Prevention Works

Impact of Gang Violence on Businesses and Communities

Many people across the United States understand gang violence or have been victimized by gang violence and activity in their neighborhoods and communities, but what is the effect on gangs and gang violence on business owners?

Gang violence is a critical social and economic issue and it extracts a high toll on the general public, as well as the business community. For example, in the city of Los Angeles alone, there are over 400 gangs with more than 39,000 members, according to the Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles.  Imagine the effects that gang activity and violence has on the businesses where the gangs reside, and the impact it has on both potential investors and customers that patronize these businesses.  Small businesses lose customers, which results in the loss of revenue, loss of funds due to theft, graffiti clean-up, and business restoration. If a gang decides to claim a territory as its own, this often puts fear into current and potential customers and prevents them from patronizing the business.

In addition to all the other negative effects of youth joining gangs, young people who become gang members are an economic burden to society. The cost of incarcerating gang members actually exceeds annual expenses at top private universities, which can total about $60,000 per student for tuition, room, and board. A modern estimate is that nearly 600,000 adult inmates arrive on the doorsteps of communities throughout the country each year (Petersilia, 2003, p. 3). More people are leaving prison today than at any other time in history, and many lack preparation for life on the outside, according to Petersilia’s study. Communities and businesses must redirect their resources to provide training for youth, so that gang members move from being institutionalized criminals of society, to college graduates and taxpayers of which we can be proud.  A great example of this is Homeboy Industries. Homeboy Industries assists at-risk and former gang-involved youth to become positive and contributing members of society through job placement, training, and education (http://homeboy-industries.org). Gang-involved youth can transform from damaging the businesses in their neighborhoods, to one day perhaps owning one.  

Another often overlooked cost of gang violence is the medical and financial consequences. The total volume of crime is estimated to cost Americans $655 billion each year (Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, 2004), and it is reasonable to assume that gangs are responsible for a substantial proportion. Gangs in the United States have long had a significant economic crime impact (Bureau of Justice Assistance, 1997; Valdez, 2000).

As is apparent in these statistics, gangs are a very dangerous and expensive problem to businesses and communities.  There are strategies that can be undertaken to address this issue. One is for the businesses to unite and create a business crime watch.  With businesses looking out for each other and reporting suspicious activity, they can let gang members know that their activity is unacceptable to the community.  Couple business crime watch with involvement by all sectors of law enforcement; city, county, and state government; and community members working cohesively to develop strategies and short- and long-term goals to address gang violence, and that can help the community become a healthier place to live, work, and conduct business.  For additional information on gang strategies, fact sheets, bulletins, and webinars, please visit NCPC’s gang prevention pages under resources or clickhere.

Teen Domestic Violence Month

On February 14^th, of course, we celebrate Valentine’s Day, a day set aside to celebrate and acknowledge those we love. February is also a time to be aware of love gone awry, especially among an increasing number of teens. In 2010, response to the millions of high school students nationwide who experience abuse from a dating partner each year, Congress designated each February as Teen Domestic Violence Month.

Teen domestic violence isn’t just about hitting. It also includes yelling, threatening, or acts of possessiveness or harassment, such as constant phone calling or paging. A recent proclamation by President Obama highlights the severity of the problem--one in 10 high school students nationally report abuse by a boyfriend or girlfriend. Even more high school girls (one in five) experience sexual abuse by a dating partner. When we add reports of verbal or emotional abuse, like shaming or threats, the number increases to one in three teens.

Teens who are in abusive relationships almost never (two out of three) tell anyone, and according to the research, victims of teen dating violence are more likely to abuse drugs, tobacco, or alcohol; have eating disorders; or even commit suicide.

Many of us involved in crime prevention have at some point in our careers been involved in educating and working to prevent domestic violence among adults. As practitioners, parents, community volunteers, and youth leaders, what are we doing to address this growing problem of domestic violence among youth in the United States? We would love to hear some of the strategies that you are using in your community to help address this problem.

For NCPC resources and strategies, please visit www.ncpc.org. Additional information can be found at www.DCD.gov/features/datingviolence or www.WhiteHouse.gov/1is2many.

New Definition of Rape Changes Crime Reporting Standards

The history of sexual assault was changed in 2012 when Attorney General Eric Holder authorized a revised definition of rape. The previous definition, created in 1927, was “the carnal knowledge of a female, forcibly and against her will.” This definition was limited in sex of the victim and the type of physical attack. The new definition is “the penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.” This definition, while more graphic than the previous one, covers the breath of possible victims as well as types of attacks.

First, by characterizing the victim as a person instead of a female, the new definition now includes men. The second change to note is the “without the consent” part of the definition. The previous definition indicated that rape was forcible and without consent, which is common in stranger rape, but is not always the case in acquaintance rape when a person is incapacitated. The new definition now includes victims that are influenced by drugs or alcohol, mental capacity, or age.

So what does this new definition mean? This definition will be used for the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report, which releases annual information on serious crimes committed in the United States. Since the new definition expands the category of victims and types of victimization, it allows for a more accurate reporting of the number of occurrences of rape each year.

All of the information in this blog came from the Department of Justice blog, which can be found here.  For more information on rape and sexual assault, visit RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) at www.rainn.org.

Danger Could Be Lurking in the Dark

A fitness buddy of mine had been missing from our Zumba classes for about a month.  When she reappeared this week I asked what happened to her.  She told me that she had been mugged in the parking lot near her home one night after class.

Fortunately, she was okay but had been terrified to go anywhere at night since the incident.  As she shared the particulars from that terrifying night, one thing stuck out in my mind.  She said they snuck up on her because they were lurking in the dark.  “It wasn’t hard for them to hide since all but one light was burned out in my parking lot,” she said.  Then she elaborated, “Several of my neighbors and I talked about how the homeowners’ association needed to fix the burned out lights but none of us ever followed up.  I wish I had now.”

I thought about that statement in the context of our slogan, “Take A Bite Out Of Crime^®.”  It’s meant to remind us that each one of us can (and should) do something to help prevent crime.  In this case I couldn’t help but wonder if just one of those neighbors or my fitness buddy had followed up on the lights problem, the thugs might not have been able to attack so easily.  In one of our PSAs McGruff said, “All crime needs is a chance.  Don’t give it the chance.”  Those are good words to live by. 

We’ll never know if the lighting would have deterred the opportunistic criminals but lighting up the night might have reduced their chance to pounce on an unwitting victim.  Please remember this story the next time you see lights out in your neighborhood.  Don’t give criminals a chance to claim another victim.

Download home and personal safety tips from NCPC in the resources section of our website.

Note:  Thanks to great work by our local police department, the muggers were apprehended recently.

Dating violence has to be taken seriously

Dating violence is not as rare as people may believe. Dating violence is a viscous cycle that not only affects adults but also affects teens as well. One in 5 teens today say that he or she has been or know a friend who has been a victim of dating violence.  Dating violence consists of verbal, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. It is a pattern of abusive behaviors used to exert power and control over a dating partner. By the time physical abuse is present, a pattern of verbal and emotional abuse has already been established.

Dating violence has to be taken seriously. If not confronted, it can ultimately affect the rest of a young person’s life by setting a pattern of dating violent partners. The longer a teen stays in a violent relationship the more likely he or she will be confused about what constitutes a healthy relationship. As parents, you should talk to your child about dating violence.

AS A PARENT WHAT CAN I DO?

The first thing you should do as a parent is set an example. Children learn how to conduct themselves in relationship by observing their parents. Displaying positive and healthy relationships will help them judge what is appropriate behavior. Another thing you can do is talk to them early about dating violence, explain to them what a healthy and respectful relationship looks like. Let them know that if they ever find themselves in a violent relationship, that they are not to blame.  Assure them that they can talk to you and that you are there to help them have a safe and happy life.

WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?

• Your child makes excuses and apologies for his or her partner’s behaviors.
• She or he often has unexplained injuries, such as bruises or body pain, that can’t be explained or seem not to make sense.
• Your child seems to be distancing him or herself from family and friends, becomes isolated, and deals only with his or her partner.
• Your child’s dating partner constantly texts or calls and demands to know who he or she has been with.
• You find that your child is changing his or her behavior in order not to anger or upset his or her partner.
• Your child changes the way he or she dresses in order to please his or her partner.
• When your child’s dating partner seems to put her down and call her names in front of others.
• Your child’s partner acts extremely jealous of others who pay attention to him or her, especially members of the opposite sex.
• Your child is frequently upset or depressed and seems withdrawn and quiet but won’t explain why.

TEN TIPS TO HELP YOUR TEEN

1. Educate yourself on teen dating violence and access resources that will help you begin the discussion with your teen about dating violence. Articles and brochures can help you approach your teen in an effective manner.
2. Talk to your teen about dating violence early. If your teen seems already to be in a dangerous relationship, assure her that she is not to blame for her partner’s behavior and that you’re there to help.
3. Listen to your teen when he or she approaches you about dating abuse. Explain that you are going to help him or her get out of the situation.
4. Emphasize that when he or she wants help, it is available. Let your child know that domestic violence tends to get worse and become more frequent with time and that it rarely goes away on its own.
5. Work with your teen to identify resources that will help provide emotional support and build self esteem.  
6. Try to avoid the impulse to rescue your teen; instead empower him or her. Let him or her know that you will be there to help sort through feelings but you won’t make decisions for him or her.
7. Look for opportunities to increase your child’s self-esteem. People who believe in themselves and their own worth are better able to believe in the worth of their partner.
8. Be realistic when talking to your teen. Teenagers often have a false picture of romantic relationships. Explain that every relationship has its up and downs. Talk about effective ways of dealing with conflict, such as negotiation, problem solving, and communication.
9. Share your standards. Talk to your teen about the way he or she should treat and respect others; furthermore, explain how you feel he or she should be treated in return.
10. Create an open environment. Be open to all of the questions that your child asks. Don’t criticize, judge, or jump to conclusions when he or she asks about relationships.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

• Contact your child’s school and ask about introducing programs that teach children about dating violence and relationships.
• Work with the art teacher or art students to create a visual statement against dating abuse. Consider a poster contest or other project that can be displayed at the school.
• Encourage the school to obtain free materials and resources that relate to dating violence.

The Best Bang for the Surveillance Camera Buck

Researchers at the Urban Institute are taking a hard look at law enforcement’s use of surveillance cameras. In a study to be released at the end of the year, researchers are looking at three cities’ use of the cameras. In Baltimore, MD, the recent conviction of a woman accused of assault and handgun violations was achieved, in large measure, through the valuable footage provided by police surveillance cameras.

The Baltimore video reveals that it is not just the recording of static images that won the conviction, but, actually, the actions of the trained and skilled police officers who staffed the cameras and the monitoring studio. Although the conviction is a victory for proponents of surveillance cameras in police work, some continue to debate the value of surveillance cameras when weighed against the costs of equipment and deployment and perceived incursions into the privacy of citizens.

The Urban Institute study is looking at how cities are deploying and using the cameras to investigate and prosecute suspects. Baltimore, one of the cities under study, is monitoring the cameras’ images nearly 24-7, using police officers and retired personnel as real-time observers. These experienced, skilled officers are able to 1) recognize a crime (e.g., a drug transaction) from the images on the screen and 2) communicate immediately to officers on patrol to capture or track down fleeing suspects. On occasion, the observing officers have even directed the on patrol officers on the route to use to apprehend suspects. The city prosecutor is reaping the benefits of good positive identifications of suspects, which translate into sounder criminal cases for that office. The Baltimore City Police Department thinks of the surveillance cameras in all aspects of their policing and not as a stand-alone resource. They envision the technology as an enhancement and an extension of their police services, not as a replacement for patrols or crime prevention. Preliminarily, the researchers have been impressed by the impact they are seeing from the use of the cameras in Baltimore.

Two other cities in the study are using the cameras but are not integrating them in police work as extensively as they are being used Baltimore. In their early analysis, the researchers are finding that the cities that further invest resources (technology, money, staff power) into their initial investment on surveillance cameras are getting the best crime prevention and law enforcement bang for their buck.

While the report, once published, will shed light on the cost/benefit question and ideal implementation strategies police departments might follow, I don’t think it will stop the debate that surrounds the surveillance camera strategy. What do you think? Click on the comments link below and let us hear from you.

Stay Safe Even When the News is Good

The FBI has recently released its 2008 Crime in the United States report, and it brings good news! The FBI reports that violent crimes are down for the second consecutive year. Among violent crimes, murders and non-negligent manslaughters declined 3.9 percent; aggravated assaults are down 2.5 percent, and forcible rapes dropped by 1.6 percent. Forcible rapes specifically, are at the lowest rate they have been in the past 20 years.

While this is great news, we must keep in mind that crime prevention is just as important now as ever. In order to continue to keep crime statistics dropping, we should all be aware that crime prevention is crucial to keeping our children, loved ones, and communities safe.

It is important to note that while violent crime rates have gone down, other crime rates have risen. According to the FBI, the largest number arrests made in 2008 were for drug abuse violations. Other crimes that also rose in 2008 were burglaries and larceny-thefts. Keeping in mind that since crime rates are always subject to change, learning what you can do to prevent crime is vital to continue to keep crime rates dropping. After all, we all want to stay safe in our neighborhoods, right?

If you’re new to crime prevention or don’t know where to start, October, Crime Prevention Month, is the perfect time to dive in. All month long, crime prevention will be celebrated in communities across the nation. A number of communities will be participating in Celebrate Safe Communities, the kickoff to Crime Prevention Month, when local communities organize safety-focused events. These events can range from safety education fairs to trash pick-up days; it all depends on the needs of each community. If you feel inspired to organize a safety event in your neighborhood, register your event here.

You may think crime prevention is something that should be left up to law enforcement; however, you can play a big part too and should not leave the burden on law enforcement’s shoulders. Crime prevention starts with you. Each and every one of us can make a difference to keep our communities safer. Throughout time, crime has remained a constant in our world that threatens the very lives we live. Now is the time to start transforming our neighborhoods, communities, states, and the nation into a safe place to live. How will you make a difference?

Find out how you can get involved by visiting www.ncpc.org

Giving Seniors Their Due

Seniors have done their time—in the most positive way. They have led careers, parented children, and built the country we know today. They have served in our modern wars with the courage and tenacity to beat back determined enemies. They deserve a time in their lives to do whatever they want, whether it’s pursing a second career, another education, or a hobby, or just kicking back.

Unfortunately, many seniors find that their later years aren’t always easy. According to the United States General Accounting Office, more than 43 percent of all Americans more than 65 years of age will be cared for in nursing homes for some period in their later years. While many will reside in excellent facilities and be treated with the best possible care, others won’t be as lucky. The same is true of those who will be cared for at home.

Elder abuse is becoming a prominent topic as the Baby Boomer generation ages. While figures are hard to come by, those provided in the early 2000s by the U.S. Congress Committee on Government Reform provide some insight. In 2001, for example, this committee reported that all 27 of the nursing homes in the 22^nd Congressional District (Santa Barbara, CA) violated federal health and safety standards. Other figures are just as alarming. These and other data appear on the California State Government’s website.

Elder abuse isn’t always easy to recognize or prove. Crime prevention practitioners and law enforcement officers called in to investigate elder abuse cases have their work cut out for them. Caregivers at home or in nursing facilities may try to cover up the abuse. And the patient may not want to discuss the problem out of embarrassment or shame. But there are tell-tale signs of elder abuse that can help them identity abusive situations.

In addition, some agencies are now offering courses in how to deal with elder abuse. The Office for Victims of Crime at the U.S. Department of Justice is one of them. Its Training and Technical Assistance Center is offering a course from November 18 – 19, 2009, called Identifying and Responding to Elder Abuse. According to the flier for the course, participants will learn to

• Recognize the signs of elder abuse and its impact on victims
• Identify the types of elder abuse
• Recognize the risk factors that may be encountered in various situations
• Respond proactively to situations in which elder abuse is suspected
• Identify how to obtain additional information and relevant statutes

This is a topic worthy of attention by all of us. Our seniors deserve the best we can give them.

Teen and Tween Dating: Hazardous to their Health?

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week has just concluded. A 2008 report commissioned by Liz Claiborne, Inc. produced some startling findings about the conduct of tweens and teens in relationships. According to the report, about one-third of 11- and 12-year-olds are having relationships. Often these can be hazardous.

• Sixty-two percent report that they know friends who have been verbally abusive in a relationship
• Forty percent report that they know friends in relationships who have been put-down, insulted, or called names through social networking media or text messaging
• Twenty percent say they have friends in relationships who have been punched, slapped, or kicked by a dating partner

When sexual activity at a young age is added to the mix, the results worsen. Tweens seem to have a hard time navigating their roles in relationships and understanding that abuse is not an acceptable or appropriate element. U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R, Idaho) has championed an awareness campaign about teen dating violence. Check Senator Crapo's website for information about the campaign, which is supported by the American Bar Association, and the American Bar Association website for resources on the topic for teachers and other leaders of youths. The Domestic Violence and Workplace blog also has a number of helpful links.

One of the pillars of the National Crime Prevention Council’s mission is protecting children and youth. NCPC has numerous resources, including its Teens, Crime, and the Community curriculum, which dedicates chapters to this important topic and includes the "Dater's Bill of Rights."

If you’d like to know more about NCPC’s offerings in this important area or the Community Works curriculum for youth, please contact us.

When Crime Prevention Needs To Begin at Home

My friend Laura told me a horrible story the other day. Her 33-year-old colleague Viviana Tellez-Giron was killed by her husband in a murder-suicide on October 4, during the first week of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The tragic irony of the situation is that Viviana worked as a volunteer for UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence, a not-for-profit organization in Madison, WI, that works to end domestic violence among Hispanic Americans.

"Viviana's death was so hard for us," Julie Anderson, UNIDOS' interim executive director, told The Capital Times. Such tragedies bring a flash of attention to the issue of domestic violence, she said, but UNIDOS is going to work to keep attention to the issue keen. "We want to create a community response. Domestic violence is a community problem, it needs a community response."

One in three American women will be domestically abused in her lifetime. But many of you are already familiar with this statistic. And many of you are already working to prevent domestic violence and other types of crime, as are we at NCPC. What struck me though about Viviana's death was that the tragedy occurred to one of our own. Viviana knew this statistic better than most victims of domestic violence and had been trained on how to prevent it. And yet, it wasn't enough to prevent her own death.

It made me realize that even those of us who work to fight and prevent crime every day are not immune to it. It reminded me that sometimes the most important training presentation we can make is the one we give at home. Who are the people in our own lives who might need to make changes in their lives to prevent becoming a victim? Have you taught the kids in your own house how to protect themselves from cyberbullies? Do your own parents know how to avoid becoming victims of telemarketing fraud? Can the homes and businesses in your own neighborhood benefit from the principles of CPTED?

That's what Viviana's death has taught me: that despite all the important work we do with strangers, crime prevention needs to begin in our own homes, families, and communities. How have you implemented crime prevention techniques and training in your home or community?

Some NCPC resources on preventing domestic violence:

• The Hidden Crime: Domestic Violence (reproducible brochure)
• Teens, Crime, and the Community: Session 14-"Dating Violence: Recognize and Prevent"
• Strategy: Providing Domestic Violence Services to Refugee Communities