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VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT VICTIM ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM 2002 GEORGIA STATE WIDE ASSISTANCE REPORT Prepared By: Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council 503 Oak Place, Suite 540 Atlanta, GA 30349-0000 tel: (404)559-4949
STATE FUNDING INFORMATION
A. THE ANNUAL AMOUNT ALLOCATED TO THE VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROJECTS: 1. Appropriations $ 0 2. Criminal Fines and Penalities $ 20,255,046 3. Assessments $ 0 4. Other $ 0 TOTAL:$ 20,255,046
B. TOTAL NUMBER OF AGENCIES FUNDED FROM THE FEDERAL GRANT: 151
C. NUMBER OF SUBGRANTS FUNDED FROM THIS FEDERAL GRANT: 151
VICTIM STATISTICS
A. THE NUMBER OF VICTIMS SERVED BY TYPE OF VICTIMIZATION:
NO. OF NO. OF VICTIMS SERVED VICTIMS SERVED 5,753 1. Child Physical Abuse 1,447 7. Adults Molested as Children 11,297 2. Child Sexual Abuse 2,293 8. Survivors of Homicide Victims 657 3. DUI/DWI Crashes 6,095 9. Robbery 62,068 4. Domestic Violence 13,583 10. Assualt 4,213 5. Adult Sexual Assault 27,913 11. Other 1,279 6. Elder Abuse TOTAL: 136,598
B. THE NUMBER OF VICTIMS WHO RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:
NO. OF VICTIMS SERVED 71,593 1. Crisis Counseling 74,100 2. Followup 12,846 3. Therapy 17,856 4. Group Treatment/Support 18,579 5. Shelter/Safehouse 50,504 6. Information/Referral (in-person) 62,660 7. Criminal Justice Support/Advocacy 13,876 8. Emergency Financial Assistance 18,386 9. Emergency Legal Advocacy 22,566 10. Assistance in filing Compensation Claims 36,798 11. Personal Advocacy 93,694 12. Telephone contact Informational/Referral 29,538 13. Other TOTAL: 522,996
A. EFFORTS TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE AID TO CRIME VICTIMS: Training and public awareness efforts are promoted by victim service providers in Georgia. "Red Ribbon Week", Domestic Violence Awareness Month, county fairs and candle light vigils continue to serve as strategies for community education. Georgia's Department of Human Resources Senior Adult Victims' Advocate Program (SAVA) serves as a liaison between Victims of elder abuse, social services agencies and the court system. In order to promote a coordinated effort to serve these Victims, representatives from state and community based agencies were asked to serve on a Steering Committee to guide the development of the program. Represented on the Steering Committee are individuals associated with the Prosecuting Attorney's Council, Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs, Adult Protective Services, DeKalb Solicitors' Office, Commission on Family Violence, Long Term Care Ombudsman, Georgia Legal Services Hotline, Georgia Elderly Legal Assistance Program, and the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The members of this Steering Committee have developed protocols and guidelines for the Senior Adult Victims' Advocate program. The protocols include: who the program would serve; what services the program would provide; what agencies would refer cases to the program; protocols for agency referrals; and protocols for individual referrals. Members of the Steering Committee also developed a confidentiality policy. SALT (Seniors and Lawmen Together) continues to advocate for the welfare and best interest of the elderly through its Safe Return Program-particularly as it applies to elder abuse and neglect. The project involves a partnership between Atlanta Ombudsman Program, law enforcement, Adult Protective Services, Senior Services, personal home care providers, AARP, and probate court. A "Family Protection Center" is slated to be built in Athens in the near future (using SPLOST funds). This Center will house representatives of law enforcement sex crimes and domestic violence units, the district attorney's office, the local domestic violence shelter, DFCS and the sexual assault center. The purpose of this Family Protection Center is to house all team members under one roof and to break down barriers to coordinated efforts of supporting Victims of crime. The Family Relations Program continually coordinates public and private efforts in the service of crime Victims. FRP's counseling program is the only long-term point of contact for community services for many families whose cases do not remain open with DFCS. FRP's treatment model is based on empowering families through relaying information and connecting them with needed resources that will fortify them over time. FRP draws from many nonprofit agencies and private practitioners to assist crime Victims. Referrals are made to psychologists, counselors, physicians, as well as agencies such as the Marcus Institute, the Salvation Army, Catholic Social Services, Community Service Center, Gateway House (battered women's shelter), and North House (alcohol halfway house for women). FRP often assumes a leadership role in case management on behalf of clients while supporting a team approach in maximizing benefits to crime Victims. Advocacy also extends to court appearances on behalf of Victims. The Council promotes coordination by requiring VAWA law enforcement and prosecution subgrantees to enter into memorandums of agreement with local victim assistance providers and by evaluating VAWA and VOCA applicants on their coordination efforts.
B. EFFORTS TAKEN TO SERVE FEDERAL CRIME VICTIMS: The Council continues to maintain open lines of communication with Victim Witness Advocates in the U.S. Attorney's Offices. Coordination efforts the Council has undertaken include providing copies of the CJCC Statewide Victim Services Directory and extending an invitation to attend the Council's Spring and Fall meetings and Annual Victims Conference. VOCA subgrantees report increased efforts and coordination in serving federal crime Victims. Subgrantees located in the vicinity of military bases in Georgia report coordination with victim advocates located on base. Training presentations and referrals for Victims on active duty were cited as examples of collaboration. * The Athens-Clark County District Attorney's office works closely with the United States Attorney in cases involving offenders who possess or attempt to possess a firearm. * The Fulton County Solicitor reports working with the United States Attorney in cases involving illegal aliens guilty of domestic violence. * The Cordele Judicial Circuit reported collaboration in a case involving a federal crime victim who lacked transportation to the Federal Court House. The Federal Victim Advocate informed the Victim Witness Advocate in the District Attorney's Office of the situation. Since the District Attorney's Office was close to the victim's home, the advocate was able to collect important documents (e.g. Victim Impact Statement) and forward them to the US Attorney's Office. * Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Center communicates with Eisenhower Medical Center (Emergency Services and Psychiatry Departments), Army Community Services and the Chaplains Service which are located at Fort Gordan, a US Army base. The Center provides appropriate services to active duty military and their dependents. Crisis services have been provided to 5 individuals. Prevention Education programs have been provided to active duty personnel and dependents are reached through health education fairs. * Georgia's P.o.r.c.h, at the specific request of the Putnam County Sheriff Office, provided emergency shelter to children identified as Victims of sexual assault from the Nuwuaubian Village located within the circuit. Federal charges were made against the identified perpetrators. * The Sexual Assault Center of Northeast Georgia has a special protocol with the Navy School in Athens on how to respond to sexual assaults involving Navy School participants. The Sexual Assault Coordinator housed in the school attends the volunteer training and coordinates with the Center. The Center also assists in maintaining and tracking demographic information. Additionally, several subgrantees reported that their agencies serve Victims regardless of whether the situation involved a "federal" or "state" crime.
C. ACTIVITIES TO IMPROVE THE DELIVERY OF VICTIM SERVICES: Foremost, VOCA funds contributed to the Council's Ninth Annual Victims Conference. Over 600 attendees took part in the three-day conference. The attendees represented VOCA and VAWA recipients, law enforcement, prosecution, judges, medical professionals, SANE nurses, educators and victim service providers. The majority of the attendees rated the conference as either excellent or good. Seven fundamental tracks were made available.- * Child Abuse * Domestic Violence * Sexual Assault * Underserved Populations * Law Enforcement * Prosecution * Leadership Topics included: *Children Who Witness Domestic Violence *Juror Biases in Sexual Assault Cases *Stop the Stalker *The Medical Response to Domestic Violence *Protecting Children Through Teamwork in Child Abuse Investigations *What to do When Your Grant Runs Out Secondly, the Council provided on-site training and technical assistance to subgrantees. Training was offered on program guidelines, reimbursement procedures, and evaluation requirements. The Council provided a one day training in which approximately sixty subgrantees received technical assistance. Site visits provided technical assistance to over 30 subgrantees. Thirdly, the Council, in conjunction with the Georgia Chiefs of Police Association has continued funding to support a training project for law enforcement officers through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Grant. This project provides domestic violence training throughout the State. It maintains intermediate and advance level courses for officers and offers viable strategies for improving law enforcement's response to Victims of domestic violence. Fourthly, the Council funded the Department of Human Resources Department of Aging Services and developed the Senior Adult Victim Advocate program. In an effort to be proactive in reaching Victims of elder abuse in Georgia, the Senior Adult Victim Advocate program collaborated with the state office of Adult Protective Services to develop a telephone assurance program that contacts identified Victims to ensure their well being and safety. Several county adult protective services offices participated in this effort. Fifthly, through the assistance of a Statistical Analysis Center (SAC) grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Council contracted with an outside agency to develop a method enabling staff to create geographical maps depicting crime offenses between 1990-1999 at the city, county and state levels. Offenses include family violence, sexual assault and others. Data gathered from this study will be available to assist with the development of VOCA and VAWA funding strategies in the upcoming Grant Year.
D. WAYS VOCA FUNDS HAVE BEEN USED TO ASSIST CRIME VICTIMS: The following information was comprised based on Subgrantees Performance Reports and indicates the impact of VOCA funds at the program level: (Names have been changed to protect the identity of the Victims.) SEXUAL ASSAULT Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Center A 13 year old female who was sexually abused by an acquaintance. This child initially came in contact with Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services when her mother, brought the child to the University Hospital Emergency Room. The Crisis Specialist handled this case. The Crisis Specialist took all the necessary information, assessed the child's disclosure, and in consultation with the physician decided a medical evaluation was necessary. The child was then seen by the ER physician for a medical exam. The Crisis Specialist offered emotional support to the child and her mother. The Crisis Specialist discussed the importance of counseling to them. The mother asked that the Crisis Specialist make a referral to the counselors at Rape Crisis. The Crisis Specialist went back to the office and made the referral. In May, the interviewer from the Child Advocacy Center called with a medical referral. The child victim had made a further disclosure about her sexual abuse. The Crisis Specialist took the necessary information and scheduled a medical appointment at the Medical College of Georgia's General Pediatric Clinic for June. The Crisis Specialist then served as the victim's medical advocate in the Pediatric Clinic. The Crisis Specialist offered emotional support to the child and her mother. She explained the entire medical evaluation to both of them. Then she explained, in detail, the genital exam. This included the purpose of the exam and the collection of sexually transmitted disease cultures. The Crisis Specialist assisted in the child's interview with the physician. After the child's medical exam and interview, the Crisis Specialist was present to support victim while she had her blood drawn for further testing. At the sexual abuse evaluation, the Crisis Specialist relayed important information about sexual abuse and the remainder of the process to the victim and her mother. The Crisis Specialist again discussed the importance of counseling and reminded them of their counseling appoint with the Center's Crisis Counselor. A packet of information was given which included a Victim Compensation Form which the Crisis Specialist had obtained from the Victim Compensation Program in Arizona, where the crime occurred. The Crisis Specialist explained that they would need a copy of the police report and medical bills before the form could be sent. At the conclusion of this appointment, the Crisis Specialist notified them the victim would need two follow-up tests for sexually transmitted diseases; a repeat syphilis and HIV/AIDS tests. After their counseling appointment, the Crisis Specialist provided the mother a copy of the police report that is required to file Victim Compensation. She discussed that she could submit the forms as soon as she received medical bills from the Medical College of Georgia. The Crisis Specialist scheduled the two follow-up sexually transmitted disease tests. She scheduled the repeat syphilis and HIV/AIDS tests. The Crisis Specialist is following this child to ensure that she completes all of her medical testing, and to offer any further assistance she may need. Gwinnett Sexual Assault Center The GSAC SART Coordinator was paged by the answering service to contact a Norcross Police Investigator immediately. The SART Coordinator contacted the investigator and was informed that a 20-year-old female/ Caucasian had been raped and was currently at Joan Glancy Hospital getting checked for a broken arm. The SART Coordinator was advised by the investigator that there was no need for further medical attention, and the victim was going to be discharged from the hospital. He then stated that she would be transported to GSAC for a forensic medical examination. The SART Coordinator notified the Direct Service Volunteer Advocate and SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) via pager to meet at GSAC within the 30 minute protocol. The investigator and the victim arrived at the center where they were met by the Sexual Assault Response Team. The Direct Service Volunteer Advocate brought the victim to a room while the investigator briefed the SANE and the SART Coordinator. She described to the SANE the details of the assault. The victim was a resident of California was in town visiting friends. She stated that she got locked out of her hotel room and was in route to the front office, when an individual offered her use of his phone. She obliged the man and made a call to the front desk. When she tried to leave the man's room, he forcefully pushed her onto the bed where he rested a knife on her throat and threatened her life. She tried to escape and her arm got caught in the door. The man proceeded to repeatedly slam the door on her arm to the point where she had to submit to his demands. The man then orally and vaginally assaulted her. When he was finished he allowed her to leave. The SANE completed a rape kit, treated her with antibiotics for STDs and pregnancy, and gave her follow-up information and sent her home. The Advocacy Coordinator received a phone call from an advocate with the San Diego Rape Crisis Center stating that a victim that was assisted had called her for counseling services. The advocate was inquiring on GSAC's services including court accompaniment and victim's compensation program. The Advocacy Coordinator informed the advocate of available services and stated that she would call the victim herself to follow-up with her. The Advocacy Coordinator spoke with her and answered some legal questions for her, updated her on her case, and informed her about the Victim's Compensation Program, which she then mailed to her. On September 19" the investigator of the victims' case called GSAC to request a victim blood draw for the following morning. The victim was to be flown in from California to obtain her blood for a DNA analysis to be compared to that of the perpetrator's. There was a coordinated effort between GSAC, Norcross Police Department, and the Gwinnett District Attorney's Office to make sure the process was not traumatic or re-victimizing to her. At GSAC, while speaking with the Advocacy Coordinator, she stated that she was in counseling at the San Diego Rape Crisis Center and doing well. This fact scenario clearly demonstrates the importance of communication between services providers. It also exemplifies the effectiveness of service providers working together in a team effort. CHILD ABUSE Enotah CASA Attached is a thank you letter from a CASA child for the bike she received at the "Battle of the Mountain" Softball Game. The teams were made up of CASA volunteers, DFCS Employees, attorneys, and counselors. Lumpkin and White Counties challenged Towns & Union Counties. ( Harbor House A fourteen year old male and his 15 year old brother were brought to Harbor House to be interviewed regarding allegations that their adoptive father/maternal grandfather had molested them 4-5 years ago. The boys played like typical teenage boys, competing in Nintendo practically the entire time they were waiting to be interviewed. The CSC supervised them but they did not require much attention. The Center was able to provide them with snack as it was late morning getting close to their lunchtime. When the 14 year old was interviewed, he disclosed excessive whipping with a belt by his adoptive father as well as being kicked often as a young child. After giving a complete disclosure, the interviewer asked him if his experience at Harbor House had been anything like he had expected and he said "Not at all, I thought I be sitting on one side of a metal table and you'd be on the other side ... this is not at all what I expected." It seemed a more home-like environment was a pleasant surprise to the young man and it enabled him to relax and feel comfortable discussing uncomfortable incidences. Dekalb Juvenile Foundation An eight year old male victim came into care four years ago with his four siblings. These children had many emotional and behavioral issues due to abandonment by their mother. A year and a half after coming into DFCS custody, all four of those siblings found permanency with other relatives. The victim was in limbo and no longer had contact with his siblings. Additionally, he had behavioral problems which disrupted his first placement. The child's permanency was in danger. The case was red flagged and referred to CASA because he had five case managers in one year. When the CASA volunteer was assigned, the child had been placed in a pre-adoptive placement for almost two years. This child finally had a stable case manager to help him get the services he needed. He is in special education classes, speech therapy classes, receiving therapy and taking medication for his behavioral problems. So why hadn't the child found permanency? The CASA learned that the foster mother wanted to adopt the child, but the case manager felt there was a need for a more supervised and structured environment than what the foster mother could provide. The CASA understood the case manager's concerns, but after two years, the child had already bonded to the foster mother. The CASA followed up with the child's therapist, physician and teachers to see how the child was doing. She gained a picture of success. The CASA brought the foster mother and case manager together to work together in the best interests of the child. The adoption of the child was completed this July and the case is now closed. Thanks to the CASA for being this child's voice and helping him to find a home. It is through the efforts of the CASAs and the DeKalb CASA Program that childrens' best interests are being addressed while they are in the system and are not at risk of "falling through the cracks." This work is being supported through funding of the VOCA grant which helps Victims of crime realize a much more productive life than they would have possibly experienced on their own. DISTRICT ATTORNEY VICTIM WITNESS PR0GRAM Alapaha Judicial Circuit During the spring, the victim began to have repeated physical problems which led to disclosure of sexual abuse by a step-father several years ago. Because of problems prosecuting across state lines, the victim and her mother moved back to the area. Despite hurdles, her mother persisted for investigation and charges were brought. The advocate assisted the victim in obtaining counseling. The difficult interview led to additional charges against the defendant. The investigator located additional Victims from two previous families of the defendant. The defendant refused to plead. Jury trial was held in February. The advocate assisted in providing a safe place, comfort items, and lots of support and information, not only to the victim and her mother, but also to six (6) adult victims of child molestation who came from other states to testify. It was an emotionally-demanding trial. The victim testified courageously but with great difficulty. She has made much progress since the trial and resulting conviction and sentence and has been able to discontinue counseling at the present. Post-sentencing help was given to all Victims by way of assistance in contacting Dept. of Corrections, Dept. of Pardons and Paroles, and getting copies of the sentences. Financial assistance was given to several of the adult Victims from other states. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER Battered Women's Shelter A victim called The Haven's Hotline and stated that her husband had been hitting, slapping, and choking her. The Haven Outreach Coordinator scheduled an intake within the next week and met with her at her place of employment. At this point the client was not ready to leave her abuser. She was seeking education and support. The outreach coordinator gave the client information on the cycle of abuse and the characteristics of a batterer. This client attended support group on a semi-regular basis. Later, the client paged the outreach coordinator and informed her that she needed a safe place to stay. Her husband had beaten her and choked her. The outreach coordinator met with this client in the shelter to perform a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) screening and to take pictures of her injuries. The client stayed for one night and then returned home to her abuser. A couple of days later the outreach coordinator called to follow up with this client. When she asked her how she was doing and how things were at home the client stated that she believed they were in the tension building stage of the cycle of abuse. Two days later the client called again and said that she was beaten, choked and held against her will. The client stated that this time the abuse was much worse, and that she had to come back into the shelter. They arranged to meet within the hour. When the client came to the outreach coordinator's office, the coordinator arranged for a police escort to collect all of her children from school and daycare. Again, the coordinator took more pictures of injuries. The legal advocate then immediately printed her TPO and made an appointment with the judge. The police were called and charges were filed. Within three days the perpetrator was served the TPO and then arrested for simple battery under family violence. He was taken to jail but then bonded out. Immediately the perpetrator began to call his wife's cell phone, disregarding the protection order and the conditions of bond. The perpetrator began to call habitually and escalated in his abusive behavior. He began to threaten suicide and homicide. The police were notified and the perpetrator was arrested again on three counts of aggravated stalking. Out of about fifty violations of the order, staff of The Haven were only able to turn in evidence on three violations. The perpetrator remained in jail for about one week. His bond was initially set at $300,000.00 but reduced to $30,000.00. Therefore the perpetrator was able to bond out of jail. Immediately, he began to search for his wife. By the next morning he found her. She had moved to a camp ground thinking that he would not get out of jail any time soon. The client was able to call 911 as did the magistrate court that she was on the phone with when he showed up. When law enforcement arrived, they took him into custody. Within ten minutes the perpetrator hung himself and was pronounced dead. This client has received all services paid by VOCA. She is doing very well now. She will be the guest speaker at the Victims' Rights Week Vigil in Cook County on April 25. The client has expressed great desire to become an advocate one day, and is empowered to speak out about her story. To update one of The Haven's success stories a victim continued to attend support groups until August 2002. She states that The Haven has been her savior. She continues to thrive and grow. She is regularly invited to speak to various groups about her victimization and her healing. She has been the focus story for the United Way representing The Haven. She and her toddler daughter have been featured on a billboard that raises awareness about abuse, and she continually speaks to law enforcement, probation and parole officers, as well as incarcerated perpetrators. She says that if sharing her story helps one victim, then her mission is done. An article, letter and thank you card were included. Circle of Hope VOCA funds enabled Circle of Hope to hire a full time Bi-lingual/Bi-cultural Advocate in order to communicate and meet the needs of non-English speaking women. In this particular case, the shelter was able to meet a Hispanic victim's immediate needs. Because there was a bi-lingual advocate at the shelter, the victim did not have to wait for a translator to arrive. The shelter staff discovered that while trying to escape her home, her abuser took the children and she was unable to leave with them. With the bi-lingual advocate available on site, immediate translation was provided and the services needed to get her children returned through a Temporary Protective Order. Also, ongoing case management needs and assistance were addressed on a daily basis and as needed instead of waiting for a translator to translate. With the mileage reimbursements VOCA funds provide, staff were able to transport and provide support for her and her children during appointments at Department of Family and Children Services, doctors, etc. Also by having a Bilingual Advocate the woman was able to attend Domestic Violence Support groups to learn about the dynamics of abuse. VOCA funds were also used to pay for professional counseling with a licensed Bilingual Counselor. COURT VICTIM WITNESS PROGRAM Metropolitan Atlanta Crime Commission An eleven year old child appeared in court with her parents dealing with a case against her 24 year old boyfriend. There was no intercourse between the two, however, there was intimate touching and kissing. The boyfriend was charged with sexual battery, and the case was sent to the superior court level. The family were of Mexican descent and the General Advocate, who is bilingual, interpreted for them. Through this interaction, the advocate was able to find out that in their culture, the difference in age between the girl and the man was accepted. He then explained to the family that in the American culture it is a crime. In addition to the case at hand, the child is also a potential runaway, gang member, and truant. VWAP is working with the family in seeking social services for the child in order to prevent her from being a juvenile delinquent. DISTRICT ATTORNEY VICTIM WITNESS PR0GRAM Douglas Judicial Circuit The Victim Witness program assisted this victim with getting the rape kit properly paid for by the Sheriffs Office after she was billed by the hospital. Additionally, the advocate provided her with the knowledge of her rights during the process and assisted her in exercising those rights. She completed a victim impact statement and was notified of all court hearings and plea negotiations. A District Attorney escorted her to all court hearings she attended. The advocate also assisted with the completion of a Victim Compensation Application after her insurance refused to pay for counseling. Included were news article and letter of appreciation to the District Attorney and Advocate. LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY Hall County Sheriffs Office The Victim Advocate unit in the Hall County Sheriffs office was called to the scene of a drive-by homicide. The on-scene officer called dispatch to ask for immediate response. Upon arrival, the advocate met the father, step-mother, uncle and aunt of the victim. They were in a high state of agitation in that they had been called to the scene by a friend of the victim and told only that the victim was "hurt". The on-scene commander was reluctant to make notification to the family and turned the family over to the advocate's office. The advocate called the coroner and asked him what direction he wanted us to take and with his instruction, The advocate made notification to the family and began the process of notification of extended family members. The advocate stayed on-scene for several hours to provide allowable information to the family and to serve as a liaison between law enforcement and the family. The advocate continued liaison work when the body was removed and taken to the hospital. The advocate worked with the hospital staff and counselors in helping to guide the family through the issues of viewing the body and situations surrounding the autopsy. The advocate met with the local family several days after the homicide and gave them Compensation information. The advocate also met with his birth-mother and other uncles and aunts who live in Chicago and gave them the same compensation information. The staff worked with the families in their efforts to decide who would apply for Compensation. Later, the advocate met with both families again when it was ascertained that the victim was probably engaged in illegal activities and that compensation would not be available. Despite the circumstances, the families all said they were satisfied with the efforts.
E. ISSUES OR TRENDS IMPACTING CRIME VICTIM SERVICES: The following represents emerging issues and notable trends in Georgia: Internet -E-mail facilitates communication between Victims and service providers -The Internet is used as a vehicle for providing a wealth of knowledge to Victims and service providers. The Council's web site, for example, provides a statewide victim assistance directory. * Subgrantees report an alarming number of teen prostitution and exploitation cases. * Subgrantees report an increased number of cases involving the date rape drug. Additionally, there was an increase in number of crimes involving drugs, especially methamphetamine. * Increase in crime and injuries related to gang activity. * Subgrantees have expressed their concerns regarding possible funding cuts and how this will impact victim service programs. * Subgrantees report an increase in the number of children involved in domestic violence cases with the perpetrator being charged with child cruelty. They report that there is a clear need for SANE Nurses in rural areas and for minority representation in the victim services field. Additionally, subgrantees report increases in the number of animal cruelty cases (relating to domestic violence incidents). * Subgrantees report increases in the following: Work Place Violence, TPOs between family members, and an increase in underserved populations, especially Hispanic populations. Subgrantees report assisting Victims further compounded by September 11, 2001 (i.e.: job losses).
F. USE OF VOCA ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDS: VOCA administrative funds have enabled the Council to hire additional staff. With Full Time Employed personnel, improved efforts have been taken to provide subgrantees continued technical assistance. The Council's efforts to monitor, evaluate, and assist subgrantees have become more efficient. VOCA administrative funds continue to support the Council's Annual Victims Conference. Due to the increased success of the conference, the Council has changed venues twice. Administrative funds continue to assist in providing delivery of the training through the procurement of national speakers.