The crime clock is ticking. In the US one person is murdered every 31 minutes. On the road, drunk drivers are responsible for a death occurring every 40.4 minutes. A rape occurs every 1.9 minutes. Assaults are happening every 39.9 seconds. Hate crimes, every 69 minutes. There are the crimes that happen within families as well…elder abuse: every 4.2 minutes, child abuse & neglect: every 34.9 seconds. A woman is victimized by an intimate partner every 52 seconds. And there are also crimes of theft/ larceny: every 4.8 seconds, and identity fraud: every 4.9 seconds. Have you noticed these crimes are measured in seconds and minutes? In the time it took you to read this, many of these crimes have taken place. Once a crime is committed, there is the aftermath to deal with.
This is the 25th anniversary of the Victims of Crime Act. It is a celebratory event because it ushered in a time of change. Previously, the criminal system focused on the criminal, the attorneys and the judges, not the victim. The Victims of Crime Act established a statutory basis for victims rights and crime victim funding. The funding provides services to enable people impacted by a crime to receive the necessary help and support to move from being a victim to becoming a survivor.
Our hearts go out to those individuals, families and communities who have been touched by crime. We also encourage everyone to develop an awareness and proactive approach to diminish the likelihood of a crime being committed, or becoming a victim. If you suspect child, elder, or spousal abuse, please alert authorities. If there is abuse or violence in your home, or in your life, make that call. Same if you witness a crime in progress. That’s all you need to do. You will find links and an online resource guide below.
You can also take preventive measures to protect yourself. Remain alert. For identity fraud: Don’t ever give out your social security number, credit card information or personal information to a request made from someone who calls or emails you. Even if they tell you they are the police, the IRS, or your credit card company, do not do it. It is a scam.
Learn some practical self defense – there are many classes, books, videos, and online resources available to you. Use good judgment and common sense:
Proactive Self Defense Tips
Awareness: Pay attention to your surroundings. Avoid distraction.
Body Language: Walk with confidence and a purpose. Avoid a distracted look.
Follow your instincts: If something seems odd, it probably is. Don’t take chances – get away.
If danger is imminent: Make noise. Attract attention. Yell 911. Do not be embarrassed.
Talk with your kids. Talk with members of your home, in your dorm, and at work. Don’t be afraid! But be aware, be careful, be safe. Help stop the clock.
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/help/welcome.html
Toni Josephson
Tags: Martial Arts, self defense, victim rights
