Major issues reported by the Victims Assistance Programs regarding the Puerto Rico?s Victims Compensation Program as established by state Law 183:In order to receive any compensation benefits the victim has to report the crime to law enforcement.  This hinder some rape and sexual assault victims, who do not want or can?t report the crime, to receive HIV prophylaxis free of charge because to make matters worst, the Department of Health doesn?t pay for it either.  Also, the State regulations require that the claimer submit many documents in order to process the claim.  This process takes time, effort and money because the victims have to pay for original birth certificates and other documents.

Our efforts have included, among other, the improvement and expansion of the services which are offered and are available to the victims by the Victims Assistance Grant Program.  The Puerto Rico Department of Justice through the External Resources Division has funded 56 sub-grantees.  Among these sub-grantees are private non-profit community bases programs, non-profit faith organizations, municipalities and government agencies.  As a Grantee, we encouraged sub-grantees to maintain coordination between public and private organizations so the services provided may be of the best quality and in accordance with state laws and regulations.  The sub grantees have to submit with each proposal the Volunteer Services Certifications.

Among the efforts taken to serve federal crime victims, the Specialized Program for Victims Assistance of the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, has handled victims referrals from the Federal District Attorney?s Crime Victims Assistance Office.  The Victims Witness Specialist of this office,  Ms. Orlando R?os-Walker, maintains contact with this Program, the External Resources Division and he?s invited to participate in our official actitivities.  In addition, Mr. R?os Walker refers federal victims to VOCA Funded programs to receive counseling and therapy.

We have provided, throughout the year, constant monitoring and evaluation of the services offered by the sub-grantees.  This monitoring process includes the three phases of the monitoring guide, which covers the administrative, fiscal, and programmatic aspects.  Among the many seminars, orientations and workshops our sub-grantees have attended to improve the services to crime victims are: Psychological Trauma of Crime Victimization, Crisis Intervention, Domestic Violence, and Comprehensive Intervention with Children in Dangerous Situations, Interdisciplinary Coordination, Date Rape, Sexual Assault Forensic Seminar, and The Second Academy of Victimology in July 29 2008.  These activities were funded through VOCA approved training funds, state and/or private funds.

Case I.  An 18 year old female, homicide survivor and physically abused as a child by her father.  When she started receiving our social services and counseling she was a school drop out.  Recently, she finished High School and has a job.  She has gained confidence in herself and is emotionally stable.  Case II. A 55 years old woman, molested as a child and a domestic violence victim.  With psychotherapy and social counseling she has build a strong emotional state.  Case III.  An 8 years old boy, whose father was killed by a drunk driver and he witnessed the car crash,  was having panic attacks every time he had to ride in a car. He was very disrupted and affected with PTSD.  With psychotherapy treatments and counseling for him and his family he has learned to cope with his fears of cars and the PTSD.  Case IV.  A pregnant female non US Citizen, victim of domestic violence, when she started receiving services in our program,  She was full of fear and couldn?t figure out how to resolve her personal and citizenship status.  Our office offered her psychological therapy, group support, counseling, legal advice and referrals to transitional housing, legal assistance and health care.  Currently she has legalized her resident status and is still working her emotional issues.  Case V. An elderly woman of 85 years old, victim of physical abuse, robbery and restriction of liberty by her granddaughter, we offered her counseling and legal assistance.  The offender was arrested and pending a jail sentence.  The old lady still receives counseling in our program.  Case VI. A 32 year old female with four children, victim of domestic violence.  She was in a violent relationship and her partner has threatened to kill her.  After been living in a shelter, she asks to be relocated to New York City because the abuser was going to be released.  With the help of Travelers Aid of Puerto Rico we relocated her and the children.  Case VII. A nine years old boy victim of sodomy.  When he first visited our office he was disoriented, fearful and worried if people will notice what had happened to him.  We began the counseling sessions for him and his mother.  Through play therapy and a lot of counseling the boy is improving his emotional state, anxiety and had participate in the judiciary procedure.  Case VIII.  A male of 39 years old with severe mental retardation victim of sexual assault, three years earlier.  We coordinated the sexual assault evaluation and psychological evaluation.   The P.R. Compensation Program reimbursed his guardian the costs of the evaluations.  We provided follow ups regarding his case.

The amendment of Article 73 of the 177 Law for Child Protection: this amendment contemplates tougher sanctions to all persons, private or public institutions that in the delivery of duties fail to report to authorities child abuse, suspected child abuse, or perceive risk of harm to a child. 2. To add Article 2.9 to the 54  Law, known as ?Law for the prevention and intervention with Domestic Violence?, this article stays that all children exposed to domestic violence have to be referred to asocial evaluation conducted by the Department of Family Affairs.  3. The amendment of Article 3 of Law 266 in order to specify the felonies committed against minors that have to be registered in the Registry of people convicted by sexual and abuse against minors.  4 Amendment of articles 1,2,4,6 of Law 121 enhance the Bill of Rights of the Elderly, this amendment was approved to secure access and services of technological assistance to the elderly.

"Puerto Rico has used VOCA administrative funds to pay personnel assigned to monitor tha administrative, financial and programmatic aspects of its sub-grantees.  These funds were also used to buy equipment and materials, as well as for travel and training expenses for the VOCA personnel. In addition, VOCA administrative funds, combined with State and local funds, were used to celebrate the Statewide Crime Victim's Rights Week.  The activities took place from April 13 through April 19, 2008.  These activities were celebrated to create awareness about victims of crime rights and the free services available to them , in the hope to provide tha aid they need so that they may cope with the impact of their victimization.


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