Celebrate Responsibly | Tips from MADD

By Brenda Frachiseur, MADD California Executive Director

Summertime is here and the Fourth of July is traditionally a time to celebrate vacations and family togetherness; however, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) warns that it can also be a dangerous time for those traveling on California roads. In 2010, 155 people were killed nationwide in drunk driving crashes over the holiday weekend, and 80 percent of those crashes took place at night, between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. These were people whose lives have been forever impacted and whose summer vacations and celebrations will no longer be fond memories. Tragically, their deaths and injuries were 100% preventable.

In 2010, 155 people were killed nationwide in drunk driving crashes over the holiday weekend, and 80 percent of those crashes took place at night, between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m.

Too many of us at MADD know the pain of losing a loved one in a drunk driving crash, so it’s our hope that by drawing attention to the increased dangers associated with a holiday like the Fourth of July, we can save other families the heartache and devastation caused by drunk driving. The next couple of months are sure to be filled with BBQ’s, informal get-togethers, and special family traditions. MADD encourages people to plan ahead for a safe way home if their plans include alcohol.

MADD would like to encourage you to consider a few ideas and take the simple steps necessary to keep your traditions and your loved ones alive. These simple tips will ensure your celebrations do not turn into tragedies.

As a party giver, perhaps one of your most important responsibilities is to plan for your guests’ safety after the party.  Don’t overlook some of these simple but crucial details:

• Avoid making alcohol the main focus of the party.  Entertain guests with outdoor games, food, and lively conversation.
• Be sure to offer plenty of non-alcoholic choices such as “mocktails”, sparkling water and soft drinks.
• Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the end of the event.  Instead, serve coffee and desserts.
• Never serve alcohol to anyone under 21.
• Recruit designated drivers before the party begins.
• Offer your place to spend the night.
• Have everyone drop their keys in a basket when they arrive and only return the keys to sober drivers.
• BE PREPARED TO TAKE THE KEYS!

As a party goer, planning is the key:

• Decide to be the Designated Driver.
• Consider going with a group of friends and designate a sober driver before the celebration begins.
• Take a cab, public transportation, or rent a limo.
• Have the number of a taxi service in your pocket before heading out (some companies even provide free taxi services during holidays).

 With just a few precautions, your parties can be fun, safe and memorable for all the right reasons.

A final thought - as part of the nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown on drunk driving around the Fourth of July, California law enforcement will be intensifying their efforts to deter and detect drunk driving, in order to prevent these needless deaths and injuries.

Be safe and enjoy our Nation’s birthday!

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Brenda Frachiseur is the Executive Director of MADD California. As one of the largest victim services organizations in the U.S., MADD supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge, serving one person every eight minutes through local MADD victim advocates. For more information about MADD California, visit www.maddcalifornia.org.

Elder Abuse in 2012

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

The Seventh Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day will be observed on June 15, 2012. This is a day that recognizes the horrendous problem of abuse of the elderly, including financial, assault, false imprisonment, neglect, exploitation, even rape or homicide. These crimes can happen to anyone. Actor Mickey Rooney and his family were in the news recently because of their experience with elder abuse. Californians aged 65 or older are projected to be the fastest-growing age group between 2000 and 2020, according to the Center for Budget Policy. By 2020, California will be home to the largest population of older adults in the United States, making it critical that we find increased and better ways to assist the elderly.

Seniors can be physically or sexually abused, but they are more likely to have their money or possessions stolen, which can be devastating on many levels. According to the California Attorney General, the financial abuse of seniors is so rampant it is being called “the crime of the 21st century.” For these seniors who have been so victimized, it can make them feel violated, angry, stupid or depressed. Seniors are hesitant to report these crimes because they don’t want their friends and family to think less of them or their decision-making abilities. Many financial abuse victims had led a long and happy life, but died feeling miserable because of the financial abuse they suffered.

Los Angeles County leads the way with approximately 160,000 cases of elder and nursing home abuse every year with most of these cases going unreported. Physical elder abuse is commonly committed by individual employees against patients in elder care facilities. These crimes include homicide, rape, false imprisonment, assault and battery. LA County alone represents 25% of all cases in California, followed by Orange County at approximately 53,000 cases, or 8.4% of the state’s cases of elder abuse. Just five of our 58 counties account for over half of all elder abuse cases: Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside and Santa Clara. Health care professionals, social workers, nursing home workers, employees of banks and credits unions and members of the clergy are required to make reports to Adult Protective Services or law enforcement if they suspect elder abuse.

On Elder Abuse Awareness Day, individuals and organizations are urged to raise awareness of the various types of abuse to which older individuals are subjected. This year, take a stand in the fight against elder abuse and take a stand for dignity and respect of our elders.

NOTE: Each county has an Adult Protective Services (APS) agency to help elder adults (65 years and older) and dependent adults (18-64 who are disabled) when they are unable to meet their own needs, or are victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Contact your local county APS.

The following website has information on where to report instances of elder abuse: http://www.dca.ca.gov/consumer/seniors/elder_abuse.shtml

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB), appointed in 2008. VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.

A Day in the Life of an Advocate

By Patricia Wenskunas, Founder and CEO Crime Survivors

Orange County nonprofit
provides support and services
for survivors of crime

On April 4, 2002 I was the victim of a violent crime. Until that day, I had no idea the physical and emotional trauma crime victims face, nor did I understand how frustrating the criminal justice system could be for victims. While my body was healing inside and out, I learned that crime victims such as myself did not have a voice in the justice system.

A year after my victimization, I founded Crime Survivors, Inc., and for the last ten years I have been fighting to ensure that all crime victims have the resources and the right to survive and thrive!

A typical day for me involves talking to crime victims, offering them a friendly, caring ear as well as referrals to the help many of them are trying to locate. I also correspond to many emails, not only from victims, but from law enforcement personnel, attorneys, counselors, and friends and supporters of Crime Survivors.

I also attend briefings and trainings at law enforcement agencies throughout southern California, educating each of them on my survival and on the ways they can take care of the residents they encounter throughout their day. Over the years, law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange Counties have become extraordinary collaborators and partners in our mission. I frequently meet with sheriffs and police chiefs because I truly believe that we can all make a positive impact in someone’s survival. Many of these agencies distribute materials and resources made available to them by Crime Survivors.

While much of my day is spent out in the community, I also need to ensure that we continuously build our social media presence and stay current and relevant for those who follow us. Not only do we get amazing volunteers through Facebook, Twitter, our website and blog, but these are also great avenues for sharing information and resources and growing our base of dedicated donors and supporters.

Speaking of donors and supporters, we couldn't do any of this without them! This is why I work with my board of directors to raise funds and build contacts throughout southern California so that we can continuously build upon our mission and sustain long term success.

My survival would not have been possible without the law enforcement, medical, and criminal justice professionals that helped me. I was also blessed by the work of many non-profit organizations as well as organizations such as the California Victim Compensation Program. I am so thankful for all of their support because without them, I wouldn't be here to help others survive and thrive!

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Patricia Wenskunas is a survivor of attempted murder and childhood abuse, Founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization Crime Survivors, Inc., Founder and CEO of Orange County Crime Stoppers, a professional public speaker, victim advocate and motivational consultant.

Putting Safety and Prevention First During National Missing Children's Day

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

Posters asking for the safe return of missing California
teen, Sierra LaMar, show messages and well-wishes.
Credit: Los Angeles Times

As of today, 15-year-old Sierra LaMar from Morgan Hill remains missing. Police believe Sierra was abducted the morning of March 16, 2012 while walking to a school bus stop near her home. Sierra is but one of hundreds of children currently missing in California.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) indicates that over 2,100 children are reported missing in America each day. Last year, the Department of Justice reported 94,152 children missing in California. In the same year 63,346 runaways returned on his/her own, 17,840 lost children were located by law enforcement and 36 children were found deceased.

Children who return home often benefit from care and assistance as they transition back to their lives. Over the last three fiscal years, the California Victim Compensation Program has provided over $1.3 million to kidnapped and rescued children in California for services including medical, dental and mental health treatment. In the most tragic of circumstances, eligible parents and guardians are provided funding to help bury their loved ones.

The NCMEC found that in 81% of attempted abduction cases, children escaped would-be abductors through their own actions by yelling, kicking, pulling away, running away or attracting attention.

Understanding prevention and safety is necessary to reduce the number of missing children.

Take a moment to review this list of helpful resources and information:

• The Take 25 campaign urges parents to take 25 minutes to talk to their children about safety, abduction and prevention. NCMEC has produced a list of safety tips as a part of its national child safety campaign.
• The AMBER Alert™ Program is a voluntary partnership between law enforcement agencies, broadcasters, transportation agencies and the wireless industry for the most serious child abduction cases. Through May 16, 2012, the program has helped safely recover 584 children.
• NetSmartz provides age-appropriate resources to teach children and teens to be safer on- and offline. Games, videos, tip sheets and presentations are designed for children, teens, parents, guardians, educators and law enforcement to help empower our communities to make safer decisions.
• Legislation plays an important role in keeping our communities safe. On September 9, 2010, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bill 1844 which provides tougher penalties for sexual offenders. This legislation, also known as Chelsea’s Law, was introduced in collaboration with Brent and Kelly King in response to the murder of their 17-year-old daughter Chelsea by a registered sex offender.

We keep Sierra LaMar in our thoughts and hope for her safe return. I hope you will join me in remembering her and all the children who have yet to be found. Let us do all we can to teach safety and prevention to our young ones.

To learn more about NCMEC, call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST or visit the web site at http://www.missingkids.com./

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB), appointed in 2008. VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.

Officers Remembered

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

Before becoming peace officers, men and women go through an extensive application, testing and training process. Only those most committed and dedicated to the pursuit of a safer, more just society are chosen to serve and protect. Each day, officers put on their uniforms, all while understanding the dangers they face and the sacrifices they may be faced with.

Today we commemorate Peace Officers
Memorial Day. We honor and remember
those law enforcement officers who made
the ultimate sacrifice, we do not take for
granted their bravery and sacrifice.

Today our flag at headquarters flies at half staff as we commemorate Peace Officers Memorial Day. We remember those law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the family members, friends, and fellow officers they left behind. We do not take for granted the bravery and sacrifice of these officers and the work they do to make our communities safer each day.

During Police Week, we are faced with the solemn reminder that our law enforcement officers are not immune to deadly violence. Last Sunday, the names of 362 fallen officers nationwide were formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial in Washington, D.C. during the 24th Annual Candlelight Vigil. These include 163 officers who were killed last year, plus 199 officers who died in previous years, but whose stories of sacrifice had been lost to history until now. The national monument now contains the names of 1,522 fallen California law enforcement officers, who have died on duty throughout U.S. history, dating back to the first known officer death in 1791.

This week, I ask that you join me and the nation in paying tribute to the thousands of men and women who serve us with extraordinary bravery and remember the heroes who have laid down their lives.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB), appointed in 2008. VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month | Every Child Counts

By Anna M. Caballero, Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency and VCGCB Chair

Child abuse has many forms. It can be a physical attack, child neglect, or emotional or sexual abuse, and it often leaves lifelong scars. April has been designated National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) seeks to raise the awareness of this horrific crime and its outcomes.

Government statistics are based on cases that are reported to social service agencies, investigated by Child Protective Service workers, where there was evidence to determine that a legal definition of “abuse” or “neglect” was met. In short, official government statistics are only “the tip of the iceberg.”

According to experts, most abused and neglected children never come to the attention of governmental authorities, which is particularly true for neglected and sexually abused children, who may not exhibit physical signs of harm. In the case of sexual abuse, secrecy and intense feelings of shame may prevent children, and adults who may be aware of the abuse, from seeking help.

Sadly, most children who are sexually abused are abused by a family member or close friend, and "stranger danger" is quite rare. In fact, the perpetrator is more likely to be someone in the child’s everyday life.

All types of child abuse and neglect can leave lasting scars. Some of these scars may be physical, but emotional scarring can also have long lasting effects; damaging a child’s sense of self-worth, the ability to have healthy relationships, and ability to function at home, at school and at work. Child abuse can happen in all neighborhoods and in all families; it crosses all racial, economic, and cultural lines.

Child abuse victims many times suffer from a lack of trust and relationship difficulties; core feelings of being “worthless” or “damaged.” Sexual abuse survivors, internalizing the feeling of stigma and shame surrounding the abuse, often struggle socially and have trouble regulating their emotions.

This is where CalVCP comes in. CalVCP is committed to helping these young victims get the counseling and other services they need to help them recover. We are committed to helping all victims of child abuse regain their voice and take control of their futures. While we can’t give back the innocence that so many have lost, we can help them to heal and be a voice to stop child abuse from happening in the future.

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Anna M. Caballero serves Governor Jerry Brown as a cabinet member and as Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency. She is responsible for the oversight of departments charged with civil rights enforcement, consumer protection, and licensure for 2.4 million working professionals. She has served in state and local government as Mayor of Salinas, as a city council member for fifteen years, and in the California State Assembly for four years. Prior to her election to the Assembly, Caballero established Partners for Peace, a nonprofit organization dedicated to youth violence prevention in Salinas.

Domestic Violence | A Community Issue

By Leland Yee, California State Senate

For most of American history, domestic violence has been thought of as a private family issue; however with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The National Institute of Justice report that one in four women will fall victim to domestic violence in their lifetime, it is clear that we as a society have to do more to stomp out this abhorrent practice. Although women are more commonly victimized by domestic violence crimes, men account for 15 percent of intimate partner violence. This widespread abuse is no longer a private problem as it has become a social issue affecting the well-being and healthy development of too many families and communities. Our efforts to prevent this abuse have benefited many families; however, more can be done.

State agencies and domestic violence advocates have done an impressive job in getting the public involved in building safer communities by fighting back against domestic violence. The work to educate the public on domestic violence and prevention techniques has set many families on the right path. Still, new domestic violence stories continue to appear daily in the media.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics Crime Data Brief, on average, more than three women and one man are murdered by their intimate partners in this country every day. Studies also show that the costs of domestic violence in our country for medical and health care have exceeded $5.8 billion per year.

While many still view domestic violence as a psychological and private family issue, it is imperative to understand its societal affects. The damage of domestic violence has been shown to perpetuate the poverty and psychological challenges that face many American families. This creates a negative environment in which to raise our children.

Many factors lead to domestic violence; however, a larger social effort is vital to move toward freedom from this abuse. There is so much more we can do stop the prevalence of this offence. There is power in numbers: more of us should get involved to encourage victims and their children overcome domestic violence and other forms of abuse by empowering them to govern their own lives. From spreading awareness to sharing countering techniques and suggesting methods to voting for new legislation, our combined efforts will change the course of this domestic violence.

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After serving four years in the California State Assembly, Leland Yee was elected to the State Senate in November 2006. In 2010, Senator Yee was re-elected. Representing District 8, which includes San Francisco and San Mateo County, Yee is the first Chinese American ever elected to the California State Senate.

During his tenure in the Legislature, Senator Yee has fought for children, mental health services, working families, seniors, education, open government, consumer protection, civil rights, and the environment. He has consistently voted against budget cuts to education, social services, and health care.