What do the 1.3 billion active Facebook users have in common? Or the 645 million Twitter, 300 million LinkedIn, and 200 million Instagram users? They make themselves reachable. Marketers have known this for years, and have taken advantage by aggressively targeting consumers through their social media networks. There is no doubt that social media provides great potential to reach specific audiences, and the California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) is demonstrating how government agencies can tap into this digital dialogue to better serve their citizens.
CalVCP processes over 50,000 applications for services to victims and survivors of crime each year, an average of almost 1,000 each week. Still, nearly half of violent crimes are never reported — that’s almost 50% of victims who are not represented in published statistics. How can we reach these hidden populations? Enter social media. While CalVCP continues to conduct traditional outreach through advertising, PSA's, event participation and the like, we recognize the importance of joining the online discussion to better assist victims of crime.
Showing posts with label Social Media. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Social Media. Show all posts
Friday, September 12, 2014
Monday, January 27, 2014
National Stalking Awareness Month
By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer
This January, CalVCP joins the nation in observing the 10th anniversary of National Stalking Awareness Month. In standing with President Obama’s Proclamation, we dedicate this month to “pursuing justice for victims of stalking and ensuring survivors receive the support they need.”
According to California law, stalking is defined as willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly following or harassing another person. It’s not necessarily a single criminal act, but a series of actions directed at a person that causes the victim to fear for his or her safety.
Stalking can include:
It’s worth noting that the word “stalking” has undergone a bizarre evolution in today’s popular culture, with modern technologies blurring the line between destructive crime and casual pastime. Trendy teenagers and young adults can often be heard joking about “Facebook stalking” their best friends or potential partners, a reference to the tracking of a person’s social media page for pictures, status updates, and other personal information. This seemingly innocuous term is in fact very dangerous, as it essentially decriminalizes stalking and minimizes the severity of a very illegal offense. Coincidentally, persons ages 18 to 24 experience the highest rate of stalking victimization. We must teach our youth that stalking is not a joke. It’s not romantic. Far too often, threats can escalate into physical assault or even homicide.It is time to dispel the many common myths that allow stalking behaviors to persist.
The following are examples of widely held misconceptions surrounding stalking:
If you or someone you know is being victimized by a stalker, there are a variety of resources available to help:
Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB). VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.
This January, CalVCP joins the nation in observing the 10th anniversary of National Stalking Awareness Month. In standing with President Obama’s Proclamation, we dedicate this month to “pursuing justice for victims of stalking and ensuring survivors receive the support they need.”
According to California law, stalking is defined as willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly following or harassing another person. It’s not necessarily a single criminal act, but a series of actions directed at a person that causes the victim to fear for his or her safety.
- Unwanted phone calls, texts, letters, emails, or gifts
- Following or spying
- Tracking actions, location, or private information using technology
- Spreading rumors
- Waiting at places for victim; showing up at locations without a legitimate reason
- Harassing victim’s friends or family
We must teach our youth that stalking is not a joke. It’s not romantic. Far too often, threats can escalate into physical assault or even homicide. It is time to dispel the many common myths that allow stalking behaviors to persist.
It’s worth noting that the word “stalking” has undergone a bizarre evolution in today’s popular culture, with modern technologies blurring the line between destructive crime and casual pastime. Trendy teenagers and young adults can often be heard joking about “Facebook stalking” their best friends or potential partners, a reference to the tracking of a person’s social media page for pictures, status updates, and other personal information. This seemingly innocuous term is in fact very dangerous, as it essentially decriminalizes stalking and minimizes the severity of a very illegal offense. Coincidentally, persons ages 18 to 24 experience the highest rate of stalking victimization. We must teach our youth that stalking is not a joke. It’s not romantic. Far too often, threats can escalate into physical assault or even homicide.It is time to dispel the many common myths that allow stalking behaviors to persist.
The following are examples of widely held misconceptions surrounding stalking:
- Stalking
is annoying, but it’s not illegal.
False. Stalking is a crime not just in California, but in all 50 U.S. states. -
Stalking
is a celebrity problem.
False. Approximately 6.6 million people are stalked each year in the United States. 1 in 6 women and 1 in 19 men become victims of stalking at some point during their lifetime. - Most victims are stalked by strangers.
False. Most people are not stalked by strangers, but by someone they know. The most common instance – and most dangerous – is intimate partner stalking. - It’s not considered stalking if you’re dating the person.
False. If the behavior is recurring, unwanted, and causes fear, harassment, or anxiety, it is stalking – regardless of the source.
If you or someone you know is being victimized by a stalker, there are a variety of resources available to help:
- If you’re in immediate danger, call 911
- Contact a local victim advocate: Victim Witness Assistance Centers in California
- The Office of the Attorney General
- Financial assistance for crime-related costs: The California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP)
- Get a confidential address: Safe at Home, California Secretary of State
- More information on stalking awareness: National Center for Victims of Crime’s Stalking Resource Center
Join me this January for National
Stalking Awareness Month as we stand behind
victims, survivors, law enforcement, first responders, advocates, and service
providers in the collaborative effort to create a safer nation for all.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Internet Safety for Kids
By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer
Last week, I discussed that June is National Internet Safety Month and listed several tips on how to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of cybercrime. But, it occurs to me that the amount of time our young people spend online lends itself to a separate discussion all of its own.
The Internet provides us access to limitless information, which is used by billions of consumers daily. People of all ages use this tool to research, connect with others, shop, advertise, pay bills, watch movies and more. Nearly any convenience is a few keystrokes away, but there are risks involved.
When it comes to cybercrime, children are very vulnerable. A study by Pew Research Center, showed that 95 percent of teens access the Internet, making them the largest demographic of Internet users and a target for a multitude of online predators. Child abductions and sexual assault have occurred because predators were able to access personal information through chat rooms, social media sites or online gaming sites.
For example, 36-year-old Tony Mcleod, known as the “PlayStation Predator,” lured a 14-year-old California boy to Los Angeles Airport, where the two boarded a plane to Mcleod’s home in Tampa, Florida. Mcleod and the boy had been in contact for a month, when his parents discovered that the boy had been receiving explicit texts and photos from him. The boy’s parents immediately reported him missing when he did not return from school one day. Detectives discovered that McLeod and the boy were on a flight to Tampa. When they reached the Tampa airport, McLeod was confronted by FBI officials and the boy was returned to his California home.
The PlayStation Predator is just one of many online criminals waiting to lure children away from their homes. Here are some tips for keeping your children cyber safe:
To learn more about Internet safety for children, visit NetSmartz.org.
Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB). VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.
Last week, I discussed that June is National Internet Safety Month and listed several tips on how to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of cybercrime. But, it occurs to me that the amount of time our young people spend online lends itself to a separate discussion all of its own.
 |
When it comes to cybercrime, children of all ages can
access limitless content with only a few keystrokes. |
When it comes to cybercrime, children are very vulnerable. A study by Pew Research Center, showed that 95 percent of teens access the Internet, making them the largest demographic of Internet users and a target for a multitude of online predators. Child abductions and sexual assault have occurred because predators were able to access personal information through chat rooms, social media sites or online gaming sites.
For example, 36-year-old Tony Mcleod, known as the “PlayStation Predator,” lured a 14-year-old California boy to Los Angeles Airport, where the two boarded a plane to Mcleod’s home in Tampa, Florida. Mcleod and the boy had been in contact for a month, when his parents discovered that the boy had been receiving explicit texts and photos from him. The boy’s parents immediately reported him missing when he did not return from school one day. Detectives discovered that McLeod and the boy were on a flight to Tampa. When they reached the Tampa airport, McLeod was confronted by FBI officials and the boy was returned to his California home.
The PlayStation Predator is just one of many online criminals waiting to lure children away from their homes. Here are some tips for keeping your children cyber safe:
- Keep your computer visible. By placing your computer in a high-traffic area of the house, you can keep an eye on the sites your child visits and ensure that they are safe and appropriate.
- Set rules and a password. Monitoring your child’s Internet usage and limiting the sites they visit can help you keep track of your child’s online safety. Let him or her show you what they like to do online, so you’re aware. You can also set a password to limit your child’s Internet access to when you allow it.
- Know who they’re messaging. Being aware of who your child is messaging, whether it’s through social media, email, online gaming or webcam usage, can enable you to make sure your child isn’t communicating with strangers.
- Use Internet security options. By using these options, you can limit what websites show up on your browser. This can prevent access to questionable and explicit sites.
- Don’t forget cellphones. TextGuard, My Mobile Watchdog and iWonder Surf, are mobile applications that can help you keep track of your child’s incoming and outgoing calls, texts, and web browsing habits.
- Talk to your child. Make your children aware of the dangers of online predators and help them understand that by monitoring their Internet usage, you are helping to keep them safe. Keep in mind that even teens need to be reminded of Internet precautions. Encourage them to share Internet safety advice with their friends.
To learn more about Internet safety for children, visit NetSmartz.org.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
National Internet Safety Month
June is National Internet Safety Month, an important observance in today’s technology-savvy world. As a parent of a teenager myself, I find this issue to be extremely relevant. With social networks rapidly attracting a younger age demographic, child abuse online is increasing. In 2009, CalVCP received 13,580 applications involving child abuse, including underage victims who met their predator online. Research shows online abuse can quickly lead to in-person interactions since many internet offenders disguise their age and then invite children into their home. These offenses are why CalVCP is committed to spreading awareness to keep children safe from online abuse.
Last week a headline came across my desk that caught my attention, “7 charged in gang rape of 2 minors in Santa Paula [Southern California].” Upon further reading, I discovered that these men met the minors online, through a social networking website. Many teens are willing to meet with strangers. 16 percent of teens considered meeting someone they've only talked to online and eight percent have actually met someone they only knew online. 52 percent of teens have given out personal information online to someone they don't know offline including personal photos and/or physical descriptions of themselves (Enough.org).
I find these statistics quite frightening. It’s why this month CalVCP encourages all parents and guardians to be diligent and learn how to protect our children from becoming victims of internet crimes. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has suggestions for the best ways to protect and monitor a computer-savvy minor. Here are some of their tips:
As we observe National Internet Safety Month, we will be posting internet safety tips on our Twitter and Facebook pages. Let us continue to be cautious and keep our children safe from online predators and bullies. I encourage you to learn how to use social media, so you understand how these platforms are being exploited to hurt children. I hope you and your children will continue to make safe choices online.
Last week a headline came across my desk that caught my attention, “7 charged in gang rape of 2 minors in Santa Paula [Southern California].” Upon further reading, I discovered that these men met the minors online, through a social networking website. Many teens are willing to meet with strangers. 16 percent of teens considered meeting someone they've only talked to online and eight percent have actually met someone they only knew online. 52 percent of teens have given out personal information online to someone they don't know offline including personal photos and/or physical descriptions of themselves (Enough.org).
I find these statistics quite frightening. It’s why this month CalVCP encourages all parents and guardians to be diligent and learn how to protect our children from becoming victims of internet crimes. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has suggestions for the best ways to protect and monitor a computer-savvy minor. Here are some of their tips:
- If you have reason to suspect your child is viewing inappropriate sites, do not overact. Approach your children with respect.
- Always maintain access to your child's online account and frequently check his/her account.
- Teach your children about responsible use of the resources on the Internet.
- Instruct your children never to arrange face-to-face meetings with someone they met online and not to respond to messages or bulletin board postings that are suggestive, obscene, or harassing.
- Tell your children to NEVER give out identifying information such as name, address, school name or telephone number to people they don't know.
As we observe National Internet Safety Month, we will be posting internet safety tips on our Twitter and Facebook pages. Let us continue to be cautious and keep our children safe from online predators and bullies. I encourage you to learn how to use social media, so you understand how these platforms are being exploited to hurt children. I hope you and your children will continue to make safe choices online.
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