July 1, 2008 June 30, 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

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1 24-hour Crisis Intervention, Advocacy, Counseling, Safety Education Programs, Community Crisis Response, Child Abuse Treatment, Crime Victims Law Project July 1, 2008 June 30, 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

2 MISSION Our mission is to provide advocacy and counseling for all who have been affected by sexual violence and other crimes against the person and to promote sensitivity and awareness in the community through education. COUNTY PROFILE Montgomery County is the third largest county in Pennsylvania. More than 700,000 people reside in its 482 square mile area. There are 62 municipalities including numerous rural areas and major suburban communities.

3 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MESSAGE Dear Friends: Victim Services Center s role in our community is made stronger by friends and supporters like you who recognize the vital services to victims of crime that is available twenty-four hours a day. VSC offers a safety net and path to healing, said Jennifer, a victim of sexual assault who called the hotline and was accompanied to the hospital for medical exams. It s clients like Jennifer that continues to inspire and give us encouragement in a year filled with economic challenges that have affected our funding. Victim Services Center s dedicated advocates, counselors and trained volunteers worked diligently to respond to crime victims. Educational specialists have increased awareness in the community and have helped provide safety skills. As we continue to face these difficult economic times, your support and assistance will make it possible for us to remain strong. You can help VSC by becoming a Board member, volunteer or a friend/donor.

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6 CRISIS INTERVENTION AND INTAKE: 24-HOURS Crisis Intervention (24-hour Hotline) 24 hour crisis intervention via two 24-hour telephone hotlines respond to victims of crime and their significant others who are in crisis resulting from a victimization. Victims receive immediate emotional support, information, and referrals and accompaniments to hospitals and police interviews upon request. The goal of crisis intervention is the empowerment of the client to manage and reduce current stressors precipitated by the victimization. CRISIS INTERVENTION HIGHLIGHTS ( ) Staff and trained volunteers answered 1486 calls for help from victims of crime. They provided crisis counseling, emotional support, information and referrals to resources in the community. Callers were also educated on the numerous services offered by VSC. INTAKE DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS ( ) A total of 239 new clients received in-person intake assessments. 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: Sexual Violence: Other Crimes: 610-ASSIST-1 ( )

7 ADVOCACY DEPARTMENT Justice and Healing The Advocacy Department is dedicated to ensuring that each and every client is treated with the dignity, compassion, and respect that they deserve. Advocacy services include: Accompaniment to both court and the police department Crisis intervention Victim Impact Statement assistance Victims Compensation claims Notification Program registration Emotional support to the victim and their family members Referrals and additional information about the criminal justice system The advocates provide outreach and training on victimization issues to professionals in the social services system. Advocates actively strive to identify areas for service improvement not just in VSC but throughout the criminal justice system as well. Advocacy Department Highlights ( ) Advocates provided service to 3550 victims of crime and their significant others for a total of 1779 hours. 148 in person accompaniments to 160 clients. These accompaniments included 20 to hospitals, 43 to police, and 85 to court. Assisted victims in receiving $82, through the Pennsylvania Victims Compensation Assistance Program. Attended the Victims Rights Rally in Harrisburg and hosted the 19 th Annual Homicide Vigil at Freedom Hall in the Upper Merion Township building in King of Prussia. There were about 100 people in attendance. Liaison services to police departments, DA s, probation officers, the Women s Center and PCCD as well as landlords, schools, funeral homes, hospitals and mental health providers. Advocacy department received 1789 referrals from the various police departments throughout Montgomery County. The majority of the referrals still come from Norristown; however we are also receiving more and more referrals from Cheltenham, East Norriton, Lansdale, and Whitemarsh police departments. Participated in local community coalitions such as Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) and the Sexual Assault Task Force.

8 COUNSELING AND SUPPORT GROUPS Empowering Survivors COUNSELING DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS ( ) The department offered three support groups this fiscal year: Rape Survivors group - This was a closed group for previous clients. Rape Survivors group - This was an open group for new rape survivors designed to expand the group. Significant Other Support Group - This was a time limited open psychoeducational group for both parents and partners of crime victims. Topics included symptoms of trauma, support for the caregiver, specific ways to help your loved one and an overview of the criminal justice system. Worked with Market Research group to develop strategic plan for next 5 years. Interviewed a total of 13 past and present clients to get feedback on counseling program. Developed strategic plan based directly on client responses. Participated in monthly meetings for Interagency Council of Norristown. Meetings included presentations on Care for Caregivers, Strengthening Families, Housing Programs for Mental Health consumers, and the State of the District Address for Norristown Schools. The presentations allowed the counseling department to expand their referral base and to better understand the needs of the community and agencies in the Montgomery County community learned about upcoming VSC programs and events. Counselors went on 9 hospital accompaniments, and provided 2290 number of hotline minutes, with 109 hotline calls. DIRECT SERVICE OUTCOMES ( ) The Child Abuse Treatment Counselors provided therapy to 95 children. Dr. Robert Kravis, Clinical Psychologist, provided 100 hours of clinical supervision. Dr. Mary Deitch, Clinical Psychologist, provided 125 hours of clinical supervision. Ann Kubinski, MSW LSW, Counseling Services Supervisor, provided 45 hours of supervision to the Counseling Department.

9 CHILD ABUSE TREATMENT PROGRAM On-going Therapy The Child Abuse Treatment Program continues to provide services to abused children and their families. The CATP program is in its 8 th (or 9 th ) year. Eligible children are provided with play therapy for one year. This allows the child to establish a rapport with their counselor as well as provide parents with consistent feedback and support. This year the CATP program was run by two fifth-year clinical psychology doctoral interns from Widener University. They were supervised by two licensed psychologists. The students were trained to use play therapy as a way for children to learn to cope with their trauma in a healthy way. Child Sexual Abuse Treatment Program Highlights ( ) Provided free, counseling/therapy to abused children who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to process their trauma in a professional, therapeutic environment. The Family counseling/ therapy program has been implemented. Three families were seen this year. In addition, each family in the CATP program was outreached monthly to involve non offending parents in their child s treatment. Parents were invited to join in sessions when it was decided that the child could benefit from such intervention. Siblings were also invited when appropriate.

10 EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Promoting Awareness & Sensitivity HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ( ) During FY the Education Dept. presented a total of 750 programs to 16,216 participants (This is an increase of 130 programs and 2,947 participants over the previous FY). 26 programs to 628 Preschool students 313 programs to 7,436 Elementary school students 120 programs to 2,650 Middle school students 83 programs to 1,919 High school students 11 programs to 477 College students 19 programs to 192 Professionals 18 programs to 354 Community members 1 programs to 12 Senior Citizen participants 159 programs to 2,548 Safety Ranger participants OUTCOMES FOR Pre-school & Elementary school students: Are able to distinguish between safe/appropriate touches and unsafe/inappropriate touches. Understand what Secret Touching Means. Learned to say NO! assertively, GO! to a safe place, and can identify multiple adults that they trust to TELL! Students have practiced these rules, and are able to repeat and practice them on their own. Middle School students: Understand their schools policy on sexual harassment (SH), as well as the disciplinary actions that can result. Learned the definition of SH, and can at least four different types of SH. Are able to identify and discuss actions that they can take to stop SH in their schools and communities. Can identify ways that they can reduce their risk of being a victim of SH. Become aware of several applicable resources available to them if they or someone they know is a victim of SH.

11 High School & College students: Learned the statistical prevalence of Sexual Violence (SV). Understand the definition of SV, and can discuss reasons why a person cannot legally consent to sexual activity. Explored common myths regarding SV, and discussed SV facts. Are able to identify several actions that can take to reduce their risk of becoming a victim of SV. Become aware of several applicable resources available to them if they or someone they know is a victim of SV. Professionals: Are able to appropriately respond to a disclosure of sexual abuse from/of a child. Understand their legal and ethical obligations as a mandated reporter, as well as the appropriate steps to take. Become aware of several applicable resources available if they or someone they know is a victim of child sexual assault. Parents: Understand appropriate ways to respond to a disclosure of sexual abuse from a child. Learned how to discuss safe/unsafe touches with their children. Understand the importance of VSC education programs for their child(ren). Become aware of several applicable resources available if they or someone they know is a victim of a crime. Senior Citizens: Understand several different types of crimes that uniquely affect their community. Discuss common myths about crime victims. Education Department (cont.) Learned practical steps that they can take if they or someone they know is a victim of a crime. Become aware of several applicable resources available if they or someone they know is a victim. SAFETY RANGERS Safety Rangers is a 10 session after school program that teaches children the skills they need to protect themselves from abusive or potentially dangerous situations. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SAFETY RANGERS ( ) Presented 159 programs to 2,548 students at the following schools: Arrowhead Elementary Audubon Elementary Eagleville Elementary Woodland Elementary Worcester Elementary Happy R Wee Day Care Spring Valley YMCA Royersford Goddard School Caley Elementary Bridgeport Elementary Spring City Elementary Bright Beginnings Preschool and Day Care Pottstown YMCA

12 VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT This fiscal year, VSC recruited and trained seven (7) new volunteers. VSC volunteers receive specific training to provide services to victims of crime and their families. This training is called the Sexual Assault Counselor (SAC) Training, and is an intensive 65-hour training which includes topics such as: Sexual Assault, Harassment and Date Rape PTSD Counseling techniques Diversity Child sexual abuse and mandated reporting Victim s Rights Victim s Compensation The Legal System Forensic Rape Exam Elder Abuse After completing the course and passing a final exam, the volunteers are PA State Certified Sexual Assault Crisis Counselors. They can now assist victims of crime and their families by providing crisis counseling, information about VSC services and referrals to other appropriate agencies via VSC s 24-hour crisis hotline. Volunteers also provide accompaniments to hospitals and police stations for victims of sexual assault. Volunteers attend quarterly dinner meetings with the Volunteer Coordinator and other staff to discuss procedures and refresh their skills, as well as get updates on VSC policies and any new information that is available. VSC volunteers include working and retired adults as well as graduate and undergraduate students. VSC Volunteers for FY Diane Budman Volunteer since 1998 Wendy Craffey Volunteer since 2007 Magda Dineen Volunteer since 2005 Dave Douglass Volunteer since 2004 Lauren Gambale Volunteer since 2008 Jillian Geld Volunteer since 2008 Shirley Haughton Volunteer since 1999 Stacy Kaminski Volunteer since 2008 Heather Kattalia Volunteer since 2008 Jessica McClure Volunteer since 2008 Pauline McGibbon Volunteer since 2008 Lynn Panepinto Volunteer since 2007 Maggie Place Volunteer since 2008 Katrice Washington Volunteer since 2002 Lauren Whiteman Volunteer since 2006

13 Volunteer Department Highlights Direct Service The Volunteer Department provided a total of 10,920 minutes of direct service to victims of Crime: 8,400 minutes of direct service they provided to victims of sexual crimes; 1,740 minutes of direct service to victims of nonsexual crimes; 720 minutes of direct service were dedicated to those who were not victims or significant others of victims. Volunteers worked a total of 2,388.5 hours covering VSC s 24-hour crisis hotline. Volunteers went on 22 Hospital Accompaniments with victims of sexual assault. Serving a total of 36 clients at these accompaniments. Total time spent on Hospital Accompaniments came to 6,060 minutes. Volunteers Attending Trainings, Activities and Events Completed a total of 14 hours of training on volunteer procedures. Attended and assisted at two agency events; Zooapalooza and Matty Muir Awards And Volunteer Recognition dinner and the Homicide Vigil Completed 48 hours of attending special events, including but not limited to: community events, college job/internship/volunteer fairs, awareness days, etc. Where they talked to the public about VSC and gave out agency information. Volunteers Assisting VSC Staff Natasha Kline, a volunteer, assisted the Advocacy Department with in-office activities, including but not limited to: client follow-up, Permission Slip Program outreach, filing cases, taking in-house hotline calls, accompanying clients to court (with staff supervision) and providing accompaniments to hospitals for victims of sexual assault. Natasha completed a total of 84 hours of in-office volunteering. Stacy Kaminski completed an internship with VSC working in both the Volunteer Department and Education Department. Stacy worked a total of hours in-office as well as took hotline shifts over-night and on weekends. Stacy s work included assisting Education staff with programs, helping to recruit volunteers at table-sits, special projects and general office work.

14 STAFF AND COMMUNITY EVENTS

15 STAFF AND COMMUNITY EVENTS

16 18 West Airy Street Norristown, PA Hour Crisis Hotline: Business Telephone: Sexual Violence: Fax: Other Crimes: 610-ASSIST-1