Significant Guidance: the U.S. Office on Violence Against Women
November 1, 2008
Hosted by Susan Bartelstone
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Episode Description
In 1994, Congress passed the first Violence Against Women Act which finally acknowledged the severity of the crimes associated with domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Since then, there’s been a paradigm shift in how the government has addressed the issue of violence against women and in 1995 the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) was created to provide leadership and “significant guidance” regarding these issues on the government’s behalf. To date, the OVW has awarded nearly $3 billion in grants and provided technical assistance to numerous state, local, tribal, and non-profit entities to fulfill its mandate. Crime Prevention Specialist Susan Bartelstone’s guest today is Cindy Dyer, Director of the OVW, who, among other things, oversees the administration of 12 grant programs, and almost $400 million in funds, aimed at providing victims with the protection and services they need to pursue safe, healthy lives. An important show; it’d be a crime not to listen!
Crime Prevention 101
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Variety Channel
Welcome to Crime Prevention 101, the Personal Safety radio show with an optimistic perspective on a sober subject. Get set for personal safety stories that demand to be heard whether heartbreaking, infuriating or just plain weird; learn about hot crime topics and people who are making the headlines; and find out about the trends and legal developments that are going to impact your life, either positively or negatively, in the future. Most importantly, be empowered and inspired by success stories about people who've fought off an attacker or deterred a crime. You’ll also get a chance to address your own personal safety concerns, either by phone or e-mail. So, tune in to “Crime Prevention 101.” It'd be a crime not to listen!
Susan Bartelstone
Talking the talk because she's walked the walk! Years ago, Susan Bartelstone had a bad break-up with a guy, complete with physical and emotional bruises, and determined to learn how to protect herself. Today, she's a certified Crime Prevention Specialist and personal safety expert, with 17 years combined training in WWII Combatives, self defense and martial arts. Along the way, she deterred five extremely dangerous criminal encounters, fought her way out of a surprise attack and, for more than 18 years, from such organizations as American Express, the U.S. Post Office and the Livery Cab Owners Coalition of New York.. Author of Think Fast and Prevent a Violent Crime: How to Respond to Danger in 20 Seconds (or Less!), which is based on her own experiences, she’s been featured in a long and varied list of media, including the “Today Show,” “America’s Most Wanted” and Self Magazine.
Over the years, she’s helped thousands of people solve their personal safety dilemmas with her personal safety programs and her practical advice—which stresses the many opportunities you have to avoid or defuse a criminal encounter and how to use your brains instead of your muscles in a fight.