Some agencies report that most victims are pursuing civil relief; those seeking compensation benefits are usually assisted by the police-based victim services. 

Most victims cannot wait the length of time it takes to get the VCCB claims processed. The need immediate assistance/solutions. Additionally, the complicated forms required for compensation are often intimidating and creates additional stress to the victim.

Some service providers (mental health or medical professionals) are reluctant to accept VCCB due to the length of time they wait for reimbursement. Victims may not have financial means or medical benefits to seek necessary treatment.  

Some victims report fear of revealing their undocumented status; there is a language barrier; they may not report crime; they have no record of income; have minimal educational background (may not understand form or complete form properly); may not want any government involvement. 

Some clients may not seek medical attention due to lack of health insurance or lack of income. Cannot wait for compensation. Most victims who do apply have voiced frustration with the length of time to process claims and waiting for reimbursements. 

There is resistance to navigate the bureaucratic maze the Delaware Victims of Crime Compensation Board has created to apply for and receive assistance. At the time of the crime, victims are often overwhelmed with their immediate needs, they are unable or unwilling to sustain the fight to receive assistance. In addition, the VCCB rules and regulations are not clearly published and available to the public.

Most of the agencies are very active in various task forces (Domestic Violence Task Force, Victims Rights Task Force, Sexual Assault Network of Delaware, etc). There is coordination with state and non-profit agencies to insure support is available and consistent for victims. 

The Department of Justice coordinates with child welfare partners (state, local and non-profit) to ensure thorough investigation and prosecution, and to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment for children who are victims. 

The Domestic Violence Advocacy Centers coordinate with the Department of Justice, the Courts, law enforcement, and various social services agencies to ensure victims receive the necessary and support they request.

Collaboration and coordination with Department of Family Services and domestic violence agencies, as well as other service agencies, has been extraordinary in the State. 

The Children's Advocacy Center of Delaware facilitates and coordinates a multidisciplinary team response for cases referred to their agency. Additionally, they have collaborated with various mental health agencies and the Division of Mental Health to ensure proper services are provided in a timely manner. 

There has been tremendous outreach and coordination with the Hispanic communities throughout the state. The New Castle County Police Department and the Wilmington Police Department have bilingual victims? advocates to strengthen the communities' relationship and trust with the police. The advocates also coordinate with local agencies to ensure victims get proper services. 

The Domestic Violence Coordinating Counsel collaborated with the school districts and various service providers to target teen victims of dating violence. 

Outreach was performed at local churches, organizations, community health fairs, business health fairs, etc. This was especially helpful in the rural areas where many immigrant victims reside or are employed. Service providers coordinated efforts with local business to make services available to victims.

Trainings have been held on the topic of human trafficking. This will support law enforcement and victim service providers to properly identify victims of human trafficking and ensure services are available to address the needs of victims. 

A victim of identity theft was assisted by a local department (Georgetown Police Department) with coordination with the Houston Police Department. The advocate also assisted the victim with contacting credit agencies and social security. 

At the request of the US Attorney, the Mental Health Association facilitated a meeting between a victim's family and the US Attorney in Washington, DC. 

Victims were provided information about the U Visa process, regulations and requirements. 

The Department of Justice staff meets monthly with the US Attorney's Office to discuss cases. In addition, the Victim Service Advocate for the US Attorney's Office meets regularly with the staff of the Victim's Unit of the DOJ and other service providers to ensure coordination of services to state and federal victims of crime.  

Training was not provided with FY2007 VOCA Funds. The Criminal Justice Council did sponsor a two-day training conference for victims? providers. Advocates and service providers, representing various disciplines, attended this annual training event. The training is designed to enhance their ability to provide services to victims while protecting themselves from burnout and/or compassion fatigue. This is also an excellent opportunity for networking, discussion of emerging issues in the state, etc.

In collaboration with the Division of Child Mental Health, The Children?s Advocacy Center and Department of Justice, a ?Finding Words Delaware? was held (not VOCA funded). This will improve timeliness and effectiveness of mental health services to child victims; and will enhance the collaborative multidisciplinary team response to allegations of child abuse. 

Many of the programs funded under VOCA have a program evaluation mechanism (surveys) for victims? input. Additionally, many programs offer a follow-up service (one-month, two-month, six-month, etc) to check in on the victims and reassess needs and offer any requested service. 

Most of the agencies that receive VOCA funds participate on various task forces throughout the state (Victims Rights Task Force, Sexual Assault Network of Delaware, Domestic Violence Task Force, Immigrant Victims Subcommittee, etc).  Delaware is a small state so collaboration and communication is not as much of an obstacle. Networking opportunities at various meetings, trainings, or other events are excellent opportunities to share ideas, share problems and suggestions to ensure better service delivery for victims. 

The Department of Justice Victim Social Worker has worked with many adult/elderly victims of crime. Many crimes have been committed by someone known to the victim (family, acquaintance or neighbor). Frequently, the victim is often fearful of coming to court. The Victim Social Workers educate, advocate for, and provide case management services and offer support to victims through the often daunting criminal justice system. 

In the Domestic Violence Advocacy Program: A client that was assisted in 1999 came back for assistance in filing a PFA against a new partner. She later dismissed the petition. Two months later, the victim called the center and disclosed she had been coerced by her abusive partner to drop the petition.  With the assistance and support of the advocates, she was able to file for protection, was referred to an attorney, the advocate found resources to pay for the attorney to help with divorce and custody matters; the family was referred to the appropriate agencies for counseling and other supportive services. 

As quoted from a victim?s survey ?The SAM (Survivors of Murder) Group has made the biggest effect on my life since the death of my daughter. The people in the SAM Group know what I am going through and are my greatest support even more than family members.? 

New Castle County Police Bilingual Advocate: ?I was referred to a victim at Christiana Hospital by the social worker on duty. The victim was severely assaulted by the father of her children; she was afraid for her children?s and her safety. As a result, she decided to move out of the state to a remote area. I remain in contact with her and have assisted with filing for Protection from Abuse order, filing with Violent Crime Compensation, providing case status and verifying court dates and notification, etc.  

Wilmington Police Victim Advocate: A victim of assault had post traumatic stress disorder six months after he was brutally attacked with a baseball bat and robbed. Late one night, he began looking very agitated and started jumping up looking out front door, in closets, etc. His wife had to call for an ambulance because he would not respond to her and was frightening the children. He was diagnosed with PTSD and told to follow up with a counselor. He was not able to get an appointment with a clinic for several weeks. The Victim Advocate was able to contact the Westside Health Clinic directly, and got an appointment for the victim the next day. The family was also referred to Community Mental Health and Catholic Charities; and is now seeing a psychiatrist weekly.  The Advocate also referred the children to the Child Development/Community Policing program and they are receiving services as well.  

The increase and expansion of services to those in rural areas and with limited English proficiency has made an impact on the state. However, the need for bi-lingual services remains an issue. 

Emerging and notable trends include: increased mental health issues; increased homelessness and drug use impacting victims; the use of alcohol or drug facilitated sexual assaults upon college and university students. 

The increased use of technology to target victims. This includes various types of victimization (identity theft, child pornography, exploitation, stalking, etc). 

The lack of safe housing/shelter for victims (not including victims of domestic violence). 

Many agencies reported the issue victims are experiencing the Victims of Crime  Board (VCCB). The process for filing claims, and the length of time it takes to get reimbursed has created an additional burden and stressor on victims.  

Delaware recently passed HB-157 which expands the universe of those protected by a Protection From Abuse Order (PFA). This now includes same sex couples and victims of dating violence. This will increase the amount of petitions filed and the number of PFA's that will be enforced. 

Delaware has recently become a certified "Finding Words" State. As more child abuse and child welfare professionals are trained in "Finding Words," the more the multi-disciplinary approach will be embraced.

The Criminal Justice Council utilized 5% of VOCA funds for grant management and administration.  Included in the costs were salary and fringe benefits of staff for planning, monitoring, and fiscal reporting. On-site monitoring visits are held each quarter for all CJC subgrants.  Monitoring reports are written to document the progress and activities of the subgrant. The monitor also processes and documents the necessary paperwork submitted by subgrantees. Technical assistance is provided for any program that may be experiencing challenges or problems. Administrative funds are also used to support travel for monitoring and training to ensure staff remains current on all emerging issues related to victims of crime. The Planner staffs the Victims Advisory Committee that provided input in determining programs that received funding under VOCA. The Administrative Accountant completed all fiscal responsibilities associated with the operation of the grant.