Gang violence can reach into nearly any community, and is not limited to any particular demographic. In Southern California, near San Diego, one upper class neighborhood has experienced the repercussions of Mexico’s dangerous drug war spilling into their community.

The Arellano Felix Organization is one of the most violent enforcement crews in Tijuana, Mexico. But an internal dispute led to the establishment of “Los Palillos” — “The Toothpicks,” — in the San Diego area. These gang members use very dangerous tactics such as kidnapping for ransom,impersonating police officers, violent shoot outs and robberies, and drug deals to finance their operation. Continue reading Taking A Stand Against Gang Violence »

According to the FBI, there are as many as 100,000 active missing persons cases in the United States everyday. Having a loved one go missing is a nightmare. After you report your case to the police, your options are not limited. Take action! There’s a lot you can do to find your missing person.

Make Noise! In 2007, when Lisa Stebic, the mother of two disappeared from her Plainfield, Ill. home, her family and friends took action immediately and made her story a national obsession. They were so successful that people from across the globe have become involved. If someone you love disappears, make as much noise as possible to keep the focus on finding them. Here are a few critical tips which could help you in the campaign to bring your missing loved one home. Continue reading Making Noise! Bringing Attention To Your Missing Loved One »

 

Youth violence can affect teens in any community. Whether bullying, gang violence or disagreements that turn physical, too many of our kids are witnesses to violence on a daily basis. According to Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), youths under 18 account for approximately one in six violent crime arrests. And for every teen who is arrested, there are ten more engaged in physical violence that could have led to serious injury.

But what can your teens do to prevent violence in their school? The folks at SADD have a few tips that could help to maintain a safer school environment.

• Commit to nonviolence. Don’t bully, tease or spread gossip about other students.
• Get involved in your community by volunteering or joining after school programs.
• Learn how to resolve arguments without violence.
• Join groups at school or in your community that promote nonviolence.

Its important to recognize the warning signs of violence early on, in order to prevent or avoid it. If your teen is a victim of hazing or bullying of any kind, or if they witness it happening, its important to talk to a trusted adult and report it. The physical pain may heal, but emotional scars could carry on for life.

According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), 2 out of every 3 rapes in the U.S. are committed by someone the victim knows. This might be an acquaintance, someone they are on a date with or someone they’ve newly met at a bar or club. But no matter who commits the crime, it’s a serious offense either way. The FBI ranks it as the second most violent crime, only after murder.

RAINN offers a few tips to help you recognize and get out of a potentially dangerous situation:

• Reduce your risk by sticking close to friends. Always make sure your friends know where you are and who you are with.
• In any relationship, you should read signals. If someone is not listening to you, not taking you seriously, or not responding when you say no, you should take that as a sign that they will not respect your wishes.
• If you are out in a situation that makes you uncomfortable, get out as safely as you can. If you have to, lie. Make up an excuse to remove yourself from the situation. Tell them you have to go to the bathroom, or to meet a friend, anything to get yourself out.

The circumstances vary from case to case, but the end result is the same. It doesn’t matter what the victim was wearing or if they were drinking. Rape is rape. It is a very serious crime that can have a long lasting effects on a victim.