Even Lemons Can Stop Slavery

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

Vivienne documents her daily
work to end slavery through
photo posts, her Twitter feed and
her Make a Stand Blog.
Photo credit: #MAKEASTAND!
Not For Sale Lemonaid – via Instagram

It is shocking to me that there are more slaves worldwide today than at any other point in history. As a mother, I cannot imagine the injustice, agony, and sorrow felt by those whose children and loved ones are brutally forced into sexual exploitation or slave labor.

Many are fighting to put a stop to slavery. I am encouraged by the work of organizations that educate and mobilize communities against human trafficking, teaching that everyone can play a role in the fight–even a child. Chances are good that you’ve already heard of Vivienne Harr if you are involved in this fight; but for those who don’t yet know of her determined efforts, this eight-year-old has accomplished more this summer than many do in their lifetime.

Many are fighting to put a stop to slavery. I am encouraged by the work of organizations that educate and mobilize communities against human trafficking, teaching that everyone can play a role in the fight–even a child.

In June 2012, Vivienne became aware of child slaves and was determined to do something about it; she wanted to raise a substantial amount of money to help in freeing young slaves, some her own age. With the support of her mom and dad, she quickly resolved to sell, for donation, 100% organic, fair-trade lemonade from her home, rain or shine every day, until she raised $150,000 to go to the nonprofit Not For Sale. To date, she has raised nearly 25% of her goal, with donations reaching over $38,000. It is no wonder this young lady is wanted for interviews all over the world and will be pouring MAKEaSTAND! LemonAid at the White House in October.

Vivienne shares in Make a Stand Lemonade that, “Mother Theresa was one person. Gandhi was one person. Why can’t you be one person?” To say the least, she is strong-willed and will not slow down until she helps free 500 slaves. She fights with a lot of heart.

Vivienne and many, many others are an inspiration to me and a reminder that the efforts of every person individually and collectively make a great difference. As we continue to bring this problem to light and refuse to tolerate it, I am hopeful that exploitation of humans for labor and sex will end one day.

To learn more about human trafficking, visit the Attorney General’s webpage and CalVCP’s brochure to see how CalVCP can help trafficked victims.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB). VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.

Murdered Victims to be Remembered

By Misty Foster, Sacramento POMC Chapter Leader

As the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims draws near, one theme keeps emerging. I hear so many homicide survivors ask the same question: "Why do they tell me that it's been long enough and I should be over it by now, that I need to get on with my life?" It's hard to explain to those who have not been handed the life sentence of a homicide survivor that we don’t ever "get over it." We learn to live with it; we get through it, but we never get over it. We had no say in the violent, horrific ways our loved ones were stolen from us. As victims, we are often ignored or re-victimized by the justice system, the press, and sometimes by the very people who call themselves our friends.

"When we speak of our loved ones, please listen. It helps us to remember what made them special to us and to many others as well. We want to make sure they are never forgotten."

While every survivor copes in different ways, we all want the same basic things. First, that this horror had never happened in the first place, and secondly, that it never happens to another person, family, or loved one. So we become the voice for those who can no longer speak for themselves.

When we speak of our loved ones, please listen. It helps us to remember what made them special to us and to many others as well. We want to make sure they are never forgotten. And for many of us, talking about them is a part of the healing process.

Parents of Murdered Children (POMC) is a support group for anyone who has had a loved one die by violence. The Sacramento Area Chapter of POMC began its affiliation with the National Organization in January 2008. Our services include emotional support and friendship to homicide survivors, understanding and compassion, court accompaniment, and monthly meetings.

For more information about the Sacramento Area Chapter of POMC, please call 916-879-4541 or visit our website.

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Join POMC for a special ceremony to pay tribute to all murder victims everywhere
Tuesday, September 25th
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
North steps of the State Capitol

Speakers for the event include:

• Andrew Solomon, Sacramento District Attorney
• Mark Tyndale, President, Sacramento Police Officers Association (SPOA)
• Jon Myers, Deputy Executive Officer of Legislation and Public Affairs, Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board

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Misty Foster serves as the Parents of Murdered Children Sacramento Chapter Lead. Her brother David was murdered in March of 1991. His homicide remains unsolved to this day. Misty has chosen to honor his memory by becoming a voice for those who can no longer speak for themselves. “If we are loud enough, hopefully the monsters of this world will not win.”

Fox 40 Interviews VCGCB Executive Officer Julie Nauman

CalVCP Executive Officer Julie Nauman stopped by Fox 40 Sacramento to discuss the effects of rising violent crime in many California cities such as Stockton and Oakland. Nauman spent a few minutes with Fox 40’s Alisa Becerra, discussing the services CalVCP can provide crime victims.

Before even leaving the studio that morning, Nauman was approached by a Fox 40 reporter about the subject. Having two family members become victims of homicide, he understands the deep pain that inevitably accompanies violent crimes. He shared his own experience and expressed gratitude for the program and the support and services it provides victims of crime.

Whether you have been a victim or not, have you told your friends and family about the Program?

5 Tips to Help Parents Prevent Bullying

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

Bullying does not harm only the child being bullied,
but has long term detrimental effects for everyone involved.
In one study, 60% percent of those identified as a bully in
grade school had at least one criminal conviction by age 24;
35 – 40% of those adults had three or more convictions.

Back-to-school season is in full swing. Between the back-to-school shopping, end of summer vacations, and the dreaded task of getting children back in the habit of waking up early, it can be a very hectic and stressful time for parents. Added to this are concerns over school safety and violence making parents even more stressed. Some children shudder at the thought of going back to school because before long they will be returning to an abusive situation of bullying.

As many as 77% of all children have encountered some type of bullying, whether it be verbal, mental, or physical abuse, according to BullyStatistics.org. Bullying does not harm only the child being bullied, but has long term detrimental effects for everyone involved. Children who are bullied have a greater risk of depression, low self-esteem, are more likely to run away, and have a higher risk of abusing alcohol or drugs in their lifetime. Many parents are unaware that bullying can be just as destructive for the bully. In one study, 60% percent of those identified as a bully in grade school had at least one criminal conviction by age 24; 35 – 40% of those adults had three or more convictions.

As many as 77% of all children have encountered some type of bullying, whether it be verbal, mental, or physical abuse, according to BullyStatistics.org.

Lawmakers are aware of this escalating problem and are working attentively to reduce these numbers. New laws recently passed will assist schools and faculty in clearly defining bullying and setting up a procedure to address the issue.

CalVCP is dedicated to helping victims of school violence and bullying. For cases that qualify, CalVCP provides financial assistance for children that are victims of such situations. In cases where a child experiences mental distress from witnessing a crime, CalVCP will assist eligible students with counseling expenses.

Prevention is also an important aspect in dealing with bullying. The following tips can help parents prevent the abuse that stems from bullying:

• Know the signs – Unexplained bruises or cuts, fear of returning to school, a drop in grades, or depression can all be signs of bullying. Behavioral issues like getting in trouble at school or obsession with popularity may be signs that your kid is a bully. 
• Open Communication – Often, kids will not want to share if they are having problems at school, but by simply asking your child how their day was or what they like most about their friends may give you some insight to their lives. If you do suspect a problem, explain to them that there’s no shame in being bullied and that it’s not their fault. Openly talking about it is the first step to fixing the problem. 
• Learn conflict management- The key word is management; not all conflict in life is resolvable, but most times it is manageable. Teaching your children to know the difference and how to handle different types of conflict is a skill they can use for life. 
• Adopt healthy hobbies - Encouraging your child to get involved in healthy hobbies in and out of school can be a great outlet for them to socialize, build new skill sets and healthy relationships. Having a hobby that assists your child in making friends and build confidence will be a positive influence that will assist them in dealing with any potential bullying. 
• Pay attention to friends – Paying close attention to the company your child keeps can be a great indicator of the type of influences your child has. If you believe certain friends are a bad influence, it’s important that you address this promptly and redirect their attention to spending time with a more positive influence. 

The task of raising a child to be a healthy, respectful, productive adult is a full-time job and can at times be overwhelming. By incorporating these tips, providing a loving home, and taking a genuine interest in your child’s life, you will undoubtedly get them headed in the right direction

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB). VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.

CalVCP Investigations Return Money Back to Victims

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

CalVCP has helped countless victims of violent crimes since 1965, with over 55,000 victims applying for assistance annually. While the vast majority of CalVCP claims received are from genuine victims and care-takers that need reimbursement, some individuals submit fraudulent claims to steal money that does not belong to them. It is during such instances that the critical work of CalVCP stands out.

No industry, company, or agency is immune from ongoing acts of stealing by aggressive financial thieves. To help safeguard against theft, CalVCP exercises appropriate controls and methods to prevent and uncover fraud, beginning with our Help Center.

Recently, two California residents were convicted of defrauding CalVCP when they submitted phony invoices for the care of a victim. The two women were sentenced to county jail and probation and ordered to repay CalVCP nearly $70,000--the full amount they fraudulently acquired. Due to the diligent work of the Audits and Investigation Unit and the CalVCP Help Center, the money will be returned to the Restitution Fund so actual victims and care-takers can receive the financial assistance they need.

Media is shedding increasing light on many types of fraudulent activities nationwide. No industry, company, or agency is immune from ongoing acts of stealing by aggressive financial thieves. To help safeguard against theft, CalVCP exercises appropriate controls and methods to prevent and uncover fraud, beginning with our Help Center. The unit answers approximately 7,000 calls each month and is careful to stay alert of suspicious activities and patterns. Questionable claims undergo an initial investigation and are referred to the Audits and Investigations Unit for further examination.

A painstaking review is conducted to verify the accuracy of the claim and documents submitted, and to investigate inconsistencies or suspicious activity. The scrupulous review can take anywhere between four to five months in which the appropriate cases are then referred to local authorities or the California Office of the Attorney General for prosecution. It is through the court that defendants are ordered to repay CalVCP, making funds available to victims.

In addition to the current internal controls and prevention methods in place, a portion of investigated claims begins from an anonymous tip. The public can play an important role in reducing misuse of the Restitution Fund by contacting CalVCP. If you are suspicious or aware of fraudulent activity, please contact our Victim Helpline at 1-800-777-9229. All anonymous tipsters’ identities will remain strictly confidential.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB), appointed in 2008. VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.

National Night Out 2012

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

This year, “America’s Night Out Against Crime” will be held on Tuesday, August 7th from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., in communities throughout the nation. It is an evening for neighbors to lock their doors, turn on their porch lights and get reacquainted. This observance helps to build police-community partnerships, raise crime prevention awareness and encourage neighborhood camaraderie. Events such as block parties, cookouts, ice cream socials, parades, visits from police and community leaders, neighborhood and flashlight walks, youth activities, and goal-setting are planned to help promote safety and crime prevention in local neighborhoods.

2012 will mark the 29th National Night Out (NNO). The first NNO was held in 1984 with 2.5 million people in attendance nationwide. Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), NNO was formed to unite neighbors from communities large and small to find ways to help fight and reduce crime. NNO is the perfect conduit because it strengthens police-community partnerships; generates support for local anticrime programs and heightens crime and drug prevention awareness.

The success of the first NNO was a clear indication that people wanted to protect their neighborhoods against drugs and crime. Now that some police forces have been cut, it is especially pertinent. NNO has grown considerably since then, with over 37 million people participating in the event last year, including all 50 states, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide.

NNO has consistently proven to be an effective, inexpensive and enjoyable event to promote neighborhood spirit and safety in each community. Let’s all get acquainted with our neighbors on August 7th and help “Give Drugs and Crime a Going Away Party!”

If your community has not been a part of this dynamic program, it’s not too late. Information is available on the National Association of Town Watch website to help you get started on your own local chapter.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB), appointed in 2008. VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.

Collecting from Offenders, Caring for Victims

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

Our mission at CalVCP is to serve victims and help them recover from the traumatic impact of crime. A critical part in providing this service is the Restitution Fund, which we use to pay victims’ crime-related expenses. It is fueled by fines and orders levied by judges against criminal offenders. This process not only helps victims become whole, it also helps to rehabilitate offenders as they are forced to face the impact of their crimes, and at the same time contribute to their victims’ healing.

The Court Ordered Debt Program
has collected over $7 million
during the last year, money that
can help pay expenses for victims
of violent crime.

In July 2011, staff from the CalVCP Fiscal Services Division Court Ordered Debt Program began processing over 400,000 fine cases that had gone unpaid by criminal offenders. Their job is to track down offenders who still owe money to the fund after they are discharged from prison. Working in conjunction with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Franchise Tax Board, they ensure the collection of the debts owed to these victims of crime.

The Court Ordered Debt Program has collected over $7 million during this fiscal year alone! That’s $7 million that CalVCP can put toward medical bills, lost wages, counseling and other expenses for victims of violent crime.

Our Fiscal Services staff has worked diligently for these dollars. They have handled over 59,000 calls since July 2011, tracking hundreds of thousands of cases in a massive database that is constantly updated with new information.

I couldn’t be more proud of the staff in the Court Ordered Debt Program. Their accomplishments will help many victims in need. They exemplify CalVCP’s commitment to make restitution a cornerstone of our program. Join me in congratulating them and thanking them for their dedication to victims. Keep up the good work.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB), appointed in 2008. VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.