MAC e-update
April 2012
MAC NEWS
MAC is planning upcoming trainings. On April 27th, during National Crime Victims’ Rights
Week (NCVRW), we will be co-hosting a training with the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office
(RCAO) on “PTSD in the Criminal Justice System.” The training is free and will take place at the
Ramsey County Courthouse from 8:30 to 12:00. Space is limited and priority will be given to
MAC members and RCAO staff. Please email MAC at ed@mnallianceoncrime.org to reserve a
seat. CLE and POST credits are pending. Many of the top experts in the state will be speaking
about PTSD and offering advice on working with people who many have PTSD symptoms. A
short article about the training appeared in the Star Tribune on April 18th:
http://www.startribune.com/local/east/147842805.html
We are also collaborating with other groups to bring you trainings on topics such as drunk
driving, immigrant issues, and chemical dependency issues in victims.
The webinar we hosted on March 30th, State v. Obeta: Using Expert Witnesses to Counter Rape
Myths, was a success. Thanks to our terrific presenters, Tom Ragatz, Kaarin Long, and Caroline
Palmer. MAC would like to offer more webinars. If you have any topics or speakers in mind, let
us know!
MAC has two listserv discussion groups. MAC encourages our member programs to continue
to use the member listserv discussion group as a resource for tapping into the knowledge and
experience of your colleagues around the state. You may also use this listserv discussion to
announce events in your area. To post a message to the group, please email MAC at
ed@mnallianceoncrime.org. We will moderate your message and then post it anonymously to
the group.
MAC also has a list for non-members who would like to receive our monthly e-updates. This list
is open to anyone working on crime victim issues in Minnesota including advocates,
prosecutors, law enforcement, state employees, non-profits, and academia. If you know
someone who would like to sign up for the non-member listserv, they can either email me or
sign up on our home page: www.mnallianceoncrime.org.
Visit MAC at the U.S. Attorney’s Office Second Annual NCVRW Resource Fair. The United
States Attorney’s Office is hosting a resource fair on April 24th from 10-2 at the U.S. Courthouse
Lobby in Minneapolis.
Visit MAC at OJP’s annual conference. MAC will once again be holding a silent auction at OJP’s
annual crime victim conference. We have many great items for you to bid on. We still
welcome any donations for the auction! The silent auction will be held on May 30-31 in the
Dutch Room. In addition to the silent auction, MAC will be hosting a wine and cheese reception
on May 31 from 5:30-7:00 in the Dutch Room. Please also stop by the MAC table at the
resource fair.
Join MAC’s Team and Walk like MADD. MAC has formed a team to participate in MADD’s June
9th 5K, Walk like MADD in St. Paul. We would love for you to join us. Click here to view MAC’s
team page:
http://support.madd.org/site/TR?team_id=75302&pg=team&fr_id=2963&et=DHc5ihtgbczxmCK6Rg8Bg&s_tafId=34230
Our next board meeting will be on May 4, at the MAC office in St. Paul at 9:00.
As always, if you have any suggestions for MAC, we welcome your input!
Kelly Moller, Executive Director
ed@mnallianceoncrime.org
612-940-8090, 866-940-8090
NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK
National Crime Victims' Rights Week
NCVRW will be observed April 22-28, 2012. "Extending the Vision: Reaching Every Victim" is the
theme. The resources guide is available online http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/
Activities of our member programs and others
Stearns, Benton and Sherburne County Crime Victims’ Rights Week Committee (Tri-County
Crime Victims’ Right’s Week Committee) received a NCVRW CAP grant to host a Teen Event to
be held at the Becker Community Center on Sunday April 22 from 1-5. Teens ages 13-18 are
welcome to attend. There will be a MADD crash car, DJ, inflatables, door prizes, refreshments,
and workshops on teen issues. For more information, email justforteens2012@gmail.com
The same committee will also host an Evening of Remembrance on Thursday April 26, 2012 at
the St. Cloud Police Department from 6:00-8:00 PM to honor and remember crime victims and
service providers. This event will include a keynote on General Crime Victimization, victim
testimonials, informational booths and refreshments.
Kandiyohi County Victim Services is partnering with Safe Avenues to recognize sexual assault
awareness month and NCVRW. They have many activities planned for April including the
following: recognition of professionals in the community who work with victims every day; a
silhouette campaign around town; a teal and black lapel ribbon campaign; and outreach to faith
communities.
Governor Dayton and members of the Legislature wore ribbons made by Safe Avenues and
Kandiyohi County Victim Services.
Parents of Murdered Children will be holding its 14th annual crime victims’ rights week brunch
at the Bloomington Embassy Suites Hotel. This year’s speaker is Patrick Poirier, Katie Poirer’s
brother. There will also be a silent auction. For details about the event, please call Jim Lym at
(651) 484-0336.
Letter to the Editor/Commentary. The Rice County Attorney's Office submitted a commentary
to the Faribault Daily News about NCVRW. To read the published commentary, follow this link:
http://www.southernminn.com/faribault_daily_news/features/article_0f265655-747a-5fcb999b-e71815f750d4.html
If a NCVRW article appears in your paper, please send MAC the link.
MADD Victim Plaque Ceremony in Olmsted County will take place on April 26 from 7-8 p.m. at
the Olmsted County Government Center. All are invited to remember those lost to drunk or
impaired driving. Call 507-282-9401 if you have any questions.
Eighth Annual Art of Recovery April 20-June 29
The eighth annual Art of Recovery exhibition will open in St. Paul Friday, April 20 and remain on
display in the Arts Board office gallery until Friday, June 29. The visual arts exhibition will be
part of the Saint Paul Art Crawl on April 27–29. Art of Recovery features visual and literary
artwork by Minnesotans who have been victims of crime and have used art as a means to
respond, explore, express or heal. Selected literary artists will be invited to participate in a
reading of their written work at the Arts Board on Sunday, April 29. Visit the Arts Board website
for more information: http://www.arts.state.mn.us/aor/2012/
NCVRW Movie
In conjunction with the kick-off of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, GMC TV, will present
the GMC World Premiere Movie Heaven’s Rain, on Sunday, April 22 at 7 & 9 pm EST. Heaven’s
Rain, starring Brooks Douglass, Mike Vogel and Taryn Manning, is a true story that tells of one
man’s mission to gain legal revenge for the unjust and illegal acts his family suffered and who
ultimately found forgiveness and who became, and continues to be, a champion for victims’
rights. Please visit www.watchgmctv.com/heavensrain to watch the trailer and download a
free excerpt from the Discussion Guide.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED
Grant Reviewers Needed
The Office of Justice Programs, Crime Victim Grants Unit is looking for crime victim service
providers, law enforcement personnel, county and city attorneys, social service workers, youth
workers, juvenile justice service providers, public health specialists, evaluators, state agency
representatives, parents, educators, civic, business, and faith community members, and other
community members to be part of the grant proposal review process for the Minnesota 2013
Crime Victim Services grants. Proposal applicants are also welcome to be reviewers. OJP
expects to need approximately 100 reviewers. OJP will be conducting a 2-week proposal review
process from April 30 – May 14, 2012. Each reviewer will read and rate approximately 10
proposals that will be sent out by mail. Review sheets need to be completed on-line using
Survey Monkey at any time during the 2-week review period. To avoid conflicts of interest,
reviewers will be sent proposals from geographic areas other than their own, and will be asked
to assess each application in their packet for a potential conflict of interest.
If you are interested in being a part of this process, please complete the short Proposal
Reviewer Application and send it to OJP by April 20, 2012:
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp/formsdocuments/Documents/cvs/proposalreviewerapplication.pdf
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Chris Anderson at 612-201-7302 or
chris.anderson@state.mn.us.
MADD is seeking the help of teens
MADD is asking teens to take a stand and create a short video to encourage their peers to avoid
drinking alcohol and never get in a car with someone who's been drinking. The top five finalists
will each win a new iPad and a spot in the National Teen Influencer Group made up of teens
from across the nation interested in helping tackle this problem. Deadline is April 27 th. For
more information, see: www.madd.org/powerofyouth
College scholarships available for children who have lost a parent or sibling to homicide
Please help spread the word that the Peyton Tuthill Foundation (www.Peytontuthill.org)
is accepting applications through May 30, 2012 for college scholarships that will be awarded in
July 2012 to children who have lost a sibling or parent to homicide. Applications can be
downloaded at http://www.peytontuthill.org/Scholarships.html
Written Testimony on Children’s Exposure to Violence
This fall, the Attorney General’s National Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence (the
“Defending Childhood Task Force”) will provide a final report and high-level recommendations
to the Attorney General that will serve as a blueprint for addressing children’s exposure to
violence. To accomplish this goal, we need your direct input now through written testimony.
We need to hear both from individual community members and from organizations working
with children and families who have experienced violence in order to understand what services
and interventions are currently in place, to identify what is missing, and to determine what
must change to better prevent and address children’s exposure to violence. Please submit
written testimony―as an individual or on behalf of an organization―by the deadline of April
24, 2012. For more information: http://www.justice.gov/defendingchildhood/task-force.html
UPCOMING TRAININGS, WEB FORUMS, AND OTHER EVENTS
National Child Protection Training Center Monthly Webinars
The National Child Protection Training Center is offering monthly webinars the third Thursday
of every month at 2:00 p.m. Upcoming trainings include on April 19: How Do I Defend My
Interview in Court and on June 21: Domestic Violence and Child Abuse in Divorce and Custody
Cases. For more information and to register, visit:
http://www.ncptc.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7bE0F44F9C-4631-4714-BBADAD510CB5C6F7%7d
CLE on Bias Against the LGBT Community in the Criminal Justice System
Offered by Hamline University School of Law on April 25, 2012, Room 105, from 4:15-6:00 p.m.
The cost is free and 1 elimination of bias credit is pending. The sponsors are Stonewall Alliance
and the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association. Contact Alyssa Smith at
asmith21@hamlineuniversity.edu for details.
"Military and Veteran Cultural Competence for Civilian Attorneys and Legal Advocates"
webinar
The Battered Women’s Justice Project (BWJP) is pleased to announce a webinar on military and
veteran structure and culture for attorneys and legal advocates who deal with military-related
survivors of intimate partner violence. The webinar will be held on Wednesday, April 25, 2012,
3:00pm-4:30pm Eastern Time. This webinar is open to OVW GTEAP Grantees, LAV Grantees,
and to Law School Clinics. Check out www.bwjp.org for more information.
Demand the Change for Children: Leap Forward for Prevention Event
This event will be held on April 28th at the Mall of America Rotunda from 10-5. There will be a
lot of entertainment and games for children. For more details, visit:
http://demandthechange.wordpress.com/demand-the-change-for-children/
MADD Events
MADD has launched the Power of Parents, It’s Your Influence® program. The goal of this
program is to educate parents about the dangers of underage drinking and give them the tools
they need to start talking with their kids about alcohol. April 21, PowerTalk 21® day, is the
national day for parents to start talking with their kids about alcohol. In preparation for
PowerTalk21, parents can get tips and conversation starters, download the parent handbook
and find a free 30-minute parent workshop at www.madd.org/powertalk21.
MADD’s Power of Parents program will be featured in the April 22nd episode of Dateline NBC’s
“My Kid Would Never Do That” series.
Immigrant Law Center Training for Professionals on Immigration Law and Policy
The training will be held on April 24th from 10:00 to 3:00 at the Marshall Fire House. The
training will cover an overview of current immigration law and policy, including how the
immigration system works, means of obtaining permanent residence status, barriers to
obtaining permanent resident status, deportation and removal, and current policy issues, as
well as immigration remedies for vulnerable immigrant populations such as crime victims and
children. This training is geared toward those who interact with immigrants, refugees, and their
families in a professional capacity, such as local law enforcement, prosecutors, victim
advocates, social workers, health care workers, educators and faith leaders. Visit www.ilcm.org
for more information.
Webinar: Beyond Monitoring: System Accountability for Sexual Assault Cases
This Webinar, sponsored by WATCH, will be held on April 24th at 1:00. The presenter is Laura
Jones, attorney and CourtWatch Manager at King County Sexual Assault Resource Center
This is a follow-up to Laura's inspiring presentation in 2010 on how their Sexual Assault
Protection Order monitoring project got started.
For more information, please email khovde@watchmn.org or 612-341-2747, ext. 2
Conference on Child Maltreatment
The American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS) invites you to the 1st
Annual Conference on Child Maltreatment, Welfare and Dependency: Abandonment, Neglect
and Abuse Including Scalded and Shaken Baby, and Other Forms of Child Abuse on April 25,
2012 from 8:30am-4:30pm. The conference will provide an overview of the federal and state
laws that govern the work of child protective services, the courts, and alternatives to
dependency proceedings. This conference will also focus on Minnesota specific laws related to
the child welfare system. The cost of this training is $50.00. CEUs/CLEs/POST Credits Offered:
6.5 hours. The location is the Holiday Inn East in St. Paul. To register: call Jerrod Brown at 651734-5517 or email Jerrod01Brown@Hotmail.com
Webinar: How Understanding and Responding to Children's Sexual Behaviors Can Prevent
Child Sexual Abuse
Hosted by Stop It Now!, this webinar will cover how to determine whether sexual behaviors in
children are age-appropriate and how to respond to behaviors that are outside of what you
would expect to see in children of various ages. This session is particularly appropriate for
professionals who work with families or children, including child care providers, home visitors,
teachers, and staff of youth serving organizations. The focus is on pre-pubescent children. It
will be held on April 25th from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET. See www.stopitnow.org for
registration.
Minnesota Indian Women's Sexual Assault Coalition
The Coalition is hosting the 6th Annual Restoring the Sacred Trails of Our Grandmothers:
Strengthening Our Circle to End Sexual Violence on April 26-27 in Bloomington. For more
information: www.miwsac.org.
Sexual Violence Prevention Network Meeting/webstream: Engaging Spiritual Communities in
Preventing Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 2, 2012, from 10:30-1:30 at the Snelling Office
Park in St. Paul. You are invited to explore a new model to engage spiritual communities in
preventing child sexual exploitation and abuse: a Spiritual Communities Prevention Tree. You
will experience how the model works, how it was used in three test communities, and how a
spiritual community – yours or others with which you work – can make use of it. Registration is
required.
http://www.health.state.mn.us/injury/topic/svp/implement/network/registration/index.cfm?g
cMeetID=56
FREEDOM, HERE + NOW: Ending Modern Slavery
On May 8th, 12:30 - 5:30pm at the Ted Mann Concert Hall, this presentation will feature
remarks by U.S. State Department Ambassador Luis CdeBaca with a global perspective on antitrafficking efforts, and Marilyn Carlson Nelson, chairman and former CEO of Carlson, a global
leader in anti-trafficking training and protocols in its hotels around the world. In addition, two
moderated, interactive panel discussions will reflect on the realities and solutions to human
trafficking internationally and right here in Minnesota. The afternoon will conclude with the
Minnesota premiere of the film, Not My Life, the first documentary to depict the horrifying and
dangerous practices of human trafficking and modern slavery on a global scale. Director Robert
Bilheimer will be on hand to introduce the film.
http://may8freedom.eventbrite.com/
Free CLE Webinars sponsored by the MN Sentencing Guidelines Commission
The commission has several free CLE’s scheduled, including on May 9, entitled Sentence
Modifiers (e.g. Attempt and Conspiracy); June 12 on Consecutive Sentencing, June 13 on Plea
Agreements, and June 14 on Hernandizing. All Webinars begin at 11:30. For more information,
please contact Linda McBrayer at 651-757-1728 or at linda.mcbrayer@state.mn.us
CLE – MNCASA Expert Testimony Institutes
Registration for the Expert Testimony Institute is open for Redwood Falls, May 17 and 18.
The Expert Testimony Institutes sponsored by the Sexual Violence Justice Institute at the
Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault are for prosecutors, healthcare providers and sexual
assault advocates. The two-day training includes classroom training as well as preparation and
practice in a mock hearing. CLE credits are provided. To read more about this program go to:
http://www.mncasa.org/svji_expert_testimony.html Two more institutes will be held in Grand
Rapids and St. Paul later this year. For more information and to register contact
melia@mncasa.org
CLE on Human Trafficking in Minnesota: A Hidden Crime
This CLE will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2012, 8:30 A.M. - 11:40 A.M. (3.0 CLE applied for) at
the Hennepin County Bar Association. For more information on the speakers and cost, and to
register:
https://www.hcba.org/Calendar/Signup.aspx?EventNo=4174
OJP’s Annual Crime Victim Conference
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Justice Programs, will hold its annual
conference on crime and victimization on May 30 – June 1, 2012 at Cragun’s Conference Center
in Brainerd. The theme is Technology: Transforming Our Lives, Transforming Our Work. MAC
will be hosting a wine and cheese reception and silent auction at the conference. For more
information about the conference, and to register: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp/trainingand-communication/Pages/2011-conference-on-crime-and-victimization.aspx
Serving Survivors with Disabilities and Deaf Survivors: Practical Guidance and Information for
Advocates and Others Working to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
VERA Institute’s Accessing Safety Initiative Web Conference Series includes a web conference
on May 15th, “Tools to Assess Your Agency’s Accessibility” at 2:00. Please visit
https://veracvs.ilinc.com to register.
The Women of Color and Native Women’s Leadership Institute
The conference will be held on May 18, 2012, from 7 am to 4:30 pm. The Institute
provides opportunities to build upon gifts to grow positive influence through networking,
mentoring and skill building. The Women of Color and Native Women’s Leadership Council
envisions a day of hope and safety for families and communities in Minnesota. We envision
Women of Color and Native Women members’ roles as strong advocates and leaders for
women and children within diverse communities. For more information, please contact Lani
Suarez at msuarez@mcbw.org
Strong Foundations: Minnesota's Birth to Three Institute for Healthy Development
Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota and the Center for Early Education and Development are
sponsoring this institute on May 30-31st at the Earle Browne Heritage Center in Minneapolis.
The purpose of this institute is to strengthen the knowledge, skills, strategies, and alliances of
those who work with expectant families, infants, toddlers, parents and communities to build a
strong foundation for healthy development. For more information and to register, please visit
http://www.cehd.umn.edu/ceed/conferences/strongfoundations/default.html
SAVE THE DATE
Minnesota Victim Assistance Academy
The Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Programs is now accepting applications for
Foundations in Victim Services and Critical Analysis of Victim Assistance, Tracks 1 and 2 of the
Minnesota Victim Assistance Academy (to be held in August in St. Cloud). The deadline to apply
is April 20th. For more information about the academy:
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp/training-and-communication/Pages/track1.aspx
NCVLI’s Annual Crime Victim Law Conference
NCVLI's 11th Annual Crime Victim Law Conference, Enhancing Justice: Empowerment Through
Victims' Rights, will be June 8-9, 2012 in Portland, Oregon.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
On June 13th from 8-5, there will be a day of training at William Mitchell in recognition of World
Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The event is free. WEAAD is an annual event designed to bring
concerned people together to discuss best practices for preventing and responding to the
maltreatment of vulnerable adults in Minnesota and across the world. The conference offers
unique training opportunities and information about resources, programs, and agencies to
assist when maltreatment of a vulnerable adult is suspected or becomes apparent. Registration
is now open, and will close upon capacity or on May 1st , whichever occurs first. To register:
http://surveys.dhs.state.mn.us/surveylogin.asp?k=133236125291
NCPTC Teachable Safety Skills: Replacing Myths with Facts webcast
For parents, teachers, youth leaders, communities, this webcast will tell you the following:
How do I talk to children about personal safety without scaring them to death? This
presentation provides current information about various safety concerns children and teens are
facing today, both in-person and online, and how to educate youth on those concerns in a
positive way. This webcast is available in June for free. For more information:
http://jwrc.org/SpeakersandWebinars/WebcastsWebinars/tabid/212/Default.aspx
NCPTC Prevention and the Child Protection Professional: Implementing Effective Child Abuse
Prevention Programs.
This national conference is designed for child abuse prosecutors, investigators and other child
protection professionals. This three-day course will assist professionals in recognizing the
factors in their communities contributing to child abuse, and expose them to numerous
evidence-based prevention programs that can be implemented in their communities. This
conference will be held on July 9-11 at the Mall of America.
http://www.ncptc.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7b65688ED4-0EC8-4683-8CA322F903A2CE1D%7d
National Call to Action Institute and Conference
The Women of Color Network (WOCN) is excited to announce the 2012 National Call to Action
Institute and Conference scheduled for July 9-13, 2012 in Minneapolis. The theme for this
ground-breaking experience is “Collective Empowerment, Collective Liberation.” For more
information, see www.womenofcolornetwork.org
Children’s Defense Fund National Conference
On July 22–25, 2012, the Children’s Defense Fund will sponsor, “Pursuing Justice for Children
and the Poor With Urgency and Persistence: A Community and Youth Empowerment
Conference,” in Cincinnati, Ohio. The conference will present the latest research findings, best
practices, community-building models, and empowerment strategies to meet the needs of
children and the poor, including a focus on diminishing child and youth involvement in the
juvenile justice system. For more information about the conference, visit
www.childrensdefense.org/national-conference/index.html.
15th Annual Shutting off the Tap to Teens and Young Adults
This presentation on environmental strategies to prevent alcohol abuse, will be held on Thurs.
8/16 8:30-3 at Bunker Hills Golf Course in Coon Rapids. There is a $30 registration fee. The
event is sponsored by MN Prevention Resource Center. For more info: Kevin Spading 763-4275310 x142 or kspading@miph.org
NCVC’s National Conference
NCVC’s conference will be held in New Orleans on September 19-21, 2012.
Bridging the Gap – Creating a Community of Support for Survivors with Disabilities
Conference
On October 31, 2012 through November 1, 2012 – Louisville, KY, the Bridging the Gap: Creating
a Community of Support for Survivors with Disabilities conference will highlight promising
practices for serving survivors with disabilities; explore emerging issues at the intersection of
violence and disability; and foster networking among those working to end violence against
people with disabilities. For more information: http://www.lafasa.org/1/post/2010/03/oct-31nov-1-2012-bridging-the-gap-conference.html
RESOURCES AND FYI
What Judges Think
“Judges Tell: What I Wish I Knew Before I Presided In An Adult Victim Sexual Assault Case,”
includes information on counterintuitive victim behavior and the importance of expert
testimony to explain certain behaviors to a jury.
http://www.legalmomentum.org/our-work/vaw/njep-reports-and-resources/judges-tell.pdf
Bill Tracking
In addition to tracking bills through the legislature’s website, you can follow some bills on the
Governor’s website, which contains information on the various bills that have been sent to him
for his signature: http://mn.gov/governor/policy/legislation/
Information for Male Sexual Assault Survivors
The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in
childhood live healthier, happier lives. Our mission also includes serving family members,
friends, and partners by providing information and support resources on the web and in the
community. The website is www.1in6.org.
Prevention Workshops Available From the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center
JWRC has speakers available for trainings for a variety of audiences: children, teens, parents,
teachers, and anyone else who lives and works around children. Donations are gratefully
accepted, but presentations are free within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Some
prevention workshops include:
•
Teachable Safety Skills: Replacing Myths with Facts
•
Empower Me!
•
Protecting Your Online Footprint
•
Internet and Cell Safety 101
•
Community Notification Meetings
http://jwrc.org/SpeakersandWebinars/WorkshopDescriptions/tabid/208/Default.aspx
New Online Course on Bullying Prevention Available
The National Center for School Engagement, in collaboration with the Partnership for Families
and Children, has released the online course, “Getting Serious: A Best Practice Approach to
Bullying Prevention.” The course provides an overview of bullying concepts and trends,
highlights the links between school climate and bullying, and introduces best practices in
bullying prevention. Registration is available online
http://partnershipuniversity.org/new-course-getting-serious-best-practice-approach-bullyingprevention-0
Rice County’s April Consumer Advisory
This information is available on MAC’s website: http://www.mnallianceoncrime.org/resources
To schedule a free fraud seminar, contact Vanessa Eng, Victim Services Coordinator, Rice
County Attorney's Office at 507-332-5934.
The National Plan to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation
The report shows that Child Sexual Abuse/Exploitation often happens in conjunction with other
types of abuse and violence, and can have long-term, psychological impacts. The National Plan
identifies action steps in several key areas, including research, ending the public demand for
sexual exploitation, increasing public awareness and collaborative practices and funding. Link
to: www.preventtogether.org/nationalplan2012
Article about Lethality Assessments in MN Domestic Violence cases
For an article about assessments being implemented in Chisago County:
http://www.chisagocountypress.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=15765
Statistics about child support in Minnesota
The Child Support Index is published by MN House Public Information Services
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessionweekly/image.asp?ls_year=87&issueid_=91&storyid
=3011&year_=2012&imagenum=1
Article: American Indian adolescent girls: Vulnerability to sex trafficking, intervention
strategies. Pierce, A. (2012).
The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center offers harm reduction programming to at-risk
adolescent American Indian girls, including outreach, case management, advocacy, healthy
sexuality education, and support groups. To evaluate program impact, participants are assessed
at intake and every 6 months afterward for current vulnerability to commercial sexual
exploitation, violence, and addiction. Evaluation results indicate frequent exposure to sex
traffickers and suggest that harm reduction methods can help girls reduce risk of commercial
sexual exploitation.
http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/PublicHealth/research/centers/CAIANH/journal
/Documents/Volume%2019/19(1)_3_Pierce_Trafficking.pdf
Article on stopping teen dating violence:
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/03/professional-help-5-ways-to-stop-datingviolence-among-teens/253884/
In an article published on The Atlantic’s Web site on March 9, 2012, University of New
Hampshire’s Sherry Hamby provides practical advice on how to stop teen dating violence.
Hamby based her article on research from the National Survey of Children’s Exposure to
Violence (NatSCEV), a project sponsored by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
Prevention.
National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will observe National Children's Mental
Health Awareness Day on May 9, 2012. This year's observance will promote recovery and
resilience for children and youth in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. To see what
other states are planning, follow this link:
http://www.samhsa.gov/children/communityevents_2012.asp
Past Department Of Justice Seminars
The federal Office of Justice Programs has its past seminars online. The most recent program,
Violent Repeat Victimization: Prospects and Challenges for Research and Practice, will be
available online soon. Here is a description of that program: Research tells us that a relatively
small fraction of individuals experience a large proportion of violent victimizations. Thus,
focusing on reducing repeat victimization might have a large impact on total rates of violence.
However, research also tells us that most violent crime victims do not experience more than
one incident during a six-month or one-year time period. As a result, special policies to prevent
repeat violence may not be cost-effective for most victims.
Dr. Lauritsen will summarize existing research on repeat violent victimization, both here in the
United States and abroad. She will provide new findings from the National Crime Victimization
Survey about the potential impact that reducing repeat victimization might have on rates of
violence in the U.S. She will discuss possible factors that can be used to predict whether
victimization is likely to be repeated and suggest how such information can inform policy and
practice. She will also discuss several factors, such as persistent exposure to offenders, that
appear to be unique to repeat victimization and most relevant to developing effective policies
and practices. The recordings are at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/events/research-realworld.htm
Improving the Justice System Response to Witness Intimidation
Violent criminals routinely escape justice by intimidating the witnesses to their crimes.
Intimidation crimes range from crude to complex and when successful, escape the purview of
the justice system which allows the criminal behavior to continue unchecked. The pervasive
nature of these crimes is devastating to victims and a community's confidence in the justice
system's ability to keep victims safe and hold offenders accountable. AEquitas' special
initiative, Improving the Justice System Response to Witness Intimidation (Initiative on Witness
Intimidation/IWI), is a field-initiated project funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of
Justice Programs. Begun in September of 2010, IWI's mission is to improve the quality of justice
in intimidation cases by developing, evaluating and refining justice system practices that raise
community awareness and increase victim safety and offender accountability. The IWI is
currently operating in three (3) pilot sites including Duluth, Minnesota. For additional
information related to IWI, please contact Rhonda Martinson at
RMartinson@AEquitasResource.org.
GRANTS
OJP Crime Victim Services 2013 Grant
The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit applications for funding to provide
direct services to crime victims in Minnesota for the 12-month grant period of October 1, 2012
to September 30, 2013. These funds are not intended for new start-up programs/organizations.
The deadline is April 24th. For more information, including the upcoming bidder's conferences,
frequently asked questions and application writing tips, visit
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp/grants/Pages/default.aspx.
OJP frequently updates their FAQs, so be sure to check periodically for answers to questions
you may have.
Youth in the Juvenile Justice System
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the John D. and
Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation will support the participation of eight states in a $1 million
effort targeting the behavioral health needs of youth in contact with the juvenile justice system.
The project works to divert youth with behavioral health conditions from the juvenile justice
system to community-based programs and services. The states will be competitively selected
based on their commitment to improving policies and programs for these youth. For more
information or to receive an application, contact SAMHSA’s David DeVoursney, at
david.devoursney@samhsa.hhs.gov.
OVCTTC consultant
https://www.ovcttac.gov/views/dspLegalAssistance.cfm
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Office for Victims of
Crime (OVC) is pleased to announce that it is accepting Statements of Interest from qualified
non-profit organizations and individual subject matter experts that are interested in
participating in a national initiative to enhance legal assistance to crime victims.
Financial Fraud and Abuse Fellowship for individuals
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Office for Victims of
Crime (OVC) is pleased to announce that it is seeking applications for funding under the fiscal
year (FY) 2012 Victim Assistance Professional Development Fellowship Program. This program
furthers the Department’s mission by supporting a fellowship position to assist OVC in its
mission to advance victims’ rights and services through training, technical assistance, and public
awareness activities. OVC will support a fellowship in the area of financial fraud and abuse with
a specific focus on financial abuse and exploitation of older individuals and others whose abuse
may be co-occurring with other types of victimization. The deadline is May 1.
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/grants/pdftxt/FY2012_VictimAsstProfessionalDevelopment.pdf
2012 Victims of Human Trafficking Fellowship Program
The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is pleased to announce the release of a new competitive
solicitation. Applications must be submitted by May 10, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. eastern time,
through Grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov. This OVC program will award one cooperative
agreement of up to $135,000 for an individual to work onsite in Washington, D.C., as an OVC
Fellow, for a 12-month project period. The program is designed to span 3 years. The individual
selected for this fellowship will assist OVC in developing and enhancing training, technical
assistance, and public awareness resources that support the expansion and effectiveness of
services for victims of sex and labor trafficking within the United States.
Illegal Prescription Drug Interventions Grant
Application deadline: May 17, 2012
Through the Research on Illegal Prescription Drug Market Interventions solicitation, NIJ is
seeking applications for research on illegal prescription drug markets to examine the utility of
policies, practices, and resources available to law enforcement for major crime deterrence,
prosecution, and other market intervention measures. (NIJ)
https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000987.pdf
Correctional Officers' Safety
Application deadline: April 25, 2012
The Impact of Different Safety Equipment Modalities on Reducing Correctional Officer Injuries
solicitation seeks proposals to conduct comparative evaluations of policies and practices among
correctional agencies regarding safety equipment used, when and how it is used, and how it
affects officers' physical safety. (NIJ)
https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000991.pdf
Reexamining Existing Criminal Justice Data
Application deadline: May 17, 2012
NIJ, BJS, and OJJDP are partnering to request applications under the Data Resources Program
2012: Funding for Analysis of Existing Data grant. Proposals are sought to conduct original
research using existing data from the National Archive of Criminal Justice Data and other public
sources. (NIJ)
https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000979.pdf
Teen Dating Violence Data
Application deadline: April 24, 2012
Proposals are sought for the Longitudinal Data on Teen Dating Violence: Postdoctoral
Fellowship. NIJ is seeking proposals that explore predictors and consequences of teen dating
violence using longitudinal data, through the support of postdoctoral fellows, to analyze
existing data. (NIJ)
https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000984.pdf
Victim Services Research and Evaluation Grant Announced
Application deadline: April 25, 2012
Funding is available for Training and Technical Assistance To Improve Understanding and
Application of Research and Evaluation in Victim Services. OVC will award one cooperative
agreement of up to $250,000 for the first 12-month project period to develop and implement
national-scope training and technical assistance that can be delivered through interactive
online access. (OVC)
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/grants/pdftxt/FY2012_TrainingandTechnicalAsst.pdf
Mentoring Best Practices Research
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has announced the following
funding opportunity: Mentoring Best Practices Research. OJJDP will fund as many as six
research studies to help fill gaps in the knowledge about the effectiveness of mentoring as a
prevention strategy for youth who are at risk of involvement or already involved in the juvenile
justice system. OJJDP is also interested in research that will help identify the components of a
mentoring program that have the greatest impact on risk factors known to lead to delinquency
and/or increase in the incidence of juvenile delinquency and offending.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. E.T., on April 30, 2012.
www.ojjdp.gov/funding/FundingList.asp.
Funds Available To Examine Culturally Responsive Strategies
Application deadline: May 8, 2012
Funding is available for the Identifying Culturally Responsive Victim-Centered Restorative
Justice Strategies solicitation. OVC will award up to $250,000 to document the characteristics of
existing programs, with an emphasis on practices implemented in tribal communities and urban
inner-city communities and practices involving youth.
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/grants/pdftxt/FY2012_Identifying_Culturally_Responsive_Victim
.pdf
Grant Funds Services to Adults/Children Experiencing Polyvictimization
Application deadline: May 15, 2012
OVC invites applications for the National Field-Generated Demonstration Projects solicitation to
develop or enhance promising practices, models, and programs that build the capacity of the
crime victims' field to provide comprehensive services and support to both adult and child
crime victims who experience polyvictimization. Two discretionary grants of up to $750,000
each will be awarded.
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/grants/pdftxt/FY2012_NFGDemonstration.pdf
Helping Children Exposed to Family Violence
Application deadline: May 22, 2012
Funding is available for the Research and Evaluation on Children Exposed to Violence
solicitation. NIJ is seeking proposals that address resilience, polyvictimization, electronic
aggression, or justice system responses to children identified as being exposed to violence.
https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000982.pdf
Apply To Examine Victimization and Offending Link
Application deadline: May 29, 2012
NIJ is seeking applicants for the Research on the Link Between Victimization and Offending
grant. This solicitation seeks proposals to conduct research that enhances knowledge of the
relationship between victimization and offending, with an emphasis on criminal incidents or
events. https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl001007.pdf
Funding Available To Examine Victimization Among Minorities
Application deadline: May 29, 2012
Applications are sought for the Violent Victimization Among Racial and Ethnic Minorities
solicitation. This grant will fund research that will enhance the understanding of risk factors
from the backgrounds of minority individuals that will explain their experiences of violent
victimization, including individual, situational, family, school, peer, and community factors.
https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl001013.pdf
JOBS
Immigrant Law Center, Legal Director
ILCM is looking for a full-time Legal Director. This position is responsible for the legal and
education work of ILCM. The legal director has lead responsibility for providing supervision,
information, technical assistance, outreach and training, and representation in immigration
matters to income-eligible persons of all nationalities. This position is also responsible for
providing leadership and mentoring in legal matters to staff attorneys, law clerks and assistants,
students, pro bono attorneys, and interns. The legal director also has lead responsibility in
managing ILCM’s educational programming. This position is part of ILCM’s management team
and will provide leadership and support for all additional services, mission, and work in the
community to benefit and strengthen the immigrant community and ILCM’s role and
responsibility to it. For more information on the requirements and how to apply, see:
www.ilcm.org.
For jobs in the DV community, visit http://www.mcbw.org/jobs
AT THE LEGISLATURE
MAC is monitoring a number of bills this session, including:
-
The Governor signed a bill to allow prosecutors with permits to carry to carry firearms
while on duty.
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/revisor/pages/search_status/status_detail.php?b=House&
f=HF1829&ssn=0&y=2011
-
A bill clarifying the Harassment Restraining Order statute has passed the House and
Senate:
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/revisor/pages/search_status/status_detail.php?b=Senate&
f=HF469&ssn=0&y=2011
-
Careless driving penalties could be increased if death results. The bill passed the Senate
and awaits further action in the House Ways and Means committee:
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/revisor/pages/search_status/status_detail.php?b=House&
f=HF0068&ssn=0&y=2011&ls=87
-
The Governor signed Jacob’s Law, which requires divorced parents to notify each other
if their minor child is the victim of an alleged crime. Here is an article about the bill
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/sessiondaily.asp?yearid=2011&storyid=2899
-
The Governor signed a bill expanding the definition of theft to include theft of motor
fuel:
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/revisor/pages/search_status/status_detail.php?b=House&
f=HF2333&ssn=0&y=2011
-
The Governor signed a bill that increases penalties for neglect of vulnerable adults by
their caregivers. The bill also creates an enhancement for unreasonable restraint of
children.
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/revisor/pages/search_status/status_detail.php?b=House&
f=SF1586&ssn=0&y=2011
-
A bill to expand the definition of a qualified domestic violence offenses to include
female genital mutilation by a family or household member passed the House and
Senate committee. The text of the bill is:
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/bldbill.php?bill=H2149.0.html&session=ls87
-
Governor Dayton signed a bill permitting Dept. of Corrections to provide electronic
victim notification through a web-based system:
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/bldbill.php?bill=S2084.1.html&session=ls87
-
The DWI enhancement list of qualifying convictions has been clarified. The bill has
passed the House and the Senate:
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/bldbill.php?bill=H2246.1.html&session=ls87
-
Synthetic drug law passed the House and Senate and is in conference committee.
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/sessiondaily.asp?storyid=3116
Federal Legislation:
- On March 7, 2012, Representative Dan Boren (D-OK)-together with representatives
Betty McCollum (D-MN), Jay Inslee (D-WA), Tom Cole (R-OK), and Dale Kildee (D-MI)introduced the Stand Against Violence and Empower (SAVE) Native Women Act. H.R.
4154 would give tribes jurisdiction to prosecute non-Indians in cases of domestic
violence, dating violence, or violations of protective orders committed on tribal lands. It
would amend the tribal consultation statute to require that the Attorney General submit
an annual report that includes the recommendations made by Indian tribes during the
consultation and actions taken in response to recommendations from previous years. In
addition, it would change the federal assault statute to encompass "assault of a spouse,
intimate partner, or dating partner by strangling, suffocating, or attempting to strangle
or suffocate." The bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native
Affairs.
-
A Constitutional Amendment Recognizing Victims’ Rights Is Proposed. On March 26,
2012, Representatives Trent Franks [R-AZ] and Jim Costa [D-CA] introduced a joint
resolution proposing a federal constitutional amendment to recognize crime victims’
rights. The House Judiciary Committee Constitution Subcommittee will be holding a
hearing on the resolution during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week on April 26th. For
more information about the resolution, you can visit www.nvcap.org. A source guide
for the proposed amendment and a copy of resolution 106 can be found on that
website.
NEWS FROM THE COURTS
To view Minnesota appellate court decisions, follow this link:
http://www.lawlibrary.state.mn.us/archive/
Relevant Minnesota Supreme Court Decisions
A10-1235
State of Minnesota, Respondent, vs. Jabaris Curt Boldman, Appellant.
Ramsey County.
1. Pursuant to the State’s concession, the evidence is not sufficient to support
appellant’s first-degree felony murder conviction. Because the State’s concession is reasonably
supported in the record, we vacate the conviction.
2. The evidence presented at trial was sufficient to support a conviction for seconddegree intentional murder. Specifically, the evidence that appellant intended to kill the victim,
which was largely circumstantial, was sufficient.
3. Appellant failed to prove prejudice regarding the State’s failure to produce the
transcript of a police interview of a defense witness because the State agreed not to use the
transcript when the defense objected to the use of the transcript at trial. Thus, any error was
harmless beyond a reasonable doubt.
Vacated and remanded. Justice Christopher J. Dietzen.
A10-765
State of Minnesota, Respondent, vs. Danny Ortega, Sr., Appellant.
Dodge County.
1. The district court did not err when it admitted appellant’s statements to investigators
because, after initially requesting counsel, appellant reinitiated questioning with the
investigators and then validly waived his Miranda rights.
2. The district court did not err when it admitted appellant’s statements to investigators
because, after appellant made an equivocal request for counsel, investigators complied with
the “stop and clarify” rule by asking appellant a narrow question designed to clarify the scope
of appellant’s request for counsel.
3. Any alleged error in the prosecutor’s questioning of jurors during voir dire did not
result in prejudice to the appellant.
4. Appellant’s pro se arguments are without merit.
Affirmed. Justice David R. Stras
Relevant Minnesota Court of Appeals Decisions
A11-1565
A11-1819
State of Minnesota, Appellant, vs. David Gustave Hawkinson
Respondent.
Hennepin County District Court, Hon. Judge Ann Leslie Alton.
The state's destruction of a blood sample taken for an alcohol-concentration test that
may be "favorable to the accused" under Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 83 S. Ct. 1194 (1963),
after the accused has timely made a specific written demand for its preservation, violates due
process, and suppression of the test is proper.
Affirmed. Judge Francis J. Connolly.
A11-801
State of Minnesota, Respondent, vs. Martin David Hutchins, Jr.,
Appellant.
Affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded. Judge Terri J.
Stoneburner.
Hennepin County District Court, Hon. Toddrick S. Barnette..
Appellant challenges his convictions of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and first-degree
burglary, arguing that prosecutorial misconduct affected the verdict, thereby requiring a new
trial. Alternatively, appellant urges this court to grant a new trial as an exercise of supervisory
powers because of the blatant nature of the misconduct. Appellant also asserts that the
upward sentencing departure for his conviction of third-degree criminal sexual conduct is
invalid as a matter of law because it is based on an uncharged crime. Because the prosecutor’s
single inappropriate statement that the victim realized she was “in every woman’s worst
nightmare” did not prejudice appellant’s substantial rights and does not warrant an exercise of
supervisory authority by granting a new trial, we affirm the convictions. Because the upward
sentencing departure was based on an uncharged offense, we reverse and remand for
resentencing.
A11-617
State of Minnesota, Respondent, vs. Tyler Andrew Graf, Appellant.
Reversed. Judge Natalie E. Hudson.
Mille Lacs County District Court, Hon. Judge Steven A. Anderson.
Appellant Tyler Graf challenges his conviction of terroristic threats, arguing that the
circumstantial evidence is insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he made
threats with purpose to, or in reckless disregard of, causing terror. Because we conclude that
appellant’s statements, taken in context, did not amount to threats, we reverse.
A11-1147
Tsige Abebaw Dereje, petitioner, Appellant, vs. State of
Minnesota, Respondent.
Hennepin County District Court, Hon. Toddrick S. Barnette.
1. The unambiguous language of Minn. R. Crim. P. 26.01, subd. 3, requires the
defendant and the prosecutor to stipulate to the facts to be submitted to the trial court in lieu
of a trial. A stipulated facts trial may not be held on disputed facts.
2. In a court trial where the parties have stipulated to a body of evidence, defense
counsel's failure to engage in meaningful adversarial testing of the evidence is a basis for an
ineffective assistance of counsel claim.
Reversed and remanded. Judge Roger M. Klaphake.
A11-1169
In the Matter of: Sally Ann Ekman, petitioner, Respondent,
vs. Lee McFadden Miller, Appellant.
Crow Wing County District Court, Hon. Judge Kristine R. DeMay.
The district court may extend an order for protection (OFP) or issue a new OFP upon a
showing that the restrained party has violated an OFP. The petitioning party must show that
the restrained party has violated the OFP and need not establish that the restrained party has
been convicted of a violation of an OFP.
Affirmed. Judge Roger M. Klaphake
A11-1285
State of Minnesota, Appellant, vs. M. D. T., Respondent.
Nobles County District Court, Hon. Timothy K. Connell.
1. When the factors enunciated in State v. H.A., 716 N.W.2d 360, 364 (Minn. App.
2006), substantially support expungement, a district court does not abuse its discretion by
ordering expungement of criminal records that are generated and maintained by the judicial
branch.
2. When a district court carefully considers the need for open executive branch records
and balances those needs with the core function of the judiciary to issue meaningful decisions
and further fashions a remedy of sealing executive branch records subject to unsealing, it does
not abuse its discretion by ordering expungement of criminal records that are generated by the
judicial branch and maintained by the executive branch.
Affirmed. Judge Roger M. Klaphake.
A11-292
State of Minnesota, Respondent, vs. Tierre Davon Caldwell,
Appellant.
Hennepin County District Court, Hon. Jeannice M. Reding.
The district court does not abuse its discretion by prohibiting defense counsel in a
criminal trial from commenting on the state's failure to elicit an in-court identification of the
defendant from a witness who previously identified the defendant.
Affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded. Judge Kevin G. Ross
Judicial Appointments:
Governor Mark Dayton announced the appointment of the Honorable Carol A. Hooten as judge
for the Second Congressional District seat on the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Judge Hooten
will be replacing the Honorable David Minge. Judge Hooten is currently a District Court Judge
within the First Judicial District where she was elected in 2002.
Governor Mark Dayton announced the appointment of Ms. Sheridan Hawley and Mr. Stoney
Hiljus as District Court Judges in Minnesota's Tenth Judicial District. Ms. Hawley will be
replacing the Honorable Karla F. Hancock and Mr. Hiljus will be replacing the Honorable
Timothy R. Bloomquist, who both retired in January 2012. Ms. Hawley’s seat will be chambered
in Elk River in Sherburne County and Mr. Hiljus’ seat will be chambered in Mora in Kanabec
County.