Other activities include displays at community events, such as health fairs and chamber of commerce events. One program does ride alongs with law enforcement, which provides an opportunity to remind the officer of the victim services available and gives staff the ability to see the challenges first hand of law enforcement. Quarterly meetings are also held with other VOCA funded programs in some areas of the state to share resources and problem solve on issues they have in common. Few VOCA subgrantees provide services to victims of Federal crimes. As noted in previous Performance Reports, many domestic violence and sexual assault programs do not perceive their clients as being involved in Federal offenses.
Efforts are underway to serve federal crime victims, however.
In Eau Claire County immediate contact was made with bank management following a bank robbery. Services included a group debriefing and individual crisis counseling, as well as follow-up services to the bank teller. Most subgrantees report the usual array of activities designed to strengthen their ability to provide victim services. It appears that one result is that women are staying longer in shelters and greater need for childcare services. Another is difficulty in contacting clients during business hours.