Eligibility requirements involving victims reporting the crime to law enforcement within 72 hours continue to be a problem.  The Division of Public Safety Planning surveyed 100% of its VOCA funded sub-recipients concerning major issues in assisting crime victims, and over 50% stated that this requirement continued to be an issue.  Notification of victims rights continue to be an issue.  Several sub-recipients stated that on rare occasions do they  have contact with the victim before the scheduled court day, which is usually too late to file benefits.  Notification of training is still needed and would improve the issue.

The Division of Public Safety Planning continues to network with the Violence Against Women Act Program, Mississippi Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Mississippi Coalition for Survivors of Homicide Victims and the Mississippi Crime Victims Compensation Program and various other agencies that serve crime victims.  Activities included the 2008 Crime Victims Rights activities and conducting a statewide training for VOCA Sub-grantees  and other service providers.


Additional efforts provided by sub-recipients included a public memorial service on September 25, which was a National Day of Rememberance  for Homicide Victims; a multi-disciplinary task force created to identify services to victims through coordinated efforts with law enforcement ( Multi-disciplinary teams are funded throughout the state and continue to coordinate efforts with all subgrantees receiving funds to assist victims of crime).  Department of Human Services, CASA, and community service organizations;


From a Statewide prospective, the Department of Corrections' Division of Victims Services is still helping to facilitate cooperation by instilling confidence in the criminal justice system by the following methods:  (1) provides direct services to assist victims to gain information and to assist in the healing process; (2) coordinates with the parole board; (3)follow-up on payment of restitution collected from offenders directly to victims;(4) advocating on behalf of victims in a variety of policy settings.

Victim Assistance funded projects continue to maintain a working relationship with the U. S. Attorney's Offices in the Northern  and   Southern Districts of  Mississippi.  They provide court advocacy to victims in the Federal Court System.

Annual Statewide training is provide to victim service providers.  Agencies involved includes Violence Against Women Program, Mississippi Crime Victim Compensation Program and several Crime Victim Coalitions in the State.

Success Story:  This African American woman in her mid-twenties was referred by another shelter in the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a result of her abuser finding that shelter.  She and her five  children came to the Laurel Shelter to escape her abuser's violence and to find safety.  Once in the Shelter, this pleasant young woman accessed support  from the shelter staff and through DAFS' Support Group and Child Care.  The Shelter staff assisted her with goal-setting, transportation, clothing, and referrals for housing and child care.  She found a job at a local department store, and decided to relocate to the Laurel, Mississippi area.  In addition, this determined young mother was referred by the Shelter staff to Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources for a child with ADHD, and to the Family Health Center for her baby.  The young woman recently left the shelter and continues accessing DAFS? services through aftercare case management.  Through her efforts and the support she received from DAFS' staff, she and her children are now living more securely in a violence-free environment.

There still continue to be a problem of accountability and refusal to proceed with prosecution among victims of domestic violence and the lack of accountability and responsibility of adults who continue to expose young victims to crimes of sexual assault.  Moreover, the minimal bond set by area judges for defendants who commit crimes of sexual assault of youth is an escalating trend -  the most notable trend that is impacting crime victim services especially among domestic violence and sexual assault victims is the need for  open communication and an listening ear to improve the necessary services. 


 


Also, rural law enforcement agencies need to be trained on the importance of making an arrest in cases of domestic violence. Training is needed on proper procedures in getting victims into an emergency shelter facility.

The Division of Public Safety Planning continues to use VOCA administrative funds to improve management and oversight of the program.   VOCA funds were used this past year primarily for salaries and travel.  The funds enabled the agency to continue to assign a full-time person and one contract employee on a full-time basis.  As a result, the division has been able to continue to provide technical assistance to projects and monitor them closely.