While NM Crime Victims Reparation Commission holds monthly trainings at our office and statewide, there are some victim advocates who don?t attend if they are not under VOCA VA funding, some are new and haven?t yet received the training, and some don?t remember to inform about compensation, since in their experience most victims don?t want to report to law enforcement.  The shame, self-blame and fear of retaliation can be a deterrent to reporting, especially for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.  In addition, some non-profit agencies refer victims to the District Attorney?s Office in their area and assume the victims will follow through with it.  Some DA?s Office victim advocates prefer to have victims referred to them so they can help with the compensation application and start developing working relationship.  We have looked at how subgrantees report in and working with those who continuously report 0 victims receiving compensation services.  We?ve asked subgrantees to include a question on compensation on their initial intake forms as a reminder to explore this potential resource with the victims

Our VOCA contracts have a special condition that anyone receiving funding will ?cooperate, coordinate and acknowledge services with other VOCA/VAWA funded projects and other service providers in their region that serve victims of crime?.  They are required to participate and report on any regional task forces, multi-disciplinary teams, coalitions and meetings that they attend to ensure victims do not fall threw the cracks.  When an agency or project is interviewed via the media, they are expected to mention other projects in the area that provide services to victims.  In their grant applications, they are required to discuss their level of coordination with other programs.  If training money is provided for a funded project, the agency is expected to invite other victim service providers to help coordinate and participate.

Four regions of the state have developed Coordinate Community Response Teams and have at least ten Multidisciplinary teams to address victim issues.  Some are supported by VAWA funding but others have developed out of a need to increase communication between agencies and services and to discuss any issues that may arise where victims do not receive needed services.  Members of these teams include military base family service workers, national parks officers, Tribal social services and law enforcement, and some include the FBI victim advocates in their regions.  In addition, our VOCA statistical report includes reporting on victims of federal crimes to ensure these victims are being assisted.  The most common response when we train on this aspect of the statistical report is ?how do we know if they are a federal crime victim, we don?t ask about jurisdiction, we just provide services to anyone who seeks them?.  Given the number of federal parks, military bases, BLM lands, and Tribal lands, victims of federal crimes are being served. 

Crime Victims Reparation Commission (CVRC) sponsors the Annual Advocacy in Action Conference that provides the latest information on working with victims of crime from nationally and locally recognized experts.  The conference attendance has reached a high of over 600 service providers including law enforcement, advocates, court staff, child and adult protection workers, counselors, social workers, nurses, attorneys and others.  We also sponsor the Victim Advocacy Trainings.  There are two trainings, one basic training, that occurs in the even years and has up to 60 victim service providers and includes 40-48 hours of training for a week.  The other is the advanced training, occurring in the odd years, has 25 participants and lasts for 3 days.  In the past we have used part of the training funds for these two events.  In addition, we have monthly training on victim compensation and grant reporting.  All of the above mentioned training has proved to be beneficial in terms of networking.  Many advocates are unaware of the programs in their region or statewide.  At the beginning of the training, the participants talk about their agencies and services.  It increases knowledge and promotes networking opportunities.

Case 1. I lost my son "Samuel" to CYFD custody in November.  I lost my job as a nurse the same day.  This was due to many bad choices on my part.  The 2 worst choices were alcohol and "Paul G".  After losing my job, I was living with "Paul".  He was very abusive and I seemed to get him upset whether I agreed with him or disagreed, whether I talked or kept quiet.  It got pretty bad, but I didn?t know there was help, especially since I brought this on myself.  I left "Paul's" house several times with nowhere else to go.  I'd stay on the streets in Las Vegas (NM) for 1-2 nights, then return to "Paul".  Then when it got bad again, I'd go back to the street.  Finally, in April , I called the Family Justice Services in Las Vegas.  That morning had been pretty bad at "Paul's".  Family Justice told me about a shelter program that was near.  I grabbed a couple of things and left.  I arrived at the shelter on later on that month.  From the moment I arrived, the advocates made me feel like there was hope again.  I had basically just been waiting to die, wanting to die.  D, S, K, and J and M helped me feel like I could get my son back ? get my life back.  Until I got to the shelter, I had no way to carry out the treatment plan from CYFD to get Daniel back.  I had no transportation to visitations.  "Paul"  lives in B..., a  town 20 miles from the visitation center.  I missed visitation several times because I had bruises on my arms and face that I was afraid for CYFD to see.  In May, I had court with Judge "G" in Las Vegas regarding the treatment plan with CYFD.  I explained to the judge that I was working the treatment plan.  I was in a safe place.  I was receiving counseling from a therapist "MM".  I had completed the Alcohol Assessment with "JS, an LADAC.  And, I was getting every kind of support and help from the other advocates, D, K and S.  Judge "G" seemed satisfied with this so he arranged for CYFD to transport my son to the shelter 2x week for visitation.  I felt like I was getting back on track.  I was working on getting a job at a Nsg Home in a nearby town.  I was going to see my son!  The  shelter closed in May but I don't know why.  I was told to pack all my things.  It was a hard time for me but eventually I was taken to the shelter in another location.   At first it seemed there were no services for me, but later, my counselor, MM  worked with the new staff to make sure I was provided with services and support.  I'm still working on getting my son back and I have a job.  Thank you for your help.	Victim of Domestic Violence in New Mexico





Case 2:  A 30 year old Hispanic mother of two, was married to an abusive husband for several years.  She describes a significant family history of domestic violence, ?My mom was always depressed because dad was a batterer?.  Her parents divorced when she was in her early 20?s.  When she met her husband she was in her late teens.  They got married and, ?Mom told me that he would end up being a batterer, but I couldn?t understand what she meant?.  Her mother committed suicide in her early 40?s.  The victim stated that her husband was controlling from the beginning, he wanted a submissive partner and would use violence to make sure she did what he wanted.  They had a good lifestyle, with several businesses, and the client was driving a Mercedes.  The victim left her husband after another beating and multiple affairs on his part.  She went back after a while when he told her he had cancer and was dying.  She found out that he had not changed so she decided to leave.  She said, ?He is doing well financially...I?m here hiding out with the children?if he finds out where I live he?ll send someone with a power of attorney to get the children?.  NM Works referred this victim to the shelter when she used their services to get a job.  She is currently working 24 hours per week at a hotel.  At the shelter we were able to help her get a protection order with an anonymous address so he would not be able to locate her.  We helped her file for Medicaid for herself and her children, and she is receiving individual counseling.  During all of this, the victim found out her husband died of cancer.  Before he died he wrote a will leaving everything to his new girlfriend and leaving all the debts to the victim.  Because she has been receiving individual and group counseling, she felt strong enough and not alone so that she could handle all of these problems.  I may not be driving a Mercedes, getting facials every Monday or wearing the best clothes, but I am free.





Case 3:  The victim began coming to the out of shelter program before she left her husband.  The victim?s counselor referred her for advocacy services.  As she gained more insight and self-confidence she left her abusive husband but was struggling financially.  The victim was referred to the shelter for emotional as well as physical safety.  The victim has been criticized by her mother, her adult children and friends for leaving her husband.  Through our agency support, she has been able to explore her options, maintain her job, dream and develop new talents she never knew she had, and file for divorce through legal aid.  She has closure and a chance for a new life.  The results are sometimes amazing when a person is given support for a goal.  The victim had time to think about what she really wanted to do.  She wasn?t coming from desperation but rather a thoughtful place.  She decided to relocate to another state where her brother lives.  She will be away from her family who not only does not support her, but attempts to sabotage her efforts.





Case 4:  Dear S, We are so grateful for the Victims Assistance Program.  The assistance, support and compassion we received have been tremendous.  As you know, my daughter "Paula" was recently a victim of domestic violence from a young man with whom she had a relationship with.  Not only had he threatened her, he continually stalked her.  Through the Victims Assistance Program we received information on her rights as a victim, and information to resources that were unknown to us before.  The referral to crisis intervention and counseling helped to reduce the impact of fear "Paula" experienced.  Most importantly, having you to guide us through the criminal justice system and stand as an advocate for her was more comforting then I can ever express.  Not being familiar with the court system myself, I was terrified at the thought of having to protect my daughter in court.  The way you physically shielded her and guided her in the court room to avoid the stares of her stalker was most appreciated.  "Paula" and I are very grateful for the Victims Assistance Program and the services that you provide. I know that on many occasions your time was stretched between helping us get to the right places and serving other victims as well.  Thank you for doing your job so graciously and respectfully.   (Victim?s mother from Las Cruces, NM)

The economic crisis is forcing non-profit as well as governmental agencies to not fill vacant positions and causing less number of people to deal with the same if not more number of victims.  Agencies are concerned about the reduction of funding sources.  Research shows that decreased economic opportunities and overwhelming financial issues are a factor in domestic violence cases as well as increasing the number of assaults and robberies.  We expect to see an increase in crime and a reduction in the number of victim service providers.  That is the single most issue on everyone?s mind in regards to crime victim service in NM

VOCA administrative funds are used to support personnel needed to effectively monitor the funded projects in terms of compliance with state and federal guidelines, services, use of VOCA funding and financial competency.  A VOCA Grant Administrator and a part time Grants Auditor/Accountant oversee these duties.  If programs are having difficulties providing quality services, then we provide whatever technical assistance possible to get them operational within a reasonable time period.  Or, see that the funding goes to more functional agencies in the area that can provide the necessary victim services needed.  We try to provide a ?user friendly? approach that supports projects and agencies with technical assistance in order to provide the best services possible.