ExecutiveMom's Safety and Self Defense Blog

April 22-28 is National Crime victims rights week

"Every Victim. Every Time."  This theme serves as a call to action to insure that every victim or every crime, in every community, in every state, is afforded the same rights and access to services.  No one should face the aftermath of a crime without knowing where to turn for information and support.

Although there are many indications that some violent crimes may be declining in

America

, other types of crime are demonstrating an upward trend. Homicide, financial crimes and fraud, in particular, are showing continued increases over past levels.  In fact, in 2005, an estimated 16,692 persons were murdered nationwide, an increase of 3.4% over 2004 figures. (Federal Bureau of Investigation, "Crime in the

United States

, 2005: Murder." (

Washington

,

DC

: Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2006, http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/05cius/offenses/violent_crime/murder_homicide.html.)

Americans are also finally beginning to understand many of the more subtle ways that crime can hurt the community, and even the economy, as research explores questions previously not considered.  Victimization can have numerous far-reaching consequences that continue to hurt the victim even after the physical wounds have healed.  Many victims experience emotional trauma. Others lose time from work, accumulate medical bills and sink into financial despair. This hurts not only the crime survivor and his or her family, but stretches out to encompass the workplace, schools, churches, the community.

While some types of violent crime may show signs of being on decline, it is important that we not allow ourselves to become apathetic. If there is only one violent or financial crime, there will be a victim who suffers.  It is time to realize that the suffering of one affects us all.

Did You know:

An average of 1.7 million people are victims of violent crime while working or on duty each year (Detis Duhart," Violence in the Workplace, 1993-99," (Detis Duhart," Violence in the Workplace, 1993-99," (

Washington

,

DC

: Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice, 2001), 1, http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov.bjs/publication/pdf/vw99.pdf.)

Homicide accounts for 40% of all workplace deaths among female workers. (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, "Women's Safety and Health Issues at Work, (

Washington

,

DC

: NIOSH, 2006), http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/women.)

 Each year, 1,500,000 women and 835,000 men in the

United States

are raped or physically assaulted by an intimate partner. (National Institute of Justice (NIJ. 2000. Extent, Nature and Consequences of Intimate Partner Violence.

Washington

,

DC

:

U.S.

Department of Justice.)

In sexual assaults on adults, 73% of the crimes were committed by intimates, other relatives, friends or acquaintances (Catalano, Shannan, "Criminal Victimization, 2005." (

Washington

,

D.C.

: Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2006), 1, http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/cv05.pdf. )

What can you do today to make a difference??   BE SAFE!

 

Tomorrow on Oprah

NBC news said tonight that they would be on Oprah tomorrow discussing why they chose to air the tapes from the Virginia Tech shootings...

It seems to me that the press does everything in its power to sensationalize a story. Some stories are sensational on their own and don’t need any help in that regard. In my opinion, the press has lost sight of journalism and reporting the news and has debased itself to tabloid-ism and creating news. Three current events, in particular, come to mind – (1) Don Imus’ blunder, (2) Sean Hornbeck’s rescue (a big local story here), and the (3) VA Tech shootings.

(1) While Imus’ comments were inappropriate, they were hardly worthy of a week’s worth of coverage. ‘Nuff said.

(2) Definitely newsworthy. Report it, rejoice in it, then leave the family alone. Recently I heard that the details of his ordeal were told on television. Totally inappropriate, especially since he is (1) the victim, and (2) a minor.

(3) I don't want to see the VA Tech shooter, because I don't want him to receive the fame. They should not have shown his picture, his packet that was sent to the media, etc. The press is playing right into his hand. Stop giving these criminals what they want.

When will the press develop a sense of responsibility and discretion? They don't have to report every gory detail. And how about a little sensitivity? People hadn't even buried their loved ones when this stuff was being aired.

How many times have we seen a reporter put the microphone in the face of someone and ask the stupid question, "How did you feel when you found out your [son/ daughter/ husband/ wife] had been brutally raped/ tortured/ killed?"  How do you think they felt?  Next time I see that, I hope the person jacks them in the jaw.

How about some in depth news reporting on something that effects 84 million middle class Americans? Something that can be debated and changed with an up roaring from the majority - the shrinking of the middle class and Health Care for All?

Your opinions?

It's Sanjaya, Sanjaya, Sanjaya!

Employees don't have Sanjaya to kick around at the water cooler anymore. He was eliminated from the American Idol competition this week, but you probably knew that already, even if you don't watch the show. That's because American Idol is the most talked-about television program in the workplace, according to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the staffing firm Spherion.

Thirty-seven percent of workers cite American Idol as the TV program discussed most often in the workplace, up from 35 percent in 2006.

Twenty-one percent of respondents admit discussing Sanjaya's "pony hawk" or some other aspect of American Idol during company time, the survey found. Ten percent of workers say they have engaged in debates over the contestants' talent on company time.

While discussing TV shows at work can affect productivity, many workers say it has its benefits. Forty-four percent of workers say that talking about television at work increases office camaraderie.
Do the benefits of better camaraderie outweigh the losses in productivity? This blogger thinks so…but what to talk about now?  Here are some ideas

Title: Quiz: Are you the annoying co-worker?
Purpose: See title
Excerpts:
"7. The questions you ask at meetings are preceded by long monologues about your views and accomplishments ...
9. You bring in dishes that you tried to cook -- but didn't turn out quite right -- as 'special treats' for your co-workers ...
12. You send flurries of e-mails to the rest of the company telling them what you are doing. (e.g., 'If anyone needs me, I'll be in the bathroom.') ...
15. You assume your co-workers are fascinated by your personal problems and exploits ..."
Source: Kate Lorenz, Careerbuilder.com

Title: Annoying Co-worker
Purpose: A blog to let people vent about annoying co-workers
Excerpts:
"PIA! You're here! I know your parents didn't name you PIA, but we did. It stands for Pain In the Ass, which you are. You are an INTERN. If you never showed up again, would anyone care? Quit flitting around here like you are a hotshot saving the day and get a clue. You are not our MVP. You are not our equal. You aren't even our favorite intern. If you EVER tell one of us again that you are NOT going to do something we ask, I am going to puke all over you." -- undercover brother
"Just because you came from

New York City

doesn't mean you're 'worldly' and have experience that the rest of us 'uncultured' co-workers couldn't possibly comprehend. So, you couldn't make it in banking in the big city and decided to grace us with your presence in this profession. Has it occurred to you that just about everyone in this office has more experience than you? If NYC is so great, and this 'dump' can't compare, move TF back. Buh-bye." -- Equally Important Person
Source: Annoying Co-worker

Title: The 20 Highly Annoying Habits of Co-workers
Purpose: Advice to keep you from becoming the annoying co-worker
Excerpts:
"1. Listening to voice mail on speakerphone -- Get a headset or pick up the receiver ...
17. Choosing a 'neat' cell phone ring -- In offices where cell phone rings are tolerated ... cell phone ring tones that deviate from the normal range of "phone" tones can be annoying. Why? After the 15th rendition of 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame' your colleagues will begin gathering, mob-style, to chuck your little neon Nokia right out the window. Again, think vibrate option, or stick to the more conventional ring tones ..."
Source: SharpMan.com

Title: The Top 10 Reasons I Hate My Annoying Co-Worker
Purpose: A cathartic rant for the author, apparently
Excerpts:
"10. Her makeup -- I'm not sure how it's possible for someone to have such bad makeup every single day. I've never worn it, but there are millions of women who come in looking OK to very good. However, she'll come in and have her eyebrows shaped like an upside down 'V'. One day she turned around and looked and me and I thought I was looking at a pumpkin face -- I had to turn around and look away so I wouldn't laugh in her face ...
7. Her incredibly loud personal phone calls -- For a woman with no volume control on her voice, it's no wonder that her personal phone calls are something that the entire office can hear, and since I sit a cube away, I can hear them as clear as a bell. She literally yells while she is on the phone and I sit there with my head in my hands wondering why I am subjected to this. I've learned way too much about this lady's personal life, much more than I ever wanted to know through those calls ..."
Source: Epinions.com

Anyone else have any fun places to share?

Have a

Fun

and

Safe

Weekend!

Could the Violence Have been Prevented? Your ideas...

As an owner of a personal awareness and safety training corporation that educates employees on workplace violence - awareness and prevention.   

Looking at the recent events in Virginia, if someone would have had any form of deterrent like mace/pepper spray ... maybe some lives could have been saved ... or maybe if someone had paid attentions to the various signs that were left before the final act of violence... sadly we think of a lot of things in this country in "hind sight" rather than in terms of prevention - true for our health care, etc. Just our National attitude on many issues it seems...

I know this is a top on a lot of minds but I am going to be hosting a program in our town for youth 17 - 20 on a variety of issues before college - safety prevention included.  I would love to know other's thoughts on this event, how it could have been prevented and what girls in the 17-20 year old range would enjoy having at this sort of event.

Playground Safety Tips

I found this great artcle today and thought I would share it - now I know if you live here in the midwest you wouldn't have thought that mid April it would be 35 degrees with no sign of the sun to be found but still one to keep in mind for those beautiful days I'm sure will be upon us soon....(most likely Monday - Friday while we're stuck in the office!)

Each year more than 200,000 children visit hospital emergency rooms because of playground injuries.  Appoximately 15 children die each year because of playground injuries.

Many playground injuries can be prevented.  Us this guide to examine your children's playground so that they can run, jump, swing and slide to thir heart's content - safely.

To lean more - click here

Have a wonderful and safe weekend - I have to get my TAXES done!

It's time to take a stand against sexual assault

National Sexual Assault Awareness Month started April 1st, and this year's theme encourages people to "Stand up against sexual assault...make a difference."  Sexual assault is a crime that is preventable.  That's why it's important to raise awareness of the tactics perpetrators like to use on men and women.

Unfortunately, it's also the hardest crime to prove, particularly if the victim knows the perpetrator.  Research shows sexual assaults by acquaintances remain the most damaging type of assault psychologically due to the crime's many unique factors.

The "non-stranger" - a date, co-worker, casual acquaintance, relative or spouse - is the most likely perpetrator of a sexual assault.  According to results from the 2003 National C?rime Victimization survey, "Nearly 70 percent of victims know their attacker."

Another important fact is that sexual assaults include psychological and physical injuries. The psychological tactics such as shame, threats of the victim losing their job, getting transferred, etc are used in an attempt to "scare" victims into compliance and silence.

Rapists sometimes plan their attacks by using alcohol or "date rape" drugs to incapacitate the victim, and there's a certain level of stalking involved beforehand.  Perpetrators try to isolate the victim from their friends and family to commit the assault.

Unfortunately, in these cases, many victims are likely to feel a deep injustice by the perpetrator as well as by law enforcement and the judicial system because investigators can't always find sufficient witnesses or evidence to prove or disprove the allegation.

You can EMPOWER yourself and those around you when you're aware of the tactics sexual perpetrators use on their victims.  It's time to take a stand!

This month please support those organizations in your communities that are educating and helping these victims - let's work together to put an end to this violence.

What are your thoughts?  How can you make a difference?

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
http://www.rainn.org
Call: (800) 656-HOPE

National Domestic Violence/Abuse Hotline
Call: (800) 799-SAFE

National Center for Victims of Crime
http://www.ncvc.org
This organization is devoted to helping victims of crime recover and rebuild their lives. Call: (800) FYI-CALL

Future College Parents Exopect to be More Involved

(www.collegeparents.org).
Future college parents expect to be more involved than current college parents in the key college concerns of their children, according to a new survey by
College Parents of America.
The Second Annual National Survey of Future College Parent Expectations was conducted by College Parents of America in conjunction with partner organization, Colleges of Distinction. The survey was recently completed online by 860 parents of college-bound children, two-thirds of whom were parents of high school seniors, and another 15 percent of whom were parents of 2008 high school graduates.

Developed to help those involved in higher education to better understand the concerns of future college parents, the survey explored the expected frequency, types and topics of parent-college student communication.

 

"The term 'helicopter parenting' has begun to take hold in recent years and, if our surveys are any indication, the parent 'hovering' is only going to become more frequent. Whether students welcome - and benefit from - such parental behavior is another matter."

As my own God Daughter gets ready to leave for college, my greatest concern, along with her mother's, is her safety on campus," states Kimberly Elliott, CEO of a St Louis based self defense company, Executive Defense Technology.  Along with her high school graduation gifts, she will be receiving a can of pepper spray to hang on her key chain.  Not just any pepper spray.  You need to use a stream spray so the product can't be used against you.

Executive Defense Technology, which can be found online  at www.execdeftech.com, will be  working with the YMCA this summer to provide safety awareness and training  programs for all in the

St  Louis area but would like to encourage Seniors to attend a program of some sort before going off to college.  It's better to be prepared rather than react after an event that can be life altering or life threatening.  You need to attend a program that trains awareness and prevention rather than just a martial arts class that won't help in a "street attack".   

 Training can be similar to having a bullet proof vest.  It won't always save a police officer's life but it is protection and will help in the majority of attacks. Having knowledge on your side will keep you aware and out of harms way if you practice the safety measures taught on a daily basis.  Criminals take every opportunity they can to attack, why make yourself an easy target on purpose?

To learn more tips or to schedule a group program at  your organization's site, visit www.execdeftech.comtoday.

 

Another 2007 Workplace Shooting and It's Only Mid-April

We are already on our way to an all time high for workplace homicide numbers this year. Today, another person dies as a disgruntled employee enters a 170,000 square foot building housing law firms, his accounting firm and many other corporate offices. Someone noted they thought he was hiding something but no one stopped him or asked. No security guard or video camera was watching the hallways. The story follows:

TROY Mich. - A man suspected of shooting three people, killing one, at a suburban Detroit accounting firm from which he was fired last week was arrested after a high-speed chase a few hours after the Monday morning attack, authorities said.

OSHA regulates workplace violence under the General Duty Clause. It is viewed as a serious safety and health issue because:

• Homicide is the third leading cause of work-related deaths.
• According to studies, as many as 1 million Americans each year are the victims of nonfatal work-related assaults.
• While the highest percentage of workplace assaults are in the service, health care, and retail      industries, incidents of violence occur in all industries regardless of race, age, or gender.

Violence in the workplace is a serious safety and health issue and with workplace violence on the rise, it is crucial to have a formal program in place. Does your corporation have a PREVENTATIVE program in place? It is cheaper to prevent a program rather than pay for the consequences of the act. To schedule a program today for your new hire orientation or next business meeting contact www.execdeftech.com . We’d love to hear your ideas and input on how to make our offices a safer place…..any successful programs in place as several corporations strive for a violence free workplace?

 

 

 

Breathtaking New Novel By Barbara Pierce

My taxes weren't completed as I had expected. My eyes were bright red at mass this morning from lack of sleep and my Easter baskets weren't hidden very strategically all because of the author Barbara Pierce ! Barbara had promised me a copy of her new novel Sinful Between the Sheets .  She knew I was a fan of historical romance. I grew up loving Johanna Lindsey and Judith McNaught. Well, Saturday, my son brought in the mail and my "hot off the press" copy of Sinful Between the Sheets  was on top of the pile of bills. So instead of doing any of the million chores I had planned for Saturday, I was barely able to remove myself from the pages. Even during my daughter's 9:30pm soccer game I snuck in a couple chapters between goals.

 

Sinful Between the Sheets is a wonderfully written story that should not be missed. A magical love story populated with realistic characters and full of emotions.  Barbara Pierce took me on a marvelous adventure and I fell in love with the leading lady Kilby – cheering for her with each new page. A story of revenge, love and fantasy, it's one readers will not soon forget. I hope you all enjoy the story as much as I did. Thanks Barbara! I now have 7 days left to do my taxes!!

I'd love to hear your reviews....

 

 

When Domestic Violence Enters The Workplace

When Domestic Violence Enters the Workplace

We have all seen the headlines:

"Six Die In Workplace Shooting In Mississippi"
"Seven Killed in Boston Area Office Shooting"
"Gunman kills 1, wounds 3 in Seattle shipyard shooting"
"Gunman kills 7 in Honolulu office"
"Gunman in Atlanta rampage kills himself; 12 dead, 12 injured"
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This week the headlines involve two large stories of domestic violence affecting the workplace Both resulting in women being killed. One in Atlanta and one in Seattle.  No one is immune.

 

When Domestic Violence Enters the Workplace... What Should You Do? Chances are there are people in your workplace who are being abused. According to estimates from the National Crime Victimization Survey, there were almost 700,000 nonfatal violent victimizations were committed by current or former spouses, boyfriends, or girlfriends of the victims. What are the overall statistical costs of the effects of domestic violence on corporate

America

? Here's the breakdown:

 

National Cost of Domestic Violence 

The health-related costs of rape, physical assault, stalking, and homicide by intimate partners exceed $5.8 billion each year

Of   this total, nearly $4.1 billion is for victims requiring direct medical and   mental health care services

Lost   productivity and earnings due to intimate partner violence accounts for   almost  $1.8 billion each year

Intimate partner violence victims lose nearly 8.0 million days of paid work each year - the equivalent of more than 32,000 full-time jobs and nearly 5.6 million days of household productivity

The Human Factor

85-95%   of all domestic violence victims are female

Over   500,00 women are stalked by an intimate partner each year.

5.3   million women are abused each year

1,232   women are killed each year by an intimate partner

Domestic Violence in the Workplace

Of   the approximately 1.7 million incidents of workplace violence that occur in   the

US

every year, 18,700 are committed by an intimate partner: a current or former spouse, lover, partner, or boyfriend/girlfriend

Of Battered Workers:

74% are harassed at work by a violent partner
56% are late for work
28% leave work early
54% miss entire days of work

After reading the headlines and these statistics, is any workplace safe anymore? What can you do to protect your employees from workplace violence? Do you have policies and procedures in place to prevent workplace violence? Do your managers and employees know what to do if workplace violence occurs?

For corporate HR personnel: click here to schedule a training class

For women: click here for mace and other safety products

 

Are there any readers with suggestions or ideas to help with this growing form of violence and its affects on the corporate environment?