International Author and Human Rights Advocate
Gregg Tyler Milligan
White Papers
by Gregg Tyler Milligan, B.A., M.Sc.
Thailand’s Royal Thai Police; Agent Phavit – Its Light and Hope
June 8, 2013
"I was quick to also notice that Agent Phavit is a man who has seen the worst of humankind, but still his heart bleeds for humanity – a better day … a more beautiful world. I fell in love with his character; even after all he had witnessed in the form of all that is wrong with the world, his smile never showed anything but a tender soul."
Toy Soldiers
May 19, 2013
"This is not a volunteer army. These children do not have a choice as to whether or not they are sent into combat. We cannot even call this a "draft" due to the fact we are not talking about consenting adults. There is that familiar tone of abuse – "without fault, reason, or choice" these children are being forced into a dire situation which will have a permanent adverse effect; including death."
An Open Book
May 15, 2013
". . . any person in a humanitarian organization or line of work should be willing to be measured, scrutinized and held for examination. This is especially the case if the organization or person who lays claim to the statement that they are centered around helping those in need and accepts funding, praise or credit for doing so."
Child Abuse – Unfortunately, It Is About … Who You Know
April 17, 2013
"I personally do not care whether it is the father or mother who kill their children more or less. What matters to me is the child was killed.
Tell me: "How many dead soldiers does it take before we declare defeat in any war?"
My answer: "One."
Preventing Abuse - What's In It For Us
April 17, 2013
"Cost Avoidance is the key; therefore, my question is: Why Wouldn’t We Do All We Can to Prevent Abuse [before] It Begins?
Let us not delude ourselves. Preventing abuse is a multifaceted approach. Effective prevention programs support parents and teach positive parenting skills. Ongoing care of children and families can reduce the risk of abuse reoccurring and can minimize its consequences.
Education is Key. Forget the moral, ethical, religious, etc., aspects of preventing abuse. We may simply begin with Education. It is what drove me to eventually Break the Cycle."
Abuse - A Costly Mistake
April 22, 2013
"In my home-state of Michigan, an examination of the long-term health care utilization and costs associated with physical, sexual, or both physical and sexual childhood abuse in 3,333 women (mean age, 47 years) randomly selected from the membership files of a large integrated health care delivery system; yielded significantly higher annual health care use and costs. Source: Caldwell, R. A. (1992). The Costs of Child Abuse vs. Child Abuse Prevention: Michigan's Experience. East Lansing, MI: Michigan Children's Trust Fund. The study further demonstrated that consideration of child abuse alone cost the State of Michigan $823 million. Please keep in mind the study was concluded in 1992.
Fast-forward to 2013 and it is obvious we have an epic problem."
Abuse – An International Issue for Social Welfare Reform
April 24, 2013
". . . using the example of domestic violence against women in immigrant communities helps to draw attention to the ‘global’ attention required when dealing with the issue of abuse.
Growing up poor, I have personal experience with regard to how my socioeconomic situation worsened the already terrible existence of abuse. I will further state that this personal experience, along with academic and field research, has proven financial independence can provide a means to escape violence. This is one of many reasons why I emphasize the importance of education. However, with this said, many who suffer abuse have limited access to educational opportunities. Therefore, many survivors in turn have limited financial resources."
No Boundaries When it Comes to Saving Lives
April 26,2013
" . . . it is not necessary to have agency-specific knowledge and skills. Intellect and Compassion simply work that way. Keep in mind, while some social work knowledge and skills seem to be universal, others will be locally influenced. However, regardless of academic influences, along with skills and experiences, the career of Social Welfare Services remains the same: To help those who cannot help themselves."
Abuse – A Story Never-Ending
April 28, 2013
"We must address this problem: [The issue of assumptions/ignorance when it comes to abuse and violence] – the fact is that those being abused deny it in the beginning and to the point of not even recognizing themselves that they are being abused. In doing so, this is exactly what gives the abuser his/her power … the willingness of the victim to stay instead of leave at the first sign of abuse.
With regard to adults and not children, it is the adults who allow themselves to be abused; the only way for them to break free from an abuser is for them to take responsibility for making the choice to stay when they should leave."
Human Rights and Social Responsibility – A Universal Language
May 2, 2013
"Only through courageous acts, like those of Nusreta Sivac, can we hear the voices of those who have suffered and bring justice to those who have blatantly ignored the rights of a human. It is a language we can all understand … the language of compassion."
The Truth about Child Sexual Abuse
May 5, 2013
"There are few things in life that are as beautiful and pure as a child’s innocence. During our childhood, we have our first exposure to learning the crucial difference between right and wrong. This will become what defines us as human beings – what will make or break us – and establish our ability to succeed and ultimately survive. Therefore, if this decision-making process is interrupted by sexual abuse, the outcome is usually catastrophic. In other words, life-changing, threatening, and ending. What could be more vital in any of our lives?"
Where Do We Go After the Storm of Abuse – The Issue of Displacement
May 10, 2013
"The goal is clear with displacement to achieve a positive outcome. Yet there is also a large risk faced when relocating a child and/or adult – what if the safe haven is not safe at all? What if it is just a repeat performance of the same, or worse yet, even greater abuse? “Out of the fire … into the fire.” Another risk factor is that even though a child is being removed from an abusive environment, that child is also likely being removed from the only home they have ever known."
When All Else Fails
June 2, 2013
“LOS ANGELES (AP) — An 8-year-old boy who authorities say died after being beaten had remained in the house where the alleged abuse occurred despite six investigations by social workers during the past decade, a newspaper said. Social workers appeared to miss numerous warnings signs at the home, the Los Angeles Times (http://lat.ms/1797rKH) reported Thursday, citing county documents. The boy had written a note saying he was thinking about suicide and his teacher told authorities he often appeared bruised and battered.”
(Source: http://news.yahoo.com/report-boy-dies-signs-abuse-were-missed-164950550.html).
"Whenever I want to stop and take a break … walk away from all of the heartache associated with abuse, I think of these many occurrences. Those that actually make in the media. More do not. They are overlooked because they are not sensational enough or ‘mainstream.’"
Abuse of {Any Kind} – The Work Behind and ‘Ahead of Us All’
July 10, 2013
"Abuse is getting worse because programs in order to fight abuse of any kind are being cut. Decimated would be a better descriptor. I began to dig deeper and found that these abuse prevention programs were being cut faster than abuse prevention organizations were allowed to form. By whom? Who would be so cruel and stupid to cut a program that literally ensures a more stable and functioning society?"
Anti-Abuse Ideas from a ‘One-World’ Approach
September 24, 2013
"A One World Approach, emphasizing how we are all connected . . . building bridges across borders, disciplines and resources will take abuse out of the shadows by taking strong action to prevent abuse, educate society, deal justice to its perpetrators and care for those victimized. This in turn will give survivors hope toward the possibilities of their own Beautiful World."
The Unsung Heroes of the Police / FBI and [ALL] Abuse Prevention Organizations & Advocates
September 14, 2013
"Above all of the methods put in place to protect our children, I also saw the true face of law enforcement – both that of the "Officer" and the "Agent." These are good men (and women; however for the purpose of this paper I had only dealt with two men – but I know for a fact there are women in law enforcement who are just as brave and effective). The men I came into contact are Fathers. Protectors. Individuals who literally put their lives on the line to protect our children. As an abuse prevention advocate and author, I cannot make such a claim. My life is not put in danger every day by taking what I do in the fight against abuse to the highest level: one in which the actions taken mean life and death. I do not face this danger while signing books or giving a speech. Knowing this, I am humbled considerably by what these men and women of law enforcement do on a daily basis."