 It was inaugurated in 1950. With the house damaged, President Elpidio Quirino authorized the renovation of the national hero’s residence during World War II,  and under the supervision of Architect Juan Nakpil,  a National Artist. One of the house’s well-known Spanish Colonial features is a deep well that has been turned into a “wishing well” for tourists and visitors. It has a wide range of artifacts, books, manuscripts, and works of art that belonged to the Philippine national hero. 

Mind Museum 

This one is definitely a gift for those who enjoy science. With so many niche activities to choose from, you will be overwhelmed. You’re in for an amazing experience. Their website could be your friend for more. 

National Museum of the Philippines 

The National Museum of Anthropology, The National Planetarium Philippines, and The National Museum of Fine Arts can all be found in The National Museum Manila, which houses the natural and cultural history of Filipinos and our environment. The collection ranges from thousands of years ago to the present. 

 If you’re into history and culture, the National Museum of the Philippines is the perfect place to be. The National Museum of the Philippines is a government institution with a long history that includes research and conservation efforts across the archipelago. 

Ayala Museum 

One of the most significant and popular private museums is the Ayala Museum, which is situated in Makati City, the center of the nation’s economic district. It houses a vast number of rare and irreplaceable cultural and historical treasures not found elsewhere in the country. 

 Tourists have been awestruck by its handcrafted dioramas of episodes from Philippine history for almost 40 years. The Ayala Museum, however, actually has a lot more to offer. Every visit is worthwhile to the Maritime Vessels Collection, which features expertly made ship replicas that honor prehistoric vessels. The museum’s collection, which includes fine arts paintings by Fernando Zobel, Juan Luna, and Fernando Amorsolo, representing the arts from Philippine during the late 19th to the 20th century, is not one to be missed. A small collection of ethnographic relics from Filipino minority communities, such as tools, weaponry, ceremonial objects, clothes, body jewelry, and musical instruments, is also kept there (https://www.ayalamuseum.org/ ).  

Cebu Provincial Museum (Carsel de Cebu) 

Before it became a cultural institution, it was previously called Cebu Jail, now known as “Museo Sugbo.” The place became a jail for the Katipunerosa during the revolution. They were the ones who bravely fought against their colonizers for the country’s freedom. The museum has four permanent galleries storing more than a thousand years of historical objects, three special exhibition galleries, and one rotating exhibition gallery. Additionally, it features a gallery that details the political history of the nation, from the era of political nepotism to the current political system. 

 Nowadays, with all the advancements, people occasionally yearn to relax and take a break. What do you do to take a moment to reflect and be reminded of earlier times? Visit a museum and go back in time! Trust us, you’ll love every second of exploring these museums in the Philippines. 

How Do I Qualify For A Home Loan?

Congratulations! You have decided that you are ready to make a big step in purchasing a home. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or you purchased a home years ago, the same rules are going to apply.

In order to qualify a buyer, lenders are going to begin by asking you a few simple questions. The more prepared you are to answer these questions and provide the documentation they require, the easier your pre-approval process will be.

Understanding Your Debt-to-Income

Debt-to-income, also referred to as DTI, is not a hard calculation to understand. Lenders are looking at your credit liabilities such as auto payments, student loans, credit cards, personal loans, etc.

They are not factoring in your cell phone, utilities, or insurance. You will want to list these out along with their monthly payments, and you will add the totals.

You will then take this debt number and divide it by the total gross income that you receive for the month. This should provide you with a percentage. It is important to note that your debt, plus your new mortgage, taxes, and insurance, will all have to comply with the guidelines set for your qualification.

Depending on what loan product or program you are using, the required percentage may be somewhere between 45% to 55%. If you find that your numbers come in way below the 45%, you may qualify for more programs, different benefits, and additional purchase price.

Understanding How Much Money You Need

Different programs have different conditions to close a transaction. Your real estate agent will likely be able to help you understand all the conditions. They are very evident in the down payment required and how much you can ask the seller to help with your closing costs. Throw out the idea that you have to have 20% to purchase a home.

Most people choose to purchase a home with an FHA loan or a Conventional loan. Understanding these options will give you a better understanding of just how much money you need.

This is easier to understand if we look at simple numbers. Say you are purchasing a $100,000 home, and you are estimating that your closing costs are at $6,000:

FHA

FHA allows you to put 3.5% down and ask the seller for 6% in closing costs. The 3.5% down payment is $3,500, and your sellers agree to the full 6% or $6,000. This would mean that you need $3,500 plus the cost for appraisal and inspection.

Conventional

Conventional, typically, wants a minimum of 5%, and it allows you to ask for 3% in closing costs. This puts you at $5,000 for down payment, $3,000 for closing, and a total of $8,000.

This is oversimplified, but it gives you a good idea of how to plan for how much money you will need. If you are unsure of the closing costs, ask your real estate agent for some guidance.

Know What Documentation You Will Be Asked For

Documentation will vary from person-to-person and by situation. However, there are some minimum requirements that you can start gathering.

* ID – Make sure it’s not expired and info correct

* 30 days of paystubs – Noting name, period, wages, bonuses, commissions, and year-to- date

* Last 2 years of W2s – Showing history of income

* Last 2 years of Tax Returns (all pages) – Showing history of income

* 60 days of asset or bank statements (all pages) – Showing the funds for the transaction

The Preapproval Process

Every lender is going to approach it differently, but they will follow the same guidelines. They will ask questions, request documents, and get you pre-approved.

Bad Roof Installation vs. Good Roof Installation

The roof plays different roles in the house like temperature regulations, protections against harsh elements, and even add beauty to your home. Roof installation should be taken seriously to avoid a botched job. That is why homeowners are encouraged to employ the services of a well-reviewed and rated contractor. Without any knowledge of roof installation, a homeowner may be unable to recognize a bad installation from a good installation. This article offers some of the key pointers you need to look out for poor installation and good installation.

Spotting a bad roof installation

Fasteners

 During installation, the roofing contractor should calculate the number of nails to be used for every shingle installed. Most manufacturers indicate clearly the number of nails to be used per shingle, with most roofers opting to use at least four nails. Using fewer nails will leave the shingles vulnerable to winds.

 Roofers also use fasteners and nails to secure sections of the roof like the gutter to prevent water from entering the house. However, some of them may rush over their jobs, failing to fasten the shingles and gutters properly, leading to a bad installation.

Starter shingles

 Inexperienced roofers tend to forget to place starter shingles before beginning work on the roof. It is recommended for roofers to installer a starter strip under the first layer of shingles along the eaves. Starter strips provide extra protection to vulnerable sections of the roof, for example, eaves that can get damaged from ice build-up during the cold seasons. If your roof contractor skips this step, it is likely to face several leaks and even damage to the shingles.

Underlayment

 For people living in cold regions or in preparation for icy winters, it is wise to install a protective underlayment between the sheathing and shingles. Most roofing contractors like Gus Roofing recommend a felt underlayment or an ice and water shield that helps to prevent the formation of ice dams that force water under the shingles. In certain regions, it is required by law to install two underlayments to prevent water damage to the roof and even the walls.

 Above are just the common steps roofers tend to skip when installing roofs. As a homeowner, it is wise for you to be present or leave someone with knowledge of roofing to ensure all the necessary steps are being followed. This way, you can avoid having to spend an extra penny redoing the entire job. A good job done has several benefits and can put you to rest. To achieve this, you can consider the following factors before installation.

Elements of good installation

Hire a trusted contractor

 Ask the right questions when hiring your roof contractor, this way, you will be able to gauge their professionalism. Research on the best contractor within your locality, and make sure to go over their previous works and reviews from reputable online sources. Your installation can only be good if you are working with the right team.

Following the manufacturer’s instructions

 Most roofing materials come with instructions on the best way to install them for a long-lasting result. Most roofers overlook this, something that could cause trouble in the near future. Have your contractor go over the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them correctly. Following the laid down guideline could prevent future warranty claims and even give you the best installation.

Replace old roof installation components and materials

 When doing a complete roofing job, it is wise to get rid of the entire installation, including accessories that were part of the old system. Replacing these accessories and components during re-roofing is cost-effective rather than installing them in the near future. Some of the aspects you may want to handle include vents, skylights, and bad siding.

 Bad roofing could prove costly for you in the long run. It is advisable to take your time to get It right with a good installation to avoid incurring extra costs. With good installation, you do not have to worry about the safety of your household or property.

Actionable Tips And Advice On Starting A Manufacturing Business

Starting a manufacturing business can be daunting, despite the fact that the evolution of the domestic economy looks rather promising. If you’re thinking of entering the industry, you’ll want to keep tabs on all factors that could influence the evolution of your business in terms of healthy and profitable growth.

Here are a few hopefully helpful tips to consider should you intend to start a manufacturing business.

1. Bring the right people on board. The best businesses rely on the best teams. You need to recruit enthusiastic and resourceful people who share your values and who believe in your business goals. Hire the best financial team you can afford. Seek effective and empathic managers. Do your best to bring skilled salespeople to your team. The key to building a strong organization is to offer competitive salaries and a motivating work environment.

2. Choose the most lucrative business model. Manufacturing has been around for ages, so you can find lots of information on setting up this type of business. Learn as much as you can about the most effective warehouse management and supply chain systems. Once you become familiar with all manufacturing models and best practices, you’ll be able to pick the ones that best suit you.

3. Identify the best location for your manufacturing business. The ideal space should offer easy access to transportation means and routes in order for you to be able to bring in raw materials from suppliers and to ship final products to your customers. Also, you should make sure your employees have easy access to and from your site. Furthermore, you need to carefully estimate the costs of setting your business in your area of choice.

4. Research industry sources before you start your business. When starting this type of endeavor, you want to have easy access to all resources you need to support your manufacturing processes. You could build your plant from scratch, but you could be better off with finding a factory that has all these resources and purchasing it.

5. Before everything else, develop a solid manufacturing business plan. This should be your first and foremost priority. A good plan should answer a wealth of questions related to the end product, the cost of starting this business, the skilled tradespeople you can have easy access to, the market for your products, and the business finance guidance you’ll need. In order to develop a realistic business plan, you’ll want to reach out to consultants in a wide array of fields such as finance, accounting, marketing, manufacturing, logistics, and sales.

How To Take Your Manufacturing Business To The Next Level

1. Invest in your customer service. The quality of your customer service department can make a huge difference when it comes to building loyalty amongst consumers. Ideally, you should hire local customer service representatives to address all issues that may arise. This is how you can avoid language or time zone barriers. Besides, you should invest in the initial training and the continuous education of your sales and customer service teams.

2. Be transparent in regard to your manufacturing processes. More and more people become aware of the huge environmental responsibility we all have if we want our planet to be a welcoming and healthier place. Positioning your manufacturing business as an eco-friendly option could offer you a significant competitive edge. For example, not having to ship your products via ocean cargo will reduce your carbon footprint. Furthermore, you’ll be able to offer your products at lower prices than your overseas competitors.

3. Enforce strict quality control processes and high safety standards. Customers want to know that manufacturers have effective control over each and every step of the production process. This is how they can have the peace of mind that the products they buy are safe. In addition, workers prefer employers who observe health and safety regulations.