Why we need a National Violence Prevention Hotline [Episode 16]

In this special episode, Paul introduces the idea of having a National Violence Prevention Hotline specifically for individuals who are feeling compelled toward comitting acts of violence, to talk with a trained counselor on the phone, work to de-esclate, and connect them with appropriate resources. Like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, The National Violence Prevention Hotline seeks to staff professional counselors to take calls from people who are in distress. The difference is that the Violence Prevention Hotline will attempt to reach and work with people who are contemplating violent acts against others.
 Most violence is preventable. While it comes down to the individual's choice to act, we are hoping that providing this resource would lead to decreases in violence, because there would be 24/7 support for those feeling angry, isolated, disavowed, persecuted, and whatever else is leading them toward considering comitting violent acts. In the second half of the episode, Paul Krauss and Mike Speakman (anger expert) discuss the psychology, motivations, and social circumstances that can lead to people feeling desperate enough to hurt others.

Sign the Petition Here.

 Sign our petition on Change.org asking SAMSHA to implement this idea.

Learn more @ http://www.violencepreventionhotline.org

Paul Krauss MA LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Professional Consultant who lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the host of The Intentional Clincian podcast and also works to train counselors on best practices to improve their outcomes with clients.  Paul has worked with many different populations and has spent a great deal of his time working specifically with people who are recovering from some type of trauma—often times from a type of violence or a severe accident. Paul believes that every human being has the potential to transform in a powerful way and works with people from all walks of life to meet their potential as humans, to heal, and to make changes.
Paul conceived of the idea for the National Violence Prevention Hotline after a series of events, including hearing a story of a person refraining from committing a violent act because a kind woman confronted this potential offender while he was in emotional distress, guns in hand and ready to act against innocent citizens, with empathy and understanding, at just the right time. As a result of her outreach to him, he put down his weapons and asked for the police to be called and get professional help–he received it. At that moment, Paul realized that we have hotlines to prevent suicides and help the victims of domestic violence, but not to prevent or deal with violence or those who perpetrate it more broadly. His vision is to help save lives and reduce the devastating impact of violence on people, relationships, and communities.

The National Violence Prevention Hotline (NVPH) proposes to provide free, confidential, expert support for people in distress and feeling compelled toward committing acts of violence in the future. It may also provide a lifeline for victims of violence who have not yet called the police and are seeking counsel regarding their situation.

Remember to sign the petition at Change.org

Paul Krauss MA LPC is the Clinical Director of Health for Life Grand Rapids, home of The Trauma-Informed Counseling Center of Grand Rapids. Paul is also a Private Practice Psychotherapist, EMDRIA Consultant in Training (CIT), host of the Intentional Clinician podcast, Behavioral Health Consultant, Clinical Trainer, and Counseling Supervisor. Paul is now offering consulting for a few individuals and organizations. Paul is the creator of the National Violence Prevention Hotline (in progress)  as well as the Intentional Clinician Training Program for Counselors. Questions? Call the office at 616-200-4433. 

If you are looking for EMDRIA consulting groups, Paul Krauss MA LPC is now hosting weekly online and in-person groups.  For details, click here.

Follow Health for Life Grand Rapids:

Instagram   |   Facebook     |     Youtube

 

Original music, used with permission:

"Shades of Currency" [Instrumental] from Archetypes by PAWL

"Spencer, Rob, and Depression" a single by ttypes

Music available here:

https://pawl.bandcamp.com/

https://ttttypes.bandcamp.com/