Restitution Rights for Victims

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

The question was recently posed about the fairness of asking defendants to pay restitution when they have so many other hurdles to overcome. I certainly understand these are trying financial times for everyone, for defendants and victims. While difficulties for offenders post-incarceration may be more visible to the public, let me remind you that we receive requests for assistance from victims that have lost jobs, homes, means of transportation, and physical aptitude, many of whom have suffered life-altering changes and significant mental trauma as a result of crime. Victims do not ask to be victimized and each has the absolute right to be made whole.

Many crime victims suffer life-altering losses.

The Victims’ Bill of Rights Act of 2008 codified the right to restitution along with other important victim rights. Restitution plays an important role in healing for victims. It is designed to provide financial restoration and to mitigate some of the negative impacts of crime. A victim of crime should not have to suffer calls from bill collectors or loss of independence because of someone else’s choices. Restitution can financially relieve the burdens placed on victims as a result of the crimes that occurred.

Restitution can be beneficial not only for victims, but also for offenders. For many offenders, restitution acts as a tool for their rehabilitation. Studies have shown that paying restitution can reduce recidivism. It gives offenders a way to take responsibility for their actions, make reparations to victims, and address feelings of guilt in a helpful way.

"We cannot forget about the support needed for victims who are impacted by unforeseen crimes, many of whose worlds are turned upside down."

There is no mistaking that crime costs us all. However, restitution fines help to shift the financial responsibility for crime back to the offenders. The money collected through fines paid by offenders helps to keep the Restitution Fund viable so victims’ needs may be met if there is no other form of payment available; for example, when the offender’s identity is unknown, or when a defendant is unable to pay for all of the expenses immediately.

It is important to uphold the rights of California’s victims. We cannot forget about the support needed for victims who are impacted by unforeseen crimes, many of whose worlds are turned upside down. I remain committed to our fight to ensure that victims receive the restitution owed to them and that offenders pay their debts.

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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.

Internet Safety for Kids

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

Last week, I discussed that June is National Internet Safety Month and listed several tips on how to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of cybercrime. But, it occurs to me that the amount of time our young people spend online lends itself to a separate discussion all of its own.

When it comes to cybercrime, children of all ages can
access limitless content with only a few keystrokes.

The Internet provides us access to limitless information, which is used by billions of consumers daily. People of all ages use this tool to research, connect with others, shop, advertise, pay bills, watch movies and more. Nearly any convenience is a few keystrokes away, but there are risks involved.

When it comes to cybercrime, children are very vulnerable. A study by Pew Research Center, showed that 95 percent of teens access the Internet, making them the largest demographic of Internet users and a target for a multitude of online predators. Child abductions and sexual assault have occurred because predators were able to access personal information through chat rooms, social media sites or online gaming sites.

For example, 36-year-old Tony Mcleod, known as the “PlayStation Predator,” lured a 14-year-old California boy to Los Angeles Airport, where the two boarded a plane to Mcleod’s home in Tampa, Florida. Mcleod and the boy had been in contact for a month, when his parents discovered that the boy had been receiving explicit texts and photos from him. The boy’s parents immediately reported him missing when he did not return from school one day. Detectives discovered that McLeod and the boy were on a flight to Tampa. When they reached the Tampa airport, McLeod was confronted by FBI officials and the boy was returned to his California home.

The PlayStation Predator is just one of many online criminals waiting to lure children away from their homes. Here are some tips for keeping your children cyber safe:

• Keep your computer visible. By placing your computer in a high-traffic area of the house, you can keep an eye on the sites your child visits and ensure that they are safe and appropriate. 
• Set rules and a password. Monitoring your child’s Internet usage and limiting the sites they visit can help you keep track of your child’s online safety. Let him or her show you what they like to do online, so you’re aware. You can also set a password to limit your child’s Internet access to when you allow it.
• Know who they’re messaging. Being aware of who your child is messaging, whether it’s through social media, email, online gaming or webcam usage, can enable you to make sure your child isn’t communicating with strangers. 
• Use Internet security options. By using these options, you can limit what websites show up on your browser. This can prevent access to questionable and explicit sites. 
• Don’t forget cellphones. TextGuard, My Mobile Watchdog and iWonder Surf, are mobile applications that can help you keep track of your child’s incoming and outgoing calls, texts, and web browsing habits. 
• Talk to your child. Make your children aware of the dangers of online predators and help them understand that by monitoring their Internet usage, you are helping to keep them safe. Keep in mind that even teens need to be reminded of Internet precautions. Encourage them to share Internet safety advice with their friends.

To learn more about Internet safety for children, visit NetSmartz.org.

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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.

Combating Cybercrime

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

June is National Internet Safety Month. This month, the National Cyber Security Alliance and many other organizations are raising awareness about Internet safety.

The Internet provides us access to limitless information, which is used by billions of consumers daily. People of all ages use this tool to research, connect with others, shop, advertise, pay bills, watch movies and more. Nearly any convenience is a few keystrokes away, but there are risks involved.

We hear daily stories of online crime, from identity theft and fraud to harassment and cyberstalking. Violent crimes, such as human trafficking and sexual assault have occurred as a result of information revealed on the Internet. Yet, many people do not realize how susceptible they are to being a victim.

Here are several ways you can protect yourself from cybercrime:

• Keep your security software updated. Having current security software can protect you from viruses, malware and other security threats. Make sure to scan any external device you plug into your computer, such as USB drives.
• Create long passwords. Keeping your passwords long, varied and unique to each account creates a stronger fortress against online criminals. Feel free to write passwords down, but remember to store them in a safe location.
• Be conscious of untrusted sites. Visiting security-enabled websites when shopping or banking and adjusting your browser settings to limit who you share information with, can help to keep your personal information secure.
• Avoid anything suspicious. Cybercriminals often use emails, posts and online advertising to access your personal information or corrupt your system. Do not forward or click on suspicious links. Delete or mark them as junk.
• Privatize social media accounts. Taking advantage of the privacy settings on your social media accounts, can prevent criminals from using your information against you. Make sure your profile is visible only to your contacts.
• Spread the word. Talk to your friends and family about Internet safety. By helping others understand how to protect themselves, you can decrease the number of cybercrimes that occur.

Following these tips can help keep you safe from online predators. To learn more about Internet safety, visit http://www.staysafeonline.org/. And remember that you can help prevent cybercrime.

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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.

Raising Awareness About Elder Abuse

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

After the death of her husband, eighty-six-year-old Mrs. Jones was befriended by Nancy, a local nurse. Since Mrs. Jones’s only family was out of state, Nancy began helping Mrs. Jones run small errands, such as grocery shopping and trips to the bank. Before long, Nancy had convinced Mrs. Jones to let her move in to help take care of her. Nancy began recommending expensive home improvements, ensuring Mrs. Jones that they were best for her. She even suggested that Mrs. Jones buy an expensive new sports car, an item Mrs. Jones had no interest in. Sometimes Nancy would lose her temper with Mrs. Jones and hit her or tell her she was useless.

A study by the National Research Council estimates that only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse ever comes to the attention of authorities - The National Center on Elder Abuse

Mrs. Jones’s case is a prime example of elder abuse. There are several different types of elder abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect and abandonment. Unfortunately, these cases often go unreported by the victim because he or she is fearful, incapable or ashamed to ask for help. Like Mrs. Jones, a victim may not even be aware that abuse is taking place.

In an effort to bring attention to this growing problem, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was established on June 15, 2006. It encourages communities to promote awareness about elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) lists several ways to get involved in the prevention of elder abuse and instructions on how to report it. Learn more about how you can help at http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/.

Signs of elder abuse may be missed by professionals working with older Americans because of lack of training on detecting abuse. The elderly may be reluctant to report abuse themselves because of fear of retaliation, lack of physical and/or cognitive ability to report, or because they don’t want to get the abuser (90% of whom are family members) in trouble.
- The National Center on Elder Abuse

Elderly victims who are physically or emotionally abused can also seek financial assistance from the California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP), which provides compensation to victims of violent crime. CalVCP provides assistance with medical and dental treatment, mental health services, income loss, funeral and burial expenses, home security, crime-scene cleanup and other crime-related expenses. If you are victim of elder abuse or would like more information about CalVCP, you can visit calvcp.ca.gov.

In 2050, it is estimated that 20% of the United States’ population will be over 65 years old, a 17% increase from 2010. This means 17% more people will be vulnerable to elder abuse. Please help to keep our elderly community safe by spreading the word and reporting abuse.

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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.

Avenues for Healing

Mental Health Services are a Vital Resource for Victims of Crime

By Robin Foemmel Bie, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and CalVCP Manager

While broken bones can be set and lacerations can be stitched up, other serious consequences of violent crime are often invisible. That is why the California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) seeks to actively address the mental health needs of crime victims.

CalVCP provided $23.5 million in assistance for the mental health treatment of victims of violent crime during fiscal year 2011-12, one-third of the total compensation provided by the program’s Restitution Fund. (Medical treatments, the fund’s only larger payment category, provided $25.2 million in assistance that year.)

"There is no one-size-fits-all approach for achieving successful mental health outcomes. Individual treatment plans tailored to each victim’s specific needs are most effective."

Eligible CalVCP claimants are able to choose any qualified mental health service provider for treatment. Crime victims are frequently connected with mental health services via victim advocates located at the Victim Witness Assistance Centers that exist across California. Additionally, county departments responsible for services such as child welfare also refer crime victims to mental health professionals, while other victims locate treatment providers through word-of-mouth.

Whatever the initial route of referral, there is no one-size-fits-all approach for achieving successful mental health outcomes. Individual treatment plans tailored to each victim’s specific needs are most effective.

Typically, treatment begins with an intake session, where the therapist documents the claimant’s personal, medical, and mental health history. During the next few sessions the therapist and claimant develop the treatment plan and goals based on the symptoms being experienced by the claimant. Sessions may be individual, family and/or group depending on the course of treatment agreed upon by the claimant and therapist. Treatment plans may be altered as therapy unfolds, and having the right fit between claimant and therapist is optimal.

In January 2013, the deadline for filing a claim with CalVCP was extended from one year after the occurrence of a violent crime to three years. The goal is to enable more victims to obtain assistance for their various post-crime needs. Compared to some physical injuries, mental health problems can manifest more slowly and last longer. The new filing deadline may be especially helpful for claimants suffering from a delayed emotional response to the crime.

CalVCP places high priority on mental health treatment, ensuring that this major — often less obvious — impact of violent crime is not forgotten.

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Robin Foemmel Bie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and works as a manager for the California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP). She has over 5 years of experience at CalVCP as the Provider Ombudsman and Manager, working with mental health and medical providers to serve victims. Prior to her work at CalVCP, Robin provided expertise on policy, networking, regulation and training for the Department of Mental Health. Robin has a Master’s Degree in Social Work with an emphasis in Health and Mental Health.

Every Child Deserves to Be Safe

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

On May 25th 1979, six-year-old Etan Patz went missing from the streets of New York, while on his way to school. His disappearance sparked national media coverage and though his body was never found, Patz was declared dead in 2001. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the anniversary of Patz’s disappearance as National Missing Children’s Day in 1983. This observance aims to highlight the problem of child abduction, promote ways to keep children safe and provide support for families of victims.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children®

 has assisted law enforcement in the recovery of more

 than 183,000 missing children since it was founded in 1984.

In the past 23 years, there has been a 35 percent increase in the number of missing children who are found. Unfortunately, 2,200 children are still reported missing daily. We can help raise awareness about child abduction and promote safety in several ways:

Stay informed. Keep yourself updated on missing children in your community. Report any sighting of a missing child to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Their hotline (1-800-843-5678) is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you have children, take the time to learn about and exercise child safety and abduction prevention and communicate safety information to your child. For example, make sure your child knows what to do if a stranger approaches. In addition, keep track of how much personal information your child reveals online. You can find more child safety tips at http://www.take25.org/.

Spread the word. Share information about missing children and exploited children with others in your community.

Join the effort. NCMEC offers three campaigns that help promote awareness about missing and exploited children. Their Take 25 Campaign, encourages families to spend 25 minutes talking to children about safety and abduction prevention. NCMEC also has a campaign that educates communities on child sexual exploitation and how to recognize it and a campaign that encourages the use of photos to help find missing children.

Learn more about the missing children in your community by visiting www.missingkids.com. Let’s work together to keep our children safe.

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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.

Official Observance Ends, Services Continue

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

As the state with the first and largest victim compensation program and national leader of victims’ rights and services, California once again honored victims, provided resources, and united communities in its commemoration of Crime Victims’ Rights Month.

Around the state, advocates and government agencies held events and distributed information and services available to victims of crime. I am proud of all our statewide partners, as well as our staff here at CalVCP on the incredible job they have done in bringing attention to this very important issue.

Here are just a few examples of the outstanding statewide efforts last month:

CalVCP Executive Officer Julie Nauman greets California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris at the Victims' Rights Rally

• Crime Survivors Awards Banquet, Orange County
• Victims’ Rights Symposium and Recognition Luncheon, LA County
• Candlelight Vigil and Resource Fair, Napa County
• Citizens of Courage Awards and Luncheon, San Diego County
• Victims’ Rights March and Rally, Orange County
• Outstanding Citizen Awards Ceremony, Sacramento County
• Justice Awards, San Francisco County
• Crime Victims’ Tribute, Yolo County
• Victims’ Rights Week March & Advocacy, San Joaquin County

I believe this year’s message, Facing New Challenges, Finding New Hope, was heard throughout California, and I’d like to share a few highlights with you. During the week of April 7, CalVCP Connection posted a series of guest blogs from crime victim experts and service providers (scroll down to read more). Later in the month we hosted our annual Victims’ Rights Rally and March in Sacramento with keynote speaker California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris. Lastly, we wrapped up the month with our first ever Victims’ Rights Digital Town Hall where Sacramento County District Attorney Jan Scully and El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson moderated discussions on human trafficking, sexual assault, domestic violence, and victim resources.

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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.