April 2025 Tech-related Resource Roundup

ARTICLE: What Adolescence gets right (and wrong) about the manosphere

The Netflix series Adolescence raises the important issue of online radicalization and the manosphere – but there is no straightforward reason as to how or why young people are radicalized to commit extreme acts of violence. Read more about how this series sheds light on the phenomenon of online radicalization.

SERIES: Adolescence

Watch Adolescence on Netflix. Watch now.

SHORT VIDEO: Dirty Dozen List 2025 Presents: Communications Decency Act Section 230

Every year, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation presents a Dirty Dozen List targeting 12 entities or platforms that they find to be facilitating, enabling, or profiting from sexual abuse and exploitation. This year, they are focusing on 12 stories that unmask the real root of the problem: Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. Watch this 2-minute video to learn more and find out how you can take action. Watch now.

ARTICLE: When Abusers Threaten Revenge Porn

Sharing explicit images without permission or “leaking nudes” is a form of sexual violence that is used to exert control over a partner or ex-partner. Learn more about this coercive tactic and what you can do if you are targeted. Read now.

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April 2025 Resource Roundup

ARTICLE: Ask Amanda: Should I Text My Ex?

Should you text a red-flag ex? Amanda of the monthly relationship-advice column Ask Amanda weighs in on the subject. Read now.

VIDEO: 10 Signs of Financial Abuse You May Be Missing

Financial abuse is one of the many ways abusers assert power and control over their partner and it can take many forms. This type of abuse is very common and occurs in 99% of domestic violence cases. Learn to spot signs of financial abuse. Watch now.

PODCAST: If You Touch, I'll Tell: Preventing Children from Sexual Abuse

In this episode of the Voice2Change Podcast, host Jocelyn Maminta interviews Dr. Shamina Aubuchon, author of "If You Touch, I'll Tell," a children’s book designed to help parents talk with their children about body safety. Shamina, a survivor of child sexual abuse, shares her journey and the powerful motivation behind becoming an author. Listen now.

ARTICLE: Does Anger Management Really Stop Domestic Violence?

Court-ordered anger management is a common recommendation after abusers are charged with violence against their partner. However, domestic violence is rooted in power and control, and anger is a tactic of control aimed specifically at one person: their intimate partner. Learn more about the relationship between anger and the dynamics of power and control. Read now.

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Purple Ribbon Award Winner

Youth Initiative of the Year

Project SAGE is thrilled to have been named Youth Initiative of the Year in the Purple Ribbon Awards presented by Alliance for Hope International.

Launched in 2021, The Purple Ribbon Awards are the most comprehensive awards program honoring the countless hopegivers of the domestic violence movement. The nationally competitive awards are presented to "hopegivers who are making a substantial positive impact on the lives of domestic violence survivors."

The Youth Initiative of the Year award honors the Project SAGE Prevention Education team and the work that we do in creating and delivering the Healthy Relationships curriculum to youth throughout the Northwest Corner.

Please join us in celebrating this win, not only for Project SAGE, but for all our partner schools. We are grateful to be able to do this work with and for them.

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Thank You To Our Volunteers

You Make Our Work Possible

Whether helping shelter a client, teaching children healthy communication skills, or bringing our major fundraising event, Trade Secrets, to life, volunteers are essential to the work we do at Project SAGE. For the countless hours, energy, and commitment you provide to the agency and to our clients, thank you.

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March 2025 Tech-related Resource Roundup

ARTICLE: Digital Childhood Starts at Age Two: Landmark Study Shows Evolution of Young Children's Media Use

New research finds that 40% of children have a tablet by age 2 and spend about 2.5 hours per day on screen time. Gaming time has surged 65% since 2020, and traditional TV viewing has declined, while short-form video platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts are on the rise, underscoring the increasingly complex media environment that parents must navigate in their children's early years. Read more key findings and find the full report here.

VIDEO: Digital Essentials for Seniors

This video by Older Adults Technology Service (OATS) and AARP explores how to create strong passwords, spotting and avoiding online spam and phishing attempts, securing online banking, and other useful digital tips. Watch now.

ARTICLE: Digital Essentials: Online Safety

Research shows that deepfake pornography makes up 98% of all deepfake videos online, and 99% of the individuals targeted in deepfake pornography are women. It now takes less that 25 minutes and costs $0 to create a 60-second deepfake pornographic video of anyone using just one clear face image. Create a free account with medium.com to read more about this troubling trend.

VIDEO: Unpacking the Threat of Chatbots (with Adam Dodge)

Research shows kids spend more time on Character AI than TikTok. Why? Companion bots (chatbots), like Character AI, are more addictive than social media because they simulate real human relationships without the potential for conflict. They offer 24/7 validation - a “friend” who is always there to support, entertain and agree with you. It’s nice in theory but harmful in practice. Digital safety advocate Adam Dodge unpacks this phenomenon here.

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March 2025 Resource Roundup

ARTICLE: Neuropsychologist shares the one sentence boys need to hear (over and over again)

Neuropsychologist Dr. Sanam Hafeez reports that “middle school boys often absorb societal messages that discourage emotional expression….[and] suppressing emotions can lead to stress, anxiety and difficulty forming healthy relationships.” How can parents help counter these harmful messages? Read the article now.

ARTICLE: Understanding Boundaries and Consent in Relationships

Just as your home may have a fence that divides your property from your neighbor’s, a boundary is a virtual fence that separates your body, emotions, and energy from someone else’s. Boundaries help establish limits for what you deem acceptable. Read this guide to see examples of healthy boundaries and learn more about the importance of consent in every relationship.

PODCAST: S6 Ep 5: Power To Break Free

Listen as Anisha Durve – survivor, author, and motivational speaker – uncovers the red flags of abusive relationships, explores the critical role communities play in either enabling or preventing partner abuse, and highlights the resilience and healing that survivors can achieve.

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History-making Women: Women's History Month

March is Women’s History Month. Here are just some of the history-making women whose stories span the geographical, historical, and ethnic diversity of the United States.

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Elizabeth Freeman was born a slave and later used the Massachusetts Constitution in a 1781 court case to gain her freedom. This was the first in a series of “freedom suits” that eventually led Massachusetts to outlaw slavery in the state.

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In the 1850s, Lucy Stone was a strong advocate for the abolition of slavery, a significant organizer for the women's equality movement, and the first woman from Massachusetts to earn a college degree. When she got married in 1855, Lucy kept her last name, sparking a trend toward more equality within marriage.

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Patsy Mink, the first Asian American woman elected to Congress, was the major author of Title IX, the landmark 1972 legislation that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools and education programs.

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Equally influential was Dr. Helen Rodríguez Trías. She championed women’s health justice, including reproductive rights, and worked steadfastly to include the perspectives of minorities medical care. 

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Finally, Wilma Mankiller, whose Cherokee surname "Mankiller" (Asgaya-dihi) refers to a high Cherokee military rank, became the first woman elected chief of a major American Indian tribe in 1985. While she was the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, she revitalized the Nation’s tribal government and worked tirelessly to improve education, healthcare, and housing. 

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Celebrating the contributions of these and other inspiring women not only honors the causes they advanced but also pays homage to Project SAGE’s very beginnings. Started as a volunteer-run organization by women who saw a social need and stepped up to address it, Project SAGE is now staffed by over a dozen employees serving all six towns of the Northwest Corner. Want to help us make a difference? Become a Project SAGE certified volunteer or summer intern. 

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2025 Spring Volunteer Certification Training

Are you interested in supporting the important and life changing work of Project SAGE? Now is the perfect time to become a volunteer!

Join Project SAGE for our 2025 Spring Volunteer Certification Training over 6 consecutive Thursdays, April 24 to May 29, 2025 from 3pm-5pm. Trainings take place at the Scoville Library (or remotely on zoom) located at 38 Main Street in Salisbury, CT. Sign up before May 1, 2025 to join this year’s spring training.

Sign up today!

February 2025 Tech-related Resource Roundup

Digital Boundaries The line between healthy and unhealthy relationships can get confusing once online. It’s not always clear what your digital boundaries or relationship should look like. These tips show how couples can discuss their digital boundaries in a safe and healthy way. Read now.

Romantic AI Chatbots Don’t Have Your Privacy at Heart

Although AI girlfriends are marketed as something that will enhance mental health and well-being, they specialize in delivering dependency, loneliness, and toxicity, all while prying as much data as possible from users. All 11 romantic AI chatbots reviewed by moz://a earned their *Privacy Not Included warning label – putting them on par with the worst categories of products moz://a has ever reviewed for privacy. Read more about the privacy concerns surrounding AI chatbots.

Thorn's Issue Page The intersection of child abuse and technology has created a public health crisis that demands our attention. Child sexual abuse and exploitation in the digital age are complex issues, driven by a variety of factors that make them challenging to fully understand. Explore how we got here and what’s fueling this crisis on Thorn’s issue page.

Catherine Chen & Sara Woldehanna: Ending Human Trafficking with Survivor-Centered AI

Catherine Chen and Sara Woldehanna share a unique vision for AI: one in which the technology protects, uplifts, and empowers survivors of all forms of injustice, exploitation, and abuse. Their vision is more than just a dream. It’s a testament to what’s possible. Read more about their work leveraging AI in the anti-trafficking space.

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February 2025 Resource Roundup

PODCAST: First Podcast About Financial Abuse as a Domestic Violence Issue!

Financial abuse can be a silent yet devastating form of domestic violence, often going unrecognized even by those experiencing it. In this podcast, host and survivor Laurie G. sheds light on this pervasive issue that affects individuals across all demographics. Listen now.

ARTICLE: Your Body, My Choice Has Made Its Way to High Schools

Misogynistic slogans like "Your body, my choice" are being used by young boys in schools as a form of harassment, influenced by online hate speech. This behavior creates unsafe environments for female and marginalized students and reinforces the dangerous misogynistic rhetoric that fuels relationship violence. This article explores how to talk with youth of all genders about healthy masculinity and healthy relationships – and how to respond if your child becomes a target at school. Start reading.

SHORT VIDEO: What is The Power and Control Wheel?

The Power and Control Wheel shows how domestic violence is perpetrated in a pattern of power and control. Survivors say they see it and “everything clicks into place.” Learn more about how this powerful graphic can be used to identify domestic violence by watching this two-minute video.

SPECIAL RESOURCES: Addressing & Preventing Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault The annual NFL Social Responsibility Curriculum is taught to all members of NFL teams and NFL league offices using a combination of videos and interactive discussion. The curricula are available for free, and the NFL encourages everyone to utilize them to help engage male allies through sports. Explore now.

QUIZ: Am I Emotionally Abusive?

When someone calls you emotionally abusive, they may be trying to shift the blame off of them and onto you. Take this 8-question quiz to see if your actions could be considered abusive. Start quiz.

ARTICLE: Teaching Teens About Dating Violence

Learning about healthy relationships early means less chance of domestic violence later on. Let your teen know that spotting the signs is important—it could help protect them as well as those they care about. Read now.

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Volunteer for Trade Secrets

Trade Secrets is the principal fundraiser for Project SAGE, and we’re excited to invite you to volunteer in this year’s 25th-anniversary celebration on Sunday, May 18th, at Lime Rock Park! We have several roles available, including event setup, assisting vendors, and transporting guests. As a thank you, you'll receive a $150 value of free tickets including a free ticket to all available garden tours on Saturday, May 17th (various locations) and a late bloomer ticket to the Sunday sale event at Lime Rock Park.

Volunteering at Trade Secrets is a unique opportunity to support a cause that directly impacts our community. The funds raised from this event help Project SAGE provide vital services, including crisis response, shelter, and education. Last year, we assisted 800 clients, responded to nearly 2,000 crisis calls, and provided 1,400 nights of emergency shelter.

Sign up through our website starting March 1st!

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Celebrating 25 Years of Trade Secrets: Supporting Project SAGE!

Mark your calendars for a milestone event!  Trade Secrets, the renowned garden rare plant and antiques show and sale, celebrates its 25th anniversary on May 18th at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT. This signature event is the primary fundraiser for Project SAGE, a vital non-profit domestic violence agency serving Northwest Connecticut and neighboring communities in New York and Massachusetts.

Since 2001, Trade Secrets, inspired by Bunny Williams and Naomi Blumenthal and expertly guided by horticulturist Deborah Munson, has championed Project SAGE's mission.  The organization works tirelessly to create social change, challenging harmful attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate interpersonal violence.  They advocate for victims and survivors, offering crucial support and resources.  

Bunny Williams reflected on Trade Secrets through the years.

“Trade Secrets began as a small event on our property and over the course of 25 years has grown into a horticultural event that attracts attendees to New England from across the country and around the world. The annual event is the major fundraiser for Project SAGE, which supports those affected by domestic violence and other familial issues. They have been able to expand their reach significantly thanks to this extraordinary event. It's also a wonderful place to discover rare and interesting plants and antiques, and every year I fall in love with something new for my garden.” ~ Bunny Williams

Over the past 25 years, Trade Secrets has raised an incredible $5 million for Project SAGE, making a profound impact on the lives of countless people.  This year’s event promises to be even more special, celebrating this remarkable event.  Join us at Lime Rock Park for a day of exquisite garden treasures supporting Project Sage.

Volunteers are essential to the success of Trade Secrets.  If you'd like to contribute your time and talents, please get in touch!  For more information about the event or volunteering opportunities, visit tradesecretsct.com or contact the Project SAGE Development Department at sarag@project-sage.org.  Let’s make this 25th anniversary the most successful yet!

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2nd Annual Teen Take Back the Hike

Project SAGE is also holding the second annual Teen Take Back the Hike, an inclusive hike to raise awareness about personal safety in public spaces, co-sponsored by the Kent Land Trust and Marvelwood School. During the hike, participating teens are asked to consider questions such as, “Is there power in hiking as a group,” and  “How might this feel different if you were alone?” and then discuss over cocoa and cookies around a post-hike firepit.

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Looking for resources to start a conversation about dating violence with the teens in your life? Try these:

• RAINN-Early Warning Signs of Dating Violence

• Break the Cycle-A Parent’s Guide to Identifying and Preventing Teen Dating Violence

• Love Is Respect-2025 Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Resources

• National Domestic Violence Hotline-New National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline

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February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

According to the Children’s Safety Network, teen dating violence is a pattern of controlling behavior exhibited by one teenager towards another in a dating relationship. This controlling behavior can manifest as physical abuse, sexual abuse, and / or emotional abuse, including threatening, ridiculing, stalking, and / or using technology to harass or intimidate. 

The CDC’s High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey of 2021 reports that:

• more than 10% of high-school girls and nearly 7% of high-school boys in the United States experience physical dating violence;

• more than 15% of high-school girls and 4% of high-school boys in the United States experience sexual dating violence.

This month, we strive to bring awareness to teen dating violence prevention in the Northwest Corner through multiple community awareness-raising campaigns. First, Project SAGE is distributing three handouts throughout Region 1 and at local private schools that support not only TDVAM but also our Year of Digital Safety:

• #AskB4UPost sticker - to raise awareness about the need for consent around sharing images on social media

• Non-consensual Image Sharing brochure - to provide simple and practical information on what to do if your image has been shared without your consent

• Surf Safer webcam cover - to prevent others from capturing images through a webcam without the user’s consent

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Steps to Take If You Are Being Threatened with Non-consensual Image Sharing

Use these tips and resources to help take control of your image. Click here to download a brochure with this information.

Reach out for Emotional Support

Trusted Adult

• Talk to a trusted adult: parent, caregiver, teacher, coach, or other community member.

Trusted Friend

• Reach out to a trusted friend for support as you contact one of the adults mentioned above.

Outside Support

• Contact Project SAGE at 860-364-1900 or contact your local domestic violence agency.

• Text “THORN” to 741741 to speak to trained counselor and get support during a moment of crisis. (Available in English and Spanish.)

Deal with the Accounts and Evidence

Limit Access

• Consider whether to block, mute, or restrict the other person. (Keep in mind whether they will know about this action and what will meet your needs.)

Report It

• Report to the platform where images are posted. some helpful platform-specific information can be found here: bit.ly/4cz14TQ

Save Evidence

• Do not delete the account. Get screen shots of pages with the URL, time and date.

• Save them as PDFs. If there is video footage, download the entire video to a hard drive.

• Consider whether to include a Litigation Hold Request.

Get Legal and Technology Support

Technology

• To get images taken down: takeitdown.ncmec.org

• To prevent images from being posted: stopncii.org

Legal

• If you feel ready, report to NCMEC at report.cybertip.org

• If you feel ready, report to the FBI. FBI tip line 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov

Other Resources

Find more information on this topic at the following sites:

• THORN - Stop Sextortion: bit.ly/3YNMkgG

• Without My Consent Evidence Preservation: bit.ly/3AAepxZ

• Cyber Civil Rights Initiative: cybercivilrights.org

• Human Anti-trafficking Response Team: portal.ct.gov/dcf/hart/home

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Welcome to Our New Event Coordinator, Nichole Reyes

Trade Secrets, the premier fundraiser for Project SAGE, welcomes Nichole Reyes as our new Event Coordinator.

Reyes brings a wealth of experience in event planning and a Master's degree in Non-profit Management to her role. With a deep commitment to social change, she is passionate about supporting Project SAGE's mission to end interpersonal violence.

"I am honored to join the Trade Secrets team and contribute to the vital work of Project SAGE," said Reyes. "Combining my professional expertise with my personal values allows me to create meaningful events that drive positive impact."

A dedicated community member, Reyes resides in Millerton with her husband and two sons. She actively serves on the Webutuck School Board, reflecting her commitment to giving back to her community.

Trade Secrets, inspired by Bunny Williams and Naomi Blumenthal, has been a cornerstone of support for Project SAGE since 2001. The event showcases exceptional garden designs and raises crucial funds to support Project SAGE's mission to create a safer community for all. It will be held on May 17th and 18th this year. For more information, visit tradesecrets.com.

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January 2025 Resource Roundup

VIDEO: Tech Talk

This short talk sponsored by Safety Net Project gives a brief overview of how technology intersects with abuse. Watch now.

ARTICLE: Latest Trends: Intimate Image Abuse

As the use of intimate images and videos to cause harm continues to evolve, it’s important to stay current on this issue – but that’s easier said than done! This article shares multiple resources that shed light on this disturbing phenomenon. Click to read.

WEBINAR: Healthy Masculinity in the Age of AI: Navigating Challenges to Relationships & Identity

Watch this EndTAB webinar for a timely and urgent discussion with masculinity expert Dr. Saed D. Hill about the state of healthy masculinity in the age of Artificial Intelligence - and the rapid challenges this technology presents in engaging men and boys today. Watch now.

TOOLKIT: Technology Safety & Privacy

Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking often need information on how to be safe while using technology. This toolkit contains safety tips, information, and privacy strategies for survivors on the use of technology. Get the toolkit.

WEB RESOURCE: 4 Digital Safety Resources: 20+ Languages

The value of providing resources to survivors in their native language cannot be overstated. These can often be hard to come by or locate when needed - and this is true for digital safety resources as well. These four multilingual and culturally-informed resources focus on increasing digital safety. Explore now.

RECURSO EN ESPAÑOL: La intersección entre la trata, la violencia domestica y la technología

Esta breve charla patrocinada por Safety Net Project ofrece una breve descripción general de cómo la tecnología se cruza con el abuso.

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Our Year in Review

As a new year approaches, we look back at the past 12 months with gratitude and appreciation for all those who make our work possible. It has been a year of growth and change. In 2024, we welcomed a new Executive Director, a new Director of Development, and several new Advocates. We also inaugurated a new Board Chair, and two new members joined our robust and engaged Board. Our October events marking Domestic Violence Awareness Month exceeded all past participation, with over 80 community members attending our Vigil honoring those who lost their lives to domestic violence in Connecticut and more than two dozen participants raising awareness about safe public spaces at Take Back the Hike, held in conjunction with Kent Land Trust. Project SAGE was a regular presence at community events throughout 2024, including the Kent Farmers Market, North Canaan Railroad Days, Sharon on the Green, Salisbury Fall Fest, Cornwall Ag Fair, and many more. And of course, Project SAGE continued its work of supporting, advocating, guiding, and educating by training scores of volunteers, teaching hundreds of workshops, answering thousands of hotline calls, and sheltering dozens of survivors of domestic violence. None of this vital work would be possible without the steadfast support of our community – you.

 All of us at Project SAGE wish you a safe and bright new year and hope you will join us in 2025 as we continue our commitment to ending relationship violence and building a healthier, safer community for everyone.

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December 2024 Resource Roundup

ARTICLE: You Can Call a Hotline Even If You Don't Want to Leave

Contrary to what many believe, shelter hotlines are not only for people who are looking for a safe escape from domestic abuse; the trained advocates on the other end of the phone are also ready to provide information and resources to a wide range of callers. Whether you are in a relationship that is feeling problematic—but you’re not quite sure if it’s abuse—or you’re worried about someone else who is being abused, consider the ways calling a hotline might help answer some of your questions. Read these 10 questions.

APP: Empowering decisions for a safe path forward

myPlan is a free app offered in English and Spanish to help with safety decisions if you, or someone you care about, may be experiencing abuse in an intimate relationship. It’s private, secure, personalized, and backed by research with domestic violence survivors involved every step of the way. myPlan provides anonymous questions about you and the relationship, and your answers will customize myPlan to your situation. Explore now.

VIDEO INTERVIEW: Pauline Stuart: I Want Parents to Know the Truth About Sextortion

Pauline Stuart's story is one every parent needs to hear. After losing her son Ryan, a victim of sextortion, she has become an advocate determined to educate others on the dangers and rapid escalation of this crime. Watch Pauline share her experience and learn vital lessons to help protect your own family. Read now.

ARTICLE: How Self-Compassion Can Help You Deal With Stress

According to new research, self-compassion may help people use more effective coping strategies and in turn feel better. Read more to learn how we can set ourselves up to approach stressors in a healthier and more productive way. Read now.

ARTICLE: What Does Mental Abuse Feel Like?

Mental abuse, a combination of verbal abuse and emotional abuse, is one of many tactics abusers use to exert power and control over a partner. Learn how mental abuse tears down self-worth – and what can be done about it. Read now.

RECURSO EN ESPAÑOL: ¿Qué es la violencia doméstica?

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