Our Predators Survivor Hero Award goes out this month to a special woman, Jayne Hitchcock. In December 1996, Jayne found herself impersonated online by two people, a husband and wife team, who were angry that Jayne blew the whistle on their scam literary agency. This agency was fleecing would-be writers out of hundreds of dollars, sometimes thousands. Jayne did more research on this scam and then filed complaints with the NY Attorney General's office. This angered this couple and they retaliated by impersonating Jayne on hundreds of newsgroups, posing as Jayne and calling people insulting names. This escalated to posts claiming that she was into sado-masochistic sex and available anytime of the day or night, then they listed her home phone number and address. Jayne states, "When I started getting phone calls looking for sex, I feared people would actually come to the house. I had to learn from the ground up how to figure out who was impersonating me, what my next legal steps were (finding a lawyer and filing a civil suit), then getting laws passed to protect others from online harassers and cyber stalkers." At that time the local police did not know how to handle this type of situation.
Jayne says, "They began stalking me offline as well and my life was true hell. It was hard - I was depressed, sad, paranoid and worried about what they'd do next. I ended up seeing a psychotherapist for nine months. It was the best thing I could have done."
Jayne worked hard to heal and learn all she could about cyber stalking. When she was able to regain her strength, Jayne and another victim of cyber stalking, started the organization, Working to Halt Online Abuse at haltabuse.org. They also added a Kids/Teen Division at haltabusektd.org in May of 2005. Today, Jayne says "It empowers me to help other cyber stalking victims, as well as training law enforcement, security personnel, and educators how to deal with cyber stalking and cyber criminal cases, as well as talking to middle, high school and college/university students and their parents about staying safer online."
Eventually, the US Postal Inspection Service arrested the cyber stalkers in 2000 for mail fraud (most writers sent checks or money orders through the postal mail) and perjury. The husband ended up getting eight months in jail (the maximum) and three years probation - he was in his 50s by the time he served his time; his wife received only three years of probation due to her ill health and age - she was in her late 60s. She died soon after he got out of jail in April of 2003.
Jayne's most important tip for victims of cyber stalking: "Keep everything, no matter how disgusting it is or how much it hurts you; don't reply to the cyber stalker - that just gives them false power over you and will escalate the situation; report them to their ISPs or come to our organization for help. We don't charge a dime to help victims. The most important thing is to remember it is NOT your fault and you are NOT alone."
Jayne's most recent book, the 2nd edition of Net Crimes & Misdemeanors (see netcrimes.net) came out in May 2006. Jayne is active in continuing to pass cyber stalking legislation, online dating legislation, and online legislation involving kids and teens such as cyber bullying and predators. WHOA and WHOA-KTD are now non-profit, so they are hoping to raise money to offer grants to victims who cannot afford a lawyer or court fees. They are currently looking for a celebrity spokesperson to represent WHOA and WHOA-KTD.
On a side note: We at Predators.tv would also like to offer our condolences to Jayne and her family. Recently, Jayne lost both her husband and his father within one day of each other. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for all you do and continue to do to keep us safe! You are a true hero!
Are you a Predators Survivor Hero? Do you know someone that was a victim of crime and has moved beyond his or her situation to make a difference for others? If so, we want to hear from you about this true survivor! Please send your suggestions to us via our Contact Us page.
The Golden Rule
"Treat others only in the way that you're willing to be treated in the same situation." Remember, this Golden Rule?
Every single day Americans beat, maim and kill other Americans. Students at school who harass the typical "outcast" run the risk of violent assault. Drivers who offend neighboring cars run the risk of being shot or driven off the road. Women who offend would-be suitors run the risk of a stalker, or situations involving a restraining order, or worse. Employers who terminate problem employees run the risk of having everyone in their office pay the price if not handled carefully. Many of these cases may have been avoided if we simply placed ourselves in the other person's shoes. Notice I said "many," not all.
Here are some important principles to keep in mind. Common courtesy is absolutely paramount for the prevention of unwanted aggression. Patience and tolerance of others, who may not look, sound, dress, or even "pray" like we do can go a long way to avoiding vengeful repercussions in a variety of situations and locations whether waiting in traffic or interacting socially.
Remember, despite the highs and lows of the dollar, rarely does "gold" lose its value.
Thank you for writing - we love hearing from you! Each month we will post your thoughts and suggestions for healing in this section of the newsletter.
I was a victim of domestic abuse. I endured years of not only physical pain, but also emotional pain. I was just a shadow of who I am today. It was not easy to leave the situation as it very slowly escalated then gradually became worse. I thought I could handle things on my own and deal with the abuser by going to therapy with him, trying to reason with him, and working harder at trying not to "rock the boat." What I learned on my own is this: You have no choice but to leave an abuser, even if you don't have a job, money, or a place to go. Run to a neighbor's house and call the police if you are being physically battered then leave for a shelter. You can get through this...many have before you and many will after-the first steps are the hardest because you lost little pieces of yourself and believed that somehow you deserved this treatment. Don't look back. Keep taking steps forward to keep yourself and children safe. Your life can be better than you ever believed if you just keep your eyes focused on the peace that is waiting for you.
If you have something to share, please send it to us via our Contact Us page.
Do you have a question or comment about a particular type of crime?
to the Predators Crime Prevention Specialist - Retired Officer Carl Duke!
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Trivia Question:
How do thieves target the elderly?
Answer: Criminals rely on the predictability of checks that are delivered to mailboxes the same time each month. Consider direct deposit for routine payments and checks.
Quote of the Month:
"We should not let our fears hold us back from pursuing our hopes." John F. Kennedy
Recommended Link:
Arming Women Against Rape & Endangerment - www.aware.org
If you are being stalked, or if your life is being threatened, if someone who harmed or threatened you is being released from prison, or if you live or work in a highly dangerous environment, AWARE is available to help you find the resources and training you need to keep yourself alive. Some AWARE board members have first-hand experience with situations like these. We can evaluate the danger you are in, and help you develop a personal protection plan that is suited to your specific situation. Don't ignore the danger.
Predators Poll:
Be sure to participate in our poll - "Have you been a victim of a Predator-related crime?". Click here to respond.
Keeping Our Children Safe:
Here's a TOTALLY FREE DVD that teaches your children how to stay safe! Just fill out the form and in a few weeks you'll receive this awesome DVD from KidSmartz! www.missingkids.com
Important Numbers to Know from the FBI: www.fbi.gov
If you have been a victim of a predator related crime and would like to submit your story for the Predators book, please send it to us at info@predators.tv.
We would like to thank Matthew Upton at MNM WebWorks for sponsoring this newsletter and the Predators web site.
