VWS Story Telling

 As we celebrate Arizona’s 100^th birthday, it seemed appropriate to look back on our own history as an agency. Victim Witness Services has a rich narrative; it illustrates service, vision and commitment.  Commitment of those associated with the Victim Witness Services has been evident since our inception.  VWS was founded by a small group of dedicated law enforcement and community members in the early 1980s and modeled after the premier Victim Assistance Program in Pima County.  The first executive director volunteered her services, training volunteer crisis responders, coordinating resources, securing community support and was “on-call” for the agency for three years during its infancy.  The initial office space was an in-kind donation from a local property owner and the first vehicle used to transport victims was donated by a local auto dealership.  There were no paid staff members.  A local attorney volunteered to complete the paperwork necessary to secure the agency’s 501c3 status.

Today, approximately 50 volunteers that includes nine interns and ten paid staff respond to the needs of crime victims during and after hours, nights, weekends and holidays responding on scene at Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC), Northern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault, Safe Child Center at FMC, the police department or at a secured crime scene.  Victim advocates work with specialized crime types of domestic violence and child abuse, adult and child sexual violence, non-domestic violence felony crimes, and with juvenile victims.  All advocates provide criminal justice support throughout a court case and offer follow-up support after the trial is over.

The Victim Compensation Program in Coconino County is supported by a dedicated board of community members and assists 70 – 80 victims each year, consistently disbursing all available funding to benefit those victims.  Additional funds, unspent by other programs throughout the state, have been requested for the past two years from the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission to compensate for funeral, medical, or behavioral health expenses and for lost wages.

Victim Witness responds to the changing needs of the community with additional programs.  With an increase in the number of cases of child abuse in the County, Victim Witness secured a federal grant through the Office of Victims of Crime to provide education and outreach for Victims of Child Maltreatment.  Last quarter alone this program reached an audience of over 5,000 including having a presence on remote tribal lands.  There was no free domestic violence support group available for victims in the area, so staff started one with seed monies from several small foundation grants, donated space, and free child care.  The agency maintains a strong “call-to-protect telephone program”, offering used cell phones for client safety planning.  A minimum of two major fundraising events are held annually.  Proceeds can pay for emergency assistance such as food, clothing, shelter or transportation for a victim, shelter for pets in a domestic violence situation, and other victim needs not covered adequately by state and federal grant sources.

Victim Witness was an early member of the Coconino County Coordinated Community Response Team to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.  An agency staff member was a founder of the Coconino County Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board and currently volunteers her time for work on a safety audit with Dr. Neil Websdale, a nationally renowned expert on domestic violence.  Victim Witness was awarded the Community Partner of the Year Award in 2010 by the NAU Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice.  The agency helps to facilitate a monthly DUI Impact Panel and a quarterly Domestic Violence Impact Panel for offenders, in conjunction with Coconino County Adult Probation.  The Executive Director is Co-chair of the local Family Advocacy Council and sits on the Coconino County Child Fatality Review Team.

The average case load for a victim advocate ranges from 50 – 100 at any given time.  Advocates also rotate as staff support for after-hours volunteer crisis responders. This may require phone or on-scene support in the middle of the night and attending court with a client the next morning.  Advocates assist in training new volunteers for the quarterly twenty hour Crisis Response Training scheduled Friday nights, and all day Saturday and Sunday.  They play an integral part in the successful prosecution of violent crimes, working closely with the detective and prosecuting attorney, while educating and supporting the victim as a trial proceeds through the court system.

The agency, staff and volunteers truly have a long history of service to crime victims in Coconino County that is professional, relevant and puts the needs of victims first.  Many of the programs and services offered through this agency are unduplicated by other victim services programs in the State.  As we look back and plan for the future, we renew our commitment to provide outstanding service to crime victims.

V-DAY 2012 

Contributed by Meg Patton         

Join us on Saturday, February 25 at the Orpheum Theater for V-Day 2012 Flagstaff’s community production of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues. Tickets are on sale now at www.orpheumpresents.com and at all Orpheum Theater ticket outlets.

This years’ show features a diverse cast of V-Day veterans and first timers! Regina Salas, a returning cast member, participates because V-Day events “contribute in eradicating all forms of violence against women.”

Excited to present “They Beat the Girl out of my Boy, or so they Tried,” Amanda Cleveland performs because “the ideas of empowerment and reclamation of women’s bodies are important. The experience is healing and cathartic.”

“The Vagina Monologues is such an important show because it brings the topics of rape, abuse and acceptance to the forefront,” said first-time director Dani Knight. “Many people have no idea what women have gone through and are going through in our world, and I am so proud to be a part of a show that opens your eyes to all of these issues.”

Cassie Melcher dedicated her performance to “all my Native American Sisters and Brothers who walk Mother Earth in an unsure gait for whatever reason, please know that you are NOT alone. The Creator is with you always.”

The show is certain to bring tears to your eyes during “My Vagina was my Village” and your sides will split from laughter during “My Angry Vagina” and you’ll never forget the moans from “The Woman who Loved to make Vaginas Happy.”

“More than anything,” said producer Meg Patton, “everyone involved with the success of V-Day 2012 will be a part of bringing an end to violence against women and girls in Flagstaff and around the world.”

V-Day is a global movement that supports anti-violence organizations throughout the world, helping them continue and expand their core work on the ground while drawing public attention to the larger fight to stop worldwide violence (including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation, sexual slavery) against women and girls. In ten years, the V-Day movement has raised over $70 million. V-Day was named one of Worth Magazine’s “100 Best Charities” in 2001 and Marie Claire’s “Top Ten Charities” in 2006.

Providing support for VWS’s services for victims of crime including domestic violence and sexual assault and presented in partnership with Northern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault – V-Day Flagstaff is VWS’s second largest annual fundraiser. Support us this year by attending the show, purchasing a raffle ticket for a Las Vegas get-a-way, or donating a silent auction item.

RELATIONSHIP SUPPORT GROUP

In 2010, Victim Witness Services received funding from UniSource that enabled us to pilot a domestic violence support group. In 2011, a Verizon Wireless Hope Grant allowed us to extend this service.  We “re-tooled” our delivery method and have established a successful model. Once a week, ten to twelve women gather to share their experience, to learn about local resources, and to heal.  This anonymous support group is open to the public and provides child care services at no cost.

Holly Hulen remarked, “The theme is relationships.  The support group is about healthy relationships. The key to this program’s success is due to strong relationships --- or, in grant lingo, “collaboration”.  This model is successful because of the dedication of several partners working together. VWS provides coordination, Hope Cottage contributes assistance with child care, NAU provides interns, Parenting Arizona contributes space, and the community offers a professional facilitator. Working together, we are able to host an on-going, weekly, support group.”

According to a 2010 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Survey, more than one in three women have experienced sexual assault, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. This study provided data on domestic violence health related issues such as depression, anxiety, low-self esteem and suicide attempts.  Research indicates that women who experience domestic violence have less personal resources, lack social support and networks, and suffer from low self esteem and depression.  Domestic Violence impacts more than the one being abused; it also impacts children.  Extensive studies have shown supportive relationships and resources for battered women are critical.  Strengthening community support and resources is one of the most effective means in helping the battered victim make difficult but positive life changes. Together, we are doing just that!

For more information, contact Victim Witness Services at 928-679-7770.

Check Out Our New Website!

If you haven’t had a chance, please check out our newly designed website. We have the same address-vwscoconino.org - but the site features a fresh look and user-friendly content. VWS  thanks Northern Arizona University’s Visual Design Class for their creative and professional service.  Special thanks to Dr. Patricia Murphey, Jes Gundy who provided the lead project management, and Kayla Bishop and Heather Ging.

Mark Your Calendars For Food, Fun & Thanks: The VWS Volunteer Summit  - April 14, 2012

Contributed by Lindsey Goss

I am happy to report that we are starting 2012 off with extremely strong volunteer support, our volunteer numbers are amazing!

Currently we have 32 active/on-call volunteers, 5 in-office/outreach volunteers, and 14 trained volunteers soon to be active and on-call, which makes for a total of 51 volunteers.  And, we have nine interns!  The Victim Witness volunteers and interns dedicate a great deal of time and hard work, thank you all for your dedication and support!  April is National Volunteer Recognition Month. In honor of all of our hardworking volunteers, the Second Annual Volunteer Summit will be held Saturday, April 14, 2012.

The Volunteer Summit is an annual event held in April to recognize the Victim Witness volunteers.  The 2012 Volunteer Summit will be held at the High Country Conference Center, breakfast will be served compliments of High Country Conference Center.  Steve Nesky, Probation Officer III, Coconino County Juvenile Court, will be our guest speaker.  Steve Nesky, founded the Academy of the Martial Way in 2009 and has earned a 5th Dan Black Belt from the World Taekwondo Federation. He is also a Probation Manager at the Coconino County Juvenile Court.  Mr. Nesky is the department’s officer safety coordinator and is a certified Lead Defensive Tactics Instructor for the AZ Supreme Court’s Officer Safety Program. He will provide training that addresses safety issues such as being aware of your personal surroundings and environment, how to de-escalate crisis situations.  The Volunteer Summit is a fun event to recognize the Victim Witness volunteers, but also is a time for the volunteers to get to know one another and enjoy good food! I will be taking pictures for new badges and will also be updating contact information.

Our volunteers are vital to the smooth operation of Victim Witness Services.  Staff would be extremely exhausted, and would probably not be running at their optimal level if they had to respond to every after hours crisis call.  The work that the Victim Witness volunteers do is so important and much needed; this volunteer commitment is unique.  Thank you to all the volunteers for everything that you do for Victim Witness Services, and your community!

KICK-A-THON TO SUPPORT VWS

The mission of the Academy of the Martial Way in Flagstaff is to use martial arts to assist our students in successfully developing their minds, bodies, and character to their fullest potentials.  Part of their philosophy is to give back to the community.  In 2011, they supported the Coconino Coalition for Children in Youth by sponsoring a 40 Developmental Assets PAWS Mountain Lion.  This year, their Kick-A-Thon will support Victim Witness Services.  All funds raised will directly benefit domestic violence and sexual assault victims.  The Kick-A-Thon is scheduled April 7^th and will be held at the Academy of the Martial Way Taekwondo Center located at 2708 N. 4th St. STE 1.

In addition, The Academy of Martial Way provides free Women's Self-Defense Seminars.  Upcoming seminar dates are March 9th, June 8th, September 7th and December 7^th.  For more information, please contact 928-600-8702 or e-mail Steve Nesky at snesky68@gmail.com.

Child Maltreatment Program

Heidi Roux, Project Director

Contributed by Athena Thomas

Victim Witness Services was one of ten agencies in the nation to receive special funding in 2010 through the Office for Victims of Crime to establish a Public Awareness and Outreach Campaign for Child Maltreatment Victims in Underserved Communities.  Child Maltreatment includes physical, sexual and psychological abuse and neglect.  Research shows that children who are exposed to violence can suffer devastating long term effects.

Heidi Roux joined the Victim Witness team to lead this project.  She travels throughout Coconino County to increase awareness of long term impacts of child maltreatment and available resources.  She has traveled to the Navajo, Hopi and Havasupai nations; making an impact in raising awareness and understanding of child maltreatment.  A “typical” outreach day for Heidi can range from attending the Project Connect event at Killip Elementary in Flagstaff to walking in the 4^th of July Parade with the Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth to conducting outreach during the Peach Festival at the bottom of a canyon in Supai. In addition to information and resources, a bright orange cloth backpack printed with the program’s logo has become an icon identified with “that great child maltreatment program”.  These backpacks, filled with information and resources, are one of the outreach items used to increase awareness.

Heidi Roux has made a big impact on people’s lives in her short time in Flagstaff.  In addition to her work at VWS, she volunteers with the United Way of Northern Arizona’s VITA Program.  Originally from El Salvador, Roux immigrated to the US in the early 1980’s, during that country’s civil war, and became a US citizen while growing up in Washington, DC.  Heidi attended George Mason University to obtain her BS in Marketing and NAU for her Masters in Business Administration.  Her past employment includes grant management for the Rape Prevention Education (RPE) Program Grant for the City of Alexandria's Office for Women.   Additionally, Roux worked with the Intervention, Prevention and Education (IPE) Grant for the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force.

Heidi ultimately decided to settle in Flagstaff in 2009 for her masters program at NAU, after which she received her position at Victim Witness Services.  Heidi has been an amazing addition to the VWS team with her infectious smile and quirky sense of humor.  During her free time, Heidi enjoys spending time with her husband hiking outdoors or watching movies on the couch.  They celebrate one year of marriage this March.