the essential guide - Texas Council on Family Violence

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Individuals respond to traumatic events in unpredictable ways. What might appear to beuncooperative behavior may be a result of trauma.Some people are fearful of law enforcement for a variety of reasons (immigration status,prior negative experiences with law enforcement, substance use). Experience tells us thatbatterers often try to instill a fear of law enforcement in <strong>the</strong>ir victims as a tactic tomaintain control.File for CVC benefits within three years of <strong>the</strong> date of <strong>the</strong> crime.An Advocate’s Role…Having a CVC application denied can feel like an invalidation, disbelief, or denial of <strong>the</strong> abuse.Be prepared to support survivors if this happens and be able to offer information about <strong>the</strong>appeal process and support if <strong>the</strong>y elect to proceed with an appeal.THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE: AN INTRODUCTION TO ADVOCATING FOR SURVIVORS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE52 | P a g e
Application ProcessCrime Victims’ Compensation applications are available online at Office of <strong>the</strong> Attorney General’s bycalling 1 (800) 983-9933. Applications may also be available through your local Crime Victim Liaison orVictim Assistance Coordinator.Application PreparationA complete application must be submittedalong with <strong>the</strong> related law enforcementdocumentation of <strong>the</strong> crime.This could be a:- Police report- Permanent Protective Order withattached victim affidavit- CPS or APS reportApplication ReviewUpon receipt of completed application, CVC staffwill request <strong>the</strong> documentation from <strong>the</strong>relevant law enforcement agency. This processcan take 45 days or longer. However, you canspeed up this process immeasurably by workingin partnership with local law enforcement.Two options to streamline <strong>the</strong> applicationprocess are:- Complete <strong>the</strong> application and send it to yourlaw enforcement contact to attach <strong>the</strong>documentation and send on to CVC, or request<strong>the</strong> documentation from <strong>the</strong> law enforcementagency (if this is permitted under <strong>the</strong>ir policies)and attach it to <strong>the</strong> completed application andsubmit it directly to CVC.- You can check <strong>the</strong> status of an application bycalling 1 (800) 983-9933.AcceptanceIf <strong>the</strong> application is approved, <strong>the</strong>victim will be contacted by mail,given a case number (VC#), andasked to submit additionalpaperwork to request specificbenefitsDenial and AppealVictims have a right under <strong>the</strong> law to ask that <strong>the</strong> decision bereconsidered should <strong>the</strong>ir claim be denied. Victims must notify <strong>the</strong>Crime Victims' Compensation Program of <strong>the</strong> reason for <strong>the</strong>irdissatisfaction and provide additional information in thisreconsideration process.If <strong>the</strong> outcome of <strong>the</strong> reconsideration process is not satisfactory,<strong>the</strong> victim or claimant may request a final ruling hearing from <strong>the</strong>Crime Victims' Compensation Program. If <strong>the</strong> victim or claimantdoes not agree with <strong>the</strong> outcome of <strong>the</strong> final ruling, an appeal maybe made to district court.THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE: AN INTRODUCTION TO ADVOCATING FOR SURVIVORS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE53 | P a g e
Page 2 and 3: Table of ContentsIntroduction: Hist
Page 4 and 5: provide a unified statewide presenc
Page 6 and 7: The Family Violence Prevention and
Page 8 and 9: The chapters that follow will provi
Page 10 and 11: Understanding the
Page 12: Leaving an Abusive RelationshipTher
Page 15 and 16: Helps Plan for Future Safety Helps
Page 17 and 18: What is Active Listening?Active Lis
Page 19 and 20: Focus on SafetySurvivors of family
Page 21 and 22: Safety PlanningAs advocates, we nee
Page 23 and 24: Would the informat
Page 25 and 26: Victims who witness the</st
Page 27 and 28: Temporary Ex Parte Protective Order
Page 29 and 30: Here is an overview of some of <str
Page 32 and 33: Family Law CasesFamily Law Cases ar
Page 34 and 35: A common way abusers instill fear i
Page 36 and 37: An Advocate’s Role…AssessExplor
Page 38 and 39: Pregnant women not eligible for Med
Page 40 and 41: Texas Advocacy Gui
Page 42 and 43: GuardianshipIn some cases, an adult
Page 44 and 45: Resources to AssessQuestions to Ask
Page 46 and 47: VAWA protections (VAWA)VAWA require
Page 48 and 49: These protections fall into a few d
Page 50 and 51: housing and homeless issues in <str
Page 54 and 55: Relocation Rental AssistanceRelocat
Page 56 and 57: Law Enforcement & Legal Services•
Page 58 and 59: Chapter 8: Coordination of Communit
Page 60 and 61: The end result of a well-maintained
Page 62 and 63: The success of offenders in a BIPP
Page 64 and 65: Finding SupportSince the</s
Page 66 and 67: Economic Justice ResourcesNational

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