The society we live in is the one we create ourselves. It is like a mirror that reflects the attitudes and behavior of each of us. Before we can start to address violence in our schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, the media, we must first make a commitment to live our own lives without violence.
Take a Stand Against Crime:
Join a Neighborhood Watch |
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Neighborhood Watch is one of the most effective and least costly ways to prevent crime and reduce fear. Neighborhood Watch fights the isolation that crime creates and feeds upon. It forges bonds among area residents, helps reduce burglaries and robberies, and improves relations between police and the communities they serve.
A few concerned residents or a community organization can spearhead the effort to organize a Neighborhood Watch. Members learn how to make their homes more secure, watch out for each other and the neighborhood, and report activities that raise suspicions to the police or sheriff's office. A Neighborhood Watch can be formed around any geographical unit: a block, apartment, park, business area, housing complex, office.
For information about Tucson's Neighborhood Watch program call
791-4450 (Tucson); or 741-4685 (Pima County).
National Crime Prevention Council
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Anger
Anger is usually based on fear and sometimes gives us a sense of power in a situation where we feel powerless. Figuring out what causes your anger can help you understand your emotions. Is someone threatening you? Are you losing control? Are you worried about embarrassment or shame?
If You Are Angry
When you are provoked to anger by a situation that's going wrong or seems to be working against you, try to release your anger in a non-violent way. Try to back off and take time to get over the anger. Physical exercise usually helps: go for a walk or take deep breaths. Talk to a friend: Verbalizing your frustrations can often diffuse them.
When You Find Yourself in Conflict With Another Person
Try to listen to what that person is saying instead of thinking about what you're
going to say next.
State your needs and define the problems. Talk about the
issues without insulting or blaming the other person. Your
position is probably not the only solution.
Compare what you're saying with what you really mean.
Be flexible. Think about a variety of ways to actually solve the problem.
Decide who will be responsible for specific actions after
reaching an agreement.
Find a neutral third party to mediate the situation if you can't work it out.
Based on material from the National Crime Prevention Council.
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Reaching Out to Victims
A purse snatched, a home broken into, a car stolen, a mugging---each can cause physical and financial problems.
Crime also robs its victims of a sense of security and control, a feeling that doesn't come back automatically when a broken window is fixed or an injury heals.
Victims of crime often need practical help with immediate worries. They also need to know someone cares. Here are some ways that you can help a victim of a crime:
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Show your support and concern. This helps victims deal
with feelings of helplessness, guilt, and isolation they often experience.
Listen, but keep your opinions and questions to yourself. Don't blame the victim for being in the
wrong place or doing something foolish. Tell them it is not their fault.
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"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
Ghandi
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Make it comfortable for the victim to talk. Some crime
victims don't want to discuss their experience, while
others need to repeat the story over and over.
Help with practical things---repairing broken locks or
windows, transportation, babysitting, school
assignments. If someone's home has been broken into,
help them improve security or find another place to live.
Offer your company on visits to the police, doctor,
victim services, or court.
Know what services can help. Check with law enforcement, local government, the county attorney, or
a mental health agency.
Tucson Crime Prevention League
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