Most victims are overwhelmed with the judicial process. Victims need simplified forms and instructions to streamline the compensation application process. 


Most victims cannot wait the length of time it takes to get the VCCB claims processed; they 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.  


One of the barriers that Immigrant victims face is if they do not have a photo ID (if it was stolen, or if they are undocumented). They need the photo ID to have the compensation forms notarized. This requirement creates a barrier.  Additional barriers that immigrant victims report include fear of revealing their undocumented status; 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); or may not want any government involvement. 


Some clients may not seek medical attention due to lack of health insurance or lack of income. They 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.


Many victims are seeking compensation for needs not covered under current compensation guidelines (childcare, change of locks, security deposits, relocation expenses, installation of alarm system, etc.). 


Consistent training and communication between VCCB staff and victim service agencies is needed to understand the eligibility requirements and issues, including, but not limited to reporting of crime to the police, submitting appropriate documentation, timeframe, etc. 

Outreach efforts were held at  public health fairs, church groups, 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.


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 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; and an increase in outreach to programs that work with the elderly or the disabled communities. 

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.   Trainings have been held on the topic of T-Visas and U-Visas. These trainings explained the requirements and process to victim advocates; so they are able to understand all that is required in the application process.  Staff received training on federal stalking and immigration issues in order to provide services and advocacy to victims of such crimes. 


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.  


The Child Mental Health program (works with children who witness violent crimes) assisted a family with witness protection program and assisted the family with a safe relocation. 


 

The CJC, in conjunction with the Delaware Department of Justice, ContactLifeline, Inc, and the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence, was able to coordinate a free training from the National Center for Victims of Crime. The seminar, Civil Justice for Victims of Crime in Delaware, explored how victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, child sex abuse, drunk driving, homicide, workplace violence, terrorism, nursing home abuse, and financial and property crimes can use civil lawsuits to obtain justice, hold responsible parties accountable, and obtain the financial resources victims need to rebuild their lives.  





In collaboration with the Division of Child Mental Health, The Childrens 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. 


Trainings were offered to service providers through the Child Death, Near Death  and Stillborn Commission in conjunction with the Child Accountability Commission. 


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


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. VOCA funds do not support any task force efforts, but we encourage our programs attend task force meetings as an excellent opportunity to talk about their program, networking, etc. 

Department of Justice Child Abuse and Neglect Social Worker: The social worker worked with child abuse victims and children exposed to domestic violence. Child victims need special sensitivity to navigate or understand the criminal justice process. It is difficult for a child to have to possibly testify against a family member. The Social Worker attempts to make the experience less traumatic as possible, and supports the child through the process. 


As quoted from a victims 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 (survivors of Murder) Group know what I am going through and are my greatest support even more than family members.


Child Mental Health: A child was in the car with her mother and witnessed her mother being shot and killed (mother was caught in the crossfire); and the homicide was witnessed by her 4 year old nephew.  Child Development Community Policing (CDCP) was notified immediately and responded to the scene. The clinicians accompanied the family to the police station, conducted mental health assessments, and continued to work with the family for several months.  During those months, the young girls father suddenly died of a heart attack. The clinicians were able to work with the young girl with the trauma of the loss of both parents; as well as provided support to the child?s caretakers. These children continue to work with the clinician.


Latin American Community Center: A victim of an assault and robbery is currently being assisted in applying for a U-Visa and has been supported in their decision in seeking counseling to deal with issues that have resulted in this victimization.   


New Castle County Police Victim Advocate: received a referral for a child sexual assault case. The Victim Service Agent(VSA) assisted the mother with the filing for Protection From Abuse Order, assisted with the criminal justice process, referred to counseling sessions, etc. The mother contacted the Victim Sevice Agent (VSA) several months later and asked to do an outreach presentation to the Head Start Program her child attended. The advocate also received a request from a Detective to help the husband of a murder victim. The advocate assisted with out of state family notification, assisted with compensation claim, provided referrals for counseling, and provided information and referrals to the family members in Mexico. 

Emerging and notable trends include: an increase in the number of elderly victims of crime; 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 intimate partner domestic violence).  This particularly is an issue for elderly victims, or victims with disabilities who may require more care/basic needs.  


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.  


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. 

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.