Bringing in the Bystander: Everyone has a Role to Play in Preventing Violence
April 11, 2009
Hosted by Susan Bartelstone
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Episode Description
In 1964, the gruesome sexual assault and murder of 28-year old Kitty Genovese was committed right outside her apartment building in a suburb of NYC. What made this crime even more horrific was that the attack lasted over a half hour (with the assailant coming back three times to stab the victim) AND that it was witnessed by 37 of her neighbors who shut their eyes and ears and did nothing to intervene—not even calling the police. The slaying of Kitty Genovese has become a metaphor for what is known as the Bystander Effect—the tendency of observers of a crime to remain uninvolved. This week, Crime Prevention Specialist Susan Bartelstone talks with Professor Robert Eckstein, from the University of New Hampshire, who teaches college students how, as bystanders, they can safely engage in sexual violence prevention on college campuses, and with Hunter College student Jerin Alam, who’s trying to bring this curriculum to all the schools in the City University system of New York.
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.
