The Victim Assistant
The Victim Assistant
The Victim Assistant: Crime Victim Advocacy is a podcast dedicated to raising awareness and providing resources, information and support to victims of crime. I will discuss different crimes and the impact of victimization on individuals and society. NEW episodes will be exclusive to Patreon starting 4/5/24 Join my Patreon community.
Surviving Trauma w/ Andrea Mack Certified Life Coach & Transformational Speaker
S4:Ep2. What is trauma? How to heal? In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with Andrea Mack, certified life coach and transformational speaker. We discuss her story of child sexual abuse, healing journey and how she helps others overcome adversity.Info in podcast: https://www.wellandgood.com/how-heal-from-trauma/Guest Andrea Mack- Andrea-Mack.comNational Suicide Prevention Hotline-988Crisis Hotlines-https://www.apa.org/topics/crisis-hotlinesTherapyRoute.com- international crisis hotli
Racism and Hate Crimes
S3:Ep1 According to a recent FBI report, hate crimes, in the United States, rose to the highest levels in 12 years in 2020. In this episode, I will discuss hate crimes, the rise, reasons, prevention, and the state of our social and political climate that contributed to a surge in assaults on Black and Asian Americans in 2020. Articles: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/aug/31/us-hate-crimes-2020-fbi-reporthttps://www.statista.com/topics/4178/hate-crimes-in-the-united-states/#topicHeader
Gun Violence in America, Sensible Solutions
In this episode, I will discuss multiple solutions to help combat gun violence in America. Get ready for a strong discussion on creating a culture of safety. I will highlight sensible solutions, combating myths about guns and self-defense, and prevention strategies that work. Americans will see gun violence prevention through a public health perspective. Let's listen and learn. No more senseless suffering. Resources and Information used in this podcast: Everytown.org, preventioninstitute.org,
National Crime Victim Law Institute- Interview w/ Meg Garvin Executive Director
Crime victims have rights! In this episode, I am excited to share a valuable resource in the arena of victims' rights: National Crime Victim Law Institute. This non-profit fights for victims' rights through legal advocacy, training and public policy. I interview, Executive Director, Meg Garvin and we discuss the organization and how they can help crime victims with resources and support in the court system. https://law.lclark.edu/centers/national_crime_victim_law_institute/ Visit their social me
Caitlynne’s Law
In this special episode, I speak to Melanie Infinger, a mother, who is fighting for bail reform in Texas after her daughter’s murderer is set free on a PR bond at no cost. Melanie shares her daughter’s domestic violence relationship, the events leading to her death and her passionate fight to enact Caitlynne’s Law. Listener discretion advised. To learn more about Caitlynne’s story and how to support Caitlynne’s Law visit http://caitlynneslaw.org. Additional resources: https://www.texastribune.or
Violence Prevention and Victimization Short
This short episode of The Victim Assistant answers the question: How can I prevent being a victim of crime? Listener questioned answered. Let's take five. I will list six tips that can help reduce your risk of being a victim of crime. Listen, learn and gain some knowledge about crime prevention and resources. Resources cited: ojp.gov, RAINN.org, victimconnect.org, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC.gov), connectsafely.org. Additional resource: National DV Hotline the hotline.org, Justice.gov for
Catfishing
Live Episode. We are going to talk about this deceptive form of cyberstalking and cyberbullying. What is it? The warning signs, the history, and how can you protect yourself? Resources : cybersmile.org promotes digital citizenship, awareness, education and support. Verywellfamily.org for articles and support keyword catfishing. The Federal Trade Commission for financial fraud and crimes. FTC.gov. Ditch the Label https://us.ditchthelabel.org/how-to-spot-a-catfish/ *If you have been a victim or
Cults: Exposing Spiritual Abuse
On this episode, we will explore the dangers and dynamics of cults and their leaders. Who joins a cult and why? Cult or Religion? Many times these cult leaders commit crimes that leads to victimization. We'll take a look at cult leader James Arthur Ray, featured on Oprah and The Secret, and "The Fatal Retreat" where three people died and many injured as a result of a spiritual exercise gone wrong. I hope that this episode can raise awareness. My sincere condolences to the families of the three p
Missing Persons, Shining a light on those missing 🕯
There are over 600,000 people that. go missing every year in the U.S. On this episode, we examine how Missing Persons cases are investigated and reported in the U.S.; best practices. In addition, we will talk about how to best support families during this difficult time. Resources provided and used for content: Namus National Missing and Unidentified Persons System namus.gov, National Center For Missing and Exploited Children missingkids.org, Runaway Safeline 1800runaway.org, The Center For Hope
Survivors of Homicide Victims: Exploring Grief and Support
Families of murder victims need long term advocacy and support. Through this episode, you will receive information and guidance on the benefits of grief support services and resources. For more information and a comprehensive list of support services visit https://www.verywellhealth.com/grief-loss-bereavement-support-groups-1132533 https://ovc.ojp.gov/topics/homicide-victims-co-survivorsGoodtherapy.org
Elder Abuse Financial Exploitation: A Betrayal in the Family
In this episode, we explore elder abuse, specifically the crime of financial exploitation, in families. Financial fraud, by family, is a growing concern for elders; we’ll explore the crime, prevention, reporting and coping with betrayal. We will get into our “feels” and explore healing and letting go. For more information on elder abuse and info used in podcast visit, https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice , https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/elder-abuse , https://victimconnect.org/ , https://www.for
Child Sexual Abuse: Part II Exploring the Documentaries, Leaving Neverland & Surviving R. Kelly
Part two of the Child Sexual Abuse Series. Episode contains sensitive, adult material and language. In this episode, we take a look at the two controversial documentaries, Leaving Neverland and Surviving R. Kelly. In an effort to build a culture of acceptance for survivors and create change, its important to recognize and call out the red flags of abuse. Understanding the signs of abuse can help us determine the truth. An honest, transparent discussion of disclosures of sexual abuse. For more
Child Sexual Abuse: Part 1
This is part one of a two part series. Episode contains sensitive material and adult language. April is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. Every year there are over 3 million reports of child abuse and neglect. In this episode, you will learn the definition, warning signs, the profile of predators, reporting and prevention. It’s important to recognize the signs of abuse and crimes against children. For more information and prevention material visit Crimes Against Children Resource Cente
Dating Violence FAQ
On this episode, I will answer most frequent asked questions about dating violence. February is Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. This is an issue that impacts not only teens but parents, friends, family and our communities. By raising awareness and educating the public we can all do our part to promote safe and healthy relationships. Information and statistics from youth.gov, loveisrespect.org, verywellfamily.com keyword: dating violence. Teens wanting confidential support loveisr
Stalking
January is National Stalking Awareness Month. Are you being stalked? What do you do if you are being victimized by a stalker? These questions will be answered in this episode of The Victim Assistant. We will talk about safety planning, documenting stalking and discuss how technology is used by stalkers to invade our privacy. In addition we will discuss tech safety and resources to protect your devices. For more information about stalking, privacy, and victim support visit these websites: Privacy
Protective Orders for IPV
In this episode, I will provide basic, general information on protective orders for victims of intimate partner violence. I will discuss the who, what, where, why, safety planning, and explain the Violence Against Women Act and full faith and credit. For more information about protective orders and to learn about the laws in your state please visit womenslaw.org. If you need assistance with safety planning please call National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233 or visit their website www.the
Sexual Assault and Rape Culture
This episode explores and disbands the myths surrounding sexual assault and rape culture and highlights the case of Chanel Miller, survivor of Sexual Assault. I will define rape culture and its role in creating a culture that is insensitive to survivors of rape and sexual assault. We will discuss consent, prevention, and intervention. Information in this episode is of sensitive nature. For more information on sexual assault visit RAINN.org or call hotline 800-656-HOPE for support. Information