Victims of Crimes
There are occasions when your child will be the victim of a crime; whether in their school or out in the community. Some examples of these crimes are harassment, theft or even certain aspects of bullying.
Harassment is a common crime among youths, particularly stemming from school related events. Harassment consists of intent to cause annoyance by electronic means, such as a telephone or computer, or through written communication. Resources for victims of harassment can be found in school with the school administration or through the School Resource Officer. The police department can also be a resource if someone is being a victim of harassment.
Another type of crime that is faced by youths is theft. Something belonging to the victim is taken from them without their permission. A good example is when items are taken from a locker room in the gymnasium. Often students do not take the time to lock their items in a locker that is available in the locker rooms. Upon return from class, items are discovered missing. Simple steps can be taken to prevent thefts from occurring: locking things properly and not sharing lockers in the schools are just a start.
Bullying although specifically not a crime, is illegal in the school setting. Further, aspects of bullying in the community can be considered a crime. Bullying is a series of repeated intentionally cruel incidents that usually occurs between individuals who are not friends. There is a physical or psychological intimidation creating an ongoing pattern of harassment or abuse. Typically, there is a power difference between the victim and the bully in reference to size as well as age. Bullying can be physical, verbal or relational such as exclusion from particular groups.
Some signs that harassment or bullying is a problem can be:
w Missing school
w Avoiding areas (cafeteria, playground)
w Drop in academic performance
w Low self-esteem
w Anxiety
w Insomnia
If your child has been a victim of a crime in the community, you can contact the Glastonbury Police Department at (860)633-8301. If your child is a victim in the school environment, you can notify the school administration as well as the School Resource Officers assigned to the school.
If your child has been a victim of a minor crime or is a victim of bullying, there are resources to contact for help:
w School Resource Officer at Glastonbury High School: (860)652-6681
w School Resource Officer at Smith Middle School: (860)652-7011
w Glastonbury Police Department Youth Unit: (860)652-4280
If your child has been a victim of a violent or traumatic crime,
you may contact the following for services and resources:
Glastonbury Police Emergency: 911
Glastonbury Youth Unit: (860)652-4280
Glastonbury Victim Services : (860)633-8301
National Center for Victims of Crime
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