Crime

The Woman Card

~ Laurie Samuel ~ Leave a comment

Woman Card.jpg

This past week Donald Trump made a speech where he stated that Hilary Clinton is playing the ‘woman card.’ All I could do was laugh. It was a very dainty and feminine laugh mind you as after all, I am a woman. What on earth is a woman card and at what point did it get easy being a woman in society? Only a woman can understand how hard it is to live in and navigate through a place and moment in time that still favors men. And for those women working in a male dominated field, the pressure and challenges are even greater. If you are too assertive, then you are labeled a b*#$h or your sexuality is questioned. If you are quiet then you may be seen as a pushover. If a man harasses you and management is alerted, it is quite possible that you could be ostracized and not viewed as a team player. No more did this ring true but in the tragic case of Fairfax County Firefighter Nicole Mittendorff. Firefighter Mittendorff was reported missing the week of April 11th and after an exhaustive search, her body was found in the Shenandoah National Park where it is alleged that she killed herself.

It was discovered that Nicole was being harassed online by fellow firefighters who called her ugly names such as slut and whore, comments that surfaced even after her body was found. The Fairfax County Fire Department has opened an investigation into the cyberbullying of Firefighter Mittendorff. And let me remind you, cyberbullying is a form of harassment. Sexual comments made in cyberspace are sexual harassment. The fact that the comments are not being made to someone’s face does not diminish their impact.

Current numbers show that female firefighters represent approximately 4% of the total population of firefighters. It is a tough job and is a very difficult profession to get into. To argue that women sleep their way into these jobs is absolutely ludicrous. Furthermore, the pressure on women entering this field to succeed and to prove themselves to their male colleagues is extremely difficult. And sorry folks, I just don’t think the woman card can help you scale a 50 ft. ladder with a 150 lb dummy on your back. It just doesn’t work that way.

Be safe,

L.J. Follow me on Twitter: @CrimeDoc1213

Note: if you have not heard from a friend in a while and you are concerned, please check on them. You never know what a person may be going through. Let’s support and help one another out. It may prevent another tragedy such as this one. And it is okay not to know what to say. You can always direct friends and family to resources such as:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255  Samaritans 1-800-273-TALK

#womancard #womensissues #women #womeninsociety #maledominatedfields #bullying #cyberbullying #cyberbully #NicoleMittendorf #FairfaxCounty #Virginia #FairfaxCountyFireDepartment #firefighters #harassment #sexualharassment #suicide #crime #justice #reform #ljsamuel #deardiary

References

Cloherty, M. (2016, April 27). Investigation into cyberbullying of Fairfax firefighter to set precedent. WTOP. Retrieved from www.wtop.com.

Golgowski, N. (2016, April 27). Female firefighter’s suspected suicide sparks cyberbully probe. Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/nicole-mittendorf-firefighter-bullying_us_57e2959e4b0d0042da9b3d6

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real Talk on Domestic Violence

~ Laurie Samuel ~ Leave a comment

image

Chances are you know someone that has been abused. Chances are you have seen a couple argue in public.  Chances are someone has put their hands on you, shoved you, or spoken to you in a loud, harsh, demeaning manner that could only be described as verbal abuse.  However you define it, it is all abuse.  And we need to do something about it. Females are being victimized younger and younger as they enter the dating world earlier, some as early as middle school.  We do not need anymore violence against women and we do not need any more killings at the hands of an intimate partner.

On Wednesday, March 23, 2016, there will be a discussion on this very issue at Shaw Library in Washington, DC.  This is a free community event so come out and lend your ear and contribute on ways to combat this crime and social disease.  Bring a friend or bring a young lady new to dating or bring an older woman who is more seasoned.  We need you all there!

There will be a social hour with refreshments and an opportunity to network with other women.  Please RSVP at bit.ly/1QDK4eC

Be safe,

L.J.

Follow me on Twitter: @CrimeDoc1213

#domestic violence #dating #violence #onlinedating #singles #singlewomen #singlepeople #DC #DMV #DCdatingscene #WomensHistoryMonth #crime #justice #solutions #dontblamethevictim #ljsamuel #deardiary

 

 

New Year, New Things

~ Laurie Samuel ~ Leave a comment

Red black coming soon

Greetings All and Happy New Year! It is January 22nd, I can still say that, right?  This is my first post for 2016.  A new year brings a fresh beginning, blossoming of new ideas, the setting of goals, and an opportunity to hit the ‘reset’ button.  I pray this year brings you all that you hope and dream for.

I want to give everyone a sneak peak of my new project for 2016.  Another book! It is the second in the Samantha Harris Crime Series.  Book two is called Going Rogue.  I thank you all for the support of my first book Dear Diary and pray you will continue to support me as my new baby is rolled out.

Going Rogue

Sam is back and tough as ever!

Samantha Harris is back on the job at the DC Police Department after taking some personal time off after her abusive husband was killed by her partner. Just as she is settling in to resume her old duties, the Chief of Police transfers her to Internal Affairs. Friends and colleagues turn on her, leaving Samantha isolated within her own Department. As she is fighting to get her job back at the helm of Homicide, all hell breaks loose and Samantha is thrust into an investigation of a DC Officer gone rogue. Can she maintain her credibility and prove she is still strong enough to handle the job?

Stay tuned for details!

Be safe,

L.J. Follow me on twitter: @CrimeDoc1213

#HappyNewYear #2016 #GoingRogue #DearDiary #LJSamuel #amwriting #amediting #crimefiction #sequel #Amazon #Kindle #crime #justice #police #DCPolice #DC #DMV

Christmas Safety Tips

~ Laurie Samuel ~ Leave a comment

Christmas Picture

The holiday season brings a lot of excitement.  Between the shopping, Christmas parties, and family gatherings, it is easy to get distracted. Throw alcohol into the mix and it is easy to see how one may let their guard down as they are out and about.  Slow down and pay attention to what is going on around you.  We can all play a bigger part in reducing victimization and looking less attractive to criminals on the street.

Holiday personal safety tips:

  1. Pay attention to your surroundings.
  2. Walk in well-lit areas.
  3. Scan the street and make a mental note of what and who you see.
  4. Stick to familiar areas.
  5. NEVER walk down the street talking on your cell phone (or listening to music on headphones).
  6. Try to walk with others as there is strength in numbers.
  7. Let friends and loved ones know where you will be.
  8. If you are drinking, ensure that you have a sober friend with you.
  9. If you’re out shopping, try to carry packages in one hand so you have a free hand.
  10. If you’re scared, ask a security officer to walk you to your car. It is ok to ask for help and to put authorities on alert.

Criminals are looking for vulnerabilities. The minute you let your guard down they will pounce.  Pay attention and reduce the distractions so that you can get home safe and enjoy all the fun the holidays have to offer.

As always, be safe,

L.J.
Follow me on Twitter: @CrimeDoc1213

#personalsafety #safetytips #victimization #victim #crimeprevention #selfdefense #Christmas #ChristmasShopping #holidays #ljsamuel #deardiary

 

 

Halloween Safety Tips

~ Laurie Samuel ~ 1 Comment

Halloween

It’s that time of year again.  The days are shorter, the leaves are turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow and the mornings are crisp and cool.  As fall begins so too does the holiday season.  For those that participate, Halloween is a time for fun and games and to perhaps live out a childhood fantasy through dress and play.  (I still secretly think I’m Wonder Woman, but aren’t all women???)  This week’s post is a quick safety reminder as you prepare for parties, to take the kids out trick-or-treating, and engage in other fun activities.

Tips:

  1. Small children should always be accompanied by a parent or other trusted adult guardian while trick-or-treating.
  2. Older children should travel in a group and should never be out on the street alone.
  3. Avoid placing children in long costumes that may drag on the ground as they may trip and fall.  The costume may also get caught on a curb causing injury.
  4. For costumes that incorporate make-up or a mask, ensure that the eyes are not obstructed.
  5. If possible, wear light colored costumes so that you are easily visible.  Consider placing a light or reflective material on children wearing dark colored costumes so that drivers can see them as they navigate area neighborhoods.
  6. Stay in well-lit areas and on familiar streets.
  7. Let people know where you will be and always carry a cell phone.
  8. Parents and guardians should always inspect their children’s candy before it is consumed and it is best not to eat homemade treats.  Throw away any candy that has been opened, has a hole in it or appears to be tampered with.  If you have any doubts, err on the side of caution and throw it away.  (There have been police reports across the country of authorities uncovering candy laced with ecstasy so you can never be too careful).
  9. For those adults participating in Halloween parties, be mindful of your alcohol consumption.  If you know you’re going to be drinking, use Uber or have a designated driver.
  10. If you’re at a private home, club or other venue, never leave your drink unattended or consume a beverage you are unsure of.  Unfortunately, predators still try to entice victims by placing harmful substances in their drinks.

People tend to let their guard down when they are excited or distracted.  These reminders are simple tips for preventing harm, injury, and victimization.  Have a great time this weekend and as always, be safe!

L.J.
Follow me on Twitter: @CrimeDoc1213

#Halloween #October31st #safetytips #tips #crimeprevention #victimization #costume #safety #trickortreat #candy #alcohol #drugs #ecstasy #crime #justice #fall #autumn #ljsamuel #deardiary #DMV #WashingtonDC

References

Centers for Disease Control. (2015). Halloween health & safety tips. Washington, DC: CDC. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/

Cohen, P. (2015, October, 23). Is that candy or Ecstasy? Halloween warnings spook parents. CBS News. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/news/halloween-warning-is-that-candy-or-ecstasy/

Photo source: http://cdn.history.com/sites/2/2013/11/Halloween-Hero-1-A.jpeg