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Navigating Love: Dating and Relationships for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

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Dating and developing healthy relationships can be difficult for everyone, but especially for people with developmental disabilities. Unfortunately, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and other forms of abuse tend to impact the disabled community at a significantly higher rate. What often complicates things is that abuse typically occurs at the hands of a person who is well-known to, and even loved by, the person with a disability.

Individuals with developmental disabilities may encounter various challenges when it comes to developing healthy relationships. For example, many individuals with developmental disabilities may struggle with verbal and non-verbal communication skills. This can make it challenging for them to effectively express their thoughts, feelings, and needs and understand social cues and nuances in interpersonal interactions. Developmental disabilities can also impact the development of social skills, including the ability to initiate and maintain conversations, interpret facial expressions and body language, and understand social norms and boundaries. As a result, individuals may find it difficult to establish and sustain meaningful relationships or may misinterpret friendly behavior as romantic interest.

Some individuals with developmental disabilities may experience difficulties in regulating their emotions, leading to challenges in managing frustrations, anxieties, and other intense feelings within the context of relationships. This can sometimes result in misunderstandings or conflicts with others. Many individuals with developmental disabilities may also lack access to positive role models or mentors who can provide guidance and support in navigating social relationships. Without adequate support and modeling, they may struggle to develop the skills and confidence necessary for forming healthy connections with others.

All of these concerns highlight the importance of the new Crime Stoppers NEEDS program. Our team is actively addressing these challenges through a community-based approach that includes providing targeted interventions and training for students, school, parents, and law enforcement. By addressing the specific needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and promoting understanding and acceptance within society, we can help facilitate their journey towards building safe, fulfilling, and meaningful relationships.

Teaching young adults about boundaries, consent, and how to recognize signs of abuse is crucial for their safety. Empowering them to assert their boundaries and seek help when needed can prevent instances of manipulation and harm, ensuring their physical and emotional well-being.

For more information on the Crime Stoppers NEEDS program, visit our website here: https://crime-stoppers.org/safe-school-institute/needs-special-needs-education

A Win for Human Trafficking Victims: Pornhub Owner’s $1.8 Million Resolution

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dreamstime l 186155687 Houston Crime StoppersA Win for Human Trafficking Victims: Pornhub Owner’s $1.8 Million Resolution

National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, observed every January, is dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking’s prevalence and impact. It serves as a platform for educational initiatives, awareness campaigns, and outreach programs to inform communities and empower individuals to recognize and combat this crime. Through collective efforts, advocates, NGOs, and law enforcement agencies work towards eradicating human trafficking globally during this month-long campaign.

The anti-trafficking community has worked hard for many years to educate on the prevalence of human trafficking and to help show various industries how they actions may be contributing to this horrific crime. Some of those efforts recently came to fruition in December of 2023 when Pornhub’s owner made headlines as they agreed to pay $1.8 million to resolve a US probe related to sex trafficking ties. This development marks a significant step in addressing the complex issues surrounding the platform and its role in facilitating illicit activities.

The Investigation: The investigation into Pornhub’s activities began amid growing concerns about the platform’s role in the proliferation of non-consensual and exploitative content. Law enforcement agencies, alongside advocacy groups, raised questions about the platform’s policies and its ability to prevent and address instances of sex trafficking. This resulted in the U.S. Attorney’s office charging the parent company of Pornhub, Aylo (formerly MindGeek) with one count of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions involving sex trafficking proceeds. Pornhub agreed to pay $1.8 million to the U.S. government to resolve this probe.

Details of the Resolution: The $1.8 million payment is part of an agreement reached between Pornhub’s owner and the US authorities to settle the probe into the platform’s connections with sex trafficking. This resolution includes financial penalties and commitments to implement substantial changes in Pornhub’s policies and practices. The funds from the settlement are expected to be allocated towards initiatives focused on combating sex trafficking and supporting survivors.

Victim Payment: In addition to the $1.8 million Pornhub paid to the U.S. government, they also agreed to compensate victims whose images were posted to Pornhub and whom have not yet been paid.

The resolution is a historical one because it highlights a shift in accountability from the individual users to the platform itself. Arguably, this resolution shows platforms being held responsible for the content they host, especially when it involves illegal activities such as sex trafficking. This shift raises questions about the ethical obligations of platform owners and the need for proactive measures to prevent exploitation on their platforms. Advocacy groups and lawmakers are calling for stricter regulations, improved content moderation practices, and increased transparency from platforms to ensure they are not inadvertently facilitating criminal activities like sex trafficking.

You can read more about the case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/pornhub-parent-company-admits-receiving-proceeds-sex-trafficking-and-agrees-three-year

 

Domestic Violence Awareness

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Domestic Violence College scaled e1696016185709 Houston Crime Stoppers

“If domestic violence was an issue women could solve on their own, it would be solved by now.”

When I attended my first Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC) partner meeting, one of the other attendees – a long-time victim advocate and expert in the field – shared this thought, and it has stuck with me ever since.

It is a poignant reminder of the responsibility that men have in addressing intimate partner violence that happens within our communities. In 2022, domestic violence was the primary motive behind homicides in unincorporated Harris County, accounting for 30% of homicides.  In 2021, 204 Texans were killed by an intimate partner; 169 of them were women. During the homicides, perpetrators injured an additional 21 victims including four law enforcement officers, six children, and 11 family members and friends. These numbers illustrate the dire and pervasive nature of domestic violence – it not only affects the household but ripples out into neighborhoods and communities.

While we recognize that anyone can be a victim or perpetrator of domestic violence, this blog post focuses on the essential role that men play in combating this pervasive problem. Men, as partners, fathers, friends, and community members, have a unique opportunity to contribute to the fight against domestic violence – it is not only crucial but necessary.

Raising Awareness

One of the primary ways men can contribute to combating domestic violence is by raising awareness. Men often have influential voices in their communities and social circles, especially when speaking to other men. By openly discussing domestic violence and its devastating effects, we can help destigmatize the issue, encouraging more victims to come forward and seek help. Additionally, educating ourselves and others about the signs and consequences of domestic violence can empower men to recognize and address it when they encounter it.

The Power and Control Wheel created by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project in Duluth, Minnesota breaks down the different behaviors and tactics used by violent partners on their victims. Whether it be physical violence, emotional abuse, psychological manipulation, or financial exploitation, abuse takes many forms, and we need to be able to spot them all.

Intervening Safely

When men witness or suspect domestic violence, we have a responsibility to intervene safely. This could involve calling the police, offering support to the victim, or confronting the perpetrator (if it’s safe to do so). While intervening can be intimidating, men’s actions can make a significant difference in ensuring the safety of the victim and holding abusers accountable for their actions.

We do not need to wait until the situation becomes violent to intervene. Men can disrupt abusive norms and behaviors early before they ever lead to violence. Things like sexist attitudes, victim blaming, “locker room talk”, and nonconsensual image sharing all contribute to a culture that normalizes abuse against women. Challenging these things when we see them and making it known that they are unacceptable can help prevent intimate partner violence in the future.

Supporting Victims

Men can provide crucial support to victims of domestic violence. This support may include offering a safe place to stay, assisting with legal matters, or connecting the victim with resources such as shelters and counseling services. By extending a helping hand, men can show survivors that they are not alone and that there is a network of people ready to assist them.

The fight against domestic violence is a collective effort that requires the active involvement of everyone in society, including men. If men are to live up to our role as protectors and providers, we can no longer be passive observers; we must become active advocates for change. By raising awareness, being role models, intervening safely, supporting victims, advocating for policy changes, and supporting domestic violence organizations, men can play a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of domestic violence and creating a safer, more compassionate society for all. It’s time for men to stand up, speak out, and be allies in the fight against domestic violence.

 

National Night Out – October 3, 2023

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national night out family Houston Crime Stoppers

National Night Out is October 3rd this year. This initiative is an annual event that brings neighbors, law enforcement, and community organizations together to foster stronger, safer communities. National Night Out encourages neighbors to get to know one another, build trust, and work collaboratively to create safer neighborhoods. Crime Stoppers of Houston is proud to partner with the Houston Police Department this year to provide safety information at 35+ different National Night Out events across Houston with the mission of building trust and unity within communities. 

Building Trust

One of the primary goals of National Night Out is to build trust between community members and law enforcement agencies. By opening up lines of communication and creating positive interactions, both parties gain a better understanding of each other’s perspectives and challenges. This trust forms the foundation for effective crime prevention and community safety initiatives. Crime Stoppers has been working to aid in trust building between the community and law enforcement for 43 years and therefore we love to be engaged in National Night Out each year.

Empowering Communities

National Night Out encourages communities to take an active role in their own safety. Through organized events such as block parties, cookouts, and neighborhood walks, residents become proactive participants in crime prevention efforts. This empowerment not only deters criminal activity but also fosters a sense of ownership over the safety and well-being of their neighborhoods. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s not uncommon for neighbors to barely know each other. National Night Out provides a unique opportunity for residents to come together, meet their neighbors, and establish connections that go beyond casual greetings. These newfound bonds can lead to stronger support systems, increased civic engagement, and a greater sense of belonging which all, in turn, aid in reducing victimization.

Promoting Safety Education

National Night Out is an ideal platform for disseminating crucial information about safety and crime prevention. For this reason, we hope you will join us at one of the following locations on October 3rd where Crime Stoppers will provide public safety education information:

Audobon Place Assoc. 3405 Audobon 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Avondale Civic Club 307 Fairview 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Camden Greenway 3800 Audley 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Camden Midtown 2303 Louisiana 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Cherryhurst Civic Club 1700 Cherryhurst 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
College Court 4118 Purdue 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
East Montrose Civic Club 2008 Grant 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Ferndale Kerr’s 2800 Kipling 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
First Montrose Commons Civic Club Sul Ross @ Bute 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Hyde Park United Association 1400 Hyde Park 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Country Club Place Civic Club 5511 Jefferson St. 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Mayor’s Assisstance Office 6000 Chimney Rock 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Bray’s Oaks Mgmt District 11240 Fondren 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
South Woodland Hills 2030 Shadow Rock Dr. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Waters Edge on Lake Houston 13555 Lake Superior Ln. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Royal Brook Community 5831 Grayson Oaks Ln. 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Near NW Management District 6640 Antoine Dr. 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Antoine Forest Estates 6102 Oak Pass Dr. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Shepherd Park Terrece 1043 West Donovan 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Kashmere Gardens 3701 Cavalcade 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Pleasantville S/N 1422 Ledwicke 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Settegast Heights Village 7373 N Wayside 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Houston Gardens 10622 Hirsh 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Jr. Achievers/Mayor of Sunnyside 4410 Reed Rd. 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
OST/South Union/Southern Village 5202 Griggs Rd. 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Bayou Terrace/Cloverland/Circle 3801 Hickok Lane 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Neva Jerusalem Church 12230 Hodges Dr. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
North Houston District 500 Greens Rd. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Big Brother/Big Sister 1003 Washington Ave. 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Rice Military 4913 Rose St. 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

 

Conclusion

National Night Out is more than just a one-night event; it’s a catalyst for lasting change in our communities. By bringing neighbors, law enforcement, and community organizations together, we create a powerful force for positive transformation. As we continue to prioritize unity, trust, and safety, National Night Out remains a cornerstone of building stronger, more resilient neighborhoods. Let us embrace this annual tradition and work together to make our communities safer and more vibrant places to call home.

National Day of Remembrance – September 24, 2023

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candles Houston Crime Stoppers
National Day of Remembrance

The National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims, observed annually on September 25th, is a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring and remembering those who have lost their lives to acts of violence. This day serves as a platform for communities, families, and individuals to come together in solidarity, offering support to survivors and acknowledging the profound impact of homicide on individuals, families, and society as a whole.

Origins of the Day

The National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims traces its roots back to Parents of Murdered Children, Inc. (POMC), an organization founded in 1978 by Charlotte and Bob Hullinger after their daughter, Lisa, was tragically murdered. POMC was established to provide support and resources for families who have lost a loved one to homicide. Over the years, POMC worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by survivors of homicide victims.

In 2007, Congress officially designated September 25th as the National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims through a unanimous resolution. This recognition marked a significant milestone in acknowledging the pain and grief experienced by survivors and provided a national platform for collective remembrance and support.

National Day of Remembrance at Crime Stoppers of Houston

Observance of the National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims varies across communities and organizations. Events may include candlelight vigils, memorial services, workshops, art exhibits, and awareness campaigns. Crime Stoppers of Houston partners with the Houston chapter of Parents of Murdered Children each year to put on a National Day of Remembrance event to honor the victims of murder in Harris County for the previous year (September 2022-August 2023). While the primary focus is the victims lost for that year, all surviving family members of homicide are invited to attend the event held at the Crime Stoppers of Houston headquarters.

This Year’s Event:

At this year’s event we will have a new interactive exhibit for family members to write their loved one’s name on a paper butterfly and place it on an elegant hedge alongside fellow victims. The community will be able to pay tribute to the victims placed on the hedge throughout the month of October. Additionally, each victim’s family present at the event will have the opportunity to tell attendees about their loved one ahead of placing their butterfly onto the hedge wall. We will also hear from a victim’s mother who has worked hard this year to advocate for the rights of victims in Harris County and across the State of Texas. We invite all victims, advocates, and the community at large to attend our event. These activities provide opportunities for survivors to share their stories, remember their loved ones, and connect with others who have experienced similar loss.

When: September 24th at 6pm CST
Where: 3001 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
Further Details: Please feel free to bring a picture of your loved one to be displayed at Crime Stoppers during the event. 

Overall, the National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of homicide on individuals, families, and communities. It fosters a sense of unity, compassion, and advocacy, ultimately contributing to a more supportive and empathetic society for survivors of homicide victims.