Jody and Amanda, our hos

Hey! There’s Robert!

Everyone was deeply engaged.

Thanks again to Family Tree!

Here are some pictures:

Michelle Adams was our mistress of ceremonies. Thanks, Michelle!

Denver DA, Mitch Morrissey presented the Civil Courage Award.

Fran Coleman

Patty Moschner, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Victim Assistance Coordinator: The amazing work of victim advocates throughout Colorado. (Joined by Kate Horn-Murphy, Joe Cannata, Monica Crocker, and Jennifer Clouse)

Phil Clark shares his experiences about the death of his daughter.

Jim Davis, Colorado Department of Public Safety will present an award honoring the Aurora Police Department Victim Services Unit.

Michael Dougherty on the future of Victim Right’s.

Chief Oates was in attendance.

Representative Bob Gardner.

Bob Preston (Grandfather of victim right’s in Colorado) was looking great!

Thank you to everyone who could attend.  See you next year.

by Megan Chuhran, WINGS Foundation

Incest and childhood sexual abuse are among the most underreported and least-discussed crimes in our nation, yet they occur far too frequently for the one in four girls and one in six boys who experience sexual abuse before the age of 18. Childhood sexual abuse knows no boundaries – it happens to those of all socioeconomic statuses, races, sexual orientations, and religions. It is currently happening in our neighborhoods and our schools; and it happened to our coworkers, friends, and loved ones when they were children.

Unresolved childhood trauma can have serious long-term medical, mental health, and economic consequences. The American Medical Association estimates that one in five adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse suffers from severe, lifelong psychological issues. Many adult survivors describe having flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and feelings of shame, humiliation, unworthiness, ugliness, and profound terror (Harris, et al, 1997).In a study of adult male survivors, almost 70% had sought psychological treatment due to the abuse (Lisak, 1994). These psychological issues may increase additional complications, including parenting problems, difficulty obtaining adequate education or job skills, and problems maintaining employment, which may result in survivors struggling to support themselves and their families (Brick, 2005).

A study by Widom (1998) found that 62% of “individuals with documented cases of childhood physical and sexual abuse and neglect” were in “menial and semi-skilled occupations,” while 42% of “a matched group of non-maltreated children… were working in higher occupational levels, from skilled to professional occupations.”  Even when survivors work in “skilled or professional occupations,” Currie & Spatz-Widom (2010) found that childhood abuse reduced an adult survivor’s job earnings by approximately $5,000 per year. When calculated over a lifetime, this is a large loss of income.

Both the loss of income and employment in menial and semi-skilled occupation are also “largely relative to the effects of physical health problems” (Currie & Madrian, 1999). Survivors of childhood sexual abuse often report experiencing pelvic pain, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues (Koss et al, 1991).  Many of survivor medical conditions are chronic in nature and place limitations on their employment options, activity levels, and ability to maintain employment (Currie & Madrian, 1999). Thus, as Currie & Madrian point out, “in addition to the medical, social, and psychological costs, childhood abuse [also strongly impacts] adult economic productivity.”

Unsurprisingly then, a WINGS Foundation report, showed that 45% of survivors attending a WINGS support group live below the poverty line. Members often describe how their medical complications, such as fibromyalgia and pelvic pain, and/or psychological conditions, including severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, negatively impact their ability to find and maintain employment. Additionally, survivors discuss how their once successful lives turned upside once memories and flashbacks of abuse returned to them during adulthood. The story of Richard, a WINGS group member, exemplifies the psychological and economic consequences of childhood sexual abuse:

Richard* had a fabulous life – he was part of a loving family, owned a successful restaurant, created fashion shows in Las Vegas and Beverly Hills, and was featured on TV, radio, and newspapers for years. When Richard was in his 40s, he began remembering more about his childhood, including memories of his father sexually abusing him.  Not sure what to do with his feelings and memories, Richard turned to drugs and alcohol. He stopped talking with his friends and family, lost his restaurant and all of his jobs, and became homeless. One day Richard tried to kill himself. Thankfully he did not succeed and he realized that he needed help.  Richard saw a therapist who worked with him one-on-one and he joined a WINGS support group. Even though Richard could not afford to pay for a support group, WINGS was able to work with Richard so that he could still attend group and get the help he needed. Today, Richard is still on his road toward healing, but he is hopeful and has made it his mission to help other survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Unfortunately, the poverty, pain, and homelessness described in Richard’s story are an all too common result of childhood sexual abuse. Due to economic impacts, many survivors struggle to afford services that specifically focus on helping them with the pain of childhood sexual abuse. WINGS Foundation’s free support groups, located throughout Colorado, provide hope to many survivors.  Research clearly indicates that support groups, such as those offered by WINGS, can help adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse heal their childhood wounds, stem self-destructive behavior and learn to create healthy sexual and relationship boundaries as adults (BC Partners, 2007). As psychological symptoms begin to diminish, many survivors find that they are better able to function in their daily lives, including the return to work and economic stability for some (WINGS Program Evaluation Report, 2012).

References

BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions. Retrieved May 2012 from

http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/index.shtml

Brick, N. (2005). How childhood sexual abuse affects interpersonal relationships. Retrieved Jan 2013

from http://www.ritualabuse.us/research.

Currie, J. & Madrian, B. (1999). Health, health insurance and the labor market. Amsterdam: North

Holland.

Currie, J. & Spatz-Widom, C. (2010). Long-term consequences of child abuse and neglect on adult

economic well-being. Child Maltreatment, 15(2), 111-120

Harris, T.R., Wilsnack, S.C., Vogeltanz, N.D., & Klassen, A.D. (1997). Childhood sexual abuse and women’s

substance abuse: National survey findings. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs 58(3)

Koss, M.P., Koss, P.G., & Woodruff, W.J. (1991). Deleterious effects of criminal victimization on women’s

health and medical utilization. Archives of Intern Medicine, 151(2), 342-347.

Lisak, D. (1994). The psychological impact of sexual abuse: Content analysis of interviews with male

survivors. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 7(4), 525-548

Widom, C. S. (1998). Childhood victimization: Early adversity and subsequent psychopathology. In: B.P.

Dohrenwend (Ed.),  Adversity, stress, and psychopathology (pp. 81-95). New York: Oxford University Press.

Many victims of the Disability community never report their crime.  A survey conducted in Tucson, Arizona, in response to patterns of victimization, reported when abused survivors chose to report their victimization, it was most often to friends (58 percent) or family members (54 percent), rather than adult protective services, law enforcement, or a social service agency (OVC, 2012).Victimization by violence is significantly under- reported to the police for fear of not being believed, not being heard, being judged, retaliation by the abusive caregiver or that the offender will not be arrested.  It is also widely presumed that people with disabilities are less likely to report crimes of violence if the perpetrators were someone the victim depended on for care and other necessary services (Tyiska, 1998).

This compounding of fear, victimization and long-term residual trauma requires a collaborative, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed intervention that addresses the multiple issues that survivors face in order to both facilitate healing and encourage survivors to access services. Victims living with disabilities face re-victimization every day. There is stigma associated with their disabilities. Dr. Robert J. Mittan, Ph.D, wrote in an article that, “people remain vaguely uncomfortable around a wheelchair, people are avoidant of behavior that seems unpredictable, and people can be frightened of the sudden loss of control from a seizure” (Mittan,2010). Without the appropriate assessment, services, and advocacy, the cycle of violence and victimization will prove to become lifelong and the victim will experience longer durations of abuse (Nosek, et al, 1997). It is insufficient to address and assess the act of violence on an individual living with a disability without addressing, assessing, and identifying the specific needs of this individual.

The Victim Services Network (VSN) of Denver, Colorado must continue to have conversations that positively affect, influence, and impact victims of the disability community. DVI would encourage victim service providers in the state of Colorado to revisit your agency policies and procedures to ensure that your agency is make the necessary reasonable accommodations.

“Jane’s” Story

Jane is a 34 year old woman from Boulder, who is homeless and is in midst of crisis and she shows diligence and positive attitude towards her finding a way to survive and thrive.  Jane was severely attacked by her boyfriend and she is determined to not to return to her relationship.  She has made a police report, had him arrested and obtained herself a protection order.  Jane has multiple disabilities, which many of DVI’s clients do. Jane has back, neck, foot injury, and eye injury that has caused blindness in her right eye  and traumatic brain injury from her domestic violence situation, also has stage 4 osteoarthritis, asthma, chronic migraine headaches, sleep apnea and sleep dyspnea, fibromyalgia, anxiety, bi-polar, panic disorder and PTSD.  She was currently at Boulder shelter, when she has called DVI for help.  After meeting with Jane, we assisted her with food and hygiene products, filling out victim compensation application, helped her find low income housing and relocated her to a different city for her safety and assisted her with rent. We created an Action Plan Folder for her with list of emergency shelter numbers, victim’s rights, where she can get sliding scale counseling, a notebook and a pen. Discussed how to keep her organized so that she can take advantage of all the resources that are available to her. We worked with this client for 2 months, and we received a thank you note saying “Thank you for helping me get into a safe new home.  This means the world to me and thank you for all that you did for me.”

*Domestic Violence Initiative (DVI) is a non-profit agency, established in 1985, dedicated to the survival and safety of Colorado’s women, men, and children with disabilities who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, caregiver abuse, elder abuse and stalking. Through comprehensive case management, client advocacy, empowerment, and collaborative community outreach, DVI provides crime victims with disabilities and their children with tools for self-sufficiency that supports safe and fulfilling lives free of violence and abuse.  Prior to the establishment of DVI, no other agency provided services for victims who have a disability or for people who become disabled due to their victimization. DVI is one of a few agencies in the region addressing the complicated issues of crime against people with disabilities.  Visit their website HERE.

Washington, DC – The U.S. Senate today passed a bill authored by Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) to help reduce the national backlog of rape kits.

The Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Reporting (SAFER) Act, was included in the larger Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that the Senate passed today by a bipartisan vote of 78 – 22.  The bill must now be passed by the House of Representatives.

“Victims of sexual assault have already gone through enough. They shouldn’t have to wait for justice to be served, while critical DNA evidence sits untested on dusty shelves,” Bennet said. “Today’s passage of the SAFER Act brings us one step closer to helping local law enforcement agencies address our nation’s rape kit backlog and bring criminals to justice.”

The SAFER Act would help reduce the national backlog of rape kits by helping state and local governments conduct audits of rape kits in law enforcement storage facilities and increasing available funds for crime labs to process those kits. It would also establish advisory protocols and practices around handling crime scene DNA evidence, prioritize the analysis of untested rape kits, and better target existing resources.

Bennet and Cornyn reintroduced the SAFER Act to the Senate last month. A companion bill was reintroduced to the House of Representatives at the same time by Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX) and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY).

Bennet and Cornyn originally introduced the SAFER Act to the Senate last May. It passed with unanimous support at the end of the year. A slightly different version passed in the House. However, Congress did not work out the differences between the two bills before the 112^th Session adjourned and they expired.

In August, Bennet toured the Denver Crime Lab with leaders from victim’s rights groups to discuss the bill and raise awareness about the issue. According to victim’s rights groups, there is a national backlog of at least 400,000 rape kits sitting untested across the country.

The bill does not add to the deficit. It repurposes existing federal funds under the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program to better target reducing the backlog of crime scene DNA evidence, such as rape kits.

Support

• Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA)
• Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV)
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)
• Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)
• National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV)
• National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)

• Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)

Before you attend our exciting TECH NOW! training on Tuesday February 12, 2013, please take a moment to fill out THIS  questionnaire to the best of your ability.  This information will be included  in the round-table discussion and facilitate dialogue between agency members.  You can download the questionnaire HERE.

Quick Tech Check – What’s Your Status?

Internet Service

-          Who provides your current internet service?

-          Is it bundled with other services?

-          What are your download/upload speeds?

Phones/Fax

-          What kind of internal phone system are you currently using?

-          How do you handle faxing (coming/going)?

-          How do you manage cell phone/text usage for work?

Workflow & Software

-          What do you use to manage email, calendar, and collaboration?

-          What are the critical software applications in use today?

-          Which of these software systems are proprietary or outdated?

File Sharing & Storage

-          How do users store and access files currently?

-          Which, if any, mobile/cloud solutions do you use like Dropbox, G-Drive, or SkyDrive?

Hardware

-          What types of computers and operating systems are you currently using?

-          What is the age range of the machines in use?

IT Maintenance & Repair

-          Who is the first person contacted by staff to handle an IT issue?

How do you handle regular maintenance and repairs?

During the month of February, organizations, municipalities and schools across the nation recognized National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month in an effort to educate communities about the severity and prevalence of teen dating violence today.

Unbeknownst to many, dating abuse amongst teens and tweens occurs far too frequently and often silently.  According to a 2008 study commissioned by Liz Claiborne, Inc. and conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited:

• Nearly half of teen girls who have been in a relationship (48%) say they have been victims of verbal, physical, or sexual abuse by their boyfriends.
• Among all teens age 15-18, one in 10 (10%) indicate they have been physically abused by an angry partner (kicked, punched, choked, slapped,

or hit).

• Nearly one in five teenage girls who have been in a relationship report that their boyfriends threatened violence or self-harm when presented with a break up (according to a 2005 survey by the same organizations

listed above).

And the statistics are even more alarming for kids in the “tween” age group (11-14 year olds). According to the same study:

• Nearly half of all tweens in relationships (47%) say they know friends who have been verbally abused (called stupid, worthless, ugly, etc.) by a boyfriend/girlfriend.
• One in five 13-14 year olds in relationships (20%) say they know friends and peers who have been struck in anger (kicked, hit, slapped, or punched) by a boyfriend or girlfriend.

In today’s world, youth are also exposed to an additional form of control and abuse via technology. Many teens share that they receive upwards of 200 text messages per day from their significant other. 200 texts per day is not love, it is control.

In addition to addressing unhealthy characteristics, the groups also identify attributes found in healthy dating relationships.  Teens, for example, are given resources such as the Dating Bill of Rights which informs them that they have the right to, among other things, ask for a date, refuse a date and set physical, emotional and sexual boundaries.  By utilizing these tools, it is our hope that youth will be able to recognize warning signs of dangerous behavior and model new and healthy practices to their families and peers.

Through our educational presentations, one-on-one counseling and support groups many youth in our community are learning that they have the right to be happy, respected and safe and that there is support available to them. SafeHouse Denver is committed to reaching youth in this way, not only in the month of February, but throughout the year.  To learn more about Teen Dating Violence and how you can support youth, visit www.breakthecycle.org or www.loveisnotabuse.org.

####

Established in 1977, SafeHouse Denver is the only agency in the City and County of Denver that provides both emergency shelter and nonresidential counseling and advocacy services to victims of domestic violence. As part of its mission to assist adults, children and youth in reclaiming their right to a life free of domestic violence, SafeHouse Denver also runs a 24-Hour Crisis and Information Line, (303) 318-9989, and offers community education throughout the Denver metro area to help empower communities to prevent, reduce and effectively respond to domestic violence. For more information on programs and services, as well as giving and volunteer opportunities, please call (303) 318-9959 or visit www.safehouse-denver.org.

Brief Description of Organization:

Established in 1977, SafeHouse Denver is the only agency in the City and County of Denver that provides both emergency shelter and nonresidential counseling and advocacy services to victims of domestic violence. As part of its mission to assist adults, children and youth in reclaiming their right to a life free of domestic violence, SafeHouse Denver also runs a 24-Hour Crisis and Information Line, (303) 318-9989, and offers community education throughout the Denver metro area to help empower communities to prevent, reduce and effectively respond to domestic violence. For more information on programs and services, as well as giving and volunteer opportunities, please call (303) 318-9959 or visit www.safehouse-denver.org.

Testimonials:

Karen’s Story

When Karen came to the SafeHouse Denver emergency shelter for the first time, she only stayed one night. She was concerned about leaving her cat behind and the impact leaving would have on her two young children. She left the next day but kept her Advocate’s card close by.

Two months later, Karen and her children arrived back at shelter. This time, she was ready to leave her abusive relationship but she knew she needed help.

Prior to coming to SafeHouse, Karen was the victim of severe verbal and emotional abuse. Her husband would not allow her to work nor have access to their finances. He reprimanded her for comforting their young children when they were upset, undermining her role as a parent, and had been abusive to their cat. Karen didn’t even have keys to their house, and therefore had to get permission to leave her own home.

Extreme isolation had kept Karen in the relationship and unaware of the resources for survivors of domestic violence in the community. When she arrived at shelter the second time, her Advocate described her as a different person. “Karen,” she shared, “was like a sponge, soaking up any and all information and resources we could provide.  Free from the violence in her life, she regained her independence and was very motivated.”

During her stay at shelter, Karen was able to connect with legal services to file for a protection order and received medical care for herself and her children. She also connected with an employment agency, found a meaningful job and was eventually able to move into an apartment of her own. Karen and her children continue to receive services at our nonresidential Counseling and Advocacy Center.

Julie’s Story

As a young adult, Julie, a native of Vietnam, moved to the United States to attend college and quickly found herself married to a man nearly twice her age. After a move, her husband refused to allow her to continue her studies and made excuses about why he wouldn’t allow her to work despite her intellect and competence. He closely controlled their finances, listened in on her personal phone calls and began to physically threaten Julie.

After connecting to SafeHouse Denver through the 24-Hour Crisis and Information Line, Julie started working with an Advocate at the Counseling and Advocacy Center to process the abuse she had faced and to begin to rebuild her sense of self and independence. After divorcing her husband and safely leaving the relationship, Julie has returned to school, is working in the hospitality industry and connected with a faith community.  She has started group counseling at SafeHouse and is, step by step, reaching her goal to “get myself back.”

All agreed that this center is a great addition to victim services.   Be sure to join the NACers for the next exciting adventure!

Here are some of their success stories:

Savannah

For Savannah and her children, Warren Village was a refuge from an abusive boyfriend.  Looking back Savannah says she should have recognized the signs.  Her boyfriend was controlling; constantly tracking where she was and questioning her if she was even 15 minutes late coming home from work.  Then with his increased drinking the abuse turned physical.  After years of abuse, Savannah with her two girls, Olive and Elvis, left with only $50, no job and no place to live.  The family lived in their car before being accepted at Warren Village.

Savannah talks about how empowering it is to get to know people who are in similar circumstances.  “It was also good for my children to understand there are other single-parent families they aren’t alone.” She also says she till take many of the skills she learned in the life skills classes with her, “The classes were great, I loved going to them – it didn’t feel like a requirement.  The tools you learn in the parenting classes are so helpful. “

Savannah recently moved out of Warren Village.  She is now working two part-time jobs and studying for her degree in cultural anthropology.  Her children are thriving and she credits Warren Village for giving her a new start.   “The people at Warren Village are amazing, both the staff and the residents.  The future is bright.  I want my kids to be successful, happy people and discover what they want in life.  I’ll always have a relationship with Warren Village.  I feel so grateful.”

Janei 

Twenty-four year-old Janei and her son Jamal came to Warren Village First Step after practically living on the streets.   Janei had been homeless off and on since she was just 15 years old.  Never staying in one place for more than a couple of months,  Janai left home to escape the physical abuse of her mom. 

For Janei the most difficult time came when gave birth to Jamal almost four months early.  At the time, she was sleeping on her friend’s couch and was told by the apartment landlord she could no longer stay there.  It was winter and Janai had no where to live when Jamal was released from the NICU.  It was a frightening time.  Some nights she would leave Jamal with friends while she rode the bus or walked the streets all night.

Janei arrived at Warren Village First Step when Jamal was just one-year old.  She says the most

meaningful part of Warren Village is the staff.  “They have been there step by step.  They are dedicated.  As long as you’re trying to better yourself, they will support you, they have your back.”  The resources and guidance from staff have been invaluable to Janei.  Her son who was severely developmentally and physically delayed is flourishing and Janei has learned how to better manage her finances so when she moves out she can have a more secure future.

Janei is currently working at a doggie daycare facility and trying to find permanent housing  so her son has a stable place to grow up.   “I want to be stable and not have anything to worry about, that’s my goal for right now.  I want to have that one place where I can say this is where my son grew up and he can have childhood friends and not go to 20 different schools like I did.”