January 28, 2021
By Wendell Thomas

As a society, we have been relying on and using digital technology more and more to connect and live. The COVID-19 pandemic has moved us more into the digital space as we work-from-home, virtually attend school, and use electronic forms of communication 24/7 as a way of life. This means that increased knowledge about cybercrime is more important now than ever. While January is recognized as National Stalking Awareness Month, we should also raise awareness of cyberstalking at any time during the year. 

So, what is cyberstalking and what are the steps you can take to protect yourself? 

What is Stalking? 

Most of us might be aware of the meaning of stalking. We’ve either have experienced it first-hand, know someone who experienced it or have seen it in movies or television. Stalking can involve secretly following the victim, consistent and devious phone calls, sending unwanted gifts, and other means of unwanted physical contact.  For more information on stalking behaviors, visit our facts about Stalking page.

What is Cyberstalking?  

Like stalking, cyberstalking is intended to threaten, harass, and embarrass, only with cyberstalking, technology is used. The technology used by cyberstalkers can include social media, email, instant messaging (text and SMS), computers, mobile devices, and information available on the Internet. Over the past ten years, instances of reported cyberstalking have risen as stalkers have more access to victims’ personal information from online and social media platforms. 

Cyberstalking poses additional threats, such as sexual harassment, sexual extortion, and damaging a person’s reputation. When you add physical and cyberstalking, the threats are compounded and pose more significant harm. Our new normal, being totally virtual for work, school, and a host of other activities, makes it easier for cyberstalkers and cyberbullies to track and harass users. 

Here a few key tips to safety plan against cyberstalking: 

1. Search your full name with your city and state on Google or your preferred search engine. This can show you any information about you that‘s publicly available online.  This can be an ideal step as you adjust your online privacy settings.
2. Check your credit report regularly.  You are entitled to a free credit report once a year from the three credit reporting companies which are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can also sign up for free credit monitoring services such as Credit Karma, which will provide alerts on your credit report activity.
3. Do not accept “Friend Requests” from strangers. Remember when you were a kid, and your parents told you “don‘t talk to strangers?” This advice also applies online.   Only accept friend requests from people you have met in person.
   Review and update your social media profile. When creating a handle, try to choose gender-neutral and age-neutral profile name. You can also ask your friends and family never to give out your details to anyone.
4. Review your social media privacy settings.  For instance, on Facebook, change your security settings only to allow friends to post on your wall.  Turn off facial recognition because if a friend posts a picture of you, Facebook recognizes you and automatically tags you to the image. Turn off location services on Facebook and other social media platforms such as Instagram.  Location services can help you discover cool places near you but can also be used to pinpoint the neighborhood you live in or the hip brunch spot you will meet your friends.
   
5. Change your passwords frequently.  It can be once a month or once every three months.  You can set a reminder to change your password.  Create passwords using phrases that are easy to remember, or if your internet browser recommends a password, use it, and document it.  For additional protection, take advantage of your bank, social media, email provider‘s two-factor authentication (2FA). If someone gets ahold of your password, they will also have to enter a PIN, and you will be alerted about the attempt to access your account.
6. Take the time to secure your computer and mobile device (phones and tablets)
   • Avoid sending personal information over public Wi-Fi.  Do not conduct financial or personal business where you may enter social security and other private information while surfing at Starbucks or places with access to free Wi-Fi.  Instead, do personal business on a secure private network or utilize a virtual private network (VPN).
   • Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software to scan your computer for viruses and spyware.  A stalker can remotely install spyware on your computer to send everything you type back to them.  Keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware up to date and run scans frequently.
   • Cover your webcam when not in use.  You will be surprised to know that even Facebook‘s Mark Zuckerberg covers his webcam.
7. Never open attachments or click on links in an email from people you do not know or trust.
8. Be careful what you post online.  The more information you post about yourself, the more information someone can use to stalk you.  Do not post your home address, phone number, or personal information like your favorite coffee shop. 

How to report cyberstalking 

Although cyberstalking laws differ from state–to–state, you should still consider reporting any stalking activity to your local law enforcement agency.  The process may not be as fast as you see on TV detective dramas, and it may take some time to resolve. Your first impulse might be to delete the stalker‘s messages or recordings, however, these digital records can help you build a case.  Try to keep digital records or copies of harassing emails, messaging, recordings, and screenshots as evidence.   

 You can also report the stalker to the platform on which the harassment occurs. For example, you can go to the Facebook Help Center for instructions on what to do if you‘re cyberstalked. It could take some time, but most social media platforms and websites have strict policies against stalking. After reporting, you could block the stalker and stop interacting with them. 

Though cyberstalking remains a constant threat, being vigilant and taking some of these steps will help safeguard yourself against it.  

If you are a victim of cyberstalking and seeking help, please call Safe Horizon’s hotline at 1(800) 621–4673 (HOPE) or visit our website at https://www.safehorizon.org/get-help/stalking/.

Healthy Women
By Kimberly Rex
January 6, 2021

January is National Stalking Awareness Month.

“I can see you.”

That’s the text Grace Alexander remembers most — because it was chilling. The words that followed complimented the pink floral top she was wearing as she bowled with her family.

This message from her ex-husband was just one of many, along with phone calls filled with threats of violence to himself, to Grace, and to her family. After blocking his number, Grace received calls from unknown numbers and often spotted his truck nearby, even though she believed she’d left him behind in another state.

After the bowling alley, Grace filed for a restraining order, thinking a judge would see the case clearly. She was hopeful in court when she saw a woman on the bench, but the judge believed her ex-husband’s claim that he’d been texting another woman with the same name, despite his description of Grace’s clothing.

That’s when Grace knew she needed to get even farther away.

December 2020
By Kimmi Herring 

Through the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all experienced some version of loss. Many of us have lost friends and loved ones to the virus itself. Others have lost a sense of community as lockdown restrictions hindered our ability to come together, socialize, and create meaningful connections. And we must also acknowledge that Black communities and communities of color have experienced these losses at higher rates in addition to an increase in violence that stems from systemic racism.

At Safe Horizon, we understand that everyone experiences and processes loss in their own unique ways. Our boroughwide Community Programs support all who are impacted by violence in their communities by providing resources such as advocacy, assistance applying for crime victim benefits from the NYS Office of Victim Services, case management, and grief counseling.

For anyone dealing with an illness, grief, or the loss of a loved one, the holidays can be a time of sadness, pain, anger, or dread. It can feel like the most isolating time of year, be difficult to cope, especially when you see and hear holiday happiness all around you. This year the stakes are higher in so many ways. If you are interested in getting help from our Community Programs, we are providing remote services to clients in all five boroughs. Please visit our emergency page to find your borough or use our virtual chat platform SafeChat to reach us directly.

If you are not ready to reach out for help, here are some general tips you can use to cope with loss during the holiday season. For more self-care tips, you can read this blog post by my colleagues.

Five Tips to Help You Cope with Loss During the Holidays and Through COVID-19

1. Give yourself permission to feel whatever it is you are feeling. You do not have to feel a certain way or do certain things to make the holiday “normal.” If you feel angry, allow yourself to vent; if you feel sad, let the tears fall. Crying is not a sign of weakness; it is a part of grief and grief is a part of healing. You may experience both negative and positive feelings while grieving during the holidays and that is OK. All feelings can coexist, and it does not mean you are not grieving the loss of a loved one if you allow yourself to experience some element of joy. Be kind and gentle to yourself.
2. Weave flexibility into your holiday plans. You have the choice to make space for yourself to step in and out of any plans you choose – when possible communicate your plans and decisions with your loved ones ahead of time. Identify a list of coping skills to use whether you are at home or in a social setting which could be helpful when grief hits you unexpectedly. Some examples of coping skills are deep breathing, holding a small sentimental item to ground yourself, taking a walk, yoga, journaling, listening to music, seeking support, and reciting positive affirmations or prayers.
3. Surround yourself with supportive people. They should be people who you feel comfortable with, who you trust witnessing your most vulnerable moments, and who can help support you through your time of need. Also, remember that your grief may look and feel different from other family members.
4. Honor Old Traditions, Honor Memories, and Create New Traditions. It can be helpful to continue with old traditions that existed to honor and celebrate the individuals who are no longer here. This is a helpful way to keep their memory present. Creating new traditions can also be healing for some individuals who are grieving. Creating new memories does not erase old memories. It is okay to find ways to balance old and new memories. Let family and friends know whether or not you’re comfortable talking about your loved one.
5. It is important to seek support from friends, family, co-workers, and professionals if needed. The holidays can bring up many complicated feelings whether you have lost someone close to you or not. It is completely normal and can be helpful to seek services from a skilled professional.

One last tip – please know you are not alone. If you need to talk, we are here to listen. Give us a call. Safe Horizon’s Hotlines operate 24-hours a day, even on holidays. Your call is confidential. Call us at 1-800-621-HOPE (4673).

October 19, 2020
Contact: communications@safehorizon.org, 646-306-1136

NEW YORK – Safe Horizon, the nation’s largest victim services agency, announced Liz Roberts as interim Chief Executive Officer.

Roberts has served Safe Horizon for a decade, first as Chief Program Officer and since 2014 as Deputy CEO. Prior to joining Safe Horizon, Roberts served as Deputy Commissioner, Family Support Services at the city’s Administration for Child Services. Roberts began her 30-year career in victim’s services as a domestic violence hotline worker.

Roberts will lead Safe Horizon on an interim basis while the organization conducts an open search for a new CEO.

The organization’s current CEO, Ariel Zwang, is departing at the end of the year to join the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, commonly known as the JDC, as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Safe Horizon is the nation’s largest victim services agency. Safe Horizon helps 250,000 New Yorkers a year who are victims of crime or abuse find safety, support, hope, and connection.

“I am so grateful for the 12 and a half years I spent with Safe Horizon,” said Zwang. “The commitment and excellence of my colleagues inspired me every day. I have complete confidence that Safe Horizon will continue to provide the highest levels of support to victims in need for decades to come.”

“This city needs Safe Horizon now more than ever. Liz’s deep knowledge of Safe Horizon and expertise on supporting victims will allow her to lead with continuity during the time of transition,” said Board Chair Mike Slocum. “We are lucky to have had the benefit of Ariel’s skills and leadership for so many years. We all wish her extremely well in her next chapter.”

“Safe Horizon’s work saves lives in New York City every day,” said Roberts. “Every year, we help 250,000 New Yorkers who have experienced crime or abuse find safety, support, hope, and connection. That work will continue. I’m honored to be a part of that and to help lead the organization forward.”

The Safe Horizon CEO search committee is working with the global executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles and its social impact executive search practice, which specializes in helping philanthropy, government, higher education, academic and non-profit clients find new leadership.

Safe Horizon is committed to an open process. Those interested in applying should contact SafeHorizonCEO@Heidrick.com.

About Safe Horizon

Established in 1978, Safe Horizon is the largest non-profit victim services agency in the United States. It touches the lives of more than 250,000 children, adults, and families affected by crime and abuse throughout New York City each year. Safe Horizon envisions a society free of family and community violence, leading the way by empowering victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking to move from crisis to confidence. Safe Horizon’s mission is to provide support, prevent violence and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families, and communities. For more information please visit safehorizon.org.

Forbes
By Eboni K. Williams
June 16, 2020

Race is the single most taboo topic in most American workplaces. People would rather discuss the polarizing topics of money, sex, or even politics, before engaging in conversation about race or racism. It’s our country’s oldest and most problematic system — the social construction of someone’s valuation in our society based on the color of their skin.

For years, many American workers were encouraged and sometimes even explicitly told not to discuss race on the job. Most workplaces aren’t like mine. At REVOLT TV, on both REVOLT BLACK NEWS and State of the Culture, we publicly discuss race and related topics every week. This current moment of national unrest, and emerging revolution, now requires us all to do so. We must finally talk about the traumatic complexity of the Black American experience. This requirement includes having uncomfortable, difficult, and triggering conversations at work. To dodge discussions of your personal feelings, your company’s role of complicity, or your co-workers’ experiences in this moment would be a moral and ethical failure.

Tough talks can be scary. The hardest part can simply be starting the conversation. Here are three ways to start the necessary and important work of talking about race at work:

1. State Your Intention: 

To create a safe space to share and receive information on a sensitive topic, like race, you must first clearly establish why you want to engage a colleague on the topic. Now is not the time for any assumptions. While many recognize this moment as a reckoning point and opportunity for growth; not everyone feels that way. Therefore, in order to start a productive and healing conversation, take time to explain your goals.

“Clearly stating your intention for starting the dialogue requires vulnerability and transparency. Leading with that level of openness can yield a very positive, and even transformative result.”

2. Prepare Before You Talk: 

Doing just a little bit of prep work before starting a race-based dialogue goes a long way toward establishing your positive intention and authenticity. You do not need to be a critical race theory expert. Simply reading a few basic online articles, or watching a couple of films or documentaries, can put you in a better position to have a conversation. Coming to the convo with a basic understanding of history and the modern day impact of racial dynamics in our country, will help your colleagues to trust you, and maybe bring some guards down. This quick step of pre-convo preparation can lead to an open-hearted and helpful conversation. I’ve compiled a list of resources here.

3. Acknowledge You Don’t Have All the Answers (This Applies To Everyone) 

It may be easy to think that you’re the single authority on all things Black, White, Asian, Latinx, Native American or multi-racial, especially if you’re the only member of your group in a workplace. The reality is that none of us are the sole expert during these conversations. We are each experts in our own personal experiences. We must make space for this personal expertise to show up in these conversations. However, none of us is above asking questions and learning as our understanding of these issues and each other continues to grow.

I learned this particular lesson when I was blessed with the opportunity to hear from Racial Equity and Cultural Competence consultant, Joan Adams. Adams led an anti-racism training during a retreat for Safe Horizon’s Board of Directors, which I serve on. Our board is filled with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, but the majority of our board members are White. Since the vast majority of Safe Horizon’s clients and staff are people of color, we take our anti-racism work extremely seriously. Like many organizations, we’ve been pushed to form committees and build other infrastructures to lead and facilitate these difficult, sometimes painful, but always important conversations. Adams helped me realize that when I asserted my personal experience and even my advanced knowledge on race issues as the “gold standard,” I inadvertently shutdown the very thing I wanted most, authentic engagement and exchange of feelings and ideas on the issue that worked to advance racial justice and equality.

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“In the year 2020, none of us can afford to ignore race in our workplaces. When we avoid the hard stuff, our challenges fester.”

Opportunities for miscommunications, micro/macro-aggressions, and discrimination are unnecessarily created when we fail to communicate about real life issues. Race is a complicated and intimidating issue for a lot of us. When we lean into these tough talks, we put ourselves in the best position to learn, reflect, and make the changes needed to create a more just and equitable society and workplace.

June 5, 2020

This week, every one of us has felt the pressing need to lean into our anti-racism work.   

We are looking for ways to say loudly and clearly that the police killings of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Manuel Ellis and the countless human beings before them are intolerable and that there must be accountability for them.   

Many colleagues are participating in the ongoing protests in New York City and surrounding areas, and Safe Horizon supports you. (For those interested, the Instagram account @justiceforgeorgenyc is posting dates and times of protests and other important information.)  

Safe Horizon employees are always encouraged to exercise First Amendment rights to speak and participate in advocacy and action on issues they care about. That is true here, too.  

Some have asked if they can organize groups of their colleagues to join protests wearing Safe Horizon T-shirts to protest.   

The answer to that question is yes.   

Additionally, any group of Safe Horizon colleagues joining a protest or march should:  

• Know your rights before you go.  
• Make sure participation is peaceful.  
• Adhere to curfew rules while protesting as a group affiliated with Safe Horizon.  
• Review the code of conduct in advance and follow it. Contact HR with any questions about the guidelines.   

Some people who have been peacefully protesting have been arrested. This could happen to Safe Horizon employees. (Here are some general tips on what anyone can do if that happens. And some information about free legal support.)   

A Safe Horizon colleague who is arrested for one of the allegations outlined in the code of conduct should notify their supervisor or HR partner. That policy still applies.  

But please know that no Safe Horizon employee who is arrested while peacefully protesting will be disciplined in any way by Safe Horizon.  

I am proud of the many colleagues who are finding ways to advocate for racial justice at this moment. I look forward to continuing our anti-racism journey together.  

March 26, 2020
By Sherina Davis and Michelle Lawrence

There is no doubt that this is a heightened and unpredictable time for each and every one of us. That’s why it is especially key to practice self-care now more than ever. In this resource guide, we are sharing a variety of compassionate, holistic, multifaceted, science-based practices to help you thrive. These self-care guides can encourage healthy online and in-person engagement, strengthen relationships, better your mental and physical health, and improve creativity.

For the purposes of this blog, let’s consider self-care as:

• The practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health. 
• The practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress. 

Basics of Self-Care and How to do it Successfully

• TED Talks video playlist: The importance of self-care
• Ted Talks video: Flow, the secret of happiness
• Next Avenue: Self-care action plan
• Next Avenue: Take the Time to Better Care for Yourself: 7 steps to the self-care you need
• Next Avenue: How to Choose Self-Care Over Self-Sabotage: Making a ‘self-care upgrade’ may save your health and well-being

Self-Care Resources for Adults Concerned About COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

• Dear Guy: “I’m incredibly anxious about Coronavirus. What can I do?”
• Colorlines: “Self-love during time of the Coronavirus”
• Well + Good: Feeling plain, old sad about everything related to COVID-19? Here are 8 ways to deal (and heal)

Self-Care Resources for Adults Working From Home or Remotely

• Purewow: 25 Totally Free Ways to Practice Self-Care at Home
• Purewow: How to Transform Your Home into a Self-Care Sanctuary

Self-Care for Adults and Caretakers of Children

• UNICEF: 6 ways parents can support their kids through the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP): Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource
• PBS Parent and Educator Resources
• PBS Apps for kids

Daily Coping and Mental Health Care Resources

• 5 Ways to Celebrate Black Joy
• Steven Fund: Daily coping tips
• Colorlines: 4 Self-Care Resources for Days When the World is Terrible
• NYC Well services

Other Resources for Self-Care

• TED Talks: Why grown ups love coloring books too
  • Free coloring pages from Crayola
• PBS collection of food blogs

Information About COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• New York City Health COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Guide
• New York City 311

Inspiring Quotes

“We don’t heal in isolation, but in community.” ― S. Kelley Harrell, Gift of the Dreamtime – Reader’s Companion

“One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals. When we pool our strength and share the work and responsibility, we can welcome many people, even those in deep distress, and perhaps help them find self-confidence and inner healing.”― Jean Vanier, Community And Growth

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” – Audre Lorde 

February 25, 2020

Safe Horizon and ASISTA have filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for immigration policy data on the adjudication of U-visa petitions and adjustment of status (permanent residence) applications for those granted U visa status.

U-visas were created by a bi-partisan congress in 2000 to protect immigrant victims of serious crimes who assist law enforcement in detecting, investigating and prosecuting crime. Beginning in 2018, Safe Horizon’s Immigration Law Project and ASISTA observed a shift in USCIS’s adjudication of U-visa petitions and U-visa permanent residence applications for applicants with prior contact with law enforcement. Safe Horizon’s Immigration Law Project and ASISTA observed an increase in USCIS requests and reliance on copies of applicants’ arrest records even where charges were never filed, charges were dismissed, and/or where the records were sealed. Prior to this time, USCIS generally accepted certified copies of a certificate of disposition.

USCIS has not issued any revised practice or policy information regarding this shift. As a result of the paucity of public information, many members of the public, including immigration lawyers, advocates for noncitizens, social workers, and law enforcement personnel, lack an understanding of the current practice and policy governing U-visa adjudications, the rationales that underlie it, and how to develop best practices for their work.

Safe Horizon and ASISTA requested records relating to USCIS’ policy on the adjudication of U-visa petitions and applications for adjustment of status based on an underlying U-visa from 2015 to present. Safe Horizon and ASISTA also requested USCIS policies from 2015 to present on the relevance of an applicant’s prior contact with law enforcement in the adjudication of U-visa petitions and applications of adjustment of status based on an underlying U-visa.

“This data is needed to provide a minimum level of transparency on USCIS’ practices as it relates to a critical form of immigration relief for survivors of violence and abuse,” said Evangeline M. Chan, Esq., Director of Safe Horizon’s Immigration Law Project.

Laura Flores Bachman, ASISTA Senior Legal Counsel said, “As leading advocates for immigrant survivors of violence, ASISTA has seen a significant shift in the way USCIS is adjudicating U visa petitions and U visa permanent residence applications. The documents we requested from USCIS will hopefully shed light on the way the agency has shifted its focus in these adjudications, creating more obstacles for immigrant survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking and other serious crimes.”

A copy of the FOIA request can be found here. 

Attorneys from Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP are representing Safe Horizon and ASISTA on a pro bono basis in this FOIA request.

Contact:

Evangeline M. Chan, Esq., (718) 943-8634, Evangeline.chan@safehorizon.org
Sejal Zota, (919) 698-5015, sejal@asistahelp.org
Laura Flores Bachman, (860) 758-0733, laura@asistahelp.org

Safe Horizon is a nonprofit organization established to provide assistance, advocacy, and support to victims of violence, including domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and other crimes. Safe Horizon’s Immigration Law Project provides legal consultation and representation to low-income survivors of violence seeking immigration relief.

ASISTA is a nonprofit organization established to increase public understanding of immigration law and policy and advocate for the fair and just administration of federal immigration laws, particularly as they relate to immigrant survivors of violence. ASISTA consults with immigration lawyers, law students, accredited representatives, and other advocates to help directly protect the legal rights of noncitizens; advocates for policy on behalf of immigrant survivors of violence; publishes educational materials; and runs training programs that educate the public, legal practitioners, government officials, and law enforcement officers about immigration law, policy and practice.

Alyssa Milano Gives Empowering Speech at Safe Horizon’s 24th Annual Champion Awards

Don Lemon Gives Empowering Speech at Safe Horizon’s 24th Annual Champion Awards