Crime Survivors Blog

Do You Have What it takes in the Moment of Truth?

crimesurvivorblog — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:23:00 +0000

Headline: Young Mother Kills Home Intruder With a Shotgun to Save Her Son. Many heard this story and watched the extensive media coverage on this young mother that was confronted by an armed intruder inside her home. Moments after the intruder entered, he would meet his demise by a terrified, shotgun-wielding mother who found out quickly that she had what it took in the moment of truth.

I refer to the moment of truth because this for me best describes that moment of time wherein people in adverse conditions react with fight or flight. The best literary metaphor that comes to mind is an article written by Lieutenant Coronel (RET) Dave Grossman titled: On Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs. He classifies human beings in three categories:

Sheep- Kind, gentle, productive creatures who can only hurt one another by accident.

Wolves- Wolves feed on the sheep without mercy.

Sheepdogs-The sheepdog lives for the day that the wolves will come. They are prepared to guard themselves and the sheep under any circumstances.

Grossman goes on to say that he means nothing negative by calling humans sheep. “To me it is like the pretty blue robin’s egg. Inside it is soft and gooey but someday it will grow into something wonderful. But the egg cannot survive without its hard blue shell. Police officers, soldiers, and other warriors are like that shell, and someday the civilization they protect will grow into something wonderful? For now though, they need warriors to protect them from the predators.”

This is something to think about as you go about your daily business. Prepare yourself for scenarios that may unfold at any given time by thinking about how you will react. Denying these thoughts may make you feel safe, but I argue that a prepared mind places you at an advantage. Understanding and accepting that there are evil people in this world is the first step in transforming the sheep mindset into that of a sheepdog; one who is ready to protect themselves and/or the ones they love.

News Story Link reference the above article

Photo by Photos.com

About the Author- Cameron Knauerhaze is the former CSI Board President and current member of the Advisory Board at CSI. He is an Orange County CA Police Sergeant with 16 years experience in patrol, investigations, SWAT, and community policing.

Prepare for More Scams in 2012

crimesurvivorblog — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:14:34 +0000

Greetings and Happy New Years from Crime Survivors Inc. As we journey into 2012, I cannot help bringing up a New Years party encounter I had with a neighbor. Once again, he was almost duped into an online scam and wanted my advice. As he started to explain the scam, I could not help but recognize the MO as a common Nigerian scam. This scam always involves the seller (victim) receiving a check for an amount larger than the purchase price of the item they are selling; this is to cover shipping and then some (yeah right). The Crook then will ask for the victim to wire money back via Western Union. I quickly reminded him to check out the website Snopes.com. Snopes is a site that is dedicated to thwarting the efforts of would be scammers by exposing the most common scams, myths, folklore, and misinformation.

Check this site out when you get a chance—it’s free (and in no way affiliated with CSI). Next time you hear someone talking about a ‘great deal’ maybe you can save them the agony and embarrassment of becoming a victim by recommending this resource .

“MAY IT NEVER BE FORGOTTEN…”

crimesurvivorblog — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:22:05 +0000

In memory and honor of the men and women of law
enforcement who risk their lives every day for our safety.

May it never be forgotten as you patrol your “beats”
that you are human too, simply protecting our streets.
You close your eyes each night when you fall asleep,
praying to survive the challenges we know that you will meet.

Your oath is very sacred, you are honorable and true
The uniform is the same, green, brown, gray, black or blue.

The morals and values you represent are ones chosen by God,
You must do your best to succeed, to shine in your job.

The people of the community rely on you to protect,
They may not always show it, but for you they have respect.

The dangers and the pressures that face you are present every day,
And our thoughts and prayers are with you every step of the way.

The support may seem very minimal from those of us out here,
But know in your heart that for most of us, one thing is very clear……

You are a law enforcement officer, a cop, a “savior in blue”
No greater respect can be shown for anyone like the respect we have for you.

We may not always show it, but on “Christmas Day”,
Know that our prayers are with you always, as you keep danger away.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!!!
CRIME SURVIVORS, INC.

Great News & Holiday Giving!

crimesurvivors — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:48:24 +0000

Holiday Challenges for Survivors

crimesurvivors — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 02:30:19 +0000

By Cameron Knauerhaze

For many, the holidays represent a time of cheer and celebration. Families’ gather and friends frolic. The workday gets shorter and the shopping is plentiful. However, what about those who have faced the personal challenge of being a crime victim or survivor? Can you imagine not waking up next to your spouse on Christmas because he was killed by a drunk driver; or, not being able to buy your children gifts because your money is going to medical bills from a domestic assault?

The intent of this article is not to put a damper on your festivities or to shame you into helping others. I am asking you to stop and think about those close to us who may need us the most this season. I applaud the global and national charity efforts this time of year, however, I guarantee you do not have to look far to help someone.

At Crime Survivors, a survivor wrote: My name is Jennie and I am a crime survivor. My case has been awaiting trial for 4 years. Sometimes I feel like just giving up so that I can move on with my life but then I think that if I don’t go to court then he will go free and will not be held responsible for what he has done. I have read other’s stories on your Facebook page and I see that I am not alone; there are actually people in my same situation. When I went to your Christmas party last year I met a good friend and we look forward to seeing each other again this year! I love that my children can feel special for that one-day. Thank you for your support!

Support, and a time for her family to feel safe and comfortable is all she needed, and many of you made this possible. We at Crime Survivors hear these stories well too often. As we move into the holiday, we thank you for you continued support. It is you, our supporters that take care of real people like ‘Jennie’ and many others in our community that face a challenging holiday season.

CA. Against Slavery – Meet and Greet

crimesurvivors — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 02:12:17 +0000

Now Accepting Nominations – Eighth Annual Awards Banquet

crimesurvivors — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 03:53:10 +0000

Crime Survivors, Inc. would like you to save the date for its Eighth Annual Awards Banquet Fundraiser at the Anaheim Marriott Suites located at 12015 Harbor Boulevard, Garden Grove on Friday, April 27th at 6:00 PM. This year’s event will present public safety personnel from the private and public sector with awards for assisting and helping victims of crime; Going Above and Beyond, Citizen of the Year, Community Policing Organization of the Year, Victim Advocacy Lifetime Achievement and the Top Donors of the Year.

Crime Survivors Inc. truly believes that our public safety partners do amazing work and should be given recognition for their effort. The nomination packets are being sent to all of our supporters as well as other influential stakeholders in your community.

We are asking that you send in your departments nomination.

Click here for Nomination Form. Nomination Forms can be emailed to crimesurvivors@aol.com faxed to (775) 245-4798 or mailed to PO Box 54552, Irvine, Ca. 92619-4552.

Invitations to attend the Awards Banquet taking place during National Crime Victims Rights Week, will be mailed out six weeks prior to the event. Save the Date: Friday, April 27, 2012.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Become a sponsor for this event or provide items for our silent auction. We ask that you also share this event and sponsorship opportunity with your associations or others that may be interested in showing their support. To sponsor or to donate items, please click on Sponsorship Opportunities.

The mission of Crime Survivors is to ensure the public knows victims’ rights and needs and to provide resources, support, and information to empower crime victims to survive and thrive. Crime Survivors vision is for victims of crime to recover from their experience mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially, by receiving the respect, support, and protection from law enforcement, the judicial system, and the community.

Please visit our website at www.crimesurvivors.org for additional information.

We thank you for your support and collaborative partnership. Please call with any questions or additional information at (949) 872-7895 or contact us by email at crimesurvivors@aol.com.

Proceeds from this event will benefit Crime Survivors, Inc. programs and services in our community.

Sincerely,

Patricia Wenskunas
Founder CEO
Crime Survivors, Inc.

Crooks are Getting Ready For The Holidays Too…

crimesurvivors — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:09:54 +0000

By Cameron Knauerhaze

If you are making a list and checking it twice, add crime prevention at the top. This time of year is literally the season to be jolly for some crooks as mall parking lots will be packed and homes will be unattended.

Property crimes (theft, burglary, ID theft, etc.) spike this time of year largely due to one thing: opportunity. Be prepared and take the necessary steps to ensure you and your family’s safety. Here are some tips from the National Crime Prevention Council.

Shopping in Stores •
-       Do not buy more than you can carry.
-       Plan by taking a friend with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.  
-       Print and save all confirmations from your online purchases.
-       -Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit card or bank statements as they come in. 
-       Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as onetime or multiuse disposable credit cards or money orders, at online stores and auction sites.  
-       -Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook. An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.  
-       Deter pickpockets. Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket.  
-       Have your keys when approaching your vehicle and be aware of your surroundings.
- Do not leave packages visible in your car windows. Lock them in the trunk or, if possible, take them directly home.  

Shopping with Small Children •
-       If you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you are separated from each other.  
-       Select a central meeting place. Teach them to know they can ask mall   personnel or store security employees if they need help.  

Shopping Online •
-       Before surfing the Internet, secure your personal computers by updating your security software. Everyone’s computer should have anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-spam software, as well as a good firewall installed. Visit www.bytecrime.org for free software downloads.  
-       Keep your personal information private and your password secure. Do not respond to requests to “verify” your password or credit card information unless you initiated the contact. Legitimate businesses will not contact you in this manner.  
-       Beware of “bargains” from companies with whom you are unfamiliar—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!  
-       Use secure websites for purchases. Look for the icon of a locked padlock at the bottom of the screen or “https” in the URL address.  
-       Shop with companies you know and trust. Check for background information if you plan to buy from a new or unfamiliar company.  

Crime Survivors wishes you and your loved ones’ a safe holiday season and we look forward to a healthy and happy New Year.

Meet Chris Kelly Crime Survivors Council Member

crimesurvivors — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:43:49 +0000

CHRIS KELLY

Chris Kelly is a Silicon Valley attorney with a long track record of representing innovative companies and making the Internet a safer place for kids and adults alike.

As the first Chief Privacy Officer, General Counsel, and Head of Global Public Policy for Facebook, Chris helped the company grow from its college roots to the ubiquitous communications medium that it is today. His development of the site’s safety and security policies around real world identity and deployment of a highly-trained staff for rule and law enforcement are credited as critical elements in the company’s success.

At Facebook, Chris worked with Attorneys General in all 50 states to develop safeguards protecting children from sexual predators and represented the company in complex situations involving privacy and intellectual property in the digital age.

Chris left Facebook in 2009 to seek the Democratic nomination for Attorney General of California, garnering 16 percent of the vote in a seven-way race, his first run for statewide office. Since the June 2010 primary, he has become an active angel investor in companies seeking transformational improvements in technology, media, and finance.

As a policy advisor for President Clinton in the early 1990s, Chris advanced critical domestic programs, including the successful initiative to put 100,000 new community police officers on America’s streets and the formation of AmeriCorps, a network of national service programs that engage Americans to improve education, public safety, health, and the environment.

As an attorney in private practice before his time at Facebook, Chris represented Netscape in the Microsoft antitrust case and Diamond Multimedia in the groundbreaking suit over the MP3 player that furthered personal use rights over digital content.

Chris received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, a master’s degree from Yale University, and his law degree from Harvard University. Raised in Santa Ana and San Jose, he lives in Atherton with his wife Jennifer, an entrepreneur and former prosecutor, their son Aidan and daughter August. Chris also serves on the Board of Directors for the San Francisco 49ers Academy, an alternative public middle school in East Palo Alto.

Elf’s Holly Day Survivor Form

crimesurvivors — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:34:18 +0000