The Scarsdale Safety Net: How to Use It

Marian Green and Elizabeth Lawrence, at a dinner to celebrate their volunteer work on behalf of people with disabilities.What can we learn from the tragedy in Scarsdale last week when Marian Green, a longtime advocate for the disabled and those with learning differences was murdered in her home at the hands of her troubled 26 year-old son? What were the signs that her son Chester Green could become violent? What resources were available to her to safeguard her from harm? As community members, is there anything we might have done?

Whether you are concerned for yourself, a family member, a neighbor or simply notice behavior that makes you uncomfortable, how should you respond?

We reached out to Jay Genova, the Director of Scarsdale Family Counseling Service to get his perspective on this highly disturbing assault. Though Genova did know Green, who was an active member of the community, he could not comment specifically on the murder, but he did have some valuable information to share on signs of potential problems and the network of coordinated resources that is available to Scarsdale residents and might have been effective at saving Green’s life.

First Genova said, “We are shocked and saddened by what has happened…I knew Marian Green – everyone knew her – she was a member of the community.”

Though he did not know if she sought help, he spoke about the safeguards in place for residents of all ages. He said, “Scarsdale has systems of protection and safety in place -- though no system is fool proof. It starts with skilled and highly trained first responders including trained personnel at the Police Department and the Scarsdale Village Ambulance Corps. This system extends into the schools where the Youth Outreach Programs places qualified mental health professionals in touch with students. SFCS is staffed by mental health experts who treat individuals and families and we also offer an Aging in Place program to engage with senior residents, the SAFE Coalition which raises awareness about violence prevention and SAY (Scarsdale Action for Youth) which run educational programs on mental health and substance abuse.

Genova said that Scarsdale residents have immediate access to resources and can avail themselves of the safety net via the police or SFCS who can direct people to services. Genova stressed the coordination among community leaders here including the police chief, school and village officials who work together to address any threats.

But he added, “Regrettably even a strong safety net couldn’t protect everyone.”

We asked Genova how to recognize that someone poses a potential danger.

He explained that “violence is a continuum of behaviors that begins with aggressive language and goes all the way to homicide…. It begins with threats, and can proceed to pushing, shoving, slapping, punching, kicking and even choking.” He added, “Choking or strangulation is very serious behavior and very high risk.”

As an observer, should you get involved if you hear someone use aggressive language? And if so, how should you approach the situation? Genova said, “We shouldn’t wait until someone is experiencing physical violence to get involved.”

If you do observe something disturbing, Genova said, “you should not be embarrassed to reach out to the person you perceive to be the victim. And don’t just ask if they are okay. Say, “Are you safe?”

Even if the victim says they don’t need help now, let them know if anything changes they can come to your house and ring your bell.

And if you’re not sure if you should get involved, call Scarsdale Family Counseling and explain what happened. Let them know you are uncomfortable, and you’re not sure what to do.”

Genova said, “Err on the side of caution.”

Genova then outlined the risk factors that are predictors of potential violence:

-A past history of violence

-Untreated mental health problems

-Substance abuse (that may prevent regulating emotions.)

-Access to firearms

In summary, Genova reviewed the information that everyone should have in their own toolkit:

-Know the risk factors
-Recognize that violence is a continuum that starts with words
-Get involved
-Connect with the perceived victim
-Offer support
-If you’re uncomfortable, ask for guidance
-If you sense immediate danger, dial 911

Genova summed it up saying “Violence can happen anywhere. I believe in our system but it does not make us immune.”

Use what you can to make Scarsdale a safer community. Reach out to Scarsdale Family Counseling Service, 24 hours a day at 914-723-3281.