Dillon Lee with Sheepishly Good demonstrating a flashlight that converts to a stun gun
By Jameson & Associates
Giving Women and Men the Edge in Self Defense
Sheepishly Good offering personal security devices as an alternative to firearms, free consultations to consumers
Tempe, Arizona. (May 7, 2016). Dillon Lee, a former Arizona state licensed private investigator, is giving women and men the edge in self-defense with a new online store featuring personal security devices and is offering free consultations to educate consumers on product options and proper usage.
Lee launched her website, www.SheepishlyGood.com, in April 2015 when she saw a need for safe and affordable self-defense options. “Violence is a huge problem in this country. According to the Department of Justice, an American is assaulted every 107 seconds. I’ve researched hundreds of products to find reliable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional firearms for personal protection." The site features a “Book Now” system that allows consumers to schedule a no-obligation 15-30 minute confidential consultation on available devices and how to use them.
According to Lee, “Many consider self-defense in terms of handguns or other weaponry, but there is an array of products today that are simpler to use, lighter in weight and less expensive. Some are as small as a computer flash drive and others fit on a key chain. Convenience is important. It it’s something you have to think about you may choose to leave it home the day you need it most.”
The Sheepishly Good website offers a variety of personal protection devices starting at under $20 including flashlights that convert into stun guns, kits that detect date rape drugs in beverages, pepper sprays and tactical pens.
Lee, who is also trained in criminal profiling says that, “A proper safety solution has to be accessible and the element of surprise needs to be factored in. An assailant may have been planning an attack well in advance while a victim typically only has seconds to react. Guns are bulky, can be harder to have ready in an emergency situation, and unless someone is tactically trained they can also be taken away easily. Many of these new devices have safety features that render them useless if taken from the victim."
Lee also offers product demonstrations and information on personal safety to large employers and groups. "Knowledge is power. Our consultations and speaking engagements help educate consumers on the options that are available and determine the best device for their needs."
In addition to self-defense options, the website features do-it-yourself home security products, electronics, surveillance gear, emergency food supplies and other items with free shipping and no minimum order requirement.
Sheepishly Good offers free shipping on all products with no minimum order requirement. For more information, visit www.sheepishlygood.com, email [email protected] or call (888) 740-3047.
Giving Women and Men the Edge in Self Defense
Sheepishly Good offering personal security devices as an alternative to firearms, free consultations to consumers
Tempe, Arizona. (May 7, 2016). Dillon Lee, a former Arizona state licensed private investigator, is giving women and men the edge in self-defense with a new online store featuring personal security devices and is offering free consultations to educate consumers on product options and proper usage.
Lee launched her website, www.SheepishlyGood.com, in April 2015 when she saw a need for safe and affordable self-defense options. “Violence is a huge problem in this country. According to the Department of Justice, an American is assaulted every 107 seconds. I’ve researched hundreds of products to find reliable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional firearms for personal protection." The site features a “Book Now” system that allows consumers to schedule a no-obligation 15-30 minute confidential consultation on available devices and how to use them.
According to Lee, “Many consider self-defense in terms of handguns or other weaponry, but there is an array of products today that are simpler to use, lighter in weight and less expensive. Some are as small as a computer flash drive and others fit on a key chain. Convenience is important. It it’s something you have to think about you may choose to leave it home the day you need it most.”
The Sheepishly Good website offers a variety of personal protection devices starting at under $20 including flashlights that convert into stun guns, kits that detect date rape drugs in beverages, pepper sprays and tactical pens.
Lee, who is also trained in criminal profiling says that, “A proper safety solution has to be accessible and the element of surprise needs to be factored in. An assailant may have been planning an attack well in advance while a victim typically only has seconds to react. Guns are bulky, can be harder to have ready in an emergency situation, and unless someone is tactically trained they can also be taken away easily. Many of these new devices have safety features that render them useless if taken from the victim."
Lee also offers product demonstrations and information on personal safety to large employers and groups. "Knowledge is power. Our consultations and speaking engagements help educate consumers on the options that are available and determine the best device for their needs."
In addition to self-defense options, the website features do-it-yourself home security products, electronics, surveillance gear, emergency food supplies and other items with free shipping and no minimum order requirement.
Sheepishly Good offers free shipping on all products with no minimum order requirement. For more information, visit www.sheepishlygood.com, email [email protected] or call (888) 740-3047.
The following was submitted by Attorney Chuck Laroue, Board Member of Death Penalty Alternatives for Arizona, April 27th, 2015.
Taxpayers deserve to know true cost of Arias prosecution
Recently, Dan Peitzmeyer of Death Penalty Alternatives for Arizona debated Maricopa County Bill Montgomery on “Arizona Horizon,” a news show on KAET Channel 8. Both gentlemen did a commendable job in presenting their respective positions.
However, it was disconcerting when Mr. Montgomery flippantly claimed that the total costs for prosecuting Jody Arias was merely $133,000. His assertion is grossly misleading.
Mr. Montgomery previously refused to disclose how much the prosecution has cost his office, and has provided no documentation to support this $133,000 sum, despite the fact that it’s public record.
I urge Mr. Montgomery to allow access to the records of his office so the taxpayers can know how much of their money was spent while pursuing the death penalty (unsuccessfully for Ms. Arias), in this case.
The total prosecution costs are still not in more invoices are waiting to be submitted and the prosecutor’s “paltry” sum of $133,000 was only for travel expenses and witness fees. It does not include the costs of any of the prosecution’s staff as typically, each attorney is supported by an entire team of staff including investigators, paralegals, secretaries, clerks, law clerks, victim witness staff, etc.
Deputy County Attorney Juan Martinez was not an army of one in a case that has gone on since June 4, 2008. Costs were accumulated by the County Attorney’s office throughout those seven years.
The case still is not over. Defense attorneys will appeal and the state will oppose, so costs for both sides will continue to rise. Also not included are the costs to the jail, law enforcement, courts and the two juries.
From a fiscal point of view, we should be thankful that Ms. Arias did not receive the death penalty, especially in light to the massive cuts in spending because of our current fiscal crisis. Had she been sentenced to death, there would have been costs to the Department of Corrections, Attorney General’s office, court-appointed attorneys for all appeals and post-conviction relief petitions, costs associated with appeals and post-conviction relief at the federal level and costs to the federal courts and costs to transport the defendant back and forth to all of the court proceedings. All of these costs would have been paid by taxpayers.
The Arizona Republic estimated that Arias's defense alone cost taxpayers $3 million – twice what it is estimated it would have cost the state to lock her up without parole if she lived 60 more years. (EJ Montini column, March 12, 2015.
It is time that we, the taxpayers, are fully informed as to how much the imposition of the death penalty costs us. I urge citizens, county officials and the legislature to demand that Mr. Montgomery disclose the true cost to taxpayers. It is time we have a comprehensive study to discover how much of our hard-earned dollars are going toward the dubious expenditure of seeking the death penalty.
Whether you think the death penalty is morally wrong or right, the one thing that we can agree on is that these massive expenditures could be better utilized to benefit all of us, instead of being used to seek the punishment of one.
Taxpayers deserve to know true cost of Arias prosecution
Recently, Dan Peitzmeyer of Death Penalty Alternatives for Arizona debated Maricopa County Bill Montgomery on “Arizona Horizon,” a news show on KAET Channel 8. Both gentlemen did a commendable job in presenting their respective positions.
However, it was disconcerting when Mr. Montgomery flippantly claimed that the total costs for prosecuting Jody Arias was merely $133,000. His assertion is grossly misleading.
Mr. Montgomery previously refused to disclose how much the prosecution has cost his office, and has provided no documentation to support this $133,000 sum, despite the fact that it’s public record.
I urge Mr. Montgomery to allow access to the records of his office so the taxpayers can know how much of their money was spent while pursuing the death penalty (unsuccessfully for Ms. Arias), in this case.
The total prosecution costs are still not in more invoices are waiting to be submitted and the prosecutor’s “paltry” sum of $133,000 was only for travel expenses and witness fees. It does not include the costs of any of the prosecution’s staff as typically, each attorney is supported by an entire team of staff including investigators, paralegals, secretaries, clerks, law clerks, victim witness staff, etc.
Deputy County Attorney Juan Martinez was not an army of one in a case that has gone on since June 4, 2008. Costs were accumulated by the County Attorney’s office throughout those seven years.
The case still is not over. Defense attorneys will appeal and the state will oppose, so costs for both sides will continue to rise. Also not included are the costs to the jail, law enforcement, courts and the two juries.
From a fiscal point of view, we should be thankful that Ms. Arias did not receive the death penalty, especially in light to the massive cuts in spending because of our current fiscal crisis. Had she been sentenced to death, there would have been costs to the Department of Corrections, Attorney General’s office, court-appointed attorneys for all appeals and post-conviction relief petitions, costs associated with appeals and post-conviction relief at the federal level and costs to the federal courts and costs to transport the defendant back and forth to all of the court proceedings. All of these costs would have been paid by taxpayers.
The Arizona Republic estimated that Arias's defense alone cost taxpayers $3 million – twice what it is estimated it would have cost the state to lock her up without parole if she lived 60 more years. (EJ Montini column, March 12, 2015.
It is time that we, the taxpayers, are fully informed as to how much the imposition of the death penalty costs us. I urge citizens, county officials and the legislature to demand that Mr. Montgomery disclose the true cost to taxpayers. It is time we have a comprehensive study to discover how much of our hard-earned dollars are going toward the dubious expenditure of seeking the death penalty.
Whether you think the death penalty is morally wrong or right, the one thing that we can agree on is that these massive expenditures could be better utilized to benefit all of us, instead of being used to seek the punishment of one.
Beth Lawrence
Phoenix Singer Gives Hope to Those Suffering from Vocal Injury
Press Release by Jameson & Associates
February 19, 2014. Phoenix, AZ. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) approximately 7.5 million people in the United States have trouble using their voices. Beth Lawrence, an Award-winning Phoenix singer and composer, is helping business professionals and older adults recover from vocal injury with holistic therapies she developed after facing nodules which threatened her own singing career.
Lawrence’s company All About Voice provides private consultations as well as online group classes for individuals suffering from a variety of vocal issues. Her therapies were developed after she experienced problems with her voice while performing daily live shows at large venues. After years of visits to ear, nose and throat physicians she learned about the methods of 92 year old Los Angeles Instructor, Maestro Giuseppe Balestrieri.
After being able to repair her voice and resume her career, she started improving upon the Bel Canto vocal techniques she learned using a more personal and holistic approach. She now helps others on an international basis with online classes, books and consultations.
“Business owners, teachers, attorneys, trainers are all prone to injury from the overuse of their voices. Voice changes often happen, too, as a result of the aging process. People often take their voices for granted until they start having problems communicating.”
Much of her vocal rehabilitation therapy includes expansive breathing techniques, placing the voice in the “core” of the body, and helping individuals to learn how to use their bodies when speaking instead of straining with the throat.
Lawrence adds, “The ability to speak is such a huge part of the way a person relates to the world. Often when I work with others, especially seniors who are losing vocal strength due to age or illness, I see them positively blossom when their regain the ability to express themselves.”
Her 39 year plus career has included national commercials, tours with major entertainers and a performance at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah. Lawrence has also recorded 10 CD’s including “When the Sky is Red” which was voted “Best Vocal Album of the Year” by the L.A. Jazz Scene magazine. Her hardback and ebook “From Shower to Stage – 7 Easy Steps for Singing Like a Pro” is available online at www.AllAboutVoice.com.
“People don’t have to live with vocal problems. Voices can heal. You can have a strong, healthy, powerful voice no matter what your age.” For more information call (800) 567-1718.
All About Voice is based in Phoenix, Arizona. Consultations and online classes are offered internationally. For more information, call (800) 567-1718, email [email protected] or visit www.allaboutvoice.com.
Press Release by Jameson & Associates
February 19, 2014. Phoenix, AZ. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) approximately 7.5 million people in the United States have trouble using their voices. Beth Lawrence, an Award-winning Phoenix singer and composer, is helping business professionals and older adults recover from vocal injury with holistic therapies she developed after facing nodules which threatened her own singing career.
Lawrence’s company All About Voice provides private consultations as well as online group classes for individuals suffering from a variety of vocal issues. Her therapies were developed after she experienced problems with her voice while performing daily live shows at large venues. After years of visits to ear, nose and throat physicians she learned about the methods of 92 year old Los Angeles Instructor, Maestro Giuseppe Balestrieri.
After being able to repair her voice and resume her career, she started improving upon the Bel Canto vocal techniques she learned using a more personal and holistic approach. She now helps others on an international basis with online classes, books and consultations.
“Business owners, teachers, attorneys, trainers are all prone to injury from the overuse of their voices. Voice changes often happen, too, as a result of the aging process. People often take their voices for granted until they start having problems communicating.”
Much of her vocal rehabilitation therapy includes expansive breathing techniques, placing the voice in the “core” of the body, and helping individuals to learn how to use their bodies when speaking instead of straining with the throat.
Lawrence adds, “The ability to speak is such a huge part of the way a person relates to the world. Often when I work with others, especially seniors who are losing vocal strength due to age or illness, I see them positively blossom when their regain the ability to express themselves.”
Her 39 year plus career has included national commercials, tours with major entertainers and a performance at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah. Lawrence has also recorded 10 CD’s including “When the Sky is Red” which was voted “Best Vocal Album of the Year” by the L.A. Jazz Scene magazine. Her hardback and ebook “From Shower to Stage – 7 Easy Steps for Singing Like a Pro” is available online at www.AllAboutVoice.com.
“People don’t have to live with vocal problems. Voices can heal. You can have a strong, healthy, powerful voice no matter what your age.” For more information call (800) 567-1718.
All About Voice is based in Phoenix, Arizona. Consultations and online classes are offered internationally. For more information, call (800) 567-1718, email [email protected] or visit www.allaboutvoice.com.
The Hidden Problem of Domestic Violence - Connecting to Serve and the Ahwahtukee Community Network to Host Special Forum
Featured on The City of Phoenix website 4/7/2013 and in the Arizona Republic
Press Release by Jameson & Associates
It's a story that no one wants to tell. A woman is assaulted every seven seconds by an intimate partner in the United States. Every five minutes a law enforcement officer responds to a domestic violence call in Arizona. Every nineteen minutes an arrest is made and a death related to domestic violence is reported approximately every five days in our State.
Connecting to Serve and the Ahwatukee Community Network will be hosting a public meeting on what is being done to address domestic violence from 3 - 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16th, at Mountain Park Senior Living located at 4475 E. Knox Road in Phoenix. Panelists will include Councilman Sal DiCiccio from District 6, Officer Randy Hudson of the Phoenix Police Department, Libby Bissa with the Family Advocacy Center and Jennifer Empernado with Empower Hour.
According to Councilman DiCiccio: "Domestic violence is a significant issue in Phoenix with over 50,000 police calls a year. We must be a national leader and have instituted a plan making Phoenix the best in the nation addressing and stopping domestic violence."
The statistics are staggering, adds Sheila Coonen, Executive Director of Connecting to Serve, an area nonprofit which is co-hosting the event: "Every 30 minutes a family is turned away from a shelter due to lack of space in Arizona. In addition to the tremendous human toll, it costs businesses $11,035 every minute of every day due to medical expenses and lost productivity due to domestic violence." (Statistics from the Center for Disease Control, Costs of Intimate Partner Violence, 2003.)
The meeting is open to the public. Any agency representative or individual wishing to be on the panel may contact Sheila Coonen at 602-541-7440 or email [email protected].
The Ahwatukee Community Network is part of Connecting to Serve, an area nonprofit that facilitates advocacy on critical issues. They meet the third Tuesday of each month from 3-4:30 pm at Mountain Park Senior Living located at 4475 E. Knox Road in Phoenix. For more information on Connecting to Serve and to learn about volunteer opportunities, visit connectingtoserve.org or call 602-541-7440. For more information, call the District 6 office at 602-262-7491 or e-mail [email protected].
Featured on The City of Phoenix website 4/7/2013 and in the Arizona Republic
Press Release by Jameson & Associates
It's a story that no one wants to tell. A woman is assaulted every seven seconds by an intimate partner in the United States. Every five minutes a law enforcement officer responds to a domestic violence call in Arizona. Every nineteen minutes an arrest is made and a death related to domestic violence is reported approximately every five days in our State.
Connecting to Serve and the Ahwatukee Community Network will be hosting a public meeting on what is being done to address domestic violence from 3 - 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16th, at Mountain Park Senior Living located at 4475 E. Knox Road in Phoenix. Panelists will include Councilman Sal DiCiccio from District 6, Officer Randy Hudson of the Phoenix Police Department, Libby Bissa with the Family Advocacy Center and Jennifer Empernado with Empower Hour.
According to Councilman DiCiccio: "Domestic violence is a significant issue in Phoenix with over 50,000 police calls a year. We must be a national leader and have instituted a plan making Phoenix the best in the nation addressing and stopping domestic violence."
The statistics are staggering, adds Sheila Coonen, Executive Director of Connecting to Serve, an area nonprofit which is co-hosting the event: "Every 30 minutes a family is turned away from a shelter due to lack of space in Arizona. In addition to the tremendous human toll, it costs businesses $11,035 every minute of every day due to medical expenses and lost productivity due to domestic violence." (Statistics from the Center for Disease Control, Costs of Intimate Partner Violence, 2003.)
The meeting is open to the public. Any agency representative or individual wishing to be on the panel may contact Sheila Coonen at 602-541-7440 or email [email protected].
The Ahwatukee Community Network is part of Connecting to Serve, an area nonprofit that facilitates advocacy on critical issues. They meet the third Tuesday of each month from 3-4:30 pm at Mountain Park Senior Living located at 4475 E. Knox Road in Phoenix. For more information on Connecting to Serve and to learn about volunteer opportunities, visit connectingtoserve.org or call 602-541-7440. For more information, call the District 6 office at 602-262-7491 or e-mail [email protected].
Senior Advocate E-Newsletter Contributors
May 2013 E-Newsletter
Bullying and Relational Aggression among Older Adults:
Introduction to a Surprising Phenomenon
By Robin P. Bonifas, PhD, MSW
Arizona State University
School of Social Work
People typically associate bullying with school children, and are surprised to learn that such behavior also occurs among older adults in senior centers, assisted living facilities, and retirement housing complexes. Bullying is defined as intentional repetitive aggressive behavior involving an imbalance of power or strength (Hazelden Foundation, 2008), and can involve verbal, physical, or anti-social behaviors. Examples of verbal bullying include name-calling, teasing, insulting, taunting, threatening, using sarcasm, or making pointed jokes that target specific individuals. Examples of physical bullying include pushing, hitting, destroying property, or stealing. Anti-social bullying involves shunning or excluding, gossiping, spreading rumors, or using negative non-verbal body language such as mimicking or making offensive gestures.
Among older adults, bullying is often in the form of relational aggression, a non-physical form of aggression intended to hinder the development of peer relationships and social acceptance (Hawker & Boulton, 2000) represented by the verbal and anti-social bullying categories described above. Specific examples include spreading false rumors about someone’s romantic life, excluding someone from participating in a group activity such a card game, or making fun of someone’s body size, speech mannerisms, or use of an assistive device such as a cane or wheelchair. To date, three research studies have examined bullying among older adults and have found that approximately 20 percent of assisted living facility residents have experienced peers’ relational aggression (Bonifas & Kramer, 2011; Trompetter, Scholte, & Westerhof, 2011); rates may be as high as 50 percent among independent living residents (Benson, n.d.). Gender differences have also been noted whereby women tend to engage in more passive-aggressive behavior like gossiping and whispering, and men are more likely to make negative in-your-face comments.
When queried regarding which peer behaviors are the most distressing, assisted living residents list the following as among the most problematic: name calling, teasing, gossiping, bossiness, harassing requests to borrow money or other commodities, physical aggression such as pushing and shoving, and territorial behavior regarding limited resources such as prime seating, preferred television programs, and staff time (Bonifas & Kramer, 2011). Threats of physical violence are also considered as nearly distressing as actual violence; for example, one research participant was fearful to the point of insomnia after a peer said to him, “One of these days, I’m gonna smack you with a hammer” (Bonifas, 2013). Furthermore, any behavior that appears to be threatening may also be labeled as bullying even when it is not. Indeed, assisted living residents tend to view peers as bullies if they exhibit outward disruptive mental health symptoms, such as an individual who carries on a loud animated conversation with unseen stimuli (Bonifas & Kramer, 2011).
Among older adults, relational aggression tends to be planned and used to counteract negative emotions that arise during interpersonal conflict (Walker & Richardson, 1998). Some common characteristics of people who bully at any age include seeking to control others, and feeling reinforced by being powerful and controlling, by making others feel threatened, fearful or hurt, and by causing and observing conflict between people. In addition, individuals who bully often have difficulty tolerating individual differences, lack empathy, and tend to have few positive social relationships. For example, one research participant explained the challenges she experienced with peers’ lifestyle differences in her assisted living facility, “I have problems accepting their problems…that‘s one of the things that is hardest to deal with…for me, the hardest part has been living with people I have never associated with in my life” (Bonifas, 2013). At the
same time, bullying in late-life seems to be associated with grief and loss (Personal communication, Marsha Frankel, LCSW, March 30, 2012). A move to a
retirement center or an assisted living facility may co-occur with losses of valued roles, social identity, and a sense of belonging as well as decreased
independence. Emotional distress associated with such losses can contribute to an overwhelming need to assert some type control, which may give rise to
bullying behaviors in some individuals. As such, older bullies may be seeking control at a time in their life when they feel powerless, and some negative
behaviors may be attempts to regain a sense of equilibrium.
In spite of the old adage “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me,” exposure to relational aggression in late-life has negative consequences that include depression, low self-esteem (Bonifas & Hector, 2013), anxiety, loneliness, and lower life satisfaction (Trompetter et al, 2011). Furthermore, assisted living residents report exposure to relational aggression contributes to social isolation and intense feelings of anger and fearfulness, as well as exacerbation of existing health and mental health conditions (Bonifas & Kramer, 2011). Individuals who are being bullied may not report they are having problems, but may exhibit the following signs and symptoms: self isolation, depressed mood, avoidance of specific areas or activities within their living community, take long circuitous routes to get to and from communal facility areas (to avoid passing peers who tease or make fun of them), or make vague complaints about peers such as “They don’t like me” or “They won’t let me.” Family members or senior care providers who observe such behaviors in someone they care for are encouraged to ask the individual about peer relationships and whether or not they are experiencing difficulties. If so, the next step is to approach organizational management for help in addressing relational aggression or other forms of bullying in the living environment. The following Blog provides some beginning ideas that can serve as a starting point for considering organizational level interventions: http://www.mybetternursinghome.com/senior-bullying-part-4-potential-organizational-level-interventions-to-reduce-bullying/
References
Benson, J. (n.d.).
Relational aggression and subjective well-being in independent senior living communities.
Unpublished manuscript for Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging.
Bonifas, R. P. (2013). Problematic social relationships in assisted living facilities.
Unpublished research data. Arizona State University.
Bonifas, R. P., & Hector, P. (March, 2013).
Senior bullying in assisted living: Insights into an underrecognized phenomenon.
Poster presentation at the American Medical Directors’ Long-term Care Medicine Conference, Washington D. C.
Bonifas, R. P., & Kramer, C. (November, 2011).
Senior bullying in assisted living: Residents’ perspectives. Poster presentation at the 64th Annual
Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, Boston, Massachusetts.
Hawker, S. S. J.,& Boulton, M. J. (2000).
Twenty years’ research on peer victimization and psychosocial maladjustment: A meta-analytic review of cross-sectional studies.
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 41, 441-455.
Trompetter, H., Scholte, R., & Westerhof, G. (2011).
Resident-to-resident relational aggression and subjective well-being in assisted living facilities.
Aging and Mental Health, 15, 59-67.
Walker, S., & Richardson, D.R. (1998).
Aggression strategies among older adults: Delivered but not seen.
Aggression and Violent Behavior, 3, 287–294.
Bullying and Relational Aggression among Older Adults:
Introduction to a Surprising Phenomenon
By Robin P. Bonifas, PhD, MSW
Arizona State University
School of Social Work
People typically associate bullying with school children, and are surprised to learn that such behavior also occurs among older adults in senior centers, assisted living facilities, and retirement housing complexes. Bullying is defined as intentional repetitive aggressive behavior involving an imbalance of power or strength (Hazelden Foundation, 2008), and can involve verbal, physical, or anti-social behaviors. Examples of verbal bullying include name-calling, teasing, insulting, taunting, threatening, using sarcasm, or making pointed jokes that target specific individuals. Examples of physical bullying include pushing, hitting, destroying property, or stealing. Anti-social bullying involves shunning or excluding, gossiping, spreading rumors, or using negative non-verbal body language such as mimicking or making offensive gestures.
Among older adults, bullying is often in the form of relational aggression, a non-physical form of aggression intended to hinder the development of peer relationships and social acceptance (Hawker & Boulton, 2000) represented by the verbal and anti-social bullying categories described above. Specific examples include spreading false rumors about someone’s romantic life, excluding someone from participating in a group activity such a card game, or making fun of someone’s body size, speech mannerisms, or use of an assistive device such as a cane or wheelchair. To date, three research studies have examined bullying among older adults and have found that approximately 20 percent of assisted living facility residents have experienced peers’ relational aggression (Bonifas & Kramer, 2011; Trompetter, Scholte, & Westerhof, 2011); rates may be as high as 50 percent among independent living residents (Benson, n.d.). Gender differences have also been noted whereby women tend to engage in more passive-aggressive behavior like gossiping and whispering, and men are more likely to make negative in-your-face comments.
When queried regarding which peer behaviors are the most distressing, assisted living residents list the following as among the most problematic: name calling, teasing, gossiping, bossiness, harassing requests to borrow money or other commodities, physical aggression such as pushing and shoving, and territorial behavior regarding limited resources such as prime seating, preferred television programs, and staff time (Bonifas & Kramer, 2011). Threats of physical violence are also considered as nearly distressing as actual violence; for example, one research participant was fearful to the point of insomnia after a peer said to him, “One of these days, I’m gonna smack you with a hammer” (Bonifas, 2013). Furthermore, any behavior that appears to be threatening may also be labeled as bullying even when it is not. Indeed, assisted living residents tend to view peers as bullies if they exhibit outward disruptive mental health symptoms, such as an individual who carries on a loud animated conversation with unseen stimuli (Bonifas & Kramer, 2011).
Among older adults, relational aggression tends to be planned and used to counteract negative emotions that arise during interpersonal conflict (Walker & Richardson, 1998). Some common characteristics of people who bully at any age include seeking to control others, and feeling reinforced by being powerful and controlling, by making others feel threatened, fearful or hurt, and by causing and observing conflict between people. In addition, individuals who bully often have difficulty tolerating individual differences, lack empathy, and tend to have few positive social relationships. For example, one research participant explained the challenges she experienced with peers’ lifestyle differences in her assisted living facility, “I have problems accepting their problems…that‘s one of the things that is hardest to deal with…for me, the hardest part has been living with people I have never associated with in my life” (Bonifas, 2013). At the
same time, bullying in late-life seems to be associated with grief and loss (Personal communication, Marsha Frankel, LCSW, March 30, 2012). A move to a
retirement center or an assisted living facility may co-occur with losses of valued roles, social identity, and a sense of belonging as well as decreased
independence. Emotional distress associated with such losses can contribute to an overwhelming need to assert some type control, which may give rise to
bullying behaviors in some individuals. As such, older bullies may be seeking control at a time in their life when they feel powerless, and some negative
behaviors may be attempts to regain a sense of equilibrium.
In spite of the old adage “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me,” exposure to relational aggression in late-life has negative consequences that include depression, low self-esteem (Bonifas & Hector, 2013), anxiety, loneliness, and lower life satisfaction (Trompetter et al, 2011). Furthermore, assisted living residents report exposure to relational aggression contributes to social isolation and intense feelings of anger and fearfulness, as well as exacerbation of existing health and mental health conditions (Bonifas & Kramer, 2011). Individuals who are being bullied may not report they are having problems, but may exhibit the following signs and symptoms: self isolation, depressed mood, avoidance of specific areas or activities within their living community, take long circuitous routes to get to and from communal facility areas (to avoid passing peers who tease or make fun of them), or make vague complaints about peers such as “They don’t like me” or “They won’t let me.” Family members or senior care providers who observe such behaviors in someone they care for are encouraged to ask the individual about peer relationships and whether or not they are experiencing difficulties. If so, the next step is to approach organizational management for help in addressing relational aggression or other forms of bullying in the living environment. The following Blog provides some beginning ideas that can serve as a starting point for considering organizational level interventions: http://www.mybetternursinghome.com/senior-bullying-part-4-potential-organizational-level-interventions-to-reduce-bullying/
References
Benson, J. (n.d.).
Relational aggression and subjective well-being in independent senior living communities.
Unpublished manuscript for Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging.
Bonifas, R. P. (2013). Problematic social relationships in assisted living facilities.
Unpublished research data. Arizona State University.
Bonifas, R. P., & Hector, P. (March, 2013).
Senior bullying in assisted living: Insights into an underrecognized phenomenon.
Poster presentation at the American Medical Directors’ Long-term Care Medicine Conference, Washington D. C.
Bonifas, R. P., & Kramer, C. (November, 2011).
Senior bullying in assisted living: Residents’ perspectives. Poster presentation at the 64th Annual
Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, Boston, Massachusetts.
Hawker, S. S. J.,& Boulton, M. J. (2000).
Twenty years’ research on peer victimization and psychosocial maladjustment: A meta-analytic review of cross-sectional studies.
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 41, 441-455.
Trompetter, H., Scholte, R., & Westerhof, G. (2011).
Resident-to-resident relational aggression and subjective well-being in assisted living facilities.
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