Victim Compensation is an important resource for many crime victims in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  The Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) ensures that VOCA funded agencies are informing crime victims and assisting them in filing for Victim Compensation through the subgrantee monitoring process and by providing annual training.  In October 2008, MOVA hosted its annual VOCA Guidelines Training.  At the training, representatives from the Victim and Witness Assistance Division of the Attorney General?s Office presented on the ways in which victim compensation can benefit victims of crime, how to assist clients with the application process, what the program covers, and how to meet the eligibility requirements.  VOCA funded programs also report hosting victim compensation training for staff at their agencies on an as needed basis for a refresher or to train any new staff.  





Although the majority of VOCA funded programs report no major issues hindering victims from filing for Victim Compensation, some do report specific challenges in accessing this resource.  The filing process can sometimes feel arduous to victims who have experienced traumatizing events.  The paperwork can be overwhelming for some victims and many are not able to follow through with the process because their primary focus is to deal with their victimization.  Additionally, immigration status, particularly for those not filing taxes, hinders some victims? confidence in applying for victim compensation, and language barriers compound these challenges.  Victim compensation brochures and applications are, however, available in Spanish to ease some of these barriers.     


     


The time constraints associated with filing for victim compensation can also be limiting.  Some agencies report that the three year statute of limitations for filing is challenging.  When court proceedings surface after a significant period of time has passed since the crime occurred, victims may learn that they no longer meet the statute of limitations.  The post conviction process can sometimes re-trigger victimization resulting in the need for financial support for counseling services.  Additionally, many victims are in need of immediate assistance following a crime and the processing times for claims can sometimes cause delays.  





Although Victim Compensation is an invaluable resource for crime victims, there are sometimes needs that go unmet as funds do not cover all expenses incurred.  For example, many domestic violence victims experience challenges when seeking shelter and other more permanent housing.  Compensation benefits in Massachusetts do not cover relocation expenses or other costs incurred as a result of moving.  Also, many crimes go unreported, such as those in underserved communities like the GLBT and elderly communities, or for crimes such as domestic violence and sexual assault , rendering those victims ineligible for benefits.  Efforts are underway to address some of the current gaps in benefits through victim compensation.

VOCA funded agencies demonstrate collaborative efforts that allow them to more effectively meet the needs of victims within their communities and provide comprehensive services.  Many programs are involved in multiple collaborative efforts and partner with agencies such as local, state, and federal law enforcement, probation departments, District Attorney?s Offices, shelters, housing authorities, medical providers, mental health professionals, social service agencies, and schools.  These collaborations allow VOCA funded agencies to help identify potential services and resources for victims, make and receive more referrals, and better serve marginalized populations.  Agencies have demonstrated outreach efforts by distributing agency brochures throughout the communities they serve in order to increase awareness of available services. 





Many VOCA funded agencies in the Commonwealth are involved in innovative collaborative efforts that help to close gaps in services.  For example, rape crisis agencies in the central region of Massachusetts share management of hotline services and are able to access each other as resources as needed.  In the Greater Boston area, a local domestic violence program partners with a rape crisis program, so that a rape crisis staff person is available for counseling at the domestic violence program one day a week to assist women who may have also experienced sexual assault.  Other examples of collaboration include referrals and in-kind donations such as provision of legal services. All programs are required to participate in collaborations as an eligibility requirement to receive VOCA funds.  VOCA funded agencies are committed to reaching out in their respective communities to provide a network of support for their clientele.  

VOCA funded agencies are able to provide direct services and/or appropriate referrals free of charge to all victims of crime regardless of whether the crime is a state or federal offense.  One example of efforts to provide services to victims of federal crimes is that some agencies report reaching out to help nationally identified victims of human trafficking to establish relationships with providers.  Additionally, some agencies report a marked increase in requests for services for crime victims from military family members, specifically regarding domestic and sexual violence against women.  VOCA funded agencies have information and resources available for victims who wish to contact specific federal agencies.        

MOVA conducted a series of regional meetings for providers interested in VOCA funding in September 2008 intended to inform the open bid process for the fiscal year 2010 grant cycle.  The regional meetings were conducted by MOVA staff and graduate student interns.  The meetings consisted of a report on the current status of VOCA funds followed by break out group sessions.  The primary goal of the meetings was to inform victim service providers of the upcoming cuts, and also solicit feedback that would help inform the Request for Response and review process.   To view the entire report, please go to www.mass.gov/mova and click ?Grants Management and Program Resources, VOCA Current Events.?





 In the past year, MOVA has increased outreach services through the Public Affairs and Field Services team (PAFS) in addition to other outlets.  MOVA staff organized and implemented the annual Victims? Rights Conference at the State House in April, 2008.  MOVA staff welcomed a number of guest speakers including Governor Deval Patrick; Hubie Jones, a founder of the Boston?s Children?s Chorus, past Dean of the Boston University School of Social Work, and community activist;  and Attorney General Martha Coakley, and survivors who made notable contributions to the field and to the healing of others.   The Conference also honored individuals committed to enhancing victim services and rights in Massachusetts and recognized the victims and survivors for their strength and courage.  In addition, MOVA hosted the second annual Massachusetts Victim Assistance Academy (MVAA) in July-August, 2008 as part of the national campaign to increase training for victim service providers. Thirty five early-career victim advocates from both community- and criminal justice-based agencies gathered at Endicott College in Beverly, MA to participate in the 40 hour, week long intensive training.  MVAA is not funded through VOCA; however, VOCA-funded staff were able to take advantage of this innovative and specialized training.  





Other training opportunities have been offered by MOVA this year as well that include the annual VOCA Guidelines training and SAFEPLAN certification training (which provides training to advocates who provide civil court advocacy to domestic violence victims), Staff who are responsible for administering VOCA funds attended the National Association for Victim Assistance Administrators conference held in Buffalo, NY in September 2008.

From a domestic violence victim:


[Counselor?s name] guided me to see that I didn?t deserve the treatment I received while in the abusive relationship.  She was the first person that understood.   She helped me so much to gain the confidence I needed to leave.  These sessions with [counselor?s name] truly saved me as a person and I can?t believe how different I feel compared to my first visit.?





Case 1:  Victim of domestic violence


A young, pregnant mother came to our agency because she was a victim of domestic violence and was unaware of her rights as a victim.  The advocate supported her through the criminal justice process.  The victim truly benefitted from individual advocacy and group work: the victim is currently enrolled in college and has been reunited with her toddler daughter.  





Case 2:  Victim living in an abusive situation


VOCA funds allowed VOCA staff to provide services at the local high school at the request of the school psychiatrist.  A high school student in an abusive home was in desperate need of support.  The VOCA staff collaborated with the high school and other local agencies to support the client by identifying a safe living situation, providing emotional support, and directing the client to available resources.





Case 3:  Child victim of sexual abuse 


An adoptive parent of a young girl with a history of abuse and neglect commented that the clinician?s work with the child ?helped her verbalize her feelings. This is something that would not have happened in the past.? Our therapeutic work with children and adult victims of crime is highly focused on feelings identification, expression, and regulation.





Case 4:  Victim with physical disabilities


A physically disabled client left her abusive partner and met regularly with the Disability Services Counselor/Advocate.  While living in a shelter, the client and counselor successfully worked together in finding an accessible apartment, applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, and participating in the local paratransit service for individuals with disabilities.  The client now has increased independence and freedom and is able to get to her appointments easily and quickly, and does not need to depend on her abuser for this type of assistance.  

One of the main concerns at both VOCA funded agencies and MOVA is ensuring that victim services remain stable and have the resources necessary to provide effective services throughout challenging economic times.  In FY2008, VOCA funds supported 71 agencies with approximately $7.5 million.  Currently in FY2009, 68 agencies are funded with approximately $7.4 million.  For the upcoming open bid in FY2010, due to reduced federal funds, funding available will be reduced by about 13 percent. As a result, MOVA anticipates awarding approximately $6.5 million to agencies across the state.   Thus, given the difficult economic climate and the reduced financial availability on both the state and federal levels, it is an enormous challenge for agencies to maintain adequate resources needed to provide comprehensive services.





In addition to the reduced funding, there are a number of other ongoing issues that impact crime victim services across the state.  Agencies report that violent crimes, such as sexual assault cases, homicides, elder abuse, child abuse and domestic violence cases, are on the rise, implicating an increased need for services.  Recently, victims report rising tension in their homes due to greater economic difficulties, and programs anticipate a rise in domestic violence incidents in the upcoming months.  In June 2008, Governor Deval Patrick issued a Public Health Advisory through the MA Department of Public Health due to the increased number of domestic violence homicides occurring in Massachusetts.  In 2007, the number of domestic violence homicides was three times higher than in 2005.  According to Jane Doe, Inc., the statewide domestic violence and sexual assault coalition, there were 42 murders and 13 domestic violence related suicides in 2007 compared to 15 murders and 4 suicides in 2005.  Unfortunately, the trend does not appear to be reversing. 





Legal assistance is also a significant concern because many of the victims? incomes hover just above the income guidelines for obtaining legal representation.  Transportation, particularly for those living in rural areas, is another ongoing issue as it impacts victims? ability to access resources.  Agencies in suburban and rural areas consistently mention transportation issues as a significant challenge to accessing services in their local communities.  The lack of long-term, affordable housing is a statewide concern for all crime victims, and in particular for victims of human trafficking.  While domestic violence victims have a streamlined system for entering emergency shelters, victims of trafficking, who are often more vulnerable, traumatized, and suffer from language barriers, have less access to such services.  The need for interpreters also continues to be a pressing issue.  While programs make efforts to meet the needs of individuals with limited English proficiency,  due to the numerous languages spoken by individuals across Maasachusetts, appropriate translation services for counseling and advocacy services continues to be a significant challenge.

The administrative overhead costs of operating MOVA are minimal considering the services provided.  As a centralized, independent state agency, MOVA has the ability to act as a resource for both victim service agencies and survivors across Massachusetts.  The administrative funds allow for the hiring of highly competent staff from a variety of educational and experiential backgrounds and supports both salaries and fringe benefits.  Through these funds, MOVA staff provides administration of funding, compliance monitoring of grant awards, training, and technical support for subgrantees.  The agency also acts as a referral and information resource to survivors and to victim service providers. 


	


Administrative funds support travel costs associated with program monitoring and MOVA staff members are able to do on-site evaluations and offer face-to-face assistance to enhance direct service delivery.  Staff members assist providers with both the fiscal and programmatic aspects of their agencies and monitor VOCA funds in a manner which ensures quality services.  Administrative funds also support printing costs, office supplies and general technology support, each of which allows staff to conduct business in a professional, efficient, and effective manner.  Additionally, MOVA is able to offer its brochures and other printed materials to victim services agencies, including same in Spanish and Portuguese, and is in the process of translating all materials into other languages as well.  The administrative funds used by MOVA are of critical importance to the enhancement of victim services across the state.