Replacing Skeleton Key Thinking With Common Sense And Awareness

by Peggy Schmidt, Jennifer Schmidt

No doubt the worst tragedy that parents can endure is the death of a child. For Gene and Peggy Schmidt, the brutal rape and murder of their daughter, Stephanie, by a convicted rapist served as a catalyst for making significant change. After seven years of enduring personal and political amimosity, they continue to fight serious flaws of the justice system in Stephanie's memory. Stephanie no longer has a voice of her own, so her family continues to encourage others to help "Speak Out for Stephanie." In "Replacing Skeleton Key Thinking with Common Sense and Awareness," their latest book, the whole Schmidt family worked together to write a book that provides intricate instructions on how to a avoid potential danger of the single most vulnerable attitude of adults and students; denial. The book recounts the work in their daughter's name, urging legislators to pass new laws in the state of Kansas and elsewhere. They've been successful. Laws were approved, and one piece of legislation, Stephanie's Law, was upheld in the U.S. Supreme Court. The Schmidts believe awareness creates knowledge and knowledge can create power for change. In 'Replacing Skeleton Key Thinking," the Schmidts explain how to avoid taking unnecessary risks. The book is broken down into four major parts. Each gives important tools to the readers, from explaining the families mission to debunking myths about rape and most important, gives a profile for potential abuse. This is a guide to making informed decisions based on personal responsibility, and is ideal for a back to school gift - especially for any college student.

64 pages, Paperback

First published July 6, 2000