In this webinar, Wesley Witherspoon, Consumer Advocate at the U.S.C. U.C.E.D.D., discusses: - different types of crime - tips for staying safe at home - tips for staying safe when out in the community - tips for staying safe when riding the bus

1. Welcome to the USC UCEDD Peer Training
Series for Individuals with Disabilities
funded by grant #90DD0695 from
the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD)
Administration on Community Living
October 20, 2016

2. 2•2
Wesley Witherspoon
Consumer Advocate, USC UCEDD
October 20, 2016
Project Watch
Crime Prevention Tool Kit
Developed by: The Crime Victims with Disabilities Community
Watch Project

3. 3
About Wesley Witherspoon
Wesley Witherspoon is the Consumer Advocate at the
USC UCEDD. He regularly conducts peer trainings on:
• Individualized Program Plan (IPP)
• Voting
• Emergency Preparedness
• Crime Prevention
• Self-Advocacy
Email: wwitherspoon@chla.usc.edu
Website: http://uscucedd.org/
Phone: 323-361-6688

4. I Am a Mandated Reporter
• I care about you not
getting hurt.
• If I find out that someone
has been hurting you, I
have to tell.
• I can’t keep it a secret.

5. What is a crime?

6. What is a crime?
You have the right
to be safe.

7. What is a crime?
The law says that a
crime is any behavior
that may be punished
by being put in jail, by
having to pay money,
or both.

8. What are different types of crime?

9. Different Types of Crime:
Robbery

10. Different Types of Crime:
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is
hurting your body in
some way.

11. Different Types of Crime:
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is when someone:
• Touches your private parts
without permission
• Forces you to watch sexual
acts when you don’t want to
• Forces you to have sex when
you don’t want to

12. Different Types of Crime:
Sexual Abuse
The parts of your body covered by your swimsuit
are private. If someone touches your private parts
without your permission, that is sexual abuse.

13. Different Types of Crime:
Sexual Abuse
This is a picture of
a sexual abuser:
They can also
look like this:
BUT

14. Different Types of Crime:
Hate Crime
A hate crime is when
someone does
something bad to
you because of who
you are or what you
look like.

15. Different Types of Crime:
Hate Crime
Let’s look at two
examples involving
a man with a
disability.

16. Different Types of Crime:
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is:
• Verbal assaults
• Humiliation
• Threats
• Harassment
• Intimidation

17. Different Types of Crime:
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse
makes you feel
really bad.

18. Different Types of Crime:
Crime Against Property
• Damaging something
you own
• Taking something that
is yours

19. What is a Caretaker?
Someone who helps you
do certain things:
• Get dressed
• Make food
• Going to the market
• Manage money
• Take medicine

20. Different Types of Crime:
Neglect
Neglect is when your
caretaker:
• Doesn’t do their job
• Forces you to be alone
all the time
• Doesn’t let you spend
time with other people

21. Different Types of Crime:
Abandonment
Abandonment is when
your caretaker:
• Leaves you alone when they
are not supposed to
• Leaves without making sure
that you are going to be
okay
• Leaves without having
someone else look after you

22. Different Types of Crime:
Abduction / Kidnapping
Abduction / Kidnapping is
when someone takes you
somewhere you don’t
want to go.

23. Different Types of Crime:
Financial Abuse
Financial Abuse is when
someone takes money
that belongs to you and
uses it for themselves.

24. Types of crime we discussed
• Robbery
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Hate crime
• Emotional abuse
• Crime against property
• Neglect
• Abandonment
• Abduction / Kidnapping
• Financial Abuse

25. How can I keep crimes from
happening to me?
Handouts with crime
prevention tips are available on
the UCEDD website

26. 1. Have key in your hand when you walk up to your door.
2. Ask your driver to wait until you get into your home.
3. Never dress/undress in front of a window. Close the
curtain before you dress/undress.
4. Never open the door to someone you do not know
without first asking for their I.D. Have them slip their
I.D. card under the door/or through mail slot.
5. Before you open the door, look out the window or the
peep-hole. Make sure you can see the person and you
know who it is before opening the door.
6. Make sure the outside of your house is well-lit.
7. Never let anyone know that you are home alone.
8. If you live alone, write two names on the mailbox or
the apartment directory. People will think that you
have a roommate.
9. Always lock your door, gates & windows in your home.
10.Have emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
How can I keep safer at home?

27. 1. Have key in your hand when you walk up to your door.
2. Ask your driver to wait until you get into your home.
3. Never dress/undress in front of a window. Close the
curtain before you dress/undress.
4. Never open the door to someone you do not know
without first asking for their I.D. Have them slip their
I.D. card under the door/or through mail slot.
5. Before you open the door, look out the window or the
peep-hole. Make sure you can see the person and you
know who it is before opening the door.
6. Make sure the outside of your house is well-lit.
7. Never let anyone know that you are home alone.
8. If you live alone, write two names on the mailbox or
the apartment directory. People will think that you
have a roommate.
9. Always lock your door, gates & windows in your home.
10.Have emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
How can I keep safer at home?

28. 1. Have key in your hand when you walk up to your door.
2. Ask your driver to wait until you get into your home.
3. Never dress/undress in front of a window. Close the
curtain before you dress/undress.
4. Never open the door to someone you do not know
without first asking for their I.D. Have them slip their
I.D. card under the door/or through mail slot.
5. Before you open the door, look out the window or the
peep-hole. Make sure you can see the person and you
know who it is before opening the door.
6. Make sure the outside of your house is well-lit.
7. Never let anyone know that you are home alone.
8. If you live alone, write two names on the mailbox or
the apartment directory. People will think that you
have a roommate.
9. Always lock your door, gates & windows in your home.
10.Have emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
How can I keep safer at home?

29. 1. Have key in your hand when you walk up to your door.
2. Ask your driver to wait until you get into your home.
3. Never dress/undress in front of a window. Close the
curtain before you dress/undress.
4. Never open the door to someone you do not know
without first asking for their I.D. Have them slip their
I.D. card under the door/or through mail slot.
5. Before you open the door, look out the window or the
peep-hole. Make sure you can see the person and you
know who it is before opening the door.
6. Make sure the outside of your house is well-lit.
7. Never let anyone know that you are home alone.
8. If you live alone, write two names on the mailbox or
the apartment directory. People will think that you
have a roommate.
9. Always lock your door, gates & windows in your home.
10.Have emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
How can I keep safer at home?

30. 1. Have key in your hand when you walk up to your door.
2. Ask your driver to wait until you get into your home.
3. Never dress/undress in front of a window. Close the
curtain before you dress/undress.
4. Never open the door to someone you do not know
without first asking for their I.D. Have them slip their
I.D. card under the door/or through mail slot.
5. Before you open the door, look out the window or the
peep-hole. Make sure you can see the person and you
know who it is before opening the door.
6. Make sure the outside of your house is well-lit.
7. Never let anyone know that you are home alone.
8. If you live alone, write two names on the mailbox or
the apartment directory. People will think that you
have a roommate.
9. Always lock your door, gates & windows in your home.
10.Have emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
How can I keep safer at home?

31. 1. Have key in your hand when you walk up to your door.
2. Ask your driver to wait until you get into your home.
3. Never dress/undress in front of a window. Close the
curtain before you dress/undress.
4. Never open the door to someone you do not know
without first asking for their I.D. Have them slip their
I.D. card under the door/or through mail slot.
5. Before you open the door, look out the window or the
peep-hole. Make sure you can see the person and you
know who it is before opening the door.
6. Make sure the outside of your house is well-lit.
7. Never let anyone know that you are home alone.
8. If you live alone, write two names on the mailbox or
the apartment directory. People will think that you
have a roommate.
9. Always lock your door, gates & windows in your home.
10.Have emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
How can I keep safer at home?

32. 1. Have key in your hand when you walk up to your door.
2. Ask your driver to wait until you get into your home.
3. Never dress/undress in front of a window. Close the
curtain before you dress/undress.
4. Never open the door to someone you do not know
without first asking for their I.D. Have them slip their
I.D. card under the door/or through mail slot.
5. Before you open the door, look out the window or the
peep-hole. Make sure you can see the person and you
know who it is before opening the door.
6. Make sure the outside of your house is well-lit.
7. Never let anyone know that you are home alone.
8. If you live alone, write two names on the mailbox or
the apartment directory. People will think that you
have a roommate.
9. Always lock your door, gates & windows in your home.
10.Have emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
How can I keep safer at home?

33. 1. Have key in your hand when you walk up to your door.
2. Ask your driver to wait until you get into your home.
3. Never dress/undress in front of a window. Close the
curtain before you dress/undress.
4. Never open the door to someone you do not know
without first asking for their I.D. Have them slip their
I.D. card under the door/or through mail slot.
5. Before you open the door, look out the window or the
peep-hole. Make sure you can see the person and you
know who it is before opening the door.
6. Make sure the outside of your house is well-lit.
7. Never let anyone know that you are home alone.
8. If you live alone, write two names on the mailbox or
the apartment directory. People will think that you
have a roommate.
9. Always lock your door, gates & windows in your home.
10.Have emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
How can I keep safer at home?

34. 1. Have key in your hand when you walk up to your door.
2. Ask your driver to wait until you get into your home.
3. Never dress/undress in front of a window. Close the
curtain before you dress/undress.
4. Never open the door to someone you do not know
without first asking for their I.D. Have them slip their
I.D. card under the door/or through mail slot.
5. Before you open the door, look out the window or the
peep-hole. Make sure you can see the person and you
know who it is before opening the door.
6. Make sure the outside of your house is well-lit.
7. Never let anyone know that you are home alone.
8. If you live alone, write two names on the mailbox or
the apartment directory. People will think that you
have a roommate.
9. Always lock your door, gates & windows in your home.
10.Have emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
How can I keep safer at home?

35. 1. Have key in your hand when you walk up to your door.
2. Ask your driver to wait until you get into your home.
3. Never dress/undress in front of a window. Close the
curtain before you dress/undress.
4. Never open the door to someone you do not know
without first asking for their I.D. Have them slip their
I.D. card under the door/or through mail slot.
5. Before you open the door, look out the window or the
peep-hole. Make sure you can see the person and you
know who it is before opening the door.
6. Make sure the outside of your house is well-lit.
7. Never let anyone know that you are home alone.
8. If you live alone, write two names on the mailbox or
the apartment directory. People will think that you
have a roommate.
9. Always lock your door, gates & windows in your home.
10.Have emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
How can I keep safer at home?

36. 1. Walk with a friend. At night, carry a flashlight.
2. Do not go to places that you do not know very well.
3. Walk in busy, well-lit streets. Avoid short cuts!
4. Do not get into a car with a stranger.
5. Walk confidently. Keep your head up & look around.
6. Look behind you to make sure that no one is following
you.
7. Leave valuable things at home. Do not take too much
money with you when you go out. Take at least enough
money for a taxi or bus.
8. Carry a whistle.
9. If you feel like you are in danger, scream “Fire!”, make
a loud noise, use your whistle, and speed towards bright
lights and people. Try to get into a store that is open.
10.Do not wear headphones connected to a music device or
cell phone.
How can I be safer when I go out
into the community?

37. 1. Walk with a friend. At night, carry a flashlight.
2. Do not go to places that you do not know very well.
3. Walk in busy, well-lit streets. Avoid short cuts!
4. Do not get into a car with a stranger.
5. Walk confidently. Keep your head up & look around.
6. Look behind you to make sure that no one is following
you.
7. Leave valuable things at home. Do not take too much
money with you when you go out. Take at least enough
money for a taxi or bus.
8. Carry a whistle.
9. If you feel like you are in danger, scream “Fire!”, make
a loud noise, use your whistle, and speed towards bright
lights and people. Try to get into a store that is open.
10.Do not wear headphones connected to a music device or
cell phone.
How can I be safer when I go out
into the community?

38. How can I be safer when I go out
into the community?
1. Walk with a friend. At night, carry a flashlight.
2. Do not go to places that you do not know very well.
3. Walk in busy, well-lit streets. Avoid short cuts!
4. Do not get into a car with a stranger.
5. Walk confidently. Keep your head up & look around.
6. Look behind you to make sure that no one is following
you.
7. Leave valuable things at home. Do not take too much
money with you when you go out. Take at least enough
money for a taxi or bus.
8. Carry a whistle.
9. If you feel like you are in danger, scream “Fire!”, make
a loud noise, use your whistle, and speed towards bright
lights and people. Try to get into a store that is open.
10.Do not wear headphones connected to a music device or
cell phone.

39. How can I be safer when I go out
into the community?
1. Walk with a friend. At night, carry a flashlight.
2. Do not go to places that you do not know very well.
3. Walk in busy, well-lit streets. Avoid short cuts!
4. Do not get into a car with a stranger.
5. Walk confidently. Keep your head up & look around.
6. Look behind you to make sure that no one is following
you.
7. Leave valuable things at home. Do not take too much
money with you when you go out. Take at least enough
money for a taxi or bus.
8. Carry a whistle.
9. If you feel like you are in danger, scream “Fire!”, make
a loud noise, use your whistle, and speed towards bright
lights and people. Try to get into a store that is open.
10.Do not wear headphones connected to a music device or
cell phone.

40. How can I be safer when I go out
into the community?
1. Walk with a friend. At night, carry a flashlight.
2. Do not go to places that you do not know very well.
3. Walk in busy, well-lit streets. Avoid short cuts!
4. Do not get into a car with a stranger.
5. Walk confidently. Keep your head up & look around.
6. Look behind you to make sure that no one is following
you.
7. Leave valuable things at home. Do not take too much
money with you when you go out. Take at least enough
money for a taxi or bus.
8. Carry a whistle.
9. If you feel like you are in danger, scream “Fire!”, make
a loud noise, use your whistle, and speed towards bright
lights and people. Try to get into a store that is open.
10.Do not wear headphones connected to a music device or
cell phone.

41. How can I be safer when I go out
into the community?
1. Walk with a friend. At night, carry a flashlight.
2. Do not go to places that you do not know very well.
3. Walk in busy, well-lit streets. Avoid short cuts!
4. Do not get into a car with a stranger.
5. Walk confidently. Keep your head up & look around.
6. Look behind you to make sure that no one is following
you.
7. Leave valuable things at home. Do not take too much
money with you when you go out. Take at least enough
money for a taxi or bus.
8. Carry a whistle.
9. If you feel like you are in danger, scream “Fire!”, make
a loud noise, use your whistle, and speed towards bright
lights and people. Try to get into a store that is open.
10.Do not wear headphones connected to a music device or
cell phone.

42. How can I be safer when I go out
into the community?
1. Walk with a friend. At night, carry a flashlight.
2. Do not go to places that you do not know very well.
3. Walk in busy, well-lit streets. Avoid short cuts!
4. Do not get into a car with a stranger.
5. Walk confidently. Keep your head up & look around.
6. Look behind you to make sure that no one is following
you.
7. Leave valuable things at home. Do not take too much
money with you when you go out. Take at least enough
money for a taxi or bus.
8. Carry a whistle.
9. If you feel like you are in danger, scream “Fire!”, make
a loud noise, use your whistle, and speed towards bright
lights and people. Try to get into a store that is open.
10.Do not wear headphones connected to a music device or
cell phone.

43. 1. Walk with a friend. At night, carry a flashlight.
2. Do not go to places that you do not know very well.
3. Walk in busy, well-lit streets. Avoid short cuts!
4. Do not get into a car with a stranger.
5. Walk confidently. Keep your head up & look around.
6. Look behind you to make sure that no one is following
you.
7. Leave valuable things at home. Do not take too much
money with you when you go out. Take at least enough
money for a taxi or bus.
8. Carry a whistle.
9. If you feel like you are in danger, scream “Fire!”, make
a loud noise, use your whistle, and speed towards bright
lights and people. Try to get into a store that is open.
10.Do not wear headphones connected to a music device or
cell phone.
How can I be safer when I go out
into the community?

44. How can I be safer when I go out
into the community?
1. Walk with a friend. At night, carry a flashlight.
2. Do not go to places that you do not know very well.
3. Walk in busy, well-lit streets. Avoid short cuts!
4. Do not get into a car with a stranger.
5. Walk confidently. Keep your head up & look around.
6. Look behind you to make sure that no one is following
you.
7. Leave valuable things at home. Do not take too much
money with you when you go out. Take at least enough
money for a taxi or bus.
8. Carry a whistle.
9. If you feel like you are in danger, scream “Fire!”, make
a loud noise, use your whistle, and speed towards bright
lights and people. Try to get into a store that is open.
10.Do not wear headphones connected to a music device or
cell phone.

45. How can I be safer when I go out
into the community?
1. Walk with a friend. At night, carry a flashlight.
2. Do not go to places that you do not know very well.
3. Walk in busy, well-lit streets. Avoid short cuts!
4. Do not get into a car with a stranger.
5. Walk confidently. Keep your head up & look around.
6. Look behind you to make sure that no one is following
you.
7. Leave valuable things at home. Do not take too much
money with you when you go out. Take at least enough
money for a taxi or bus.
8. Carry a whistle.
9. If you feel like you are in danger, scream “Fire!”, make
a loud noise, use your whistle, and speed towards bright
lights and people. Try to get into a store that is open.
10.Do not wear headphones connected to a music device or
cell phone.

46. How can I be safer when I take the
bus?
1. Plan and use safest, most direct route.
2. Wait at bus stops that are well-lit.
3. Do not wait alone at bus stops, train stations, or
taxicab stands. Carry a flashlight & whistle.
4. Try to sit near the bus driver.
5. Look at the people getting off the bus with you.
6. Make sure that you are not being followed when
you get off the bus.
7. If you think you are being followed walk into the
first public place you see.
8. Make sure that before you go out you tell someone
you trust three things:
a) Where you are going.
b) Who you are going with.
c) What time you expect to be back home.
9. If your plans change, call a person you trust and
tell them the changes.

47. How can I be safer when I take the
bus?
1. Plan and use safest, most direct route.
2. Wait at bus stops that are well-lit.
3. Do not wait alone at bus stops, train stations, or
taxicab stands. Carry a flashlight & whistle.
4. Try to sit near the bus driver.
5. Look at the people getting off the bus with you.
6. Make sure that you are not being followed when
you get off the bus.
7. If you think you are being followed walk into the
first public place you see.
8. Make sure that before you go out you tell someone
you trust three things:
a) Where you are going.
b) Who you are going with.
c) What time you expect to be back home.
9. If your plans change, call a person you trust and
tell them the changes.

48. How can I be safer when I take the
bus?
1. Plan and use safest, most direct route.
2. Wait at bus stops that are well-lit.
3. Do not wait alone at bus stops, train stations, or
taxicab stands. Carry a flashlight & whistle.
4. Try to sit near the bus driver.
5. Look at the people getting off the bus with you.
6. Make sure that you are not being followed when
you get off the bus.
7. If you think you are being followed walk into the
first public place you see.
8. Make sure that before you go out you tell someone
you trust three things:
a) Where you are going.
b) Who you are going with.
c) What time you expect to be back home.
9. If your plans change, call a person you trust and
tell them the changes.

49. How can I be safer when I take the
bus?
1. Plan and use safest, most direct route.
2. Wait at bus stops that are well-lit.
3. Do not wait alone at bus stops, train stations, or
taxicab stands. Carry a flashlight & whistle.
4. Try to sit near the bus driver.
5. Look at the people getting off the bus with you.
6. Make sure that you are not being followed when
you get off the bus.
7. If you think you are being followed walk into the
first public place you see.
8. Make sure that before you go out you tell someone
you trust three things:
a) Where you are going.
b) Who you are going with.
c) What time you expect to be back home.
9. If your plans change, call a person you trust and
tell them the changes.

50. How can I be safer when I take the
bus?
1. Plan and use safest, most direct route.
2. Wait at bus stops that are well-lit.
3. Do not wait alone at bus stops, train stations, or
taxicab stands. Carry a flashlight & whistle.
4. Try to sit near the bus driver.
5. Look at the people getting off the bus with you.
6. Make sure that you are not being followed when
you get off the bus.
7. If you think you are being followed walk into the
first public place you see.
8. Make sure that before you go out you tell someone
you trust three things:
a) Where you are going.
b) Who you are going with.
c) What time you expect to be back home.
9. If your plans change, call a person you trust and
tell them the changes.

51. How can I be safer when I take the
bus?
1. Plan and use safest, most direct route.
2. Wait at bus stops that are well-lit.
3. Do not wait alone at bus stops, train stations, or
taxicab stands. Carry a flashlight & whistle.
4. Try to sit near the bus driver.
5. Look at the people getting off the bus with you.
6. Make sure that you are not being followed when
you get off the bus.
7. If you think you are being followed walk into the
first public place you see.
8. Make sure that before you go out you tell someone
you trust three things:
a) Where you are going.
b) Who you are going with.
c) What time you expect to be back home.
9. If your plans change, call a person you trust and
tell them the changes.

52. How can I be safer when I take the
bus?
1. Plan and use safest, most direct route.
2. Wait at bus stops that are well-lit.
3. Do not wait alone at bus stops, train stations, or
taxicab stands. Carry a flashlight & whistle.
4. Try to sit near the bus driver.
5. Look at the people getting off the bus with you.
6. Make sure that you are not being followed when
you get off the bus.
7. If you think you are being followed walk into the
first public place you see.
8. Make sure that before you go out you tell someone
you trust three things:
a) Where you are going.
b) Who you are going with.
c) What time you expect to be back home.
9. If your plans change, call a person you trust and
tell them the changes.

53. How can I be safer when I take the
bus?
1. Plan and use safest, most direct route.
2. Wait at bus stops that are well-lit.
3. Do not wait alone at bus stops, train stations, or
taxicab stands. Carry a flashlight & whistle.
4. Try to sit near the bus driver.
5. Look at the people getting off the bus with you.
6. Make sure that you are not being followed when
you get off the bus.
7. If you think you are being followed walk into the
first public place you see.
8. Make sure that before you go out you tell someone
you trust three things:
a) Where you are going.
b) Who you are going with.
c) What time you expect to be back home.
9. If your plans change, call a person you trust and
tell them the changes.

54. How can I be safer when I take the
bus?
1. Plan and use safest, most direct route.
2. Wait at bus stops that are well-lit.
3. Do not wait alone at bus stops, train stations, or
taxicab stands. Carry a flashlight & whistle.
4. Try to sit near the bus driver.
5. Look at the people getting off the bus with you.
6. Make sure that you are not being followed when
you get off the bus.
7. If you think you are being followed walk into the
first public place you see.
8. Make sure that before you go out you tell someone
you trust three things:
a) Where you are going.
b) Who you are going with.
c) What time you expect to be back home.
9. If your plans change, call a person you trust and
tell them the changes.

55. You have the RIGHT
to feel SAFE

56. How can I keep crimes from
happening to me?
If a crime happens to you, TELL SOMEONE.

57. How can I keep crimes from
happening to me?
You can do things
to keep you SAFE.
Remember:
YOU have the POWER

58. Thank you for listening!
Still have questions?
Contact Me!
Wesley Witherspoon
E-mail: wwitherspoon@chla.usc.edu
Phone: (323) 361-6688