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Amber Batts

@amberbatts.bsky.social
882 followers 1.3K following 101 posts

Alaskan born & bred. Backer of underdogs. Decrim in my lifetime. Lover of books. ISTP. When in doubt, visit the library. amberbatts.com theharmdone.substack.com

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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
It's been a minute since I've posted!
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Ian's last message to Brian "Can I know say I'm trained?" Calhoun has had no consequences and continues to walk freely in Alaska after knowing about the violent crimes being committed. All the info on theharmdone.substack.com #sexworkerstigma #LostWomenOfAlaska #MMIW #BrianStevenSmith #IanCalhoun
change.org
Sign the Petition
Arrest Ian Calhoun NOW
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
The bigger story about this is how this isn't the story! Theharmdone.substack.com
theharmdone.substack.com
The Harm Done | Amber Batts | Substack
Call me stubborn: I keep tugging until the truth is clear. The Alaskan killer Brian Steven Smith is a failure with consequences. The Harm Done is my nonstop, receipt-heavy investigation. Come help me ...
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
READ AND SIGN THE Ian Calhoun PETITION www.change.org/p/arrest-ian... LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS CASE AND HEAR THE RECORDINGS AND READ THE POLICE REPORTS theharmdone.substack.com
change.org
Ian Calhoun: "So can I now say that I am trained"?
We were going through the Anchorage Police Department records and found another text message from Ian Calhoun to Brian Steven Smith that was not read in court. October 5, 2019 6:32pm (Brian Steven Smi...
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
I watched the first run through of it early last year with the director and the producer and was promised certain things which did not happen. So much time and energy went into this. Cassandra Lee Boskofsky is still missing. Ian Calhoun still roams Anchorage free. Stigma permeates from media.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
The Lost Women Alaska focuses on Kathleen Jo Henry, Veronica Abouchuk and Cassandra Lee Boskofsky. I consulted on it and I have so many mixed feelings on it. It brings the truth out about heroes Alicia Youngblood and Valerie!
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Two years apart, two women were found dead in the same stretch of South Anchorage, near Golden View Drive and Bulgaria Drive, a secluded Hillside neighborhood set back on land with long driveways, big sky views, and a deliberate distance from the hubbub of town. amberbatts.com/2026/01/31/g...
amberbatts.com
Golden View Drive and Bulgaria Drive
Two years apart, two women were found dead in the same stretch of South Anchorage, near Golden View Drive and Bulgaria Drive, a secluded Hillside neighborhood set back on land with long driveways, …
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Mutual aid for Minneapolis sex workers needed!
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Is anyone else seglitches. A preschool in Minneosta was teargassed the other day. I had posted on tiktok and got zero views. I'm seeing comments from posters about same thing happening... also that posts about the many atrocities of ICE are glitching.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
Cue the spooky music...Halloween is here! This is the time of the year that I reflect on how quick kids grow up. Mine have been out of the house for years. One isn't even in this country. I miss doing all the holiday things with them. Grateful for friends and their kids!
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
It's a hybrid. Podcast and writings...
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
FFS
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
Well this is happening. I got some distance and I'm ready to unpack Alaska's most recent serial killer, Brian Steven Smith >>although they haven't charged him for the others!<< Let's pull the thread. The Harm Done Substack and companion podcast. substack.com/@amberbatts/...
substack.com
The Harm Done in a nutshell
Welcome...
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Get tickets! This will be really interesting! Join Community United for Safety and Protection (CUSP) for an engaging evening of films, history, fundraising, and conversation. cuspoctober2025.eventbrite.com
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Reposted by Amber Batts
The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 31/07/2025
One was beaten unconscious. Others were covered in bruises, struggling to walk or vomiting blood. Another said he’d been sexually assaulted. These are the stories of 16 former detainees who were deported to El Salvador’s mega prison.
washingtonpost.com
‘Welcome to hell’: Inside the megaprison where the U.S. deported migrants
Interviews with 16 former detainees of El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center offer the most complete view yet of conditions inside the notorious prison.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
I have much more to write about it, but I'm in the middle of writing a book that I went on the Camino to get some space from.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
I'm back after walking Camino. Leon to Santiago de Compostela. A much needed time to let this last 18 months shake out and replenish my soul. "Sometimes the hardest trail to take is the one where you let it be easier." amberbatts.com/2025/07/25/5...
amberbatts.com
5 Life Truths I Rediscovered Walking the Camino Solo as a Single Woman
Solo female traveler walks the Camino de Santiago and rediscovers 5 life truths. A journey of healing, courage, and inner strength on the trail.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
More will be revealed... not answers, but more.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
One of the reasons it's hard for me to listen to podcasts is because I know so much information about this case, which has been difficult and is really the precipitating event leading to finally walk the Camino De Santiago. I head out on a plane to embark on this less than 36 hours.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
This isn't a perfect podcast but they have many things right, but still don't love parts of it where they share information about Kathleen that is harmful and personal information about Veronica that was unnecessary. I looked at their credits and sources and they read a few things I wrote.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
I'm always hesitant to listen to anything to do with BS because so many podcasts get it wrong, share untrue information or otherwise sensationalize and make it something it wasn't. It really frustrates me when they victim blame and further harm the victims of this man.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
Listened to this podcast earlier because of a recommendation. If you're not sick of hearing about the Brian Steven Smith case, BS, take a listen tell me what you think. shows.acast.com/casefile-tru...
shows.acast.com
Case 320: Veronica Abouchuk & Kathleen Henry | Casefile True Crime
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Reposted by Amber Batts
Carol F @cfpdx.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
Looks like PDX is still a Cease It city, and another sting just happened. The DA is fully on board with this - and gets a lot of support from non-profits like Safety Compass. Check out the names on this list. www.portland.gov/police/news/...
portland.gov
Human Trafficking Unit Continues Efforts to Address Crime in Northeast Portland
During the last three months, the Portland Police Bureau continued directed patrol efforts along Northeast 82nd Avenue and Northeast Sandy Boulevard in response to ongoing community complaints and obs...
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Reposted by Amber Batts
Carol F @cfpdx.bsky.social · 25/09/2024
Migrant sex workers are harmed daily by criminalization, racial profiling, surveillance, over policing, stigmatization, and in this case a Portland reporter who's been sitting in parking lots of massage parlors to watch men go in and out. www.wweek.com/news/2024/09...
wweek.com
Illicit Massage Parlors That Profit From Sex Trafficking Are Multiplying Around the City. No One Stops Them.
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Reposted by Amber Batts
Carol F @cfpdx.bsky.social · 13/08/2024
Portland cops continue to use failed "End Demand" ops to target mostly Hispanic men. 13 sex workers, who are referred to as "providers", were ID'd. NO TRAFFICKING www.portlandoregon.gov/police/news/...
portlandoregon.gov
Human Trafficking Mission Results in Arrests, Citations (Photo)
During the first week of August, Portland Police Bureau’s Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) conducted directed patrol missions along NE 82nd Avenue with the assistance from Central, East, and North P...
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
Portland...what's going on? There are so many badass sex worker activists in Portland I'm surprised these cops are pulling this shit.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 10/05/2025
Did Rep. Sarah Vance really just ask if there are any notable Hispanics in Alaska? I heard it loud and clear. This kind of erasure is unacceptable. Let’s show her just how notable our community is. Give her a call: 907-465-2689 Let her know your name, your story, and why you matter.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
If someone like me can be honored with this award, then I can damn well do the Camino de Santiago.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Journalists offer regular, outstanding examples of fortitude to spotlight, but often unsung heroes outside the working profession distinguish themselves by assisting the press, the government, academia, business and/or others in protecting First Amendment rights. Activists. Advocates.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Here's a picture of me with the First Amendment Award from the Alaska Press Club I received this month. What is that? The Alaska Press Club honors the outstanding performance of an individual, group, project and/or organization for contributions to the cause of First Amendment values.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
I don't have all the answers but you know what? I don’t need them to begin.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
I’ve questioned everything...am I too old? No. Too out of shape? Kinda. Too broke? No. Too scared? Maybe. I’m done being afraid and unable to make a decision. I've been learning Spanish. I got my tickets. I’m doing the Camino in June.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Knowing that the Schengen areas are going to be implementing ETIAS shortly (very similar to the ETA) I can only assume my travel will be denied at that time. I don't want to regret missing my chance.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
My sex trafficking charge has impacted my life in many ways. It hasn't stopped me from living my life to the fullest. I'm priveledged and I don't forget that. In spite of that bullshit charge.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Which broke my heart. I guess I can watch my daughter graduate online. And I'm not the only parent denied. But damn.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Then I was denied entry to the UK to see my daughter graduate this summer. Shoutout to the ETA. I had hoped that because I've been over there three times already that they would look at my case and approve my visa. They did not.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
The Camino de Santiago stayed with me. No books, no maps in Hiland Correctional, just one episode and a promise I made to myself: One day, I will walk that. But life happened. Fear, uncertainty, excuses. Covid. Dogs. Other trips. I kept pushing it off.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
It was the idea of walking with purpose, of reclaiming my life, one step at a time. It kept the hope in me when I felt I had lost everything for some real bullshit charges. If you didn't know all that you can read this amberbatts.com/2018/09/22/a...
amberbatts.com
An Alaskan Life of Sex Trafficking
In 2003 I had two young children and my first husband and I were two months behind in our mortgage, a home we had just moved into less than a year before. I had been homeless before and swore it wo…
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
I’d never heard of it, but something in me lit up. It wasn’t religion that pulled me in. I'm spiritual, not religious. God and I have complicated relationship.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
10 years ago, I was behind bars, serving six and a half years. My cellie Donna and I would watch TV in the evening and one night we watched Rick Steves Europe and he featured the Camino de Santiago.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
amberbatts.com/2024/09/13/5...
amberbatts.com
Five Years forgotten in a phone
APD let a woman that they knew about 5 years before sit in evidence on a killers phone. Her family waited for news, having no idea that she was a possible victim of a convicted murderer. Cassandra …
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
Within a few hours of finding this picture in the sentencing memo APD was pressured to reach out to her family. They did so ON FACEBOOK MESSENGER and then she was finally identified as CASSANDRA LEE BOSKOFSKY.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
They left those pictures in his phone in an evidence locker and took them out five years later to stick in the back of a sentencing memo. APD didn't investigate the murder, no one asked who and where she was.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
The three photos are gruesome and heartbreaking, and the district attorney brought them out before the judge for sentencing only when it was convenient. Not at trial. Worse, the Anchorage Police Department did nothing.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
How do police officers find images like these on a man's phone WHEN THEY ARE ARRESTING HIM FOR MURDER and do nothing? Imagine these images unaltered. Because I don't have to, I found them tucked into a filing before sentencing. amberbatts.com/2024/09/13/5...
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Reposted by Amber Batts
Sasha aka Sauchi @akchick.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
This is a violation of the first amendment.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
amberbatts.com/2025/04/06/k...
amberbatts.com
Kathleen’s Law has bill numbers
This legislation will improve public safety and strengthen accountability by requiring people to report violent crimes or face consequences later. It also enables law enforcement to track when some…
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
SB155 AND HB 170 WERE INTRODUCED APRIL 2, 2025!
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
This gap creates a dangerous situation where individuals can knowingly fail to report violent crimes, hindering justice and endangering the community’s safety. Kathleen’s Law aims to amend AS 11.56.767, drawing from similar laws in states like Texas and Ohio.
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Amber Batts @amberbatts.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Kathleen’s Law has sponsorship!! Alaska's current law lacks accountability and obligations for witnesses to report violent crimes.
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