Victim's Informer Newsletter - Texas Department of Criminal Justice

within the context of military life.Sharing expertise and information withall of the stakeholders in our communityhas helped us do more for victims,and do it more effectively.More broadly, we’ve worked tomake family violence a highly visibleissue in our community and enlistedthe help of outreach programs, schools,and entities like the Center AgainstFamily Violence to change public perceptionsabout reporting and prosecutingthese crimes. One of our greatestsuccesses has been hosting an annual“Help-Hope-Healing” conference forvictims and their families. We bring incelebrity speakers who’ve endured violenceand abuse to talk about their experiences.Attendees are also providedwith an array of services, but perhapsthe most important resource they’reable to tap into is each other. By widelypublicizing the event and its results,we help raise awareness and encouragevictims to report attacks and prosecutetheir attackers.El Paso County District Attorney’sOffice attorneys and staff membersalso participate in a “walk across ElPaso” to show victims that they aren’talone. The walk ends at the CrimeVictims Memorial Wall and Garden,the centerpiece of one of our city’sparks, and a monument to lost victimsand El Paso’s commitment to the familiesand friends who’ve survived them.The names of El Paso/Juarez citizenswhose lives have been taken by crimeare inscribed on the wall and read aloudin a ceremony of remembrance.Education is another cornerstone ofour work for victims. For example, wepartnered with the El Paso County Attorney’sOffice, which prosecutes juvenileoffenders, to create a campaign called“¡No te dejes!” or “Don’t let yourself!”The heart of that campaign is a presentationby attorneys from our two officesthat’s aimed at teenagers who may beexposed to dating violence. It includesa high-production-value video that followsthe life of a high school studentwho gets into an increasingly abusivedating relationship with a classmate.After showing the video, the presenterdiscusses teen dating violence withthe young audience members, providingthem with information, answeringtheir questions, and leaving them witha packet of materials that discusses theissues and provides resources they canturn to. Dozens of these presentationshave been delivered at schools andother venues all across El Paso, and thereception has been strongly positive.We’ve launched similar programsfor adult victims (offered in both Englishand Spanish) that explore the signsand cycle of family violence, safetyplanning, and services available toundocumented victims, who are particularlyvulnerable because they haveno legal residency status in the UnitedStates. These presentations have beendelivered all over El Paso, and like theteen dating violence initiative, we’vefound that quite apart from the specificinformation these efforts convey, it’sthe message they send about violenceitself that’s had a real impact on attitudeswithin our jurisdiction. It’s notalways about what you say; starting theconversation is often enough.24-hour Contact InitiativeDespite these far-reaching programs,we haven’t lost sight of individual victims,whom we serve in a variety ofways. Making sure that we can holdoffenders accountable is the first step.Whether it’s through on-scene adviceor our twenty-four hour case intakesystem, El Paso County District Attorney’sOffice prosecutors are involvedfrom the initial investigation of criminalcases onwards, helping officers askthe sorts of questions and collect theevidence that will allow us to successfullypursue each case in court.That also gives us the opportunityto do more for victims. Our prosecutorsand local law enforcement officershave been trained to be sensitive to avictim’s needs, and victims are providedwith resources ranging from standbyassistance and transportation, toemergency protective orders for whenthe offender bonds out of jail. We’realso uniquely thorough in the way wedocument everything, such as havingofficers make digital video recordingsof family violence investigations(including recorded statements fromvictims, witnesses, and even suspects)and gathering extensive information onwhere a victim is going tonight, whereshe’ll be tomorrow, and who might beable to help us contact her in the future.This gives us an unprecedented kind ofevidence for prosecution purposes anda greater ability to make sure that victimsremain safe as a case proceeds.Police investigation is just the firstlink in our process, though. At the ElPaso County District Attorney’s Office,we have a team that meets everysingle day to review family violencecases and act on them as necessary.Before each meeting, our clerks createan initial case file containing all of theevidence available and an up-to-datecriminal history on all of the partiesinvolved. We also send out two teamsthat each consist of a victim advocateand an investigator. They divide casesup and then head out to speak with victimsface-to-face within twenty-fourhours of the crime.continued on page 4SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012| THE VICTIM’S INFORMER 3

These teams find out if each victimis safe and if not, offer to take him/her to a shelter. Our advocates go onto provide the victim with informationabout the services available, such as theTexas Crime Victims’ CompensationFund and the U-Visa program. The advocatesalso explain how the criminaljustice system works and give the victimsome ideas for developing a safetyplan. Our investigators then gather additionalcontact information, includingthe telephone numbers of family membersand close friends, so that later onwe have alternative ways of reachingthe victim. They also obtain a recordsrelease form if the victim receivedmedical treatment, take photographsof any visible injuries that have developedsince the police took pictures, andcollect any evidence that might havebeen overlooked or unavailable duringthe initial investigation.Once all of that is done, the informationis put together into complete casefiles by our administrative assistantsand then we have our meeting. Eachcase is thoroughly evaluated by a teamof prosecutors, investigators, victim advocates,law enforcement liaisons, militarypersonnel, and local mental healthproviders. We collect a number of importantdata points as we go, to help uskeep track of trends in family violenceso that we can remain proactive insteadof reactive. After each case is reviewed,a minimum recommendation for anyplea agreement is made by the DistrictAttorney himself and physically writteninto the case file in bold red ink thatno one could overlook, which is whythese recommendations have come tobe known as “red writing” here in ElPaso. The red ink began accidentally,but it quickly became instrumental inchanging the culture of family violenceprosecution in our courthouse. Once aprosecutor or defense attorney picks upa file and sees the red writing from theDistrict Attorney himself, they knowit’s a case to be taken seriously.Our unit includes specialized familyviolence prosecutors at both thefelony and misdemeanor levels whohandle their own dockets and serve asa resource to the other eighty or so attorneysin our office who end up withthe many family violence cases that wechoose not to keep “in house.” El Pasois also lucky enough to have two dedicatedfamily violence criminal courtsand a civil court that handles nothingbut protective order cases. By workingtogether and effectively utilizing all ourassets, we’ve been able to do so muchmore than just ensure that every victimis contacted throughout the prosecutionprocess; we’ve been able to achievegreater justice for more victims thanever before.Results & Future DirectionThese efforts have paid off tremendously.The Office of the Governorrecently sponsored a study of our programby the Institute on Domestic Violenceand Sexual Assault at the Universityof Texas at Austin, School of SocialWork. After a detailed review led byDr. Noël Busch-Armendariz and Dr.Sapana Donde, including interviewswith victims in El Paso, the study drewthe following conclusions:1. Implementation of the 24 HourContact program has instituted anoteworthy paradigm shift in El Paso,where family violence is viewed as a seriousand prosecutable crime that willnot be easily dismissed and for whichoffenders will be held accountable fortheir crimes of violence. The programhas altered legal practices by criminaljustice professionals—including ADAs,law enforcement, and defense attorneys—andincreased skill-building,peer support, and mentorship with theDistrict Attorney’s Office. Unfortunately,myths about family violence persist,so efforts to address these myths shouldcontinue.2. The 24 Hour Contact programprovides significant emotional supportto family violence victims and increasestheir access to important communityand financial resources.3. Collaborations among key playersin the criminal justice system and communityvictim service providers (e.g.,law enforcement, local family violenceshelter, probation, and the BatteringIntervention and Prevention Program)have been considerably strengthenedas a result of the program.4. The prosecution of family violencehas been significantly enhancedthrough the collection of better evidence,an increase in evidence gathering,improved preparation of case files,and an increase in preparedness andeffectiveness of ADAs for trial.5. Victims and professionals in thecriminal justice system reported arange of mixed reactions to the districtattorney’s stance on victimless prosecution.Some favored having the burdenof responsibility placed on ADAs, whilea minority of victims expressed frustrationwith diminished control over decision-makingregarding the prosecutionof offenders.The above is from pages eight andnine of the report summarizing thestudy (which is available at http://www.utexas.edu/ssw/dl/files/cswr/institutes/idvsa/publications/El-Paso.pdf). Ourhope is that the successful strategieswe’ve employed to aid victims andhold offenders accountable can be usedjust as effectively throughout Texas.continued on page 54 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012| THE VICTIM’S INFORMER

We’re proud of the difference we’remaking and always looking for newand better ways to help crime victims.Sometimes, like our work in the community,that means strong partnerships.Other times, like our computers anddigital video recorders, that means bettertechnology. And often, like our dailyhome visits and case review meetings,that means more sophisticated organizationand institutional approaches.But always, it means keeping victimsin mind and putting them first. Wedon’t just contact the victim before wedispose of a case; we make the victim apriority in every decision we make andaction we take. That is our mandate andthe challenge we offer up to everyonewho cares about making a difference inthe lives of Texas victims.Texas Victim Assistance Training OnlineT V A TThe Texas Department of Criminal JusticeVictim Services Division and keyStakeholders are excited to launch theTexas Victim Assistance Training (TVAT)Online!An experiential format for learning aimed at new victim services professionals in TexasThrough a grant award from the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, and assistance from key stakeholders, the TexasDepartment of Criminal Justice - Victim Services Division, is now offering web-based training focused on victim-centered servicedelivery and professional development that complements other victim services initiatives and enables new advocates to acquirebaseline professional skills and competence.Completion of the training will provide victim services professionals with the necessary tools for providing consistent andappropriate services to crime victims, working collaboratively with partner agencies serving victims, and providing a model ofprofessionalism for victim services practitioners who serve our community and enhance our quality of life.Access anywhere, anytime CEUs availableLearn at your own pace No CostsCertificate issued upon completionStart NowTo register or obtain more information,visit www.tdcj.state.tx.us/php/tvatonline/SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012| THE VICTIM’S INFORMER 5

c a l e n d a rSeptember 5-6, 2012Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV)2012 Statewide Conference: Moving ForwardAT&T Executive Education & Conference Center,Austin, Texashttp://www.tcfv.org/trainings-events/event-calendarSeptember 19-21, 2012National Center for Victims of Crime2012 National ConferenceHilton New Orleans Riverside,New Orleans, Louisianahttp://ncvc.org/ncvc/main.aspx?dbID=DB_2012NationalConference207September 29-October 3, 2012119th Annual International Association of Chiefs of Police(IACP) Conference: Law EnforcementEducation and Technology ExpositionSan Diego Convention Center,San Diego, Californiahttp://www.theiacpconference.org/iacp2012/public/enter.aspxOctober 10, 2012Partnership Against Domestic Violence2012 Conference: Domestic Violence in theWorkplaceThe Home Depot Corporate Headquarters,Atlanta, GeorgiaOctober 22-24, 2012Children’s Advocacy Centers of TexasAnnual Conference: Partners in CourageAT&T Executive Education & Conference Center,Austin, Texashttp://www.partnersincourageconference.orgOctober 31-November 1, 2012Vera Institute of Justice, Center on Victimization andSafety2012 National Conference on Sexual Assault and DomesticViolence Against People withDisabilitiesLouisville, Kentuckyhttp://www.nsvrc.org/calendar/12005November 15-18, 2012Male Survivor13th International Conference: A World ofHealingJohn Jay College of Criminal Justice,New York, New Yorkhttp://www.malesurvivor.org/calendar/view_entry.php?id=4365&date=20121115October is Domestic ViolenceAwareness Monthhttp://padv.org/2012-domestic-violence-in-the-workplace/OUR GOAL IS TO PRINT NEWS OF INTEREST FORVICTIMS AND VICTIM ADVOCATESThe Victim’s Informer newsletter is published quarterly. Articles,meeting notices, and requests to receive notice of new issuesshould be sent to TDCJ Victim Services Division,Texas Crime Victim Clearinghouse, 8712 Shoal Creek Blvd, Suite265, Austin, Texas 78757-6899; faxed to 512-452-0825; oremailed to: tdcj.clearinghouse@tdcj.state.tx.us. For questions orcomments, please call us at 800-848-4284 .6 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012| THE VICTIM’S INFORMER

New Agency Announcement!By Jim HurleyTexas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD)Pursuant to Senate Bill 653 passedby the 82nd Texas Legislature andsigned by the Governor, the Texas JuvenileJustice Department (TJJD) wascreated on December 1, 2011. Combiningthe functions of the former TexasYouth Commission and the TexasJuvenile Probation Department, TJJDwas created to provide a unified statejuvenile justice agency that works inpartnership with local county governments,the courts, and communities topromote public safety by providing ef-Texas Juvenile JusticeDepartment (TJJD)fective supports and services to youththroughout the juvenile justice continuum.TJJD services focus on safety and security,collaborative partnerships withlocal juvenile justice professionals, andimproving rehabilitation opportunitiesfor Texas’ most serious and violentyouth offenders to increase their successupon re-entry to their home communities.The department has a visionof providing safety for citizens of theState of Texas through partnership withcommunities and the delivery of a con-tinuum of services and programs tohelp youth enrich and value their livesand the community by focusing on accountabilityof their actions and planningfor a successful future.For more information on TJJD,contact:Melissa HeadrickAdministrator of Sex Offender Registrationand Victim Services(512) 424-6289melissa.headrick@tjjd.texas.govWebsite: http://www.tjjd.texas.govHosting a “Tree of Angels”in Your CommunityBy Verna Lee CarrPeople Against Violent Crime (PAVC)While it is only just September, Christmas will soon be upon us, making now the perfect time to begin planning a Tree ofAngels event in your community.The Tree of Angels is a meaningful Christmas program specifically held in memory and support of victims of violent crime.The Tree of Angels helps allow your community to recognize that the holiday season is a difficult time for families and friendswho have suffered the crushing impact of a violent crime. This special event honors and supports surviving victims and victims’families by making it possible for loved ones to bring an angel ornament to place on a special tree known as a Christmas tree. InDecember 1991, the first program was implemented by Verna Lee Carr with People Against Violent Crime (PAVC). Over thepast 21 years, the Tree of Angels has become a memorable tradition observed in many Texas communities and has served as asource of comfort, hope, support and healing.The Tree of Angel is a registered trademark of PAVC and we are extremely sensitive to ensuring that the original meaningand purpose of the Tree of Angels continues and is not distorted in any way. For this reason, we ask that if your city or countyis interested in receiving a copy of the Tree of Angels How-To Guide, please complete a basic informational form on the Tree ofAngels website, http://treeofangels.org/index.html. After the form is completed electronically and submitted back to PAVC, youwill receive instructions on how to download the How-To Guide. If you have any questions regarding the Tree of Angels or theHow-To-Guide, please contact Verna Lee at PAVC (512-837-PAVC) or e-mail vernalee@peopleagainstviolentcrime.org.SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012| THE VICTIM’S INFORMER 7

Texas Identity Theft Network ReleasesCutting Edge Curriculum on Mental HealthIssues of Identity Theft VictimsBy Paula Pierce and Moriah SteinthalTexas Legal Services Center (TLSC)True or false: Identity theft causes post-traumatic stresssyndrome in some victims.It is true. A new training curriculum from the Texas IdentityTheft Network explores this and other emotional reactionsto the fastest growing crime in America. The first trainingcurriculum of its kind, Mental Health Issues of Identity TheftVictims was developed by the Texas Identity Theft Networkwith the expertise of Trauma Support Services of North Texasand Texas Legal Services Center through funding from theDepartment of Justice. The five-part curriculum includes anintroduction to working with identity theft victims, the emotionalimpact of identity theft, common reactions to identitytheft, strengthening resilience in identity theft victims, screeningand referring identity theft victims to professional therapists,and tips for professional therapists serving identity theftvictims. The training is appropriate for anyone serving identitytheft victims including law enforcement, victim advocates,prosecutors, attorneys, and professional therapists.Portions of the new curriculum debuted at the annual TexasVictim Services Association conference held in San Antonioin May. The first full six hour training was held in Dallas onJuly 27. Additional trainings are being planned in Lubbockand Houston. CEU credit or other accreditations may be available.The Texas Identity Theft Network typically meets bimonthlyvia phone, or in the TLSC Austin office. Currentmembers include representatives from organizations such asU.S. Attorney’s Office, TDCJ Victim Services Division, theUS Postal Inspection Service, Department of Public Safety,Internal Revenue Service, Secret Service, State and local lawenforcement, Universities, and others who deal with victimsof identity theft. To learn more about the coalition or for moreinformation on trainings, contact Moriah Steinthal at 512-637-6752 or msteinthal@tlsc.org.This was article was written by Texas Legal Services Center under asub-award awarded by the Maryland Crime Victims Resource Center, Inc.(MCVRC) under Cooperative Agreement No. 2010-VF-GX-K014, awardedby the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Departmentof Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendationsexpressed herein are those of the contributors and do not necessarilyrepresent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justiceor of the MCVRC.Arlington Police Department:Excellence in Victim ServicesThe Texas Department of Criminal Justice Victim ServicesDivision would like to spotlight the Arlington PoliceDepartment for their international recognition for outstandingservice to victims of crime. This year, the InternationalAssociation of Chiefs of Police (IACP), along with Login,Inc., selected the Arlington Police Department to receive the2012 Excellence in Victim Services Award.The Excellence in Victim Services Award is awarded annuallyto agencies that demonstrate excellence in providinginnovative service to crime victims by successfully integratingcurrent best practices of enhanced victim response intoall facets of their organizations. The award is given in eachof three categories: small, medium and large agencies. TheArlington Police Department received the award in the largecategory, which is determined by the number of sworn officersin their department.This is a prestigious award as all law enforcement agenciesworldwide are eligible to compete, with the exceptionof private corporations or individuals. The Arlington PoliceDepartment has previously been bestowed with theExcellence in Victim Services Award in 2009.Congratulations to Arlington PD and theVictim Services Unit!8 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012| THE VICTIM’S INFORMER