Acknowledgements

We dedicate this guide to our esteemed colleague, Dr. Stan Stahl, founder of Secure the Village, whom we lost in April 2026. Stan’s boundless passion to “protect the village”—and everyone in it—continues to inspire us all.

Stan’s legacy lives on through the countless individuals, nonprofits, and businesses who are safer because of his relentless belief that we must all do more and help one another become more secure. He was especially excited to see this first-of-its-kind guide published, and we are honored to carry that vision forward.

Lead Authors:  Chris Clausen (Overall Initiative Leader + Prevention Section),
Ally Armeson (Triage Section),  Debbie Deem (Taking Back Control Section)

Key Contributors: Daisy Villafuerte (Production & Creative), Jess Campbell (Subject Matter Expertise Consultation)

We would also like to thank the many valued security professionals and victim advocate colleagues who reviewed and helped improve this content, as well as the many community members—including former victims who are now proud survivors and “thrivers”—who offered their insights and feedback.
It truly does “take a village” to do this right.