Guest Editorial by Todd Miller, SVP of Strategic Programs, Rave Mobile Safety
The pandemic has put a lot of stress on families – with kids learning at home instead of at school, work also moving into the home, job losses, and economic uncertainty.
Culminated together, these stresses can be a lot for anyone to handle and has led to an uptick in violent incidents according to several reports.
While domestic violence is not a new problem, it has been exacerbated by the pandemic.
Given its prevalence in every community, and impact on all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality, communities must ensure they have the resources to appropriately help victims.
(Every 60 seconds, 20 people fall victim to domestic violence in the United States. Join the fight for change by giving the victims of domestic violence a voice that can be heard. Courtesy of Rave Mobile Safety and YouTube.)
Fortunately, there are tools and technologies available that can support victims, while also protecting their privacy.
In honor of domestic violence awareness month, here are a few steps communities can take to help victims get the resources and support they need.
Empower victims with communication channels to get help
Approximately 2 million injuries occur each year as a result of domestic violence, and can range from physical injuries like fractures, bruises and internal bleeding, to mental health issues, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Sometimes getting help can make the difference between life or death.
However, not every victim is able to call 9-1-1 to report incidents for fear of retaliation or because they are in a situation in which they can’t speak.
If an individual calls for emergency resources and is unable to talk on the phone, agency personnel can use new technologies to initiate a two-way conversation through a text message to collect information and dispatch appropriate resources.
For example, after a call to 9-1-1 was disconnected, a dispatcher quickly texted the number to make sure everything was alright.
Within minutes, the caller texted back that her boyfriend was acting up and she wasn’t able to speak on the phone for fear of her safety.
After getting the caller’s location and other important information about the incident, dispatchers were able to get law enforcement to the scene and ensure the caller was returned to safety.
Text messaging allows victims to communicate silently while enabling emergency responders to maintain a connection with them and collect actionable intelligence to assist first responders as they arrive on the scene.
This also helps identify the background of a silent call, distinguishing whether it was an accidental dial, poor reception or if a person is being held against their will and can’t communicate if they need assistance.
Providing domestic violence victims with a way to contact agencies through text messaging helps them feel safer when reaching out for support.
It can enable them to create a connection to emergency assistance and the outside world, especially if they’re isolated from others, and empower them to get help when it’s needed most.
Put a safety profile system in place
Another way communities can increase awareness of domestic violence in their communities is by implementing a safety profile system and encouraging residents to sign up.
Domestic violence shelters and services are great locations to introduce these services to those in need.
With a tool like this, individuals can create a free safety profile and securely share it with public safety agencies.
They can include information such as protection orders, a photograph, and a description of their aggressor, as well as their address so police officers can quickly locate them if they can’t speak with emergency responders.
Victims can also assign a PIN or safe word to their safety profiles, so responders can request it during an emergency call.
If the caller gives an incorrect PIN, it may indicate the person wasn’t able to communicate freely and allows public safety personnel to enact the proper response.
These safety profiles are also useful because they can serve as a log of past incidents for first responders.
Since profiles are secure, information about past incidents would only show should the victim associated with the profile dial into 9-1-1.
For example, emergency personnel can take notes about a domestic violence situation, such as whether the aggressor keeps a gun in the home and information about previous interactions.
Having all of this information from victims readily available helps emergency responders understand the situation better so they can respond accordingly.
Having this type of information available to law enforcement can be critical.
Not only can law enforcement better protect individuals that are victims of domestic violence, but it can also help protect the first responders.
Domestic violence responses are some of the most dangerous calls that law enforcement gets—having better situational awareness helps protect these responders and can yield much better results.
(Learn how to sign up or and more about Smart911, go to www.smart911.com. Courtesy of Rave Mobile Safety and YouTube.)
Offer resources and support
Domestic violence is a challenging cycle to break, as victims usually struggle whether to reach out for support out of fear and are physically and/or emotionally isolated.
Communities should encourage victims to speak up and seek help when possible, as well as have a publicly available database that can direct them toward appropriate resources, such as counseling or abuse hotlines.
In addition to focusing on these external resources, communities must also do their part by putting certain systems and tools in place that give victims the ability to report incidents and get support at a local level.
Only when victims feel they have the support and resources they need will they feel empowered to report and stop the cycle of violence.
Public safety agencies can take proactive steps to give victims the resources and support they need in their communities
About the Author
Todd Miller is the SVP of Strategic Programs at Rave Mobile Safety.
Prior to joining Rave, Todd managed the self-service consulting Practice at Oracle where he was responsible for the delivery of customized software solutions for clients in North America, supporting millions of users.
At Oracle he was awarded recognition as a member of Oracle’s top 10% in Consulting. Todd’s previous experience includes leading consulting teams for Siebel and eDOCS in North America, Europe, and Australia.
Rave Mobile Safety Selected as Multi-Award Finalist in 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards
Special Early Luncheon Registration Discount Ends November 1
American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is today in its Sixth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program highlighting the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition, and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
American Security Today is pleased to announce TSA Administrator David Pekoske, will join the organization as a featured speaker at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon, on November 17, 2021 at ISC East in New York City.
“On the heels of an unprecedented global pandemic, continued unrest in our cities and potentially catastrophic cyberattacks on our nations critical infrastructure, the focus of the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon will be on the latest, state-of-the-art innovations that are driving investments in new public security and safety technologies and systems,” said AST Editorial and Managing Director Tammy Waitt.
“As a recognized expert in crisis management, strategic planning, innovation and aviation, surface transportation and maritime security, David Pekoske’s message highlighting his top priorities and challenges for the TSA based on his years of wide-ranging experience will be critical to our attendees internalizing the critical nature of these escalating challenges, and realizing innovative new approaches to meet them.”
The 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by AMAROK, Fortior Solutions and SIMS Software, along with Returning Premier Sponsors ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, and Reed Exhibitions.
Additionally, the First 100 Registered Attendees to receive autographed copies of the Latest Book by Legendary Police Commissioner, Bill Bratton, who will be Live at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.
‘The Profession: A Memoir of Community, Race, and the Arc of Policing in America’
The epic, transformative career of Bill Bratton, legendary police commissioner and police reformer, in Boston, Los Angeles, and New York When Bill Bratton became a Boston street cop after returning from serving in Vietnam, he was dismayed by the corrupt old guard, and it is fair to say the old guard was dismayed by him too.
The Profession presents not only a fascinating and colorful life at the heights of law enforcement leadership, but the vision for the future of American policing that we sorely need.
At ISC East 2021 you with the opportunity to interact with a broad array of security industry professionals.
ISC East works closely with other businesses in the security and public safety space to help bring together the Northeast’s largest security trade show each year.
In collaboration with premier sponsor SIA (Security Industry Association) and in partnership with ASIS NYC, ISC East is proud to work with and be supported by various associations, trade publications, charities, and more.
Therefore, the ISC audience of security dealers, installers, integrators, consultants, corporate, government and law enforcement/first responder practitioners will be joined by the ASIS NYC audience of major corporate managerial-through-director-level national and global security executives.
The combination of one-on-one conversations with the industry’s top innovators, integrators and security executives, special events, high-quality education and training, and strong support from industry associations, will allow attendees to learn and evaluate solutions from leading security exhibitors and brands.
With the integration of the Natural Disaster and Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo, the show is moving even further into our reader’s wheelhouse!
Your ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon registration includes complimentary attendee access to ISC East, NDEM and the ASIS NYC Security Conference and Expo!
Thank take advantage of this exclusive luncheon opportunity to take a break from the show – Invite your team, guests, clients and show visitors to a lovely and affordable plated meal event in the heart of New York City, for a fabulous networking opportunity!
Special Early Luncheon Registration Discount Ends November 1
Go to https://americansecuritytoday.com/product/awards-luncheon/ to secure your seat or reserve a table.
***Early Registration Discount Ends November 1. Limited space available so Register Today. There will be no on-site registrations.
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers eyes throughout the story with cutting edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more about the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Check Out the New 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2020 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.
It is your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2020 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
-
For a complete list of 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, click here.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, and the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos