The Angel Band Project – Why It Matters by DR. ROBIN MCFEE

Posted By on June 5th, 2013

http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/publications/detail/the-angel-band-project-why-it-matters?f=puball

Readers of Family Security Matters who have followed my work over the years have noticed in the nearly 100 articles I’ve written that most often I address terrorism, geoglobal as well as domestic threats to the security of our nation, and preparedness issues. Often these are discussions about WMDs. Big picture stuff. In the process of trying to address, even solve these larger issues, we can sometimes forget the small, but ultimately no less important things. The angels are in the details, and in the daily issues we face. In the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings, we are reminded life starts with our world around us – something we can easily take for granted. Yet most of us recognize the security of our nation, our society, our community rests in no small measure upon the security of the family. Family security matters is more than a title or tag line to a popular Internet site, it is a philosophy. As both a physician and security professional who has worked for what seems like a lifetime on preparedness issues on multiple continents and more US cities than I can remember, and in clinical practice from New York to Fort Lauderdale, it remains glaringly obvious – if the family, if members of a family, whether children, women, or the elderly – do not enjoy equal protections or safety, whether in their home or the larger community, then ultimately the fabric of society – starting with the family – become torn apart.

As a writer for Family Security Matters, I thought it might be a good idea to talk about the family… one specific family and an experience they live with – sadly not one that is unique in America or the world for that matter, what we can learn from their experiences, and ultimately take action as members of an enlightened society to make our home, our community, our family safer and a better place to live.

COMMENCEMENT DAY – Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri, 2013

As anyone who has attended the graduation of a friend or family member, it is largely an act of love and patience. The mind numbing and seemingly endless stream of yammering academics speaking in grandiose hyperbole can lead to flights of psychedelic day dreaming that would make Timothy Leary envious. Not a rookie at these events, as faculty, degree recipient, and longsuffering guest, I come prepared – bottled water, smart phone (on silent…let’s be courteous) and sit next to friends with a similar sense of humor to whisper one liners for sanity (take my advise on these matters…graduation season is still going on!).  Wow was I pleasantly surprised (shocked) when the commencement speaker started to talk. Not because he is a celebrity entertainer, although at least we all figured he would be entertaining, but because he had something to say that mattered.

Norbert Leo Butz, now Dr. Butz (he received an honorary doctorate from his alma mater) is a two time Tony Award recipient – an impressive achievement. He also stars on The Good Wife a hit television show.  But that’s not what makes him one of an elite group of celebrities. It is what he has chosen to do with his celebrity and influence that make him worth paying attention to.  We will get to that in a moment.

Like any good public speaker, he warmed the audience up with humor. It’s easy to see why he is successful in the entertainment business. He acknowledged the dedication of his parents who were in attendance – Dr. Butz is one of eleven children, all of whom graduated from college (he was from a working class family) – an achievement worth discussing in an article by itself, given there are lots of lessons to be learned from his parents (the dad was a Marine) for our current society. Then he slowly started weaving the elements of a compelling story – a tragic event, music, philanthropy, sorrow and hope …

THE BRAVEST WOMAN IN SEATTLE

The Bravest Woman in Seattle was the title of an article written by Eli Sanders, who ultimately earned a Pulitzer for covering the story of the South Park Killer.  It is a graphic article, often painful to read, about two women savagely raped, and attacked in their apartment by a knife wielding man. When it was all over, one woman survived, and one woman died. The one who died….her name was Theresa Butz, sister of Norbert Butz.

Five minutes before a phone call arrived, members of Norbert’s family were probably doing what most normal folks do in a stable family – homework, or chasing the kids down to do homework, T-ball, work, driving to soccer practice, fixing something in the house, mowing the lawn, preparing dinner.

Imagine being a member of their, yours or any loving, large family scattered across the country, being told you must return to your home town; not for a graduation, birthday, wedding or confirmation, but a funeral. If you are a parent, you can shudder at the phone call Mr. and Mrs. Butz received; it is the nightmare of every parent – the loss of a child.  Imagine the phone calls, the emotions, the response, as each one received the news that their sister, daughter, cousin, niece has been savagely attacked, and died on the lawn of her house from knife wounds.

Dr. Butz describes how his family – a church going family – learned of and dealt with the horrific events that left his sister dead, and his sister’s partner badly wounded. Without rehearsal or planning, his family spontaneously broke into song at his sister’s funeral. Something clicked for him and his siblings. They began to recognize the power, the comfort and more importantly an opportunity to help others and honor their sister through music. From the music, a sense of healing started. One thing leads to another – and before long The Angel Band Project (www.angelbandproject.org) was formed.

After sharing some of the epidemiology of sexual assault in the US, which I’ll address momentarily, he made it personal. He has three daughters. He asked himself rhetorically, and by extension the several thousand people in the amphitheatre – “when they look at me, will they wonder what is dad doing to make the community safer for us? When 1 in 4 girls is likely to be sexually assaulted, I guess I’m lucky I only have three daughters to escape the odds?” His poignant quip landed hard and well. I have 3 God daughters – will they wonder what the “grown up” generation is doing to make their community safer?

Dr. Butz then focused his attention on the graduates and audience, suggesting that if we want a better world, we have the power to do our part.

For his part, one approach, in addition to the Angel Band Project, was to inform his agent to no longer send him any scripts where the theme is victimizing women. He suggested the audience use the power of the remote and change channels when a program is assaulting or victimizing women, and to contact directors, producers and networks, to express concern about such shows.

Dr. Butz around the time of commencement was also the headliner in a major benefit concert held in St. Louis. Continuing to work on behalf of the project, he goes on to describe how it emerged to become a philanthropy in part to honor his late sister, but to primarily assist others – through public awareness, and fundraising. Lending both his celebrity and prodigious musical talents to the cause, it looks like Angel Band Project will be a force for good, for a long time.

THE ANGEL BAND PROJECT www.angelbandproject.org

I recently had the opportunity to speak with and interview Rachel Eberling, the Co-Founder of Angel Band Project (ABP). What follows are excerpts from our conversation.

RBM:

How did you get involved in ABP? Are you a musician, an activist or therapist?

Rachel

“Theresa (Butz) and I were very close friends for many years; same with the Butz family. I wanted to do something that honored both Theresa and her partner, help raise awareness, bring the message to college campuses, and help other victims. I’m not a musician, doctor, or an activist. I’m married, with three children. I just took a leap of faith!  Both Jean Fox (also a Co-Founder of ABP) and I did! We just kept working on the idea for the ABP, formed a non- profit organization, and continue to grow. We’ve hosted fundraisers, concerts, produced a CD, and are looking to partner with other organizations helping victims of sexual assault, doing work on campuses, and research into music therapy.”

RBM

Explain the music therapy and some of your outreach

Rachel

We all saw how the music helped all of us, the family, our friends, with the grief and trauma of losing Theresa. There are lots of victims out there who could benefit from more therapy and help.  Studies also show music therapy is effective for victims of violence.

There are a couple ways our music helps with the project.

First our CD. Norbert and his family are talented musicians. His celebrity and contacts helped us get other songwriters and musicians, as well as producers and technicians to donate their time to record our Angel Band Project CD. The money raised goes to the Voices and Faces Project*.

Second, the concerts; the music draws people to hear our story, and the story of a lot of women across the country. It can be very empowering for people who may have felt alone or isolated. It also gives us the opportunity to meet with community leaders, college security professionals and others to raise their awareness, and share ways to prevent sexual assaults, as well as open the dialogue for more resources to help victims.”

RBM

Does the ABP provide any direct music therapy given the number of performers on your team? Or does ABP work with educational institutions studying or delivering music therapy?

Rachel

“As of now we mostly raise money for Voices and Faces, and awareness through our outreach. We are still mostly regional in the Missouri area, although we have been invited to the Southeast, and in early June New Hampshire to tell our story.

But our role with music therapy is growing. Music therapy is effective for survivors of such attacks, although we know it is still a growing field.  Shortly we will announce a collaboration with a large university – one of the oldest programs on music therapy. It will be a pilot project starting in the spring of 2014.”

RBM

What’s next for ABP?

Rachel

“Our goal is to expand opportunities to take our message using music as the backdrop – both to attract the audience… our music is really beautiful, and as therapy – and raise awareness about this silent epidemic of sexual assault. We need to talk more about it, and take it out of the shadows. For example, even the way Theresa’s attack was covered in the media. At first it was described only as a murder. The rape and sexual assault were not discussed. How can we as a society remedy this problem if we can’t even talk about it? So ABP will continue supporting projects that help victims, continue with our music, and travel across the region and country to raise awareness. ”

RBM

Is Dr. Butz still actively engaged?

Rachel

“Norbert remains very engaged in the project; as you can imagine it is intensely personal. He recently was the headliner to our sold out shows in spite of a busy schedule.”

RBM

How would you sum up Angle Band Project?

Rachel

“We created Angel Band Project to share a story of hope and healing. Sexual Assault remains a significant threat in this country. It is still not widely talked about, affects families in addition to the victim, and there remain many opportunities to address this problem. We want to show victims of sexual assault that there are people and groups, like us, that care, that understand, and want to help. We started as a group of friends trying to cope with a horrible tragedy; through faith and music we found comfort for our grief, and want to provide that comfort, that music therapy. And through Angel Band, we, along with Norbert and the Butz family, can attract audiences to hear our music, and in the process people attending our concerts and presentations can learn something about protecting themselves and their community, help victims in their area and maybe reduce the risk of sexual assault for the next generation. Angel Band is a story of hope and healing”

[*The Voices and Faces Project (www.voicesandfaces.org ), as the name suggests, helps give a voice and put a face to victims of sexual violence and raises awareness of the public health threat this sexual violence is. It brings people together to tell their story and provides an opportunity to affect change.]

THE MAGNITUDE OF THE PROBLEM

As you will see, few families in the US escape having a loved one untouched by sexual abuse. As a physician this is a threat to health that is long overdue for greater attention by the medical, legal and law enforcement community – from the bottom up and the top down – man on the street, to policy makers.

Statistics represent events with the tears wiped away

According to RAINN – the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, and organization rated as one of the top 100 charities, and dedicated to providing resources and changing policy to better prevent and protect victims, “the rapist isn’t a masked stranger.”  Approximately 67 % of rapes were committed by someone known to the victim; nearly 40% of rapists are a friend/acquaintance. Nearly 73% of sexual assaults were perpetrated by a non stranger! At least 40% of sexual assault/rapes occur in the victim’s home, 20%  in the home of a friend/neighbor or relative. About 1 in 12 such attacks occur in a parking garage. And just under half of rapes occur between 6 PM and midnight, with an additional 25% between midnight and 6 AM. The average age of a rapist is 31 yrs old. When a weapon is involved – and as of data from 2001 ~11% of attackers used one – in most cases it is a knife, followed by a gun or other weapon. In other words, physical force alone was the primary tactic in ~84% of sexual attacks. These are civilian data – that which occurs in the military adds an additional dimension to the discussion, which we will address at another time.

1 in 6 women in America will be a victim of sexual assault

These stats are not hysteria driven fabrications; they are provided by Department of Justice and other data bases. And they are likely under-representative of the magnitude. Some suggest 1 in 4 women will become a victim of sexual assault. One victim is one too many. Many of these crimes go unreported. Among the statistics that reveal we are doing a poor job of protecting society –

  • 1 out of 6 women in the US has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime
  • 17.7 million American women have been victims of attempted or complete rape
    • Black women are slightly more at risk
    • Native American women are significantly more at risk
  • 9 out of 10 rape victims were female
  • Nearly 50% of rapists who were actually imprisoned, and subsequently released, were re-arrested within 3 years for committing another crime.
  • 15% of sexual assault and rape victims are under the age of 12 years old
  • 44% of sexual assault and rape victims are under the age of 18 years old
  • 80% of sexual assault are under age 30
  • Girls ages 16 – 19 are 4 times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault
  • 93% of juvenile sexual assault victims know their attacker
  • Sexual violence is a common occurrence on college campuses
  • Increasingly sexual violence is a problem in high schools and middle schools
  • Sexual assault/rape of all violent crimes are the least often reported to law enforcement
  • Only 16% of rapes are reported to the police
    • 43% of victims believe nothing will be done
    • 12% were afraid of police response

The effects of being a victim of sexual assault are many.  Post traumatic stress disorder, depression, suicide, substance abuse, disengagement from society or friends and family, are the most common. Unintended pregnancy,  also a consequence. Let’s not forget the pain and suffering.

It is said that a victim of sexual assault or rape is victimized twice – the first time by the perpetrator, and the second time by the legal system.

Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence – The third rail of political discourse

Are we doing enough to address sexual assault in the US? Are we doing it correctly? If you have to ask?!

Law enforcement has limited resources to protect victims, and prosecute, incarcerate and monitor perpetrators, when that often elusive conviction or plea bargain is actually obtained. Depending upon the community, sex offenders must register. Yet among the 500,000 sex offenders required to register, approximately 100,000 have gone missing.

Society still punishes the victim. Women living alone, although glorified in films such as Breakfast At Tiffany’s, are still considered somehow wayward – in transit on their way to obtaining an MRS degree, and incomplete without a male partner. If women dress flatteringly, they are considered “asking for it” yet few women patients I have treated for sexual assault were dressed suggestively when they arrived at the ER or my practices, still bleeding and bruised. It is unlikely they raced to their closet after being raped or attacked, put on a church-like outfit, then went to the hospital, in the off chance I might judge them unkindly without touching up their appearance before going through the rape kit or assault protocol.

As a good friend recently opined, “we spend a lot of time trying to teach girls how not to be raped. Maybe we ought to spend more time teaching boys not to rape.” She’s got a point. We blame the girls for how they dress (what was society’s excuse in the 1960’s and 1970’s when modesty was still a norm?), or the feminist movement. To be clear – most men are good, decent, kind and do not abuse women. But there are guys out there who do, repeatedly.

Perhaps we could do a better job of punishing the perpetrator.  Perhaps we can take steps to eliminate some of the activities that serve to make sexual assault part of a set of normative behaviors that devalue women – from the entertainment industry that bombards viewers with images of exploited, victimized, assaulted women, to video games and magazines, even sex clubs and so called gentlemen’s clubs. Anyone who thinks the advertisements and entertainment we see on a daily basis do not influence the evolution – for good or evil – of societal norms is living in fantasyland.

Alas, like Lord Valdemort of Harry Potter fame – apparently sexual assault is “that which cannot be named.” Without activists like Dr. Butz, RAINN, Daybreak, Rachel of Angel Band Project, and others, in largely regional, grass roots organizations, and families impacted by such horrific events, the problem continues annually without much progress. Services for victims of sexual violence are woefully inadequate. The science in terms of advancing appropriate therapies for victims of sexual assault remains in its infancy, although studies show benefit from cognitive, group therapy, music, dance, art, and pharmacological interventions.

Prevention is always a better approach to disease than treatment, on so many levels, and the epidemic of sexual assault in the United States, and globally is staggering. If this many victims was caused by a virus instead of human beings, the media would make the story front page news, and every major public health entity from WHO, to CDC, the Pasteur Institute, and the NIH would focus their significant resources to finding a preventive as well as curative strategy. Consider the Swine flu pandemic of 2009 or SARs 2003 – front page news. Newer flu vaccines were made available within a year. Studies on new antiviral medications rapidly advanced. Yet the illness and fatalities to humans from these pathogens were negligible compared to the daily, predictable human suffering associated with sexual assault.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

Protect yourself

This is not about living in fear, but about living in focus. In security we call it situational awareness. Are you a set up for a breech in security? The following is not a comprehensive list but a good approach to decreasing your risk of being sexually assaulted, attacked and harmed. Do you have a security system? Are your doors and windows equipped with sufficient locks? Could anyone easily get into your apartment or home? Do you live alone? Is your daily routine predictable? Do you notice strangers or unfamiliar vehicles? Do you and your neighbors look out for each other? Is your neighborhood safe? Have you taken any martial arts courses? Do you travel alone? Are you an easy target?

PREVENTION IS STILL THE BEST PRACTICE

I recently spoke with a good friend and colleague, Mark Camillo, a former high ranking US Secret Service Agent, who now serves as Senior VP Strategic Planning for Contemporary Services Corporation, as well as long time martial arts instructor and highly respected expert on personal protection, about strategies that women can take to reduce the risk of assault, and to protect themselves in the event of an attack.

“Prevention is the best strategy. The most important aspect for women is attack management – a strategy of being aware of your environment, where are you most likely to be vulnerable and reduce the risk. For example, college coeds can be stubborn and dismiss risks, but that is a set up to be vulnerable. Don’t walk across the campus alone at night from the library or pub, to your dorm.  Don’t leave alone with someone you met at the bar. Be alert to your surroundings. Just the act of walking with a friend significantly reduces your risk.”

When I asked him the most appropriate style of martial arts for women who may face the likelihood of an attack he recommended considering the grappling style disciplines – Jiu Jitsu, including the Brazilian form of Jiu Jitsu, which is gaining popularity in the United States, and Aikido or Hapkido. “These systems train how to respond to the kinds of attacks – grabs or on the ground fighting for example – that women are likely to face. These styles often serve as the foundation to what is being taught at law enforcement academies. You can consider them unisex forms of martial arts because they are appropriate and effective for all sizes and both genders.”

He went on to explain there are primarily four overall distinctions in martial arts styles, with a variety of disciplines contained therein. There are the kick and punch forms, such as Korean karate, the soft styles such as Kung Fu, the fighting/combat styles such as Krav Maga, and grappling styles, such as Jiu Jitsu, Judo and Aikido/Hapkido. Camillo went on to say “the advantage of Jiu Jitsu, Aikido or Hapkido – they tend to rely more on body mechanics than overall strength. Moreover they allow a woman to somewhat negate the size advantage of a male attacker, especially in ground fighting. Let’s be clear, Mr. Camillo cautions – the idea is not to attempt to obliterate the opponent, but to avoid an attack, and if that isn’t possible, then defend yourself and escape, not slug it out with the perpetrator. ”

Additional strategies security professionals recommend include assessing the vulnerability of your home environment – updated window and door locks, an alarm system, adequate internal and exterior lighting, all are important preventive measures. Don’t fumble with packages when you approach your car. Have keys ready. Make sure you park under good lighting, check around and inside your car to make sure no one is lurking about or hiding in it. Lock your car as soon as you get in.

CONCLUSION

“Bon voyage, dear Cousin or whoever you are. Be generous. Be kind. Be a sincere, attentive friend….”

Signed – The late Eliot Rosewater. From God Bless You Mr. Rosewater, by Kurt Vonegut

Sexual assault remains a significant public health and criminal threat across the country. Although women are the primary targets, men also can be victims. The most vulnerable are between 12 – 30 years of age. If ever there was an assault on family security – the epidemic of sexual assault is one that ignores ideology, socioeconomics, political affiliation, religion, ethnicity and race.

What else can we do?

First – let’s do a render safe procedure so that it is no longer the third rail of discourse, but in fact a problem we can rationally discuss.

Mom taught trust in the Lord and lead with your heart and the rest shall follow – as the first Christian to be awarded woman of the year large Hadassah chapter; clearly she knew a thing or two about making a difference. That said, the old axiom never underestimate the power of committed people is true; Rachel and her friends, like mom, took “a leap of faith” that something good will happen in their philanthropic endeavors.  The folks at Angel Band Project are demonstrating that! Though started to heal the wounds of an injured family in the wake of a horrific rape/murder, it has expanded to help others. As one such endeavor addressing sexual violence they are making inroads. It is a big challenge, and they cannot do it alone. It requires more of us willing to lend a hand, and make a difference in our communities.

Consider volunteering. Maybe start an outreach! Host a fundraiser. If you have access to a university venue – invite the Angle Band to perform and provide programming for the college/s nearby. It will be well worth your time. We can also meet with the leaders of colleges our loved ones are about to enter – from the deans to heads of security – all colleges earn a reputation…some as party schools, others academic powerhouses, and some as overgrown frat houses where anything goes as long as the tuition is paid. If those institutions are in our community, we have a vested interest in ensuring a reputation for decency and scholarly activity, not trashing dorms and partying all night.  Who knows – the life you protect might be your daughter, son, niece, nephew or neighbor’s child!

Dr. Butz is correct when he tells the audience we have influence over the entertainment industry by what we choose to watch and support in the movies, and on television.  Entertainment is a business, make no mistake about it. Advertisers do not like negative publicity. Since most of us spend a fair amount of time on our computer, iPad or smart phone, it is not a major hurdle to email, blog, tweet, or even use old fashioned snail mail to express concerns to networks, producers or actors about the programming. Having affinity groups or friends cosign the correspondence, whether to our elected officials or the media, can leverage the impact.

Speaking of the political process – democracy is a participatory sport. If the elected officials – from district attorney to Congress, mayor to governor are not actively engaged in addressing this issue, make an appointment and discuss it. If enough people convey concerns about this issue – addressing lack of resources for victims, poor conviction rates of those accused, low arrest rates for perpetrators, or laws that do not adequately punish the convicted – positive change can occur.

Be a safe haven for your friends. If you care, make sure there are agencies and resources – from law enforcement to victims’ advocates – in your community that are working to aggressively address sexual violence.

Make certain you and loved ones take a security survey of your home, work or areas of study and play. Learn martial arts. Promote prevention and protection in your family.

We can provide financial support to organizations that are dedicated to reducing sexual assaults and providing resources to the victims. Organizations in your communities and the Angel Band Project are options. May I suggest a good start is purchasing their CD – it is beautiful, and proceeds go to a worthwhile cause. www.angelbandproject.org

“All that is required for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.”

Edmund Burke

As a society our job is simple – be kind to our neighbors, protect our family and try to make our community a zero tolerance zone for sexual assault. We can never eliminate these attacks, any more than we can legislate, will or engineer injuries from daily living. But working together we can reduce the risk; we can make a difference.

Dr. Robin McFee, MPH, FACPM, FAACT, is medical director of Threat Science – and nationally recognized expert in WMD preparedness, who consults with government agencies, corporations and the media. Dr. McFee is the former director and cofounder of the Center for Bioterrorism Preparedness (CB PREP) and bioweapons – WMD adviser to the Domestic Security Task Force, numerous law enforcement and corporate entities after 911, as well as pandemic advisor to federal, state and local agencies, and corporations during the anthrax events, SARS, Avian and swine flu epidemics. Dr. McFee chairs the Global Terrorism Council of ASIS International, and is a member of the US Counterterrorism Advisory Team. She has delivered over 500 invited lectures since 9-11, created graduate level courses on WMD preparedness for several universities, authored more than 100 articles on terrorism, health care and preparedness, and coauthored two books: Toxico-Terrorism by McGraw Hill and The Handbook of Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Agents, published by Informa/CRC Press.

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