fyi, a Rohypnol pillow is not on my Christmas list.

In honor of Thanksgiving, GCNova is paying tribute to the millions of young women and children who are living in difficult, dangerous, and sometimes deplorable conditions. As Villanova students, we have a lot to be grateful for. This holiday season, please remember those who are less fortunate than you… like some of the women featured in the following links and stories…

• The Roman Polanski case continues to draw controversy–especially as Polanski’s attorney continues to argue that Polanski has already suffered enough and has already served an appropriate sentence of 42 days in a California prison. You know, appropriate for drugging and raping a 13-year-old girl three decades ago. What’s even more infuriating is that, if he finally is extradited back to the United States, Swiss authorities are saying he may serve up to 2 years. Two years. If that’s the new “appropriate” sentence for drugging and raping a child, then I vote we extradite him somewhere else, anywhere else, that will actually hold him responsible for such a heinous crime. [via LA Times]
• Young girls in Cape Town, South Africa are thankful for the opportunity to feel like a princess at their graduation balls. In a country where it is often dangerous just to go outside, due to the high incidence of rape and sexual assault, one night to feel like Cinderella is a rare and welcome change. [via Times Online]
• Let’s hope no female receives an awkward gift like one of these personalized pillows from Etsy–which is usually an amazing website to find one-of-a-kind, unique gifts. Oh wait, I’m sorry, … yes, I really did want a pillow with the name of a date-rape drug on it! How did you possibly know?! Actually, can you also slip me some of the real thing, with the true “mood stabilizing goodness?” …. Wow.
• For women out there with overly-fanatic significant others, say an extra little prayer or two. According to a recent study, upsets of home teams were found to correlate with a 8% increase in domestic violence incidents, and violence statistically doubled in relation to traditional rivalries, like Bears/Packers. Seriously?! [via Newser]