Be Safe, Not Sorry

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

“Impaired driving” is most commonly attributed to 

alcohol and/or drugs, but also includes potentially deadly 

distracted driving habits.

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Given that impaired driving accounts for nearly one-third of all deaths from motor vehicle crashes in the United States each year, and that we typically see a spike in alcohol and drug related auto accidents during the holiday season, it is imperative to once again address this violent crime.

Last year, CalVCP received nearly 850 claims for crimes involving impaired drivers and provided $1.4 million in assistance for related medical expenses, mental health bills, and funeral/burial costs. Fatalities caused by impaired driving are 100-percent preventable, but eliminating them requires active vigilance from everyone. This, of course, means refraining from driving while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medications, or over-the-counter medications. You don’t have to forgo the holiday festivities, but you should always plan ahead. Be sure to designate a driver at the beginning of the night, whether it be a sober friend or one of the many safe ride programs available throughout the state. For example, AAA’s Tipsy Tow offers members and nonmembers a free tow home on select holidays like Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.

Last year, CalVCP received nearly 850 claims for crimes involving impaired drivers and provided $1.4 million in assistance for related medical expenses, mental health bills, and funeral/burial costs. 

While “impaired driving” is most commonly attributed to alcohol and/or drugs, the term is rapidly evolving beyond the traditional definition of driving under the influence to encompass distracted and potentially deadly habits such as texting or making phone calls without a proper Bluetooth accessory. To thwart the increasing temptation for drivers to multitask on the road, AT&T has publicly spearheaded the “It Can Wait” campaign, a nationwide anti-texting effort complete with mobile app, which allows users to set a customizable autoreply text message similar to an “out of office” alert.

With the many cost-free resources available to Californians, there is absolutely no excuse for drunk, drugged, or distracted driving. In addition to putting your life and others at grave risk, a reckless driving ticket or DUI conviction will burn your bank account, mar your DMV record, and inflate your insurance rates – it’s not worth it! Join me this month, and every day of the year, in pledging to eliminate impaired driving, and to keep our roads and our families safe this holiday season.

---

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 is No Game

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

The most effective crime prevention method
is being aware of your surroundings.

There have been many recent reports about a very dangerous, and sometimes deadly, activity that teens refer to as the “knockout” game. Also called “polarbearing,” the object of this brutal pastime is to target a random victim with the intention of knocking them out in one single punch. Victims are typically assaulted, but not robbed. There is no underlying purpose or motive apart from the thrill of hitting someone to see if you can strike them down like a bowling pin.

Though reports of “knockout” first surfaced in New York, viral internet videos have triggered a troubling nationwide trend, sparking a string of attacks in New Jersey, Missouri, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and most recently, San Diego. “Knockout” attacks have resulted in major injuries, and in a few cases, death.

As a leading victim’s advocate in California, I am disturbed to learn of this senseless act of violence disguised as entertainment, and I want to remind everyone to take precautions to minimize the chance of being victimized. The most effective crime prevention method is being aware of your surroundings. And, as a parent, I’d like to urge other parents to do your part by teaching your children fantasy versus reality. Remind them that life is not a video game; you cannot play with real lives. Encourage children to pursue their talents and passions, as kids who direct their energy in a positive way are less likely to suffer from depression, to bully and/or be bullied, and to satisfy their “boredom” with destructive activities like “knockout.” Lastly, I ask Californians everywhere to report violence if you experience or see it. If you should ever become a victims of this type of senseless and cowardly crime, CalVCP is here and 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.

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.

When it comes to cybercrime, children of all ages can
access limitless content with only a few keystrokes.

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:

• 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.

---

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.

The Reality of Teen Dating Violence

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

43% of College Women Experience
Violence and Abusive Dating Behaviors.

Source: 2011 College Dating Violence
and Abuse Poll  Love is Respect.org

According to a national survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 10 teenagers admitted to being physically hurt by a dating partner. This is a disturbing statistic that must be addressed. As we observe the third annual National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we are dedicated to raising awareness of this critical issue and promoting programs that help prevent it.

Teen victims are at a higher risk for substance abuse, getting poor results in school, eating disorders and even attempts of suicide. Additionally, teens who are abused by their partners are more likely to be victimized in future relationships. Types of abuse include electronic, emotional, physical and sexual.

Awareness is a main factor in prevention. If you are a friend or family member of a teen, encourage him or her to be open about relationships and dating. Make sure he or she knows the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. Teens cannot be allowed to think that violence is normal.

Learn the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. Teens cannot be allowed to think that violence is normal.

In addition, pay attention to signs of abuse. Teen victims of abuse may act depressed or fearful, become isolated from friends and family or develop unexplained injuries. Perpetrators may exhibit traits that lead them to be violent, such as moodiness, anger management issues, lack of parental supervision and use of alcohol or drugs.

If you know a teen that is being victimized by dating violence, encourage him or her to get help. LoveisRespect.org offers a 24-hour support line for questions and help regarding teen dating violence.

There are many opportunities for you take action in preventing teen dating violence this month. Learn more at TeenDVmonth.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.

National Night Out 2012

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

This year, “America’s Night Out Against Crime” will be held on Tuesday, August 7th from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., in communities throughout the nation. It is an evening for neighbors to lock their doors, turn on their porch lights and get reacquainted. This observance helps to build police-community partnerships, raise crime prevention awareness and encourage neighborhood camaraderie. Events such as block parties, cookouts, ice cream socials, parades, visits from police and community leaders, neighborhood and flashlight walks, youth activities, and goal-setting are planned to help promote safety and crime prevention in local neighborhoods.

2012 will mark the 29th National Night Out (NNO). The first NNO was held in 1984 with 2.5 million people in attendance nationwide. Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), NNO was formed to unite neighbors from communities large and small to find ways to help fight and reduce crime. NNO is the perfect conduit because it strengthens police-community partnerships; generates support for local anticrime programs and heightens crime and drug prevention awareness.

The success of the first NNO was a clear indication that people wanted to protect their neighborhoods against drugs and crime. Now that some police forces have been cut, it is especially pertinent. NNO has grown considerably since then, with over 37 million people participating in the event last year, including all 50 states, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide.

NNO has consistently proven to be an effective, inexpensive and enjoyable event to promote neighborhood spirit and safety in each community. Let’s all get acquainted with our neighbors on August 7th and help “Give Drugs and Crime a Going Away Party!”

If your community has not been a part of this dynamic program, it’s not too late. Information is available on the National Association of Town Watch website to help you get started on your own local chapter.

---

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.