The Violence Project (notes)

When attending this conference there was a tragic shooting in Maine.  There was 16 seconds of silence for 16 killed.

     The speaker was from the Faculty of Michigan University.  The school is still traumatized.  The shooter had no connection to the university.  It was a random act of violence.  Today he also had an email from a student at the time.  He is still having PTSD.

     How to stop a Mass Shooting Epidemic,  A book cronicles -    The Violence Project.  How to stop a Mass Shooting Epidemic by Jillian Peterson, PH.D. and James Densley, PhD

theviolenceproject.org

     Jillian used to work on death row.  They wrote to prisoners and some wrote back, wanting to know their life before the shootings.   Also interviewed were people who knew the shooters, first responders etc... Mass shootings today are more violent and frequent than any other time in history, nearly six times every year.  

     Who are the Mass shooters?  Average age is mid thirties.  Clusters in age in 20's and 40's are transitional points in life.  Crisis point is pivital.  Certain locations tend to age.

Race and Ethnicity 

     White men are majority.  White men are under representative,  black over representative.  Work shooters - usually people of colour.  Latin communities - very close to families, which is why not as many shooters.

1.  Shooters are insiders - 30% work shooters.  

     Insiders - make it easier to prevent.  We can identify the warning signs.

2.  Shooters are in crisis - Total 80%  (oopsie)

Families of Shooters:

1.  abusive, neglectful - a lot of childhood trauma.  Often parents have their own MI issues.

2.  Parents knew something was wrong but didn't know how to help or connect son to resources.  Shame-afterwards.

3.  Parents know something is wrong and son is in crisis and then actually buy a gun as a gift.  Thus a court case of having responsibility.

Shooters are actively suicidal.  31% prior to attack,  40% during attack; 59% died at scene.

To reporter, "I hate MOndays."  To commissioner - wanted to be shot dead by police - tried suicide attempt but failed.

One sister reported that her brother went from what's wrong with me to blaming others.

School -  pick someone from school.

blame religion.

*****Key Point of intervention - 50% leaked their plans ahead of time.  25% studied others, left legacy token.  Usually a criminal charge and usually a felony.  Usually charged, even children.

     I am going to continue this next week.  I want to finish this before moving to another topic.  I am also going to take some R+R by spending time in the sun which just came back slowly and reading a Stephen King book.  I shall talk more next week.  In the meantime, balance your life with work and fun etc....Try a new hobby, spend time in nature, sing and dance and try something new.  Good talk.

Recommending this little Middle Eastern eatery www.orfuswrapgrill.com

https://maps.app.goo.gl/xPBet6ekwHMF2cMy6 

Theology notes continues

      Berit Covenant -  Dominant -  Relationship between God and Humanity.

Gifts/Tasks -  The weight of the Sinai Desert (I was there for six months which is detailed in my book: For Love of Country - Military Policewoman) is the task.  Sometimes you need to rest.  Even God did it (on the 7th day).  There is always an interplay of gift and task.  

Descendants and Land -  two big issues.  This is a way people are blessed.

Already in Genealogy - Sarah is barren.  

     How is the one reject, treated by God?  A whole theme here.  Why is one chosen?  You are not chosen for yourself.  You are chosen for others.  This theme is worth noticing.  There are not too many women who speak to God.  Sarah does.

Abraham promised third blessing.  Abrahamics promise is not only

for Israel but for all humanity.  These promises, are they not basic for survival?  There is a fear that if a tribe is not strong enough, it can be taken over.  A deep longing and value.  Wells are important.  That is where men find wives and Jesus speaks.  What is land if it is not a source for others (and other things as well).  Abraham is the descendants of three fathers - Kslam, Jews and Christians.

Sarah is barren.  Land is barren.  All they have is the promise.  God comes to Abraham in a dream - “Do not be afraid.  Your rewards will be very great.”  Abraham objects.  Noah was given a task to build an ark.

“Your ancestors shall be aliens in a land for 400 years.  As for yourself - this is the deep sleep or darkness…”  On that day, the Lord made a covenant, a berit.  Jeremiah 34.  Notice ritual.  Covenant usually had a ritual of what would if not.

Assignment:  God appears to Hagar two times to return to Sarah, “and  be obedient to her.

Meetings/Stepping down/ First Author event sales of the year - Motive

I just attended a meeting for retired Federal Employees. They are looking for volunteers, new members and those interested in advocating. I have now officially stepped down from all volunteer positions. I shall be enjoying life, writing and of course having fun as a priority. I have a full packed schedule regardless. My next book signing and selling my own books will be held from 11:00 to 1700 hrs (5pm). Saturday and Sunday 6 and 7 of Jun 26, with the Crime Writers of Canada. This will be hosted by Motive at Victoria University (on Uof T campus), 73 Crescent Park, Toronto.

Remember I always make myself available to sign/sell at bookstores and anywhere else.

If you are free come and visit me at table 9. I will be sharing with fellow writers. You are sure to meet many interesting people.

 

To Anonymous regarding Pedophiles

I had to remove your comments because first you did not identify yourself and second I would be liable if your accusations against this Psychiatrist is false.  I looked the person up with the Physicians and Surgeons and there is no complaint and the person is active.  You may contact the Physicans and Surgeons and file a complaint.   You may also report to the Police.  I believe that the Person is in Ontario.   I welcome comments but there are also laws against false accusations and there is a judicial process in place.  A person is considered innocent until proven guilty.  If you have a complaint please direct them to the proper authorities. 

Writer's Corner

 

     I was looking at some notes regarding a Sister’s in Crime webinar and realized I can barely read my writing.  Of course, it would be better if I typed, but memory is more reliable when we write.  Did you know that?  It has better retention.   I have returned to my writing but realize, I think, more than I write.  I’ll tell you more about how I do things another time.  Now back to the webinar.  The Host was sharing an experience.  Her rule of thumb is wait for 24 hours after an agent sends her a request.  She gave an example of yelling at the screen after receiving comments.  Later,  after reading it again, she realized she wasn’t being criticized but being asked for clarification.  I understand that.  When we receive feed back, we react by emotions.  After we wait, as the Host suggested, we have diffused the emotion and may react more analytically.  Of course,  I got a review so bad for Ominous my favourite that I am saving it.  I shall post it in the future and analyze it.  The reviewer (sole) never signed her name.  I consider that being a coward.  There was nothing concrete which I could have used.  Not only did she bash me but also my Editor who has been teaching writers for 30 years.  Yet, after that review, I stopped writing for some time, and listen to me out there.  Don’t let reviews get you down.  Take what is positive and recognize the rhetoric.  So, I too as the Host, would recommend that you wait for 24 hours before responding.  I have been asked to review books and have declined.  I know and recognize the heart and soul that goes into a book when written with passion.  I don’t want to say anything at all that would hurt a writer who has taken the time - to write.  I have had writers ask me for an opinion and usually it is about changes recommended by others.  One writer told me he had beta readers all tell him to remove one specific area which meant a lot to him.  I reminded him that it was his story.  If it meant so much to him why listen to a small group?    We can never please all the people and that is something to be remembered.  It can be difficult in what to decide and whom to listen to.   Find your network who you can trust to be honest and kind.  The Host continued that “Patience is a virtue and a reality.”  I’m not all that good with patience.  As many of you know by now when I go to confession - no patience is my staple sin.

     The Host continued with Roads to Publishing:  “Who am I as a writer?”  This particular host had 72 rejections from Agents.  She is now doing quite well.  She said she received rejections hundreds of time.  She said you require patience, determination and focus.  It is important to continue to write.

     What am I doing now?  Well,  today is a nice warm day at about 20.  I want to take advantage of every beautiful day because quite frankly it has been cold with overcast and I forgot what the sun looked like.  I still have my heat on, but the windows are open.  I am packing my bulky winter clothing away for the season.  I don’t think I shall be moving to Niagara this summer since the market is still at its lowest.  That’s ok.  I have squirrels and a bunny rabbit in my backyard as well as birds galore.  Unfortunately, there is also a Hawk wanting my fat little creatures.  After Victoria Day I want to start beautifying my planters, cut my rose bushes etc…I want to eat out side and enjoy every bit of sunshine.  For now, take care and enjoy life as you balance work and fun.  What do you think?  

   

Suicide: Continuing with Imagery helps………

 

Woman performed empty chair and read letter to husband.

Considerations:  Comfort and Safety Plan  

Foster and be present to client.  Office is a safe place.   “I’m here for you.  I will listen to you.  I will stand beside you.”

Cognitive Disorder:  Family/Friend support.  When to call in.  Risk factors and include in safety plan.  If believe burden to family, lack of purpose -  may feel  unable to move forward. Feels worthless.  Are you thinking of suicide?  Cannot determine.  Keep close eye on elderly.  They really question, “What is my purpose?  What do I do now?” (when lose partners).  “When do I call for support?  When call 911?  

“You don’t have to have answers.  You’re not alone.  I will work with you.”  

Most suicide people do not write a suicide note. When they do write one, please understand that they are at the lowest point.  Don’t take in every word.  Don’t read into it.

Difference of losing a child vs adults.  Death in general is a wound that never truly heals.  Don’t get stuck there.  Maybe you are watching a movie and pain comes right to the surface and you go into a rabbit hole.  “I should have done this (or that?”

Shame  - when standing at the grave of a child, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming then but it is always there.   A problem for clinicians is that we think we have failed.  There is a limit to what we can do.  We only have control over ourselves.  The speaker continued that he lost five patients to Suicide:  Continuing with Imagery helps……… patients who died by suicide.  They will be with him for the rest of his life.  Concluded