Friday & Tacos - Steven Dana
Discuss protection from abuse, human trafficking, and security challenges in Mexico with expert Steven Dana.
Protection from abuse is critically needed but often inaccessible for victims without financial means
Electronic/digital threats are a pervasive, growing problem in domestic abuse situations
Men are victims of domestic abuse nearly as often as women, but are less likely to seek help
Key relationship advice: Take time to see how partners handle conflict, maintain financial independence, be careful who you have children with
Topics
Security Landscape in Mexico
Tourist areas generally safe, but rest of country inadvisable for Americans to visit
Tamaulipas rated "Level 4 - Do Not Travel" by US State Department
Significant cultural divide between US/Mexico on security expectations
High-level protection very resource-intensive; even politicians vulnerable
Protection from Abuse Organization
Founded in 2015 by Steven Dana as a charity to provide security services to abuse victims
Assisted 954 individuals in past 12 months with safety/security issues
Services include court escorts, home security, electronic threat mitigation
Funded by federal VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) grant
Electronic Threats in Abuse Cases
Ubiquitous problem - compromised devices, hacked accounts, hidden cameras/mics
Children's devices often vector for continued surveillance post-separation
Specialized, expensive equipment needed for proper sweeps/detection
Limited free resources available to victims for technical countermeasures
Male Victims of Domestic Abuse
~9% of PFA clients are male victims - likely underreported due to stigma
Studies show men and women abuse partners at similar rates
Men less likely to seek help, more likely to try managing situation alone
Relationship Advice
Take time to see how potential partners handle conflict/stress
Women should maintain financial independence
Be very careful who you have children with - co-parenting complicates separation
Challenges of Protection Work
Long hours, frequent travel disruptive to family life
Difficulty maintaining health/fitness routines on the road
Emotional toll of constant exposure to trauma/abuse cases
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