Crimesense Magazine - Spring 2011 - Eastern Ontario

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From The Editor Editor & Publisher Jacques Beauchamp former regional police officer Executive Assistant Christine Panasuk Assistant Editor Joyce Li Circulation / Production Joyce Li Production Co Ordinator Jonathan Beauchamp Graphics & Art www.DESIGNit.CA Printed in Ontario, Canada

Well, this is a very exciting time for us and for our readers! We are delighted to start 2011 by moving ahead and reaching out to the people who believe in what we are doing. While we celebrate our 20th anniversary under the name of OPNP (Ontario Police News Publication), we realize that the time has come to improve and to give more back to our clients and supporters who have created change in their communities. With this, we are introducing a brand new publication, “Crimesense Magazine”. This issue marks the first edition of Crimesense Magazine in the Ottawa Region. Our goal is to provide you with even more vital information to read and pass on to your community. We all get caught up with the challenges of everyday life- like taking care of our homes, business, and most importantly, our families. We sometimes forget to take a look around us and realize what is going on and what really is happening.

Dollco Printing

I would like to bring to light one of our supporters; Crime Prevention Ottawa. This organization’s mission is to contribute to crime reduction and enhanced community safety in Ottawa through collaborative evidence-based crime prevention. I encourage you to visit their website at crimepreventionottawa.ca to learn about the various initiatives that they have started to help make our neighbourhoods a safer place.

Columnists Canadian Paediatric Society (First Nations, Inuit & Métis Health Committee 2010) Dax Urbszat Anjana Dooling Steve Hall & Gordon Mack Scott

The purpose of this magazine is to provide you with information that matters. We promote community awareness and try to help you understand that crime prevention does impact everyone; meaning you and your neighbours, and your colleagues at work.

Kismet Baun Latricia Wilson Account Executives Donn Holt Thomas Easton Dan Cole Ryan Bérubé Crimesense is Published by Vantage Publishing Group Corp. and distributed free, all rights reserved. Contents and photographs may not be reprinted without written permission. The statements, opinions and pointts of view expressed in articles published in this magazine are those of the authors and publication shall not be deemed to mean they are necessarily those of Vantage Publishing Group Corp. or other affiliated organizations. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, transparencies or other materials.

We all know that knowledge is the key to overcome any problem. With every magazine that we publish, my hope is that you are able to take away at least one piece of valuable information to help you and your family. I strongly encourage you to share what you have learned with others; including community organizations, schools, and colleges. If knowledge is power, then empower those around you! I challenge you to pick one article from this issue and share the facts with as many people as you can. You’ll be surprised to learn that the majority of the people that you’ve shared with don’t already know the facts. That’s why we need your help to spread the word. The truth of the matter is that crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility! Let your sixth sense be awareness.

Publications Mail Agreement No. 41927547 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to 174 Colonnade Road South, Suite 33 Ottawa, Ontario K2E 7J5

SAY

Telphone: (613) 724-9907 Toll Free: 1-888-724-9907 info@vantagepublishing.ca www. vantagepublishing.ca

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HELLO Jacques Beauchamp Editor-in-Chief

Share your suggestions or comments with Jacques by sending him an email at:

jacques@vantagepublishing.ca

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In This Issue 17 Kids Help Phone

Mental health is the number one reason kids contact Kids Help Phone

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MENTAL HEALTH

Youth, Crime, and Mental Health

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causes, links, and solutions

Teenage Suicide

is your teen at risk of suicide because of bullying

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5

The Media’s Role

in shaping attitudes towards mental health

SPRING 2011

YOUTH AWARENESS

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Inhalant Abuse

what parents should know

Why should you care about your neighbourhood

broken windows theory

43 Bill 168

workplace violence

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GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

23 The Ottawa Senators Foundation for greater goals

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Crime Rates

why they don’t measure public safety

29 Crime Prevention Pays why stopping crime before it happens saves us all

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What is inhalant abuse?

Inhalant or solvent abuse is when someone intentionally breathes in or sniffs common toxic substances (chemicals) to get a high. It is also called huffing and bagging. Compared with other kinds of drug abuse, inhalant abuse sometimes affects younger children because the products are common, legal, cheap and easy to find.

What are some examples of inhalants?

The most commonly used substances are: gasoline, paint, propane/butane, air fresheners, and formalin (found in disinfectants).

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There is no way to predict how How are inhalants abused? of the common terms for inhalant abuse refer much of an inhalant will kill Some to the way or the type of products that are used: a person. Someone could use a • Sniffing: directly inhaling the fumes through the nose. certain amount one time and • Snorting: through the mouth. Bagging: from a plastic or paper bag. seem fine, but the next use • • Huffing: from a rag or cloth soaked in the could cause death. substance and held over the mouth or nose. • Glading: inhaling air-freshener aerosols. • Dusting: directly spraying aerosols into the nose or mouth.

Commonly Abused Inhalants 7

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What happens when someone uses an inhalant?

When a person uses an inhalant, large amounts of toxic chemicals enter the lungs. These chemicals pass from the bloodstream into the brain where they can damage and kill brain cells. Inhalants can kill, even the first time someone uses them. A person can stop breathing because of lack of oxygen or suffocate, especially if using a plastic bag. Inhalants can cause the heart to beat very fast and irregularly and then suddenly stop beating (cardiac arrest). There is no way to predict how much of an inhalant will kill a person. Someone could use a certain amount one time and seem fine, but the next use could cause death. The effects of inhalants usually last only a few minutes, unless a person keeps inhaling over and over. At first, inhalants have a stimulating effect. A person may feel dazed, dizzy and have trouble walking. Inhaling can cause headaches, nausea and vomiting. Users can be moody and aggressive or think that they see things that are not there. Stronger chemicals or repeated inhaling can cause people to pass out. Over time, inhalants can cause serious and permanent damage to vital organs like the brain, kidneys, heart and liver. Inhalants exit the body mainly through exhaling. Someone who is using inhalants often has breath that smells like chemicals. Inhalants also pass out of the body through urine. It can take as long as two weeks for the body to get rid of all the chemicals.

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What can parents do? • • • •

Know which products can be dangerous. Know the slang words used to describe inhaling. Know the warning signs and behaviours to watch for. Be open and talk to your children about danger of inhalants.

If you think your child or teen is using inhalants, talk to a health professional.

For more information on inhalant abuse contact:

• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (www.camh.net) • Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (www.ccsa.ca) • Health Canada, First Nations, Inuit and Aboriginal Health Branch; National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (www.hc-sc.gc.ca) • Your local poison control office Developed by the CPS First Nations, Inuit and Métis Health Committee For more information: Inhalant Abuse, a statement of the Canadian Paediatric Society (www.cps.ca)

Updated: September 2010 This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician. There may be variations in treatment that your physician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. Source: Canadian Paediatric Society, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Health Committee, 2010. For more information, please visit www.caringforkids.ca © 2010 Canadian Paediatric Society. All Rights Reserved.

CS

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T

he broken window is a metaphor for the effects of minor crime in communities. The theory states that if minor crimes in a community are allowed to happen, this sends a signal that nobody cares about the community, resulting in a lack of interest and fear among community members and an open door for more serious types of crime. What Broken Windows Theory encourages is an immediate response to minor crimes in order to prevent more serious criminal activities from happening. This means cleaning up graffiti, fixing broken windows, picking up syringes, beer bottles and other garbage in parks and on streets. It also means stopping behaviours that threaten a neighbourhood like public drunkenness, harassment, drug sales and the sex trade.

broken and left unrepaired,

This approach has been adopted by communities and police services across North America. It has been most successful in New York City, which in 1994 made a big effort to reduce the sex trade, panhandling, and graffiti, resulting in a dramatic reduction of more serious crimes in the following years.

all the rest of the windows

What can individuals do about broken windows?

“If a window in a building is

one unrepaired window is a

It is important to remember that everyone has a role to play in keeping our neighbourhoods safe and livable. While we all need help and need to know where to get it, problem-solving needs to start with each one of us, before we pick up the phone.

signal that no one cares and

Problem solving in your neighbourhood

will soon be broken…

so breaking more windows will cost nothing.”

Every solution to a problem should begin with an assessment to help you figure out what the issues really are, what you can do about them and who you might need to call for help.

As assessment can be as simple as answering the following questions: • • • • •

What problems do we see in our neighbourhood? What is working well in the neighbourhood? Are things being done that aren’t working? Do we have any ideas that might help to fix the problems? Who can help us fix this?

Once you have answered these questions you will know whether the solution to the problem is a matter of talking to a neighbour about the issue, forming an association to address it, or whether you need to call By-law, the police or another organization to help you solve it. It is always a good idea to try to work with others - friends, neighbours and community organizations who can help - to solve problems in your community. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and remember that you should always approach a situation with good sense and safety in mind. c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

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Strong, inclusive and collaborative partnerships are key to building better neighbourhoods. Being as welcoming as you can of different people, their skills and opinions, will help open the doors for everyone to contribute and to learn new things.

A more complex problem solving model you might want to look at is SARA, which stands for Scanning, Analysis, Response and Assessment. SARA is used in “problemoriented policing”, an approach that is proactive and not focused on the criminal justice system, and that brings together public agencies, the community and the private sector to help solve a problem. More information about the SARA model can be found at: http://www.popcenter.org/about/. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CEPTED) is a model also used by city planners, architects, police services and community members to encourage people to think about the physical environment, our buildings and public spaces, and how they can be made to discourage crime and criminal activity. More information about CEPTED is available at: http://www.cptedontario.ca/.

How to be a good neighbour

Being a good neighbour starts with the very simple step of getting to know people in your neighbourhood. How can we do this? Invite people over for a barbeque. Go next door with your shovel or snowblower after a big snowfall. Offer your expertise on a project you know someone is starting. Check in on the elderly couple living across the street. Small acts of kindness can lead to big rewards as you make friends in your neighbourhood and will open the door for the same acts of kindness from your neighbours.

Help build community spirit

There are many ways to create engagement and spirit in your neighbourhood. You can get involved

Sobriety House 90 First Avenue, Ottawa Ontario K1S 2G4

613-233-0828

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in creating neighbourhood parks or gardens for everyone to enjoy. You can start a weekly ball hockey game with children and parents on your street. You can also organize a special event and make it a tradition every year. You might be surprised just how many people jump on board when a good idea is offered. Don’t forget to cast a wide net when approaching other neighbours to participate. Mothers and fathers, seniors and young people, newcomers, friends, colleagues - everyone has something to contribute. One of the issues that can divide communities the most is fear – of people with different cultures and religions, people with different languages, people with disabilities, the young and the old, and people who might just look or act a bit different. It is only through getting to know people that you can rid a neighbourhood of these fears and build stronger communities. Strong, inclusive and collaborative partnerships are key to building better neighbourhoods. Being as welcoming as you can of different people, their skills and opinions, will help open the doors for everyone to contribute and to learn new things. Bringing together people from all ages and stages and walks of life helps break down barriers and bridge the gaps between all of us.

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Get to know the people and organizations that can help you

Getting to know your local Community Police Officer, Community Police Centre, and Community Health and Resource Centres, is a great way to build good relationships with the people and organizations that can help you when you need it. Your local city councilors may also want and be able to assist you with an issue in your neighbourhood, so you should be in touch with them as well about any initiatives you start. You can find out who your councilor is by visiting the City of Ottawa website at: http://www. ottawa.ca/city _ hall/mayor_council/ councillors/

The Heat Source Tel.: 1-613-258-6555 Fax: 613-258-3068 417 Rideau Street, Kemptville ON. K0G 1J0

www.kemptvilleheatsource.com Chimney Sweeping Service • Maintenance on Gas Fireplaces Dryer Vent Cleaning • Wood and Pellet Stove Maintenance Installation of Wood and Pelllet Stoves Installation of Gas Fireplaces • Underground Gas Line W.E.T.T. Inspection

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You should also make connections with schools, churches and other faith groups and nonprofit organizations as you never know when a project or issue may come up that you are all interested in and that you can all work on together. Every neighbourhood has its own resources, organizations and clubs and you should get to know yours before you start any project. Getting to know local media is also a good idea as you never know when they might be able to help you raise the profi le of an issue or advertise an event. The old saying “there’s strength in numbers” is true. The more connected we are to people and groups in our communities, the more we benefi t from each other’s skills and knowledge, and perhaps most importantly, the more likely we are to help each other in times of need. And, after all your hard work is done, remember to celebrate your successes! Take photos, write stories and send these to local papers and other media and to politicians and organizations in your community to let them know about the good work you are doing. Hearing about someone else’s success can often lead others to take action too.

LEARN ABOUT

Be proactive about crime prevention and community safety Becoming involved in your neighbourhood can improve its overall safety and can help prevent crime from taking place. If you get to know your neighbours – who comes and goes from the house, if they are having work done, or if they are away on a holiday – you will be better able to recognize when something is not right. Crime prevention can range from simple activities like watching your neighbour’s property when they are not home to reporting suspicious activities on a property, or starting a neighbourhood association or Neighbourhood Watch to address problems. Whatever level of organization you choose to take on, being vigilant and concerned about what happens in your neighbourhood and encouraging others to do the same will benefit everyone. You should always remember, however, that your own personal safety is very important. When ap-

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proaching any kind When approaching any of situation in your kind of situation in your neighbourhood, you should always conneighbourhood, you sider your personal should always consider safety and use common sense. You don’t your personal safety and want to get yourself use common sense. You into a situation that might be dangerous don’t want to get yourto you or others, and self into a situation that you never want to take the law into your might be dangerous to own hands. Throughyou or others, and you out this toolkit there are phone numbers, never want to take the email addresses and other resources that law into your own hands. will point you in the right direction when you need help. There is nothing wrong with being a concerned and active citizen and working with your neighbours to make your neighbourhood a safer, hap- 15 pier place to live, but you should always do this with your own safety and the safety of others in mind. Crime Prevention Ottawa’s Neighbourhood Toolkit is an online resource (a printable version is also available on the website) that provides ideas, information and resources to help Ottawa residents make their neighbourhoods better places to live. The Toolkit encourages residents to get involved in their neighbourhoods and to be accountable and proactive about community safety. Individuals, community associations, Neighbourhood Watch volunteers and many others will find helpful ideas and practical information about building safer neighbourhoods from the ground up. The Toolkit also contains information about specific problems and crimes and how to get help from municipal and community resources in Ottawa. CS You can learn more about the Toolkit by visiting: www.crimepreventionottawa.ca/toolkit.

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With the end of another school year coming up soon, many of us are starting to think ahead to summer. It’s a time of year when many of us start to look forward to late evening sunsets, family vacations, and warm weather.

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But the end of a school year can also mean new beginnings. Some teens will start new summer jobs, or search for permanent, full-time work. Others will be getting ready to start college or university. Major transitions like these can cause stress and anxiety for teens and emerging adults, even in those who have never experienced a mental health problem before. Mental health is the number one reason kids contact Kids Help Phone. In 2010, close to 30% of the calls counsellors received were related to mental health, with concerns ranging from eating disorders to self-harm to self-esteem. We know that number is likely to grow. Children’s Mental Health Ontario says that mental health problems among children and youth are predicted to increase and it is estimated that mental health challenges will become one of the five most common causes of morbidity, mortality and disability among children.

And even though these problems are widespread, affecting kids regardless of their age, ethnicity, gender, or income, stigma associated with having a mental health problem is still so prevalent that many kids, and parents, are afraid to reach out for help when it comes to mental health. You can change that. Keep in mind that many kids fear that their parents won’t be willing to hear them out, or will make assumptions about what struggling with a mental health issue means, so trying to set aside any assumptions you may have and making an effort to really understand what your child is saying is an incredibly important first step.

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The CMHO also reports that, currently, 3.2 million youth in Canada between the ages of 12 and 19 are at risk for developing depression, and 1 in 5 kids under the age of 17 has a mental health disorder that affects how they function at home, school, or within their community.

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Here are some tips that you can start using right now to promote mental health at home. • Show that you value and accept your child for who he or she is. Don’t assume that they already know. • Communicate with your kids. Encourage them to talk about what’s happening in their lives – both the good stuff and the bad – while respecting that they may not want to disclose everything. • Make an effort to really listen to what your kids are telling you. Reflect that you “get it” when you do, and ask for clarification when you don’t. Show them that you want to understand them. • Let your kids know that you are safe to talk to. Explicitly tell them that you’re open to talking about the really tough stuff, and that there’s nothing they could tell you that would damage the relationship irreparably. • Be open to a variety of kids’ communication. Some young people might find it really difficult to open up in person, but not in an email or written note. Ask what works best for them and try to work with it. • Work on your own mental health literacy. Educate yourself about mental health. • Challenge stigma when you see it. Be mindful of how you talk about mental illness, and your reactions to depictions of or encounters with individuals who have a mental disorder.

Don’t Make Assumptions • R emember that it’s okay not to have all of the answers - you’re not expected to. • Don’t make assumptions about what your child is going through. Instead, ask questions, show that you are interested, and acknowledge that if your child is bringing this concern to you that it’s worthy of some time and attention. • Don’t talk to others about your child’s experiences without asking first. • When it’s a non-urgent situation, avoid rushing to solutions. Moving too quickly to offer advice or next steps can shut the conversation down quickly and circumvent an opportunity for understanding the nuance of your child’s experience and building trust. • If the circumstances are more urgent - i.e., if your child has disclosed that they are suicidal - remain calm and communicate hope to your child, and connect your child to professional supports as soon as possible.

stigma What is stigma? Stigma refers to the stereotypes, myths and misperceptions that often get associated with mental illness. Stigma can lead people to mistreat, mock, avoid or fear people with mental health problems. Stigma can also make people feel embarrassed or ashamed about their own, or a family member’s, mental health issue. The threat of being judged or labeled can also leave people reluctant to seek help. Mental illness is still so stigmatized in Canada that there are many people who would rather suffer in silence than risk talking about it.

Collaborate with your child • Ask your child what would be most helpful right now. Maybe your child just needs someone to listen, maybe [they] would like someone to do some research with them, maybe [they] would like you to go to the doctor’s with them. You won’t know what they most want from you until you ask. • Be open to collaborating on solutions, including solutions about the types of help or treatment you might consider pursuing.

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Take care of yourself. Supporting your child through a mental health struggle is no easy task. Take advantage of whatever supports are available to you, and make sure to build in time to relax and recoup.

Follow up and follow through

• Don’t let the conversation drop. Bring it back up by gently checkingin with your child. • Make sure to show consistency and follow-through around any of the solutions that you and your child have explored. • If your child finds that the approach that you’ve been trying isn’t working, be open to other options. For example, many people need to try seeing several different counsellors before they find one that is a good fit.

Take Care of Yourself

• Having a child disclose a mental health related struggle can be incredibly distressing. Fear, sadness, guilt, anger, and helplessness are normal emotional reactions to this sort of news. Know that it’s okay to be distressed but try not to let your own feelings overshadow what your child is going through. Monitor your own reactions – there’s a good chance that your child will be hyper-attuned to your response, so try your best to remain neutral, present, and open. • Acknowledge that stigma does not only affect someone with a mental health concern, but their parents as well. You might feel judged or blamed for what your child is going through, or like it’s somehow your fault. It’s not. Be gentle with yourself and give yourself permission to be human. Maybe you aren’t a perfect parent, but no one is. • Take care of yourself. Supporting your child through a mental health struggle is no easy task. Take advantage of whatever supports are available to you, and make sure to build in time to relax and recoup. CS

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One of the most important assets you may have in dealing with your child’s mental wellbeing is Kids Help Phone. Kids can always get free, anonymous support by calling one of our professional counsellors at 1-800-668-6868 or by visiting www.kidshelpphone.ca. Parents will also find more useful tips and information on our website.

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I

t’s the support from the community that has been the catalyst for the success of the Sens Foundation. That support, combined with the strength of Ottawa Senators Hockey Club, Alumni, corporate sponsors, and community partners has created an environment that has provided over $60 million in support back to the community since inception. Established in 1998, the Sens Foundation is a registered charity whose mandate is to provide financial and in kind support to other charities in the Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec region with a focus on children and youth in the areas of health, education and sport and recreation. Early in its establishment a prominent board of directors considered the direction the Foundation should take to benefit the community at large. Considering the benefits that could be achieved in the areas of children and youth, it was determined that three pillars would be created under which fundraising could conducted. These pillars later solidified providing the opportunity for strategic implementation of fundraising programs and initiatives. c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

Health Pillar

Roger’s House is the Sens Foundation’s charity of choice. This paediatric palliative hospice opened its doors in May of 2006 on the grounds of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Overwhelming support by the construction community and supported by donations from fans and corporate sponsors the hospice has allowed hundreds of children and youth and their families from across the province of Ontario to receive help. The legacy of Ottawa Senators coach Roger Neilson, the hospice provides a comprehensive paediatric palliative program with elements of outreach, residential hospice, pain and symptom management, grief and bereavement counselling and research. The Sens Foundation hosts two annual events in support of Roger’s House; the Roger’s House Telethon and Walk, Roll & Run for Roger’s House. The Foundation also provides support to hundreds of individuals and community organizations who host fundraising events for Roger’s House annually. The Sens Foundation has also supported other healthcare institutions and programs in our region including the recent fulfillment of a $1 million dollar pledge to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Contributions have also been made in support of child and youth initiatives at the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health, Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation, Ottawa Rotary Home Foundation, Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and CSSS de Gatineau Foundation. Much of this fundraising was raised through support from the Bell Sens Soiree Gala held each year. The January 2011 Soiree raised an astounding $360,000 and was attended by all the Senators hockey players and their spouses along with committed corporate sponsors and prominent members of our community. crimesense

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Education Pillar

The Sens Foundation realizes the importance of providing our youth with educational opportunities. A number of endowments have been established at post secondary institutions in the region allowing for bursaries to deserving and underprivileged youth. With $1.674 million endowed at various educational institutions, over 250 bursaries valued at over $350,000 have been awarded to date. In October 2008 the Sens Foundation announced its secondlargest financial commitment in its 10-year history, a 1.3 million pledge in support of two Ottawa residential youth treatment centres. The fundraising campaign, entitled Project s.t.e.p., is the community response to addressing the need of residential substance abuse treatment, education and prevention for young people between the ages of 13 and 17. With the support of community partners such as 24h Tremblant and the Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation, local champions and leaders, this campaign will raise the funds needed to support the development of a comprehensive substance abuse education and prevention program in our high schools, as well as provide specialized treatment and counselling in a 24-hour residential setting.

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Making A Difference In Our Community

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Sport & Recreation Pillar

Keeping our kids active and engaged in healthy activities is a primary focus of the Sens Foundation and hockey club. An exciting new initiative for the 2010/2011 hockey season was the launch of the I Love to Skate program. In partnership with the City of Ottawa, Canadian Tire, and Canadian Tire Jumpstart, 400 children between the ages of 6 and 12 years were provided with new skates and helmets plus skating lessons by qualified instructors on rinks in their communities. The children were then invited to Scoitabank Place for a wrap up party where they were invited by local dignitaries to skate on the ice, and enjoy a snack and variety show.

Cheer for Charity

One of the most successful programs the Sens Foundation facilitates is the Cheer for Charity program where season seat holders, premium-seating clients and suite holders are provided an opportunity to donate their event or Senators hockey tickets. The Sens Foundation provides the donor with a charitable tax receipt for the value of the tickets, prior to taxes. The tickets are then provided to United Way/Centraide Ottawa to distribute to some of their 200 charitable community partners, 1,800 workplace campaigns and 14,000 volunteers. To date more than 13,805 tickets with a value of over $1 million dollars have been donated, providing opportunities for many families in our community to attend an event at Scotiabank Place. CS

For more information please visit www.sensfoundation.com

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Many of us like the balance of this cause and effect equation people who commit crimes get arrested and go to jail. But does it really work to stop crime? We often forget an important piece of the puzzle that comes before the crime is committed: this is the work of organizations like Crime Prevention Ottawa that mobilise governments, law enforcement, communities, agencies, schools, parents and children to prevent crime from happening. And the prevention of crime actually saves us much more than we realize.

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We are all the victims of crime when we pay for it. For an average municipality of 900,000 people, the estimated annual costs of crime to victims and the public is more than $1.3 billion. Taxpayers pay more than $270 million mostly from municipal taxes for policing and $81 million for corrections from federal and provincial taxes. It’s a staggering amount of money when you think about how investing in crime prevention can help our pocketbooks. Studies confirm that a dollar invested now in crime prevention, for example parent training or stopping a young person dropping out of school, avoids seven dollars for increased incarceration. A dollar for enriched child care saves $17 in criminal justice costs.

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Still not convinced? Here are a few more numbers: In Canada it costs almost $100,000 to put a young person in jail for one year. In that year, far less money could see that young person: swim twice a week for 30 weeks; skate once a week for 15 weeks; play basketball in a league once a week for 26 weeks; participate in fencing or karate for a season; participate in a drop-in program four hours per week for 40 weeks; and, on top of all that, learn to boat and act, gain computer, first aid, and leadership skills. In addition, all equipment and supplies could be provided for all of these activities, as well as a bus pass, bicycle and helmet for transportation.

It is about saving money, but more importantly, about avoiding harm to victims and providing better futures for people who might otherwise have committed crimes and gone to jail.” Crime prevention is a goal worth pursuing, because everyone shares in the pay-off.

The numbers tell the story: stopping crime from happening is more costeffective than punishing individuals after a crime has been committed. Crime prevention involves a focus on eliminating factors that make people more likely to be involved in crime. Issues like youth unemployment, social isolation and poor health can be addressed by creating job opportunities, after-school programs and allowing wider access to physical fitness and recreation for families. It’s another cause and effect, but this one makes more sense because if you stop the crime from happening in the first place you don’t have to put anyone in jail and there is no victim of crime.

“The minute you start feeling like your community is safer and that crime is going down, things get better,” Chief White states. “People feel like they can go out in the evening, they start cleaning up their streets and yards. The quality of life in our communities is dramatically improved by the prevention of crime.” Dr. Waller agrees: “The numbers make you sit up and take notice, but you have to put them together with changing the causes of crime. It is about saving money, but more importantly, about avoiding harm to victims and providing better futures for people who might otherwise have committed crimes and gone to jail.” Crime prevention is a goal worth pursuing, because everyone shares in the pay-off. CS

Crime Prevention Ottawa (CPO) contributes to crime reduction and enhanced community safety in Ottawa through collaborative evidence-based crime prevention. Look for more information about Crime Prevention Week or activities and events coming soon at www.crimepreventionottawa.ca

Dr. Irvin Waller, Professor of Criminology and past Director of the Institute for the Prevention of Crime at the University of Ottawa, notes that directly addressing issues that we know predispose young people to become offenders in teenage and adult years leads to effective crime prevention. “For example, we know that social isolation is a major risk factor,” he says. “Teenage boys who have positive adult role models are less likely to become offenders. Recreation programs are one solution, as they provide connections with adult mentors, coaches, and trainers, and this will have an effect on crime rates. There is a logical and practical link between recreation and crime prevention – and it works.”

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In the end, it’s not just about the numbers, says Vern White, Chief of Police with the Ottawa Police Services.


youth crime causes, links, and solutions

and mental health

Department of Psychology University of Toronto

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By: Dax Urbszat, LL.B., Ph.D.

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M

ost individuals in law enforcement, politics, education, and research agree that Mental Health issues have an important

impact

on

the

creation

and

maintenance

of criminal behaviour. This may be especially true for younger individuals dealing with mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. It has been suggested that mental disorders constitute the largest burden of disease in youth and it has been estimated that as many as 20% of youth experience serious mental health problems, usually as a result of mental disorders.1 “Mental disorders are highly prevalent in young people, comprising approximately one-third of the global burden of disease in this age group; approximately 75% onset before 24 years of age.”2 Mental health issues in adolescence may reflect disorders of childhood that have persisted, or they may be the first onset of a disorder that may well last into adulthood. The consequences of mental illness include “life-long difficulty with substantial morbidity, significant c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

socioeconomic consequences and increased early mortality.” crimesense

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Ernie Gratto Plumbing & Heating 470 Du Bercail Hawkesbury, ON K0B 1K0

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Although the prevalence of mental disorders in young people is well documented, it would seem that only a portion of youth suffering with mental illness will receive the proper assessment, diagnosis, and treatment that they require. Recent studies suggest that only 25-30% of youth who require mental health treatment will actually receive it.3,4 “Two of every three depressed children do not receive an appropriate diagnosis by a primary care physician, and even when a diagnosis is given, only 50% receive appropriate treatment.”5 For a myriad of reasons there are not enough mental health services available to meet the needs of Canadian youth. Many of these problems include “long waiting lists for specialty mental health service, lack of mental health care in

for many of these youth is poor and urgent calls are being made to respond to the treatment and rehabilitation needs of youth within these settings”.10 While not created or intended for this purpose, detention facilities are now the largest providers of mental health services for young people, yet the juvenile justice system is not equipped for the proper assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health problems. Recent research suggests that 25% of those hospitalized for a mental illness have a history of criminal behaviour.11 Other research shows that up to 70% of incarcerated adolescents suffer from mental disorders that significantly impair their functioning in multiple domains.12,13 The prevalence of mental disorders in the criminal justice system is at least two to

“youth suffering from mental health problems are being directed into the juvenile-justice system due to a lack of accessible and appropriate mental health care” primary care, inadequate numbers of health providers with necessary mental health competencies, poor coordination among institutions and organizations serving young people and government agencies tasked with ensuring service provision, and lack of specific child and youth mental health polices at both the provincial and federal levels.” To further complicate the matter, there are growing concerns that increasing numbers of youth suffering from mental health problems are being directed into the juvenile-justice system due to a lack of accessible and appropriate mental health care.6,7 A convincing body of research shows that the majority of children and youth within correctional settings suffer from one or more mental disorders.8,9 Not surprisingly, the mental health prognoses c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

four times greater than in the general adolescent population.14 The large number of young people in institutions who require mental health services has overwhelmed the justice system, which is ill-equipped and ill-prepared to deal with the pressing needs of so many. This has lead to poor outcomes for youth with mental illness who become incarcerated. “Only one-third of incarcerated males and one-fourth of incarcerated females needing mental health services receive them, raising concerns that custodial interventions are replacing the need for therapeutic mental health care. Effectively addressing the mental health needs of young people before their becoming involved in the juvenile justice system may result in fewer incarcerations and improved short-and

long-term person, social and economic outcomes.”15 There are numerous reasons for the high rates of mental disorders among incarcerated youth. While some reasons may be fairly obvious, others are less clear. Certainly, one factor adding to the problem is the fact that “the presence of a mental disorder at the time of apprehension for suspicion of a criminal act increases the likelihood of a negative outcome in terms of subsequent contact with the justice system.” This includes “higher rates of arrests at the scene of the offense, longer detention periods and higher rates of recidivism.”16 Whatever the reasons may be, it is clear that the juvenile justice system is not the type of environment that will help in attaining optimum outcomes with youth that have serious mental health concerns, in fact, it is likely that institutionalization in the justice system may lead to or exacerbate mental health issues. The possibility of victimization by staff or other inmates, new access to controlled substances, confinement, and separation from social support systems are only some of the potential problems that can lead to a worsening of mental health in at risk youth. These factors, as well as others, also increase the risk of suicide in a population of youth whose risk is already elevated due to mental illness.17 In one study it was found that “nearly two thirds of males and nearly three quarters of females met diagnostic criteria for one or more psychiatric disorders. Excluding conduct disorder (common among detained youth), nearly 60% of males and more than two thirds of females met diagnostic criteria and had diagnosis-specific impairment for one or more psychiatric disorders.” It was also found that half of all males and nearly half of all females in incarceration met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IVtr (DSM-IV) criteria for a substance use disorder. As well, more than 20% of females met criteria for a major depressive episode.18 The results of this study suggest substantial co-morbidity of mental disorders among juvenile detainees and the authors suggest that “youth with psychiatric disorders pose a challenge for the juvenile justice system and, after their release, for the larger mental health system.” crimesense

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30.4% of incarcerated youth met criteria for depression

20%

of youth experience serious mental health problems

25-30% of youth who require mental health treatment will actually receive it

female

male

30% 20% percentage with substance use disorders that also met criteria for at least one other major mental disorder

70%

of incarcerated adolescents suffer from mental disorders

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75%

of mental health problems onset before the age of 24

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In another study conducted on newly arrested and incarcerated youth in Cook County, Illinois it was found that 56.6% of females and 45.9% of males met criteria for 2 or more of the following disorders: major depressive, dysthymic, bi-polar, psychotic, panic, separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, attention-deficit/ hyperactivity, conduct, oppositional defiant, alcohol, marijuana, and other substance. They also found that the “odds of having co-morbid disorders were higher than expected by chance for most demographic subgroups”. . . and that “nearly 14% of females and 11% of males had both a major mental disorder (psychosis, manic episode, or major depressive episode) and a substance use disorder. Compared with participants with no major mental disorder (the residual category), those with a major mental disorder had significantly greater odds (1.8-4.1) of having substance use disorders.”19 The study also states that nearly 30% of females and more than 20% of males with substance use disorders also met criteria for at least one other major mental disorder. The link between substance abuse and other mental disorders is well established. As a cause or a symptom of mental illness, issues regarding substance abuse remain paramount in the factors contributing both to mental illness and participation in the juvenile justice system. It would seem that the “general consensus across studies is that the vast majority of incarcerated youth meet formal criteria for at least one DSMIV disorder . . . with approximately 20% of youth meeting diagnostic criteria for a serious mental health disorder – defined as serious emotional disturbance resulting in functional impairment.”20 With over 120,000 children and adolescents being held within juvenile justice facilities across North America on any given day, this represents a huge number of young people in need of proper psychiatric and psychological care. However, as stated previously, the justice system is not designed or equipped to deal with the mental health needs of such an overwhelming number of youth. Mental health issues represent a risk factor for youth to be involved in substance c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

abuse and the juvenile justice system. Thus, efforts should be directed towards diversion of youth from the justice system and prevention and proper treatment of mental health issues.

Diversion from the Justice System to the Mental Health System There are a number of specific programs that attempt to divert individuals with mental health issues from the criminal justice system to a wider range of community support systems, particularly, mental health treatment and support. “Preliminary results demonstrate a number of positive outcomes including reduced risk for recidivism, less jail time, more involvement with mental health professionals and increased use of community–based

services.”21,22 However, the success of these types of programs is dependent upon multi-agency communication and participation including “the availability of highly trained staff, a judiciary that is familiar with and supportive of this approach, and effective collaboration with health, mental health and community service providers.” In British Columbia, the policy framework for diversion of persons with a mental disorder states “there are a disproportionate number of people with mental disorders in the criminal justice and correctional systems. This is not only seen as an inappropriate consequence for illness related behaviour, but is also increasingly seen as a waste of valuable

law enforcement and criminal justice system time, and of resources that may be more effectively spent on improving community mental health services.” This policy statement is arguably even more fitting for youth and the juvenile justice system. The Youth Criminal Justice Act encourages diversion and conferencing. Conferencing is a set of processes that bring concerned parties together to consult about decisions that must be made following the commission of a serious crime by a young person. Conferencing uses practices from diversion, as discussed above, and restorative justice movements in juvenile justice. Placing an emphasis on the importance of mental health issues during conferencing is one possible way to address the mental health needs of youth involved in the justice system.23 Acknowledgment of the fact that the rate of youth with mental health needs is disproportionately high in the juvenile justice system has led to other diversion programs being introduced such as wraparound programs. Wraparound planning involves families and providers in helping to coordinate mental health, juvenile justice, and any other services and supports. One study compared data from two groups of juvenile offenders with mental health problems and found that youth in the Connections program were significantly less likely to recidivate at all, less likely to recidivate with a felony offense, and served less detention time. Another study done in four New York counties looked at a program called Project Connect. Project Connect is a multi layered program aimed at “linking juvenile probationers to needed mental health and substance use services.” Interventions included “cooperative agreements between probation and mental health authorities, program materials to facilitate referral, in-service training for probation officers, and systematic screening for mental health needs. . . Compared to Baseline, under Project Connect, referred youths were 2.7 times as likely to access services, regardless of youth or county characteristics, service availability, or when the intervention took place.” Diversion programs with an emphasis on proper mental health treatment have shown some promising results. crimesense

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Which Disorders have the Greatest Impact on the Justice System Given the full range of mental disorders seen in youth today there are several disorders that are commonly associated with youth involved in the justice system. As mood and anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental disorders in North America it is not surprising that they are overrepresented in incarcerated youth populations. Ulzen and Hamilton (1998)24 found that 30.4% of incarcerated youth met criteria for depression compared to only 4.1% in the community sample. They also found that 21.3% of males and 30.8% of females met criteria for an Anxiety disorder compared to only 4.1% among community youth. Studies in the United States report similar prevalence rates of depression and anxiety for incarcerated youth.25 As stated previously, substance use disorders are highly prevalent in youth and incarcerated youth populations. Substance use disorders are also highly comorbid with mood and anxiety disorders. Other disorders that are less prevalent, but deserve special attention, due to the prolonged course of the disorders include Conduct disorder, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder. These disorders are likely present from before adolescence and respond best to early interventions. Diagnosis of these disorders is more difficult, but the consequences of these disorders not being treated may be severe with regard to general functioning and risk for entering the juvenile justice system.

Increased Access to the Best Treatments Available Many youth with mental health problems do not get adequate treatment. One of the reasons mentioned above was long waiting lists for specialty mental health service. Standard waiting times for Anxiety or Mood disorder clinics is often 6 months to a year. Also, there is lack of mental health care and training in primary care physicians resulting in the standard treatment for anxiety and depression being anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications. Even those who are referred to a specialist and go on to see a Psychiatrist will still likely find anti-anxiety and antidepressant medication as the recommended c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

treatment. However, “from an evidencebased perspective, cognitive-behavioral therapy is currently the treatment of choice for anxiety and depressive disorders in children and adolescents.”

“those who are referred to a specialist and go on to see a Psychiatrist will still likely find anti-anxiety and antidepressant medication as the recommended treatment.” This creates a major problem for treatment outcomes, as those in need of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) will be unlikely to receive this form of treatment. CBT is a model that is practiced in greater numbers by clinical Psychologists, whereas, Psychiatrists are less likely to be trained in this particular form of psychotherapy. In Ontario, treatment by a clinical psychologist is not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan. In order to see a clinical Psychologist for CBT, unless the psychologist is attached to a hospital clinic, patients will have to pay through insurance or out of pocket. Thus, access to CBT is restricted to those who are patient enough to remain on the wait list or those that can pay by other means. In Peel region for example, it is very difficult to get a referral from a primary care physician to a psychiatrist that is willing or able to perform cognitive-behavioural treatments. As stated above, inadequate numbers of health care providers have the necessary mental health competencies to practice CBT. Specifically, there is a lack of access and availability for cognitivebehavioural treatment and therapies, which is the treatment of choice for anxiety, depression, and substance abuse in children and adolescents. Heavy and sole reliance on medication as treatment for anxiety and depression is an issue in all populations, but particularly with children and adolescents.26

Prevention of Mental Illness through Education In addition to supporting governmental adoption of youth mental health courts, the creation of diversion programs that emphasize mental health issues, and increasing access to the best available treatments for mental illness, efforts should be directed towards the prevention of mental illness. Almost invariably, early intervention and treatment will bring about better treatment outcomes. By educating the judiciary, first responders, those involved in youth justice services, and community members in general, mental health issues can be better understood and acted upon at an earlier stage, before they contribute to the likelihood of contact with the justice system. In the practice of CognitiveBehavioural therapy, one of the first steps in creating any treatment plan involves Psycho-education. Psychoeducation is simply learning about the current knowledge and research concerning all aspects of the disorder the person suffers from. Information like prevalence rates can decrease stigma and let the person know that they are not alone in having this particular disorder. Information about course, symptoms, treatments, etc…, can help inform the person understand the facts regarding their disorder, including important information like co-morbidity with substance abuse for example. Specific educational programs for middle and high school could be created that educate about anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, as well as the links between these disorders. Once again, Psycho-education programs could be created for parents and community members as well. Intensive psycho-education programs could also be designed for high-risk youth and those who have had extensive contact with the justice system. Whatever programs are designed and implemented, it is crucial that they are properly evaluated for outcomes and that they meet the fundamental criteria of program accountability and scientific merit. And, as always, financial resources and feasibility remain constant constraints on any proposed programs. crimesense

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Conclusion It is well understood that mental health is an important contributor to the issues of crime and deviance in any society. While many reports cite mental health as an area to consider, there are very few programs that emphasize the important link that mental illness plays in criminality, especially in the juvenile justice system. Hopefully, there will be continued support for governmental programs like youth mental health courts, diversion programs that place an emphasis on the mental health needs, conferencing, and others. In addition to some of the traditional problems that create a lack of access to mental health care, the issue of limited access to cognitive-behavioural treatments is a particular problem for youth with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Most youth who receive treatment for their mental illness will be treated using medications alone, which does not represent the treatment that shows the best outcomes and is known to have many more complications and risks associated. Improving access to CBT may involve a changing of the services included under OHIP. Perhaps, at the very least, this could be established for youth or at risk youth, or youth that have had initial contact with the justice system. Finally, as stated above, a more immediate solution involves educational programs. Education at all levels and to all relevant audiences will help people to understand mental illness in order to lessen stigma, improve ability to identify mental illness, improve chances of seeking treatment, and improve treatment outcomes by having earlier interventions and knowledge about the best available treatments. Psychoeducation programs in the community should also demonstrate clearly the links between mental illness, substance abuse, and criminal behaviour. It should be possible to create a “detour from delinquency” by preventing, properly assessing, and efficiently treating mental illness in young people, thereby keeping them from a future that involves the juvenile and criminal justice systems. CS c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

“a better informed community lessens the stigma of having mental illness, increases understanding among community members and service providers, and it has the potential to promote early intervention by giving youth the information necessary to identify and seek help for mental illness as early as possible.”

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References 18, 19 -Abram, K.M., Teplin, L.A., McClelland, G.M., Dulcan, M.K. (2003) Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders in Youth in Juvenile Detention. Archives of General Psychiatry. 60:1097–1108.

2, 5, 7, 12, 15, 16 - Kutcher, S. & McDougall, A. (2009) Problems with access to adolescent mental health care can lead to dealings with the criminal justice system. Pediatrics and Child Heath,v. 14(1).

8 - Andre, G., Pease, K., Kendall, K., & Boulton, A. (1994). Health and Offence Histories of Young Offenders in Saskatoon, Canada. Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health. 4:163–180.

10, 13, 20 - Odgers, C.L., Burnette, M.L., Chauhan, P., Moretti, M.M., Reppucci, N.D. (2005). Misdiagnosing the problem: Mental health profiles of incarcerated juveniles. Can Child Adolesc Psych Rev. 14:26–9.

6, 11, 14, 21, 22 - Canadian Institute for Health Information Improving the health of Canadians: Mental health, delinquency and criminal activity. < www.cihi.ca>. (Version current at October 31, 2008).

17 - Sanislow, C.A., Grilo, C.M., Fehon, D.C., Axelrod, S.R., McGlashan, T.H. (2003). Correlates of suicide risk in juvenile detainees and adolescent inpatients. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry.42:234–40.

3 - Leitch, K.K. (2007). Reaching for the top: A report by the advisor on healthy children & youth. Ottawa: Health Canada; 2007. < http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca> (Version current at October 31, 2008).

25 - Teplin, L.A., Abram, K.M., McClelland, G.M., Dulcan, M.K., Mericle, A.A. (2002). Psychiatric disorders in youth in juvenile detention. Archives of general psychiatry. 59:1133–1143.

23 - Hillian, D., Reitsma-Street, M., & Hackler, J. (2006). Conferencing in the Youth Criminal Justice Act of Canada: Policy Developments in British Columbia. Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice, 46(30), 343-366.

9, 24 - Ulzen, T.P.M., & Hamilton, H. (1998). The nature and characteristics of psychiatric comorbidity in incarcerated adolescents. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. 43:57–63.

4 - Kirby, M.J. & Keon, W.J. (2006). Final Report of The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. Out of the shadows at last: Transforming mental health, mental illness and addiction services in Canada.

1 - Waddell C, Hua JM, Garland OM, Peters RD, McEwan K. (2007). Preventing mental disorders in children: A systematic review to inform policy-making. Can J Public Health. 98:166–73. 26 - Wasserman, G.A., McReynolds, L.S., Musibegovic, H., Whited, A.L., Keating, J.M., & Huo, Y. (2009). Evaluating Project Connect: Improving

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“You see that guy watching the store? He’s just staring at us.” “That one, wearing the grey coat, sitting on the bench in the mall right in front of the door?”

©copyright iStockphoto.com | bobbieo

“Isn’t that Anna’s ex? When she and I were working the afternoon shift together last year, he used to pick her up after work every night. He was always in a grumpy mood.” Maybe I met him once or twice, didn’t they break up, like, last spring? “I worked with Anna last weekend. She said ever since they separated, he’s been extra strange. He leaves her messages on her voice mail saying that I poisoned her mind against him, and that she should quit and work somewhere else, then they could be together.” “Hey, that’s spooky... I hope he isn’t going to sit there all day,“ “He better be gone by the time the manager comes in at 11, I don’t want to get in trouble over this.”

S

omeone might get in trouble in this scenario, but it shouldn’t be either of these two women who opened the store that morning. Since the introduction of legislation in Ontario commonly known as Bill 168, last

June, employers have a responsibility to combat workplace related violence and criminal harassment. As many counsellors working with women know, situations like the one touched on above always produce unease and emotional discomfort, and all too often lead to threatening situations and sometimes physical violence. Any of these effects has a negative impact on employee absenteeism, retention of good staff, morale, and the bottom-line – profitability.

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Well, “they” oughta give these counter staff something, but something more useful than body armour. In fact, the employer has an obligation to strategize and get results in these areas of employee safety. How does an employer meet the new obligations that Bill 168 imposes? What would be the right things to do in a situation like the ones introduced at the beginning of this article? Ontario laws now have requirements for employers to design, display, implement and regularly review written policies and related practices with respect to both workplace violence and workplace harassment. Employers are obliged to keep employees safe, but are sometimes at a loss as to how to protect staff in situations where the usual WHMIS posters, protective clothing, and safe equipment don’t offer the necessary protection.

The domestic violence provisions, unique to Ontario’s legislation, are also addressed in the Act requiring employers to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers when they are aware, or ought reasonably to be aware, that domestic violence may occur in the workplace, and that it would likely expose a worker to physical injury.

“I can’t believe I have to fill in another #!%#*!!# form. You people don’t want to help, you just want to make my life a living...” “Sir, if you can’t use polite language, we’re not going to serve you.” “You haven’t served me yet, unless you call three weeks of delays, endless bureaucracy and no straight answers some kinda service... “ “Exaggeration won’t make your case go any quicker, sir, if you follow the instructions on the back of the form...” “If I have to come in here again, it’s going to be your very worst day, next time I call and get that voicemail, I’m coming right down here and every body’s going to be sorry, got it?” “Phew, that guy’s a definite nut bar, every time he comes in here, my heart jumps into my throat, nothing makes him happy, and if I really do tell him to get out, he’ll write the mayor or somebody and I’ll be in deep doo-doo. They oughta give us helmets and flak jackets for heaven’s sake. You know what the supervisor will say: ‘if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen’...you don’t want to be the complaint queen.”

Premier Dalton McGuinty’s government introduced the legislation as a result of an inquest in response to the murder of nurse Lori Dupont in 2005. Dupont’s former boyfriend, Dr. Marc Daniel, stabbed her to death at the Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital in Windsor, Ont. The facility was aware of repeated and escalating harassment by Daniel, an anesthesiologist, but failed to discipline him and failed to support Ms Dupont. The pair was actually scheduled to work together on the day he killed her. The costs of workplace violence and harassment are high, both for the victims and their employers. Workplace violence in ALL work settings is one of the only categories of crime that is NOT in decline. c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

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ally abusive behaviors that generate anxiety or create a climate of distrust, and that adversely affect productivity and morale. These could potentially escalate into more outright physical violence.

ty concerns and perceptions are some of the best practices identified with physical (the workplace premises) and operational (the way work is performed) safety audits. CS

Organizational response and compliance with Bill 168

There is a flurry of offers, material and services offered to organizations seeking compliance to Bill 168 from ‘Do It Yourself’ kits to Human Resource and Legal Consultations. All of them recommend that every organization do the following:

Defining Workplace Violence

Create and conduct a workplace violence risk assessment:

Any definition of workplace violence must encompass the full range of behaviors that can cause injury, damage property, impede the normal course of work, or make workers, managers, and customers fear for their safety.

Employers are required to assess the risks of workplace violence that may arise from the nature of the workplace, the type of work or the conditions of work. Employers should develop a response plan for each risk identified.

At the low end of the workplace violence continuum lie disruptive, aggressive, hostile, or emotion-

Performing a review of all incident reports and distributing a survey or interviewing employees on safe-

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Create a workplace violence and harassment program:

This program will address the risks identified in the assessment including procedures, training and security protocols or infrastructure (locks, lights, signage...) to reduce or prevent violent incidents at the workplace. Knowing what to do when confronted with violence or harassment and knowing what should happen next is empowering for employees facing such situations.

Create policies to respond to workplace violence and harassment:

It is essential to create procedures for all employees (mobile as well as static) to report incidents of workplace violence / harassment or threats of violence. These policies should clearly indicate how an employee can summon immediate assistance or refuse work when feeling at risk, and the process for filing a complaint. The employers investigative process should be clearly outlined for employees and managers as well as step by step timelines for dealing with incidents, threats and complaints. The same policies must be posted at the workplace, be made available to all electronically, and presented to all staff in training sessions.

The worst mistake an organization could make would be to think that this is another piece of legislation where a wait-and-see approach might work best for the moment.

Create tools and processes to implement the program:

Comprehensive documents for complaints, investigations and other types of communication are imperative to this strategy. All employees need to know what form needs to be filed, what information needs to be written and to whom it needs to be given. All forms and documents need to be carefully designed so that they stay user friendly and yield as much information as possible to conduct a useful investigation. In larger firms, employee committees can be created with the specific intent of reviewing all existing documents or for the creation of new ones.

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Creating a renewal process

Risk should be reviewed annually at a minimum. Risk also needs to be re-assessed when a new or different type of violence is identified in the workplace; if a new facility is built or renovated; or if there are significant changes in the way business is delivered or the type of clientele. The worst mistake an organization could make would be to think that this is another piece of legislation where a wait-and-see approach might work best for the moment. This approach is in breach of the legislation and could result in fines up to $500,000 to companies and up to $25,000 or 12 months imprisonment for individuals. Organizations are encouraged to visit the following sites for more information, tool kits and other relevant documents: Ministry of Labour’s Guideline Workplace Violence and Harassment: Understanding the Law http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/pubs/wpvh/index.php A Toolbox of Resources and Templates http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/pdf/wvps_toolbox.pdf Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety http://www.ccohs.ca Domestic Violence Doesn’t Stop When Your Worker Arrives at Work: What Employers Need to Know to Help http://www.hchsa. on.ca/products/free_resource.shtml About the Authors:

Steve Hall is a partner at the Strategic Improvement Company (www.sicsecurity. com) and a long time consultant for the Canadian Training Institute. Steve has been working in the field of safety and security for over 25 years. Experienced in customized training design and delivery, facility aidits and risk assessment, Steve assists businesses and agencies in implementation of Bill 168 strategies. Steve can be reached at 647.454.1742 or shall.sic@telus.blackberry.net. Gordon Mack Scott, also a partner at the Strategic Improvement Company, has more than 30 years experience in law enforcement, investigation services, education and consulting with business and social agencies. He has lectured at Centenial College and York University and presented at national and international conferences. He can be reached at 416.707.0419 or gmscott@telus.blackberry.net.

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By Alison Weir, PHD

Department of Mathematical and Computational Science University of Toronto Mississauga

My newspaper likes to print bold headlines about crime. Last summer, I happily read articles titled Crime Rate Continues to Drop, Canada’s Crime Severity Declines, and Crime Rate Has Sunk 22% Since 1999. These stories made me feel safe, and proud to be Canadian. But I wondered about the data behind the stories.

Statistics Canada does an excellent job of questioning legal professionals. Every year, they survey all 208 police jurisdictions in order to generate crime rate and crime severity statistics. Statistics Canada does a good job of questioning crime victims. Every five or six years, about 25,000 randomly selected Canadians over the age of 15 are surveyed by telephone. They are asked about a broad range of topics. One of the topics is about the extent, nature, impact, and consequences of their crime victimization. crimesense

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about one-third of all crimes committed are not brought to the attention of the police.

There are three groups of people involved in crime: criminals, victims, and legal professionals. If we could get the right information from all three groups and merge it appropriately, then we could get an accurate picture of crime in Canada. But, we can’t get the right information. Although we can question victims and legal professionals, it’s impossible to question active criminals. We can’t identify all active criminals; we can only identify those that have been convicted of an offense. Even if we could identify active criminals, it’s not likely that their information would be reliable.

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Unfortunately Statistics Canada does not merge the information in these two surveys. When the information is merged a shocking statistic results – about onethird of all crimes committed are not brought to the attention of the police. My newspaper headlines were about crime rates and crime severity indices, as reported by the police. My newspaper headlines didn’t contain anything about the one-third of all crimes that didn’t make it to the police. Crime rates are the most commonly used measure of overall crime activity. Most people think that a low local crime rate indicates a safe community, and a high local crime rate indicates an unsafe community. Crime rates are calculated by taking the number of criminal incidents that the police consider closed, dividing it by the population size, and then multiplying the result by 1,000. Crime rates don’t differentiate between serious and less serious crimes. An act of mischief carries the same weight as a homicide. Crime rates are high if there is a high volume of less serious crimes. Canadian crime rates do not include criminal traffic offences or drug offences.

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Crime rates don’t differentiate between serious and less serious crimes. Crime severity indices (CSIs) were introduced in Canada in 2007. Even though they are a recent innovation, we have the data to calculate them for previous years. The idea behind a CSI is simple; it’s a crime rate that differentiates between serious and less serious crimes. To calculate a CSI we need a weight for every crime. We want serious crimes to be important, so we need them to have large weights. We want smaller weights for less serious crimes. The weights adopted are the product of two numbers: the percent of those convicted who receive jail time and the average jail time for those who get it. The weights make sense, since almost every criminal gets a lot of jail time for a serious crime. The weights are held constant for five years, then they are recalculated using court sentencing data for the previous five years. Since the weights change every five years, the index is scaled so that 2006 values are 100 (this is similar to the scaling in the Consumer Price Index). CSIs include criminal traffic offences and drug offences.

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CSIs are calculated by first multiplying each crime by its weight, then summing all of these products, then dividing the total by the population size, and finally scaling the result so that 2006 values equal 100. Victimization rates tell us how many people are victims of crime. If all crimes are reported to the police, then the crime rate and the victimization rate should be almost equal. They won’t be exactly equal since some crimes, like a double homicide has two victims, whereas other crimes, like cannabis possession, have no victims. But if a lot of crimes are not reported to the police, the crime rate will be noticeably smaller than the victimization rate. Victimization rates are calculated by taking the number of people who report being victims of crime, dividing it by the sample size, doing a bit of statistical magic, and finally multiplying the result by 1,000. Victimization rates don’t differentiate between serious and less serious crimes. Victimization rates are calculated for an aggregate of all violent offences. They are also calculated for individual violent crimes such as theft of personal property. The majority of victims, who didn’t report to the police, said they thought their crime wasn’t serious enough to report. Statistics Canada calculates crime rates, victimization rates, and CSIs nationally, provincially, and for metropolitan areas. Let’s have a look at the three indices, split by province, for 2009. This gives us a snapshot of Canadian crime in 2009, but I don’t think it’s a particularly good snapshot. There could be big changes to the pictures if we could find out about the one-third of all crimes that are not reported to the police. Figure 4 shows the combination of victimization rate and crime rate. Each dot represents data for one province. Notice how the dots are scattered about the straight line. This line tells us that in 2009 provincial crime rates were about 62% of victimization rates. It looks like 38% (or a little bit less since some crimes have more than one victim) of crimes were not reported to the police. About one-third of all committed crimes were not reported to the police. c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

Figure 1 National Crime Rates Overall, the total crime rate has decreased from 1998 to 2009. The violent crime rate has remained virtually constant since 2000.

Figure 2 National Crime Severity Indices Total CSI has decreased from 1998 to 2009. Violent CSI has remained fairly constant.

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Figure 3 National Victimization Rates Violent victimization rates have remained fairly constant from 1999 to 2009. Theft of personal property has increased from 1999 to 2009.

Figure 4 Provincial Crime Rates and Victimization Rates 2009 There is a positive linear relationship between these two indicators of crime incidence.

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Table 1 2009 Crime Indices Table 1 contains a lot of numbers. It’s probably best to summarize these numbers graphically. Have a look at Figures 5, 6, and 7. Some interesting conclusions can be made when we combine the information in Figures 5, 6, and 7, with the numbers in Table 1. The most obvious conclusion is that crime incidence and victimization is worse in Western Canada than it is in the rest of the country. Figures 5 and 6 show that Ontario’s and Quebec’s crime character is not the same as the rest of Canada – they have a higher proportion of violent crime. Figures 6 and 7 show that Manitoba’s, New Brunswick’s and Ontario’s victimization rates are not in character is not the same as the rest of Canada – they have a higher proportion of non-reported crime. Let’s come back to my newspaper headlines. Those headlines made me feel safe. They summarized crime rates and crime severity indices, and at first glance these numbers tell me how safe I should feel. But further investigation taught me that crime rates and crime severity indices can’t include the huge number of “dark crimes” that are not reported to the police. Now I know that we can’t measure safety using police-reported statistics, we simply don’t have the data to do it. I don’t know what types of crime go unreported in my neighbourhood, I don’t know if I still feel safe. CS

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Total CSI 2009

Figure 5

Total CSI 2009 Observe higher levels of violent crime in the west, particularly high in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

55 Total Crime Rate 2009

Figure 6

Total Crime Rate 2009 Higher crime rates in the west. Lowest total crime rates in Ontario and Quebec.

Victimization Rate 2009

Figure 7

Victimization Rate 2009 Higher victimization rates in the west, with the exception of New Brunswick.

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BARRY J. HOBIN & ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS INCORPORATED

Glebe Chambers, 63 Pamilla Street, Ottawa, K1S 3K7 613-238-7200

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THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA FORMING ATTITUDES TOWARDS MENTAL ILLNESS

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Kismet Baun

On television, they are violent and murderous—both in drama and comedy shows. Slasher movies give birth to multiple sequels. Batman’s foes, the Joker and the Penguin, are “insane.” Even children’s literature is rife with mentally ill villains. In the Harry Potter books, one character is termed “mad” and hence deemed “a danger to anyone who crosses him.” All too often, the media use sensational language that tends to perpetuate myths and stereotypes regarding mental illness, promote fear in the community

and lead to irresponsible conclusions being drawn. Provocative mainstream newspaper headlines such as “Terror, mentally ill threaten Games” transforms a health issue into a public safety issue and capitalizes on the fear of violence and irrationality that lack of understanding about mental illness can cause. Persons identified as mentally-ill are all too often embraced by the media as the secular version of the devil, transmogrified into the out-of-control madman bent on a rampage of seemingly inexplicable death and destruction. In reality, mental illness is a poor predictor of violence. The majority of people who are violent do not suffer from mental illnesses. As a group, mentally ill people are no more violent than any other group. In fact, people with mental illnesses are far more likely to be the victims of violence than to be violent themselves. crimesense

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he often negative ways that the media portray mental illnesses, is something of which many mental health consumers are painfully aware. Distorted and demeaning images of mental illnesses when presented to the public shape their attitudes and, in turn, influences their behaviour. When those images are unfavourable and inaccurate, as they often are, they contribute to the stigma and discrimination that represent barriers to treatment and recovery. Movies, television, newspaper articles and books often present people with mental illnesses as dangerous or unstable. Despite notable exceptions like the Academy Award-winning film A Beautiful Mind, most often novels, films and television continue the representation of people with mental illnesses as unpredictable, child-like, hypersexual, dangerous, evil and violent. In popular fiction, “mental cases” commit violent crimes.

By:

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Current research shows that people with major mental illness are 2.5 times more likely

to be the victims of violence than other members of society. It is estimated that one in every four persons with mental illness will experience violent victimization every year, a rate that is eleven times higher than the rate of violent victimization experienced by the general

Stigma is burdensome. Added to the weight of already painful and sometimes overwhelming psychiatric disorders is the hurt of other people’s disdain, dislike and avoidance. Most mental health consumers admit that the stigma that accompanies the mental illness is worse than the illness itself. Not only is it difficult for those with mental disorders to face a world that misunderstands and

“…up to 20% of the population, will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives. One in three will suffer from a severe and persistent mental illness, and one in eight will actually be hospitalized.” population. Mental illness plays no part in the majority of violent crimes committed in our society. The assumption that any and every mental illness carries with it an almost certain potential for violence has been proven wrong in many studies. Recent studies have shown that alcohol and substance abuse far outweigh mental illness in contributing to violence. A 1996 Health Canada review of scientific articles found that the strongest predictor of violence and criminal behaviour is not major mental illness, but past history of violence and criminality. Such factors as age, gender, substance abuse and educational level are, among others, significantly greater contributors to violence than mental disorders. The conditions which increase the risk of violence are the same whether a person has a mental illness or not. Mental illness is often viewed as a rare phenomenon that happens only to a special group of (flawed) individuals unlike ourselves. But in fact, in Canada, mental illness is the single largest category of disease affecting Canadians. One in five Canadians, or up to 20% of the population, will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives. One in three will suffer from a severe and persistent mental illness, and one in eight will actually be hospitalized. So it is, in fact, not that faceless group over there but it is our neighbours, our friends, our loved ones, and perhaps even ourselves. Stigma is defined in the dictionary as a “mark or sign of disgrace or discredit.” The word stigma is derived from the Greek word ‘stigmatos’ meaning mark made by a pointed instrument, a brand signifying the marks that were pricked onto slaves to demonstrate ownership and reflect their inferior social status. The 1999 Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health identified stigma as one of the foremost obstacles to improved mental health care today, noting that “Stigma tragically deprives people of their dignity and interferes with their full participation in society.” Stigma in relation to people with mental illness can be understood as a combination of problems of knowledge (ignorance), attitudes (prejudice) and behaviour (discrimination). Simply put, stigma refers to an attitude. Discrimination is the behaviour created by that attitude. c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

devalues them, but it is also isolating. Stigma also has the power to undermine the search for treatment. Those who are reluctant to acknowledge their disorders are also likely to delay (or avoid altogether) seeking appropriate (psychiatric) help, because that treatment will itself mark them as undesirable. Fear of disclosure may lead those with mental illnesses to themselves increase their distance from others. Fear of unfavourable public responses and of losing friends, furthermore, often leads to an additional burden – the burden of keeping one’s illness a secret, of bearing it silently, of fearing disclosure. Mental illness stigma also leads to discrimination in housing and reduced employment opportunities. Lack of safe, affordable, available housing contributes to homelessness, which then adds to the burden of mental illness the challenge of daily survival. Inadequate, unhealthy living conditions and increased stress are hardly conducive to improved mental functioning. Reduced employment opportunities leads to poverty. Poverty affects nearly 1.8 million Ontarians and is both a cause and a consequence of poor mental health. People with serious mental illness may have difficulty over their lifetime securing adequate education and employment, due to barriers such as stigma and discrimination and recurrence of symptoms. These barriers, in turn, affect one’s ability to have an adequate income. As a result, individuals with a serious mental illness often drift into poverty. Shortages of affordable housing, inadequate income, and exclusion

from quality education and employment alienate individuals from life in the community. Exclusion from these economic supports significantly increases the risk of chronic poverty. Attitudes and impressions of the public around issues relating to mental illness are, largely, shaped by persistent negative patterns created and perpetuated by the media. The mass media are far and away the Canadian public’s primary sources of information concerning people identified as mentally-ill. For better or worse, the media in our society shapes our ideas of what the world and its members are like. Studies have shown that exposure to even just one single shocking media image (one movie or reading one article) of violent mental illness seemed to increase the expectation that those labeled as mentally ill are particularly likely to do physical harm to others and to make the media consumer more fearful of those so labeled. The end result is that the public begins perceiving those with mental illnesses as a “different” group or kind of people, and it creates further barriers to communication and understanding and sets up the perfect conditions for stigma and stereotyping. It is difficult to feel good about oneself when confronted by constant messages that people with mental illnesses are flawed, dangerous, disapproved of, and disliked. And among the effects of viewing oneself portrayed again and again in a demeaning and unfavourable way are hurt and anger. We need, as a society, to continue to strive to reduce and eliminate the stigma and discrimination that so many with mental illness experience in their day to day lives. Let’s face it -- people can and do recover from mental illness if provided with the supports and services necessary to facilitate and nurture a sense of hope, wellness and a belief that tomorrow will be better than today. CS

Kismet Baun is a Senior Communications Advisor at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

for more information visit: CMHA.ca

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Branson Machine & Tool Ltd. RR#2 3621 Moreland Dixon Road Inverary, Ontario K0H 1X0

613-353-1606

203-1604 Michael Street Ottawa, Ontario K1B 3T7

(613) 746-9081 Fax: (613) 288-0315

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Phone: 705 743-3911

Fax: 705 743-9958 Email: branson@bransonmachine.com  hepburn@bransonmachine.com

Owned and Operated by Brian Harrison

• Float & Roll-off Service • Winch @ Ground / Dock Level Construction Equipment & • Material Moving • 20’ & 40’ container Moving

300 McGill Street Peterborough, Ontario Canada K9J 1W5

Dealerplan Peterborough Ltd. 223 King Street Peterborough, Ontario K9J 2R8

Tel:(705) 748-3350 or (877) 228-3332 Fax:(705) 748-3351 or (877) 249-1118 E-mail:dealerplan@bellnet.ca • www.dealerplan.ca

Committed to competing vigorously in the restaurant and retail sectors by providing quality touch screen point of sales products at an affordable price.

1930  Norwood  Avenue, Ottawa,  Ontario K1H-5K6

Tel: (613) 260-8629 Fax: (613) 731-0524 www.dineamix.ca sales@dineamix.ca

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The New Epidemic Among Youth According to the World Health Organization (WHO) nearly a million people worldwide commit suicide each year. Out of that number, about 30,000 people reportedly kill themselves each year in the United States. Also, suicide has been found to be the third leading cause of death for people in the age ranges of 15-24. Young people are much more likely to attempt to or commit suicide due to their inability to cope with a variety of factors they often find themselves unable to control. One factor that makes teenagers feel helpless, hopeless, and defenceless is when they are bullied or harassed by others repeatedly. The emotional and mental turmoil that bullying causes its victims to experience gives these individuals a false perception that they have been permanently trapped by the abuse of their bully or bullies. Teenagers often have trouble seeing past the present situation at hand, so when they experience this type of extreme rejection by their peers, that bullies often influence, they are less inclined to view the abuse as a temporary situation. c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

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Teenagers that experience being bullied are more inclined to perceive the emotional abuse given by bullies as something that will never go away. Teenage victims of bullying often do not realize that they will eventually graduate from high school; age and become an adult ; or that the bully will not be around to bully them always. Because many teenagers are unable to see past their current circumstance they are more inclined to see suicide as way of ending a temporary situation. Teenagers that find themselves contemplating suicide, usually portray some warning signs prior to attempting to kill themselves. Even though most teens typically portray several warning signs, some teens may not potray any outward warning signs at all. Although face to face bullying among teens at home and school can cause teens to turn to suicide as a way out or a way to end abuse; cyber-bullying can provoke teens to commit suicide as well. Cyberbulling is often more humiliating and traumatizing to teens victimized online, because perpetrators can easily post unwanted pictures, videos, and even share private information of their victim with hundreds to thousands of people online. Social network sites that teens use to harass other teens are Facebook and My Space, for example. Teen’s also frequently post embarrassing videos of their victim on You Tube. Teens often use the You Tube website to post videos of their peers being physically assaulted, in order to humiliate their victims and entertain their peers. When teens record and post such videos, the temporary humiliation that the victim experienced is then automatically extended and repeatedly relived when other teens watch and continue to remind the victim of the assault or how they failed to win a fight initiated by their aggressor. Such an experience often causes teens to contemplate suicide or even attempt to commit the act. Often teens bully others online by spreading vicious rumors and by namecalling. Teenagers that already have low-self-esteem or suffer from depression are much more likely to contemplate suicide when they experience this type of harassment. Teenage bullying can’t always be stopped or even prevented no matter how protective parents are or what anti-school bullying policies are implemented. But the rate of teenage suicide attempts can be prevented as parents and school administrations become more knowledgeable of warning signs that teens show when they are contemplating suicide.

Cyberbulling is often more humiliating and traumatizing to teens victimized online

Personal Experience

I too was once a victim of teenage bullying and I understand what it feels like; to feel as if there is no way out. I know what it feels like to feel so hopeless until the concept of dying seems like a pathway to freedom out of the emotional abuse that had mentally enslaved me. I also know what it felt like to have strong family support and be surrounded with people that cared about me. Had I not had proper support, a temporary unpleasant experience could have become a permanent tragedy. I survived, I lived and the bullies eventually disappeared. Had I committed suicide I would have died thinking that suicide was the only way to be free. I would not have come to know that eventually I would move on and my bullies would one day be all gone and I would become a feature writer for OvercomeBully.org. Latricia Wilson is an OvercomeBullying.org feature writer. If you are an expert in a field related to bullying in school or the workplace and would like to contribute to our efforts and promote your website or services please contact us for more information. CS

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Such an experience often causes teens to contemplate suicide or even attempt to commit the act

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AENOS

FOOD SERVICES INC. SERVICES ALIMENTAIRES AENOS INC. 2455 Kaladar Avenue Ottawa, Ontario K1V 8B9

613-736-0310 Fax: 613-736-6758

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Working to build a safer city. Partnering to make it happen. At Crime Prevention Ottawa, we know there is strength in numbers. We work closely with government, police, school boards, businesses, community services, child protection, the United Way and local residents to reduce crime and build safer communities. Our vision? To create a city where individuals, families and neighbourhoods feel safe and are safe.

How we do it

Our work is based on collaborative, evidence-based approaches to crime prevention. We bring together the latest research and professional experience to prevent crime. Our priorities? • to reduce violence against women • to reduce crime in high risk neighbourhoods • to focus on youth in high risk environments We do so by building partnerships, supporting local initiatives and promoting policy solutions. We foster community action. We know that together, we can make a difference.

Safety starts at home

Join us in building a safer Ottawa. Whether you’re one person or part of a community organization, you can support efforts close to home. How? Get involved: Take part in efforts to combat violence against women, prevent youth gangs and empower young people. Implement safety initiatives in your own home or neighbourhood. Use the Neighbourhood Toolkit: This practical guide offers tips and advice on dealing with issues such as drugs, identity theft, domestic violence and street racing. Access it on our website and learn how to start a Neighbourhood Watch program, organize a community clean-up, and much more. Sign up for our newsletter: Find out about the latest crime prevention initiatives, events and other community safety news. Register on our website to receive our newsletter by email. www.crimepreventionottawa.ca



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