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August 30, 2010
From: Anne Seymour
The Office for Victims of Crime
U.S. Department of Justice
Dear Friends:
I had an amazing, yet exhausting week -- five states in five days
(I'm WAY too old for this!), ending up at the first State Victim Assistance
Academy in Alabama. It was a great Academy, and renewed my sense of being truly
inspired by young advocates in our field. AND speaking of being
inspired....when I returned home, yesterday I was privileged to join the
"Reclaim the Dream" march to pay tribute to the work of Dr. Martin Luther King,
and commit to fulfill his dream. It was a remarkable experience to march with
thousands of other folks committed to social
justice.........................four new missives for you this week.
There are two great new studies out from the National Crime
Against Children Research Center:
-
"Updated Trends in Child Maltreatment, 2008" found that cases
of child physical abuse are down three percent; sexual abuse cases are down
six percent; and child neglect cases are down two percent. You can access
these important data at:http://www.unh.edu/ccrc/pdf/CV203_Updated%20Trends%20in%20Child%20Maltreatment%202008_8-6-10.pdf.
-
A new national study conducted by CCRC researchers shows that
bullying, sexual assault, and other violence against children declined
substantially between 2003 and 2008. The percentage of children reporting
physical bullying in the past year declined from 22% to 15%, while the
percentage reporting a sexual assault went from 3.3% to 2%. The study did
not find declines in physical abuse or neglect by caregivers, but did find a
decline in psychological abuse. Robbery was one of the few offenses that
increased in frequency. You can review this article at:
http://www.unh.edu/ccrc/pdf/CV196.pdf.
As many as nine in ten youth in the justice system have
experienced trauma. "Healing Invisible Wounds: Why Investing in Trauma-informed
Care for Children Makes Sense," published by the Justice Policy Institute,
examines the relationship between childhood trauma and involvement in the
juvenile justice system. Between 75 and 93 percent of youth entering the
juvenile justice system annually are estimated to have experienced some degree
of trauma. You can download this great report at: http://www.justicepolicy.org/content-hmID=1811&smID=1581&ssmID=102.htm.
A new report from SAMHSA has found that the majority of hospital
emergency department visits in underage drinkers involved males -- 53.4 percent
among those aged 12 to 17, and 62.1 percent among those aged 18 to 20. You can
download this report at:
http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1008065452.aspx.
August 22, 2010
From: Anne Seymour
The Office for Victims of Crime
U.S. Department of Justice
Dear Friends:
I had one of the BEST days of my entire life and career on Wednesday, when six
survivors and an advocate addressed a plenary session at APPA, and a listening
panel of important USDOJ folks (see Ted Gest summary below) -- inspiring beyond
belief and, as APPA develops new resources for the field that will incorporate
the survivors' recommendations, I will keep you posted.......ALSO, important
information about 2011 National Crime Victims' Rights Week and theme was
released by OVC this week, and is at the end of this (and in the future, every)
MMM.....
I recently reported in MMM about the wonderful "Cross Governmental Sentencing
and Corrections Policy" Forum, cosponsored by the National Governors Association
and Pew Center on the States (among others). A new website features copies of
all presentations from the Forum, along with other useful resources. It's a
literal "treasure trove" of current resources on sentencing and corrections
policy that you'll definitely want to check out at
http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.9123e83a1f6786440ddcbeeb501010a0/?vgnextoid=cf0171f8f5f0a210VgnVCM1000005e00100aRCRD.
Three great new DVDs on responding to elder abuse are now available from the
Office for Victims of Crime.
Responding to
Elder Abuse: What Community Corrections Should Know provides
community corrections professionals with the information they need to help
identify and respond to elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation they may encounter
in their work with offenders. It includes basic information about what to
consider when placing offenders in residential situations, communicating
effectively with older victims, following mandatory reporting laws, and working
collaboratively with other organizations.
Responding to
Elder Abuse: What Judges and Court Personnel Should Know highlights
critical issues for judges and court personnel to consider when they encounter
abused, neglected, and exploited older persons participating in the judicial
system. The video illustrates what judges may face in these situations, offers
recommendations focused on the special needs of older abuse victims, and
highlights examples of successful court-based elder abuse initiatives..Responding
to Elder Abuse: What Law Enforcement Should Know (August 2010) describes
what law enforcement officers can do when they encounter elder abuse, neglect,
or exploitation in residences, nursing homes, or other long-term care
facilities. It includes basic information about locating appropriate referral
resources for intervention and support for the older abuse victim, following
mandatory reporting laws, and working collaboratively with other
organizations. You can find ordering information at
http://ovc.gov/publications/infores/other.htm#rea-corrections and, when
discussion guides for all three DVDs are published this Fall, MMM will let you
know.
Criminal Justice Journalists, Ted Gest report on APPA Public Hearing on Victim
Issues:
"Crime victims urged probation and parole officials today to pay more attention
to their cases and issues. The unusual appeal came near the conclusion of the
35th annual American Probation and Parole Association training institute, held
this year in Washington, D.C. Andrea Conte, wife of Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen,
said that crime victims sometimes have viewed probation and parole agents as
enemies, more sympathetic to offenders than to victims; she urged more attention
to issues like restitution by offenders to their victims. Conte founded an
anticrime group called You Have the Power--Know How to Use It. She was the
victim of a pistol-whipping by a would-be kidnapper 20 years ago. Susan Russell,
a vicim services consultant in Vermont who was kidnapped, raped, and nearly
killed 18 years ago, complained that the state had given her misleading and
inaccurate information about the offender.
Pat Tuthill, whose daughter Peyton was raped, tortured, and murdered by a
probationer who transferred from another state to Denver in 1999, made a plea
for victims and their families to get more information about convicts'
whereabouts and status. "Offenders have many rights, victims have few," she told
the meeting. Victims advocates acknowledge that most offenders eventually will
be released from custody or supervision; the victims ask that they be notified
every important step along the way, including about the conduct and treatment of
offenders who are in prison. The general theme of the program was that victims
are getting more respect in the criminal justice system, but there is a long way
to go. Other victim advocates who spoke included Mary Dodd of Nevada, Rick Fiori
of Maryland, Elizabeth Page of Texas, and Carroll Ann Ellis of Virginia.
Listening were senior officials of the Justice Department's Office of Justice
Programs. Moderator was Anne Seymour of Justice Solutions in Washington, D.C."
August
9, 2010
From: Anne Seymour
The Office for Victims of Crime
U.S. Department of Justice
Dear Friends:
This MMM is loaded with great information for
you!......including a rare MMM attachment, which invites you to join the Annual
Old Buffaloes Reunion in Dana Point, California from November 12 - 14 (I'll be
there and would love to see y'all!). You'll NOT be receiving an MMM next
weekend, as I'll be knee-deep in activities at the American Probation and Parole
Assn. Institute here beginning on Friday. Take a few moments to scroll through
all these great resources!......
The National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children and Maryland Crime
Victims' Resource Center, with support from OVC, are offering scholarships for
folks to attend the National Day of Remembrance activities here in Washington,
DC on September 25th. We have a great session planned for that afternoon,
followed by the unveiling of the Murder Wall of Remembrance and a truly
inspiring national observance. You can visit
http://www.pomc.com/dor2010_files/Maryland_DOR_scholarship_app.pdf to
download information about the scholarships and the application.
The Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resource Packet will be available for
download this month at www.nrcdv.org/dvam.
If you prefer to receive a paper copy of the Resource Packet through snail mail,
please contact Laurie Jorgensen at (toll-free) 800-537-2238, Ext. 173 or email
her at LJ@pcadv.org by August 12th (and let
them know you received this announcement from MMM!). This year's artwork is
truly beautiful, and I expect the Resource Packet to be very helpful to the
field......
It's hard to believe it's been 15 years since the passage of the Violence
Against Women Act! The new edition of the NIJ Journal features three great
articles to commemorate this special anniversary:
• Effects of civil protective orders in domestic violence cases
• What we know about the rare but disturbing cases in which men kill their
families and then themselves
• Stalking and social norms
You can download the Journal at:
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/journals/welcome.htm.
Public Hearing on Victim Issues in Probation and Parole
Please Join APPA for a Public Hearing on Victim Issues in Probation and Parole
When: Wednesday, August 18, 2010; 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Where: The Hilton Washington Hotel; 1919 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC
With support and funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims
of Crime (OVC), the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) is hosting
a Public Hearing on Victim Issues in Probation and Parole, held in conjunction
with the APPA Annual Training Institute in Washington, DC. The hearing will seek
input from invited crime victims and survivors about their most important needs
throughout the probation and parole processes, and how community corrections
officials and agencies can best meet such needs.
Through this Public Hearing, APPA aims to:
• Seek input from invited crime victims and survivors, and those who serve them,
about their most significant needs when offenders are released to probation or
parole supervision.
• Increase community corrections professionals’ knowledge of crime victims’ and
survivors’ experiences with the community corrections phase, and help community
corrections practitioners identify strategies for responding to victims’ needs
and rights more effectively.
• Obtain input about how APPA and its member agencies can collaborate with crime
victims and survivors, victim assistance agencies, and allied professionals to
best identify and meet the needs of victims throughout the community corrections
process.
This event is open to the public to come and listen to testimony provided by our
invited guests—registration to the APPA Annual Training Institute is not
required. AND I have the honor of facilitating this great session, so hope to
see you there! Please contact Tracy Mullins at
tmullins@csg.org or at 859-244-8215, with questions or for more information.
The Council of State Governments Justice Center announced on July 21 the launch
of an online Reentry Programs Database, developed with support from the Office
of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and the Bureau of Justice
Assistance (BJA), U.S. Department of Justice. It is designed to catalogue adult
and juvenile programs nationwide that work to make individuals' return to
communities from prisons, jails, and juvenile corrections facilities safer and
more successful. Check out this great new resource at
http://reentrypolicy.org/reentry-program-examples/reentry-programs-start!
ONDCP's "Report to the White House Council on Women and Girls" (NCJ 203655)
addresses the unique risks, protective factors, and challenges in preventing and
treating substance abuse and addiction among women and girls in the United
States. This 13-page report also highlights the programs available to help
prevent this abuse. You can download this quick read at
http://www.ondcp.gov/females/2010women_girls_report.pdf.
August
2, 2010
From: Anne Seymour
The Office for Victims of Crime
U.S. Department of Justice
Dear Friends:
Where did July go? I woke up
this weekend and can hardly believe the summer is two-thirds gone! I hope
you're enjoying it and, like me, looking forward to some cooler
weather.....Three missives and an MMMer request for you this week:
The 4th
Annual National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims will be held on
Saturday, September 25th, 2010 in Washington, DC, co-hosted by the National
Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc. (POMC) and Maryland Crime
Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. (MCVRC). Professionals and volunteers from
homicide support organizations from around the nation will join with those who
have lost a loved one to homicide for "Supporting Survivors: A Forum for
Discussion” to explore issues survivors face and ways the victim services and
allied fields can effectively meet the needs of survivors. A forum will feature
three, facilitated breakout groups that will address the diverse mental health
needs of family members after the trauma; the role of the law enforcement
community in training, notification, and investigation; and advocacy for
victims’ rights and provision of services. The day will culminate with the
ceremonial unveiling of the “Murder Wall…Honoring Their Memories,” a powerful
exhibit provided by POMC inscribed with the names of thousands of murder
victims. For more information on this memorable FREE event and to RSVP,
please visit: http://dayofremembrance.eventbrite.com.
Tomorrow, August 3rd, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST,
the SAMHSA ADS Center is presenting a free teleconference on "Mental Health for
Military Families: The Path to Resilience and Recovery." I know from my ongoing
communications with MMMers that MANY of you assist military families or partner
with DoD agencies to provide supportive services, so this is a GREAT training
opportunity with three wonderful presenters. Please visit
http://promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/teleconferences/archive/training/teleconference
08032010.aspx for more information and to register for the teleconference.
The
Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics has released
"America's Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-being, 2010."
Since 1997, the Forum has published this annual report, which provides detailed
information on the welfare of children and families, alternating between a
comprehensive report and a condensed version highlighting selected indicators,
as is the case this year. This year's edition reports on child welfare
indicators spanning seven domains: family and social environment, economic
circumstances, health care, physical environment and safety, behavior,
education, and health. This is one of my FAVORITE
annual reports, so do check it out at:
http://childstats.gov/americaschildren/index.asp.
A
FOLLOW-ON REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FROM MMMER LAURA ENDERS:
Sunflower House received funding from a Recovery Act VOCA Grant to create a
brand new position to provide comprehensive post-appointment care for
non-offending caregivers and their families. This support will be provided
through case management, crisis intervention, and on-going contact as needed by
the family. After a competitive interview process, Laura Enders was hired for
this position. As this is a brand new service, Sunflower House will be
providing we appreciate any suggestions from other Child Advocacy Centers and
victim advocates who provide ongoing support for victims. Please contact Laura
Enders at
Laura@SunflowerHouse.orG.
July 22, 2010
From: Anne Seymour
The Office for Victims of Crime
U.S. Department of Justice
Dear Friends:
Through my volunteer work with
veterans, I recently had the opportunity to meet a truly remarkable woman. Dr.
Jessica Stern is an international expert on terrorism and PTSD, and a lecturer
at Harvard Law School. Her linkage to me resulted from her journey as a rape
survivor; she and her sister were raped by a stranger when they were teenagers.
I met her on her recent book tour, where she visited the staff of the Office for
Victims of Crime, and then joined me at my home for a great discussion with
victim advocate colleagues and a roomful of summer interns.
Dr. Stern
has written an amazing and inspiring book entitled Denial: A Memoir of Terror.
I read it in two sittings (and was only upset that my flight landed late and I
couldn’t stay up all night to complete it in one!). She captures an amazing
parallel between what violent crime survivors and soldiers endure: terror.
She invites her readers to join her on her journey to find her rapist and other
women he victimized, and to more fully understand the long-term impact of her
assault.
I
have personally purchased nearly a dozen copies of Denial for friends and
survivors, and
everyone
who has read it has thanked me for the experience.
So I highly
recommend this book to all MMMers.
You can find information about Dr. Jessica Stern and how to order
Denial at
http://jessicasternbooks.com/.
I hope you
can share information about Denial with crime survivors and those who
assist them. I have teased Jessica about becoming her “publicist,” but I
actually DO recommend this book to everyone I know – it’s simply that important
and good!
July 18, 2010
From: Anne Seymour
The Office for Victims of Crime
U.S. Department of Justice
Dear Friends:
Thomas Jefferson's wise words precede this MMM, as I spent
yesterday with Carolyn Hightower, former Principal Deputy Director of OVC and
her beautiful daughters, and Iowa MMMer Marti Anderson, at Monticello in
Virginia. OMG! For a American pioneer who
called himself a "farmer," he was an engineer, architect, and I am guessing
someone who would have appreciated victims' rights in 2010! I left there
totally inspired, and encourage all of you to visit Monticello to feel the same
mojo..... three missives for you this week...........
The Justice Policy Institute has released "Healing
Invisible Wounds: Why Investing in Trauma-Informed Care for Children Makes Sense."
The brief examines the relationship between childhood trauma and involvement in
the juvenile justice system. According to the brief, while research shows that
up to 34 percent of children in the United States have experienced at least one
traumatic event, between 75 and 93 percent of youth entering the juvenile
justice system annually are estimated to have experienced some degree of trauma.
"Identify Theft Victimization Data, 2007"
presents data on identity theft victimization reported by households from the
National Crime Victimization Survey. These statistical tables provide 2007 data
on rates and types of identity theft, as well as demographic characteristics of
victimized households and their monetary losses. You can download this document
at:
http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/index.cfm?ty=pbdetail&iid=2294
Zogby International and the Workplace Bullying Institute joined
together on a survey that found that 37 percent of workers have been bullied,
and "most bullies are bosses" (72 percent). You'll want to download this brief
survey report at
http://www.workplacebullying.org/research/WBI-Zogby2007Survey.html, and see
if/how it relates to YOU!
July 11, 2010
From: Anne Seymour
The Office for Victims of Crime
U.S. Department of Justice
Dear Friends:
LOTS of important news to share with you this week
on VOCA, VAWA, and 2011 National Crime Victims' Rights Week, so please take a
moment to review this rather lengthy MMM!
IMPORTANT UPDATE ON VOCA AND VAWA:
Last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed the following relevant to
VOCA and VAWA:
VOCA
• $841 million (a $136 million increase over FY 10)
• The Senate Appropriations Committee did not include the President’s request
for $100 million set aside for DV and SA services
VAWA Increases
$207 million for STOP grants ($18 million over FY 10)
$50 million for civil legal assistance for victims (LAV) ($9 million increase
over FY 10)
$40 million for transitional housing ($18 million over FY 10)
$30 million for SASP ($15 million increase over FY 10)
$3 million for STEP program ($.5 million increase over FY 10)
$50 million for civil legal assistance for victims (LAV) ($9 million increase
over FY 10)
$3 million for Children Exposed to Violence Initiative (level funding)
VAWA Decreases
Unfortunately, the Senate did cut a few key VAWA programs: $38 million for Rural
Grants ($3 million less than FY 10); and $45 million for Grants to Encourage
Arrest (GTEAP) ($15 million less than FY 10). MMM will continue to provide you
with important updates about VOCA and VAWA funding!
Each April since 1981, OVC has helped lead communities throughout the country in
their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) by
promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on
their behalf. NCVRW will be observed April 10–16, 2011. You can sign up at
https://puborder.ncjrs.gov/Listservs/Subscribe_NCVRW.asp to receive
announcements and updates regarding 2011 NCVRW. Registrants will receive—
• A free copy of the 2011 NCVRW Resource Guide and theme poster;
• E-mail notification when the Resource Guide is available to download from the
OVC Web site;
• Details concerning NCVRW prelude events; and
• Information about the National Crime Victims’ Service Awards.
MMMERS, PLEASE NOTE: OVC is requiring all interested parties to sign up
to receive a printed copy of the 2011 Resource Guide and theme poster,
regardless of the manner by which you received the Resource Guide in previous
years. MMM will continue to keep you apprised of 2011 NCVRW activities, but by
signing up with NCJRS, you'll be constantly in the loop!
OVC also announces the release of the International Association of Forensic
Nurses' (IAFN's) "Nursing Response to Elder Mistreatment Curriculum." This
downloadable resource helps nurses acquire essential knowledge and skills to
appropriately respond to elder mistreatment. It is designed to prepare nurses to
integrate nursing and forensic sciences into the care of vulnerable older adults
who have been mistreated or are at high risk for mistreatment by trusted others.
The curriculum includes modules that cover topics such as:
• Scope and Nature of Elder Mistreatment
• Laws and Policies Related to Elder Mistreatment
• Screening and Assessment for Elder Mistreatment
• Forensic Evidence in Elder Mistreatment Cases
• Documentation in Elder Mistreatment Cases
This is a GREAT resource, and you can check it out at:
http://www.iafn.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=459.
The Council of State Governments Justice Center last week announced today the
launch of an online Reentry Programs Database, developed with support from the
Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and BJA. It is designed to
catalogue adult and juvenile programs nationwide that work to make individuals'
return to communities from prisons, jails, and juvenile corrections facilities
safer and more successful. It's got great search functions (for example, you can
use the key word "victim" to identify programs with a victim component). Do
check out this great new resource at:
http://reentrypolicy.org/reentry-program-examples/reentry-programs-start.
FROM CRIMINAL JUSTICE JOURNALISTS: Seattle police have launched an online
system for residents to report low-level property crimes, reports the Seattle
Times. The system will allow crime victims to report property thefts of less
than $500, property-damage crimes, car break-ins, and identity theft. The
online-reporting system is just an option, said police spokesman Mark Jamieson,
and doesn't replace calling the Seattle Police Department's nonemergency number.
The online-reporting system is not for emergencies. Citizens in danger or who
have an emergency should call 911. Jamieson said people are encouraged to use
the online system to report a low-level property crime if the suspect is gone,
or when there is little to no information on a suspect. Check out this
interesting article at:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2012415906_policereports22m.html
July 11, 2010
From: Anne Seymour
The Office for Victims of Crime
U.S. Department of Justice
Dear Friends:
I hope the shortened work week didn't throw you off
as it did me! I hope you are all enjoying your summer!............four missives
for you this week:
The National Sheriffs Association has produced an excellent Neighborhood Watch
Manual that a good resource for us personally and professionally! You'll want to
download this great guidebook at
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/pdf/NSA_NW_Manual.pdf .
The Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinwuency Prevention is
requesting public comments about federal policies and practices that affect
children, youth and families in four priority areas: 1) Education and at-risk
youth; 2) juvenile reentry and transitions into adulthood; 3) racial/ethnic
disparities in juvenile justice systems; and 4) tribal youth and juvenile
justice. SPECIAL REQUEST TO MMMERS: Please take a moment to offer YOUR comments
about victim issues related to juvenile justice. This has yet to become a focus
or priority at the national level, and victims of juvenile offenders have so
many needs that could be addressed by this group. You can offer your public
comments by visiting
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2010-07-08/pdf/2010-16696.pdf (and a
personal THANKS from me for taking a moment to do this!!!)
The Bureau of Justice Statistics has released "Prisoners at Year-end, 2009"
which found the only decrease in the number of state prisoners in the past
decade. You can download this brief report at
http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/index.cfm?ty=pbdetail&iid=2272 .
Last week, the Department of Housing and Urban Development released its "2009
Annual Homelessness Assessment Report to Congress," which found that the number
of families in homeless shelters increased by seven percent in 2009. This is an
interesting report whose findings undoubtedly have an effect on our work. You
can download a summary of the Report at
http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/press/press_releases_media_
advisories/2010/HUDNo.10-124
.
June 01, 2010
From: Anne Seymour
The Office for Victims of Crime
U.S. Department of Justice
Dear Friends:
I hope you enjoyed a beautiful long weekend, and found time to recognize our
troops and the ultimate sacrifices of so many men and women in our Nation.
Three Missives for you this week...............
Last week, the FBI released its Uniform Crime Report Preliminary Crime
Statistics for 2009, which found an overall 5.5 percent decrease in violent
report. You can access these new data at
http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/prelimsem2009/index.html.
The
National Institute of Justice recently published an excellent compendium
entitled "School-based Programs to Reduce Bullying and Victimization." It's
almost 150 pages, but a "must read" if you focus on this issue. You can
download this at
http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/229377.pdf.
The
June edition of Philanthropy Journal has two great articles that are quick
reads. Don Wells writes about "making leadership a priority" (access at
http://philanthropyjournal.org/resources/special-reports/professional-development/nonprofits-must-make-leadership-priority),
and Todd Cohen addresses change management at
http://philanthropyjournal.org/resources/special-reports/professional-development/coping-with-change-spur-training.
Thanks to MMMer Kathy Tofall for these great tips!
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