travis county sheriff’s office victim services unit · travis county sheriff’s office victim...

February 2018

Travis County Sheriff’s Office

Victim Services Unit

For many victims of family violence, harassment is a common post-separation issue as ex-partners attempt to maintain their control. Many victims describe the offender as continuously pestering and intimidating them, even threating them. Nevertheless, reporting harassment to law enforcement can sometimes leave victims feeling frustrated being told there needs to be clear documentation and/or evidence of a threat of physical harm. Many victims are unaware of how to handle and document harassing behaviors. As Victim Services providers, there are practices we can share with victims and provide them tools to better protect themselves and obtain the outcome they need. Before we continue, let’s have a refresher on what constitutes harassment in the state of Texas: HARASSMENT According to the Texas Penal Code - 42.07, “someone commits harassment if this person initiates communication by telephone, text, in writing or by electronic communication with the intent to harass, annoy, alarm, abuse, torment or embarrass another.” This also includes conduct such as threatening bodily injury. HARASSMENT CHARGES A first offense is charged as a Class B misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. Repeat offenses may elevate the charge to a Class A misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of a year in jail and a fine of $4,000. GIVING VICTIMS THE POWER OF KNOWLEDGE Harassment can become extremely discouraging to victims causing them to

feel as if they never left the relationship to begin with. Many have to endure

the emotional abuse harassment can bring years after gaining the strength

to separate. (continued)

Post-Separation Harassment By: Star Garza

Next

Volunteer

Meeting

March 14th Courtney Santana

Survive 2 Thrive

6:30pm to 8:00pm

Sheriff’s Office

5555 Airport Blvd.

(continued)

Below are some tools to discuss with victims to help empower them:

Communication to cease contact – Speak to the victim about ceasing communication with the offender. A Cease and Desist message can be sent via text, email and preferably certified mail. The message can simply state that the victim no longer wishes to be in communication with the offender and any communication after the stated date will be considered harassment. It is important to be clear with the victim that they should no longer be responsive to the offender’s contacts. Additional communication to the offender from the victim may be considered agreeable, two-way communication. In some cases, children may be involved and communication will be needed in regards to their well-being. In these situations, inform the victim to be clear that only communication regarding the children will be allowed and other types of communication could be considered harassment.

Documentation– Encourage the victim to clearly document the date the Cease

and Desist message was sent and to record additional attempts at communication from the offender. Encourage the victim to document events while details are fresh in their mind. Encourage victims to write down the date, time and place in which the new incidents/contacts occurred. Describe exactly what happened— was it a phone call, text, email, a message through a social media account, a message through a third party, or a visit attempt? Documentation can be kept in a notebook, journal or even stored on a phone or computer. Encourage the victim to save, or screen shot, all emails, text messages or other physical evidence of the harassment, especially those that are threating in nature. Unwanted gifts can also be documented. Encourage victims to keep these items along with detailed information about when and where the gift was received. Remind victims that this type of thorough documentation can be used when applying for a Protective Order if needed.

Report new issues: If a report of harassment or threat has not yet been made to

law enforcement, encourage the victim to make a report, especially if communication persists after the offender was notified to cease communication. Remind victims that law enforcement may not be aware of what is occurring if incidences have not been reported. Reports made through law enforcement can also assist the victim in maintaining documentation of events, including a time-line of contact and harassing behaviors.

(continued)


February 2018

(continued)

Be observant of surroundings: Remind victims to be cautious of their

surroundings and to report any suspicious vehicles or persons near their home, place of employment, etc. If comfortable, the victim may also want to inform their employer of the situation and provide a photo of the offender and offender’s vehicle if necessary. If the victim’s apartment complex/neighborhood has security personnel on duty, the victim may also want to share this information with them. Discuss Criminal Trespassing Warnings and Protective Orders as alternate means of protection.

Take the time and walk victims through their options and discuss safety planning. For many victims, this form of abuse may began or intensify after separation. Being prepared and having a plan in place can help victims stay safe and feel empowered. References: http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/PE/htm/PE.42.htm http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/PE/htm/PE.33.htm http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/SOTWDocs/PE/htm/PE.22.htm#22.07 https://www.txcrimdefense.com/harassment-laws-in-texas/

Thank you, Debra! For the last several years, one of our dedicated volunteers, Debra Cyphers, has served as the editor for the Victim Services Newsletter. She will be stepping down from this position in March 2018. We want to thank her for all of her assistance ensuring our volunteers stay informed each month! Thank you for everything, Debra!


February 2018

2018 TCSO Victim Services Volunteer Appreciation Event

Thank you so much to everyone who came out to celebrate with us! The evening was a token of appreciation for all of the amazing work you all do all year long. We truly cannot thank you enough for your time, contributions, dedication and service to our community. You amaze us every day!

2017 Victim Services Volunteer Award Recipients

Rookie of the Year—Allison Cook/VA 32 The identified volunteer has been with the Victim Services Unit less than one year, has met at least 75% of their shift commitments for the year, has demonstrated consistent adherence to Victim Services Unit protocols and expectations, and has represented Travis County Sheriff’s Office with pride and professionalism. The identified volunteer demonstrates the initiative to learn and a commitment to the goal of responding to requests independently.

Volunteer of the Year- North—Jenna Elliott/VA 89 Volunteer of the Year- South—Kimberly Taylor/VA43

The identified volunteer has met at least 75% of their shift commitments for the year, has demonstrated consistent adherence to Victim Services Unit protocols and expectations, and has represented Travis County Sheriff’s Office with pride and professionalism. The identified volunteer demonstrates the ability to effectively provide crisis intervention, criminal justice system education, advocacy, and access to community services to victims of crime and crisis circumstances. *The names of all volunteers who meet the criteria for the three awards described above are placed on a ballot, and the Victim Services staff votes to determine the award recipients.

Most Shifts Taken in 2017—David Holmes/VA 35

David took a total of 425 shifts in 2017! This translates to 1,700 hours (42.5 weeks) of service! Thank you for your incredible commitment David! We also recognized the following volunteers who signed up for more than double their required shifts (48 shifts per year) in 2017:

Kathi Loera/VA44 – 105 shifts (420 hours)

Chris Martinez/VA51 – 112 shifts (448 hours)

Teri Roeber/VA50 – 148.5 shifts (594 hours)

Kimberly Taylor/VA43 – 170 shifts (680 hours)

LaTesha Amerson/VA24 – 230 shifts (920 hours)

Rebecca Pruitt/VA54 – 274 shifts (1,096 hours)

Jenna Elliot/VA89 – 356 shifts (1,424 hours)

Amber Hardaway/VA26 – 365.5 shifts (1,462 hours)

February 2018

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year—Detective Anthony Sampson The selected officer can be any deputy, detective, Sergeant, or Lieutenant within the Law Enforcement bureau that supports the Mission and Vision of the Victim Services Unit and demonstrates a victim-focused response in the performance of their duties. The selected officer demonstrates the ability to effectively and appropriately utilize Victim Services for the provision of crisis intervention, criminal justice system education, advocacy, and access to community services to victims of crime and crisis circumstances. *Victim Services staff submit nominations for the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award and vote to determine the recipient.

February 2018

Welcome Spring 2018 Interns! Francisca Ricardo Where to start! I grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas. After graduation, I interned at the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office. Then, I decided to pursue my academic career at The University of Texas at Austin on August of 2014. I wanted to major in biology but switched my major to social work. I am currently a fourth year social work major. I have interned at the Blanton Museum as a Special Events Intern and then at the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. I have had many amazing experiences throughout my college career! As of now, I hold a leadership position in my organization at UT. I am President of the Pi chapter of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. As for my future plans, I will take my LSAT next fall and apply to law schools. I want to move to San Diego, California and potentially attend law school at the University of San Diego. I want to become a prosecutor and eventually a district attorney. With hard work and dedication, I also plan to work somewhere in my field of interest with the criminal justice system. Shelby Myers As a Washington State native, immersing myself into Texas culture has been a constant adventure. I grew up in a small town at the foot of the Cascade Mountain range surrounded by friends and family in Law Enforcement. From a young age my interest was piqued in the world of Criminal Justice. In 2013, I started volunteering with DSHS, helping care for neonatal foster babies withdrawing from prenatal substance abuse. Because of the Washington States Running Start Program, I was able to test into college when I was 15 years old. In 2015, I graduate with my Associate’s degree and moved to Austin to finish my education. Currently, I am a senior at St. Edward’s University, pursing a degree in Psychology and Criminology. I have thoroughly enjoyed living in Austin. Between the music, culture, and most importantly, the food, moving south has been the best decision of my life. I am excited for what the future has to offer with so many different opportunities available in this community, and plan to stay on as a volunteer with Travis County Victim Service Unit. Chelsea Priem Working the last 5 ½ years as a nurse aide in a psychiatric hospital is what pushed me to pursue my career as a social worker. I enjoyed talking to patients in the hospital and helping them through what were some of the toughest parts of their lives. As a nurse aide, there is only so much you can do to help a patient through their recovery. I decided to become a social worker to be able to help patients to my fullest extent possible. I worked my way through college, and am now overfilled with joy to be graduating this May with my BSW. I want to work with people with substance abuse issues as well as the military. I have family and friends who are currently serving, or who have served in the military, and I have a high regard and respect for those who make sacrifices for us. I plan on working with my BSW while pursuing my MSW after I graduate.

February 2018

Travis County Victim Services Travis County Victim Services

January 2018 Stats—Call Type

February 2018 Page 7

ADAM Assault (1)

Assault w/ Injury/FV (1)

Assault w/ Injury/FV- Strangulation (1)

Death Notification (1)

Deceased Person (2)

BAKER Aggravated Assault/Deadly Weapon (1)

Aggravated Assault/Deadly Weapon/FV (2)

Assault by Contact / FV (1)

Assault w/ Injury / FV (15)

Assault w/ Injury/FV- Strangulation (2)

Assist Complainant (1)

Check Welfare (1)


Deceased Person (5)

Family Disturbance (2)

Found Child (1)

Homicide (1)

Sexual Assault/FV (1)

Stalking/FV (1)

Structure Fire (1)

Violation of Protective Order/FV (1)

CHARLIE Assault by Contact/FV (1)


Assault w/ Injury/FV– Strangulation (1)


Deceased Person (4)

Family Disturbance (1)

Runaway Child (1)

Structure Fire (1)

DAVID Aggravated Assault/Deadly Weapon (1)

Aggravated Sexual Assault of Child (1)

Assist EMS (1)



Deceased Person (5)

OTHER AGENCIES

Assist Bee Cave (1)

Assist Jonestown (2)

Assist Lago Vista (1)

Assist Manor (2)

Assist Rollingwood (1)

Assist Sunset Valley (1)

Travis County Victim Services Travis County Victim Services

January 2018 Stats—Day and Time

February 2018 Page 8

ADAM

SUN (0)

MON (2) 12a-4a (1)

4a-8a (1)

TUES (1) 8a-12p (1)

WED (3) 4a-8a (1)

12p-4p (1)

8p-12a (1)

THUR (0)

FRI (2) 12p-4p (2)

SAT (1) 12a-4a (1)

BAKER

SUN (6) 8a-12p (1)

12p-4p (2)

8p-12a (3)

MON (9) 12a-4a (2)

4a-8a (1)

8a-12p (2)

12p-4p (3)

4p-8p (1)

TUES (2) 12p-4p (2)

WED (10) 4a-8a (1)

8a-12p (1)

4p-8p (3)

8p-12a (5)

THUR (7) 12a-4a (1)

4a-8a (2)

8a-12p (1)

12p-4p (1)

4p-8p (1)

8p-12a (1)

FRI (3) 12a-4a (2)

4a-8a (1)

SAT (4) 4a-8a (1)

8a-12p (1)

12p-4p (2)

CHARLIE

SUN (3) 12a-4a (1)

4a-8a (1)

4p-8p (1)

MON (0)

TUES (3) 12a-4a (1)

8p-12a (2)

WED (0)

THUR (4) 8a-12p (2)

4p-8p (1)

8p-12a (1)

FRI (0)

SAT (4) 8a-12p (1)

12p-4p (1)

4p-8p (1)

8p-12a (1)

DAVID

SUN (1) 12a-4a (1)

MON (2) 8a-12p (1)

12p-4p (1)

TUES (3) 8a-12p (1)

12p-4p (1)

8p-12a (1)

WED (3) 8a-12p (2)

8p-12a (1)

THUR (0)

FRI (3) 12a-4a (1)

12p-4p (1)

4p-8p (1)

SAT (0)

5555 Airport Blvd

Austin, Texas 78751

Phone: (512) 854-9709

Fax: (512) 854-4719

Victim Services Staff

Amy Durall, Director

Heather Dooley, SSPC

Victim Services Specialists

Benjamin Garza

Star Garza

Lupe Salazar

Tony Switzer

Huitzi Valdez

Sonya Villarreal

Interns

Jamila Davis

Shelby Myers

Chelsea Priem

Francisca Ricardo

TCSO VICTIM

SERVICES UNIT

https://www.tcsheriff.org/

victim-services

Got News?

If you have newsworthy

items or announcements

for the newsletter please

pass them along to

Heather

Heather1.Dooley

@traviscountytx.gov

February 2018

The time is always right to do what is right.

~ Martin Luther King, Jr.~

travis county sheriff’s office victim services unit · travis county sheriff’s office victim...

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