The Rural Data and Resource Development Initiative Presents:
The 2005-06 Allegany County Domestic Violence Profile
“The Power and Control Wheel” - adapted from the Duluth Model (www.duluth-model.org)
Compiled with the data and efforts of: Allegany County Community Opportunities and Rural Development Corporation (ACCORD Corporation) Allegany County Department of Social Services Allegany County Family Court Allegany Data Reserve Allegany/Western Steuben Rural Health Network Institute for Human Services, Inc. Rural Justice Institute at Alfred University
Preface – In the latter months of 2004, the Rural Data and Resource Development Initiative (“RDRDI”)
compiled and analyzed data from a number of local sources, such as nonprofit, governmental, and academic groups, to create a Domestic Violence Services Profile. The purpose of the project was to provide an unbiased “snapshot” of domestic violence in Allegany County to any interested citizens, civic and nonprofit groups, members of academia, branches of local, state, and national government, and others that may have gained interest. This overall goal remains the same. The publication of this updated profile is the first of multiple products the group will create and is for use by anyone interested in domestic violence in Allegany County. Furthermore, the RDRDI will develop subsequent profiles of other pertinent topic areas in order to offer a comprehensive assessment of major socioeconomic issues facing the Allegany County population. The profile previously contained data and statistics from 1999 to August, 2004. For the most part, the profile is updated with data, statistics, and information in narrative form addressing domestic violence and related issues up to the fourth quarter of 2005. However, further updates and additions will be included with subsequent versions of the profile. The document is currently broken down into six (6) main subject headings: Overview of Domestic Violence, Collaboration and Coordination of Domestic Violence Services in Allegany County, Chronology of Domestic Violence Services, Data and Reports, Common Client Characteristics, and Summary Remarks (in the process of being formulated).
How to Use this Profile – Ideally, this and subsequent profiles from the Rural Data and Resource
Development Initiative will be used for project planning, needs assessments, outcomes and goal planning, collaborative initiatives, resource development, and other like projects seeking to address any major issues (such as domestic violence) in Allegany County. When using this profile, please take careful note of all references and comments in order to fully understand the ideas being offered to ensure correct use of the information being presented. The data included in these analyses include subsets of data and are not always based on population. Comments, suggestions, questions or concerns may be addressed to: David Slovak, RDRDI Coordinator Institute for Human Services, Inc. 6666 County Road 11 Bath, NY 14810-7722 Phone: (607) 776-9467 Fax: (607) 776-9482 Email: slovakd@ihsnet.org Website: www.ihsnet.org
RDRDI: 2005-06 Allegany County Domestic Violence Profile (Working Draft)
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Allegany County Demographics:
Population Statistics Current Population Previous Years: 1990 1980 Median Age Male Female Income & Poverty Median household income Total number of families Total percentage of families below poverty level Families, with children under age 5, below poverty level Percent of individuals below poverty level Employment Unemployment 50,470 51,742 38.2 49.5% 50.5% Number / Percent $32,106 12,217 10.5% 23.0% 15.5% Number / Percent 5.3% Comments
Nov. '05 (for the latest published figures, consult the Employment in New York newsletter from NYS Dept. of Labor)
Number / Percent 49,927
Comments per U.S. Census 2000
Comments
Top Private Sector Employers include (according to the NYS Department of Labor): Alfred University, Allegany County Chapter NYSARC Inc., Alstom Power Inc., Cuba Memorial Hospital Inc., Friendship Dairies Inc., Great Lakes Cheese Co., Houghton College, Ingersoll Rand Industrial, Northern Lights, The L.C. Whitford Co. Inc.
Education (of those age 25+) Less than 9th grade 9th - 12th grade, no diploma High School or GED Some college, no degree Associates' degree Bachelor's degree Graduate or professional degree Housing Total housing units Vacant units Occupied units Median rent Median mortgage Number / Percent 4.8% 12.0% 39.6% 16.2% 10.2% 8.7% 8.5% Number / Percent 24,404 6,496 18,009 $423/month $734/month 1,838 of these are rental units Comments through March, 2000
Additional findings: • For 33.4% of renters, rent costs were greater than 35% of their total household income • The median value on owned houses countywide is $50,400 • In 8.5% of the households, residents had no vehicle
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau: Census 2000; Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, 1997 estimates; U.S. Dept. of Commerce:
Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Economic Profile, Allegany Co., New York, 1998 estimates; U.S. Census: USA Counties, 1998 Profile; U.S. Census 1990 Census Lookup; NYS Current Employment Statistics Survey
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I.
Overview of Domestic Violence
According to the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, a victim of domestic violence means an individual who has been subjected to1: Physical acts that resulted in, or threatened to result in, physical injury to the individual; Sexual abuse; Sexual Activity involving a dependent child; Being forced as the caretaker relative of a dependent child to engage in non-consensual sexual acts or activities; Threats of, or attempts at, physical or sexual abuse; Mental abuse; or Neglect of deprivation of medical care, and Such act or acts are or are alleged to have been committed by a family or household member
2
Other definitions of domestic violence include : Violence or physical abuse directed toward your spouse or domestic partner Physical and/or emotional harm suffered by person who is a family member of, or residing in the same home as, the offender who caused the harm or injury Refers to any assault (physical or verbal) between two people who are related through marriage, family, dating relationship, or as roommates, or have been related in any of these ways Also called “intimate partner abuse,” “battering,” or “wife-beating,” refers to physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse that takes place in the context of an intimate relationship, including marriage
Though there are many different definitions of domestic violence, domestic abuse is always a chronic abuse of power3. Another source defines Domestic Violence as the actual or threatened physical, sexual, psychological or economic abuse of an individual by someone with whom they have or have had an intimate relationship4. Though not only limited to female victims and male perpetrators, data demonstrates that a large number of the cases are characterized as such. According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, of all adult domestic violence cases in 1998, about 85% were abuse of a female by their current or former partners5.
1
NYS OTDA. http://www.otda.state.ny.us/otda/domv/default.htm#def
2
3 4 5
Definitions from various educational, encyclopedic, and electronic resources.
“Domestic Violence: An Overview.” http://www.therpistfinder.com/DomesticViolence/index.html “The Health Care Response to Domestic Violence Fact Sheet.” http://eserver.org/feminism/domesticviolence.html Bureau of Justice Statistics, Intimate Partner Violence, May 2000
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II.
Collaboration & Coordination of DV Services in Allegany County
Family Violence Task Force of Allegany County
In 1983, one of the most controversial domestic violence cases occurred between a female resident of Allegany County and her live-in boyfriend. Following years of abuse, the woman killed her boyfriend; the battered wife syndrome was a major focus in the criminal court trial. As a result of this case, a group of concerned citizens established the Family Violence Task Force to address the issue of domestic violence and the lack of services available6.
ACCORD Corporation
During the process of becoming a Community Action Agency, ACCORD identified the need to provide services for victims of domestic violence. In 1985 ACCORD became involved with the grassroots effort of the Family Violence Task Force. With funding from the NYS Homeless Housing Assistance Program, an emergency shelter was established and ACCORD began to deliver a comprehensive domestic violence program that has since grown into a strong agency component that provides emergency shelter, advocacy, safety planning, and linkages with the criminal justice, health care and other relevant systems7.
Allegany County Domestic Violence Consortium (ACDVC)
In 1994 ACCORD took the lead role in coordinating the Allegany County Domestic Violence Consortium. The consortium draws on diverse sectors of the community to identify the needs of domestic violence victims and to provide community education, outreach and training. In 1999, the consortium focused on developing a law enforcement protocol. With funding from NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, the consortium was successful in establishing a protocol that was developed by the majority of law enforcement agencies and was reviewed by the NYS Office of Prevention of Domestic Violence8. Allegany County Domestic Violence Consortium Executive Committee Members: Randall Belmont – Allegany County Sheriff Kelly Buckley-Beil – Family Development Division Director and Consortium Coordinator Warren Emerson, Esq. – Law Clerk for the Allegany County Family Court Vicky Fegley – Deputy Commissioner for the Allegany County Department of Social Services Terrance Parker, Esq. – Allegany County District Attorney Dr. Karen Porter – Professor of Sociology, Alfred University; RJI Faculty Co-Investigator Brent Reynolds – Allegany County Legislator and Chairman of the Public Safety Committee
6 7 8
Beil, Kelly. Overview of ACCORD Corporation: Domestic Violence Services Experience Beil, Kelly. Overview of ACCORD Corporation: Domestic Violence Services Experience Beil, Kelly. Overview of ACCORD Corporation: Experience Working Within a Coordinated Community Response
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Patricia Schmelzer – Commissioner of the Allegany County Department of Social Services Sgt. Melissa Schraeder – Domestic Violence Liaison for the New York State Police David Sirianni – Director of the Allegany County Probation Department Kimberly Toot – Director of the Allegany County Office for the Aging
Rural Justice Institute at Alfred University
The Rural Justice Institute at Alfred University (RJI) is a collaborative enterprise consisting of faculty and staff representing a variety of disciplines. Members of the institute strive to collaborate with local agencies and schools in order to increase the efficacy of current services, develop new initiatives that will enhance the lives of troubled youth and their families, and reduce the incidence of juvenile delinquency in rural areas. In 1997, Dr. William Hall, ACDVC Executive Committee Member, recognized the need to closely evaluate the effect of domestic violence on children and youth and to evaluate systemic approaches to violence prevention. Hannah Young, current Director of Operations at the RJI, is one of the lead partners of the RDRDI.
III.
Chronology of Domestic Violence Services
Timeline9
1983: Formation of the Family Violence Task Force of Allegany County, primarily to offer support to victims of domestic violence and to raise money to establish domestic violence services in Allegany County. 1984: Allegany County’s first 24-hour volunteer hotline began with the help and donations from the Family Violence Task Force of Allegany County. 1987: First Allegany County Domestic Violence shelter opened through grant funding secured through the joint efforts of the Family Violence Task Force of Allegany County and ACCORD Corporation. 1994: Domestic Violence Consortium was formed to coordinate services provided by multiple agencies within the county. 1996: Batterers’ Program Implemented 1997: Law Enforcement Protocol Initiated 1999: 24-hour hotline transferred to ACCORD Corporation 2001: Victim Response Team Initiated10 2003: RJI Domestic Violence Awareness Training Committee Established
9
10
Corrado, C. Domestic Violence in Allegany County, NY: Historical Accounts & Contemporary Perspectives The Victim Response Team was initiated with funding from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Studies
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IV.
Data and Reports
The following section, which includes information across multiple facets of domestic violence services from a number of agencies serving both victims and offenders, is broken down into the following categories: Law Enforcement, Court Response, Shelter, Hotline, Non-Residential Services, Batterer’s Education Program (ACT), Domestic Violence Liaison, and Office for the Aging.
A. Law Enforcement11
Between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 1999, 619 domestic violence incident reports were filed by the New York State Troopers in Allegany County. These incident reports do not represent all cases of domestic violence in the county during these years. Other local law enforcement agencies also respond to domestic violence calls and maintain their own files, making the number of incidents in this time period larger. Moreover, incidents are not always reported in the first place, and those that are handled by law enforcement agencies are not always categorized as domestic violence. Thus, estimates of the total amount of annual domestic violence incidents in Allegany County are rather conservative. Below are some general findings from the Domestic Incident Reports gathered from the State Police in Allegany County. Aside from the chart (directly below) which graphs the increase in reports over a four-year period, brief summaries of both victims and offenders cited in the reports are also included. Please note that the findings sketched below are not suggesting a concrete typology of these two groups, but are rather included to present interesting findings of the study.
NYS Police: Domestic Incident Reports
400 370 350 316 275 250 232 200 164 134 106 215 235 378
300 Number of Reports
150
100
50
0 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
11 Porter, Karen L., A Detailed Summary of the Domestic Violence Incident Reports Filed by the New York State Troopers in Allegany County, 1996-1999. A Report to the ACCORD Corporation. August 17, 2000. This section, almost in its entirety, was appended from Dr. Porter’s document.
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(1996-1999) Characteristics of Victims from DIRs Characteristics of Offenders from DIRs
Male, 21%
Sex
Female, 18%
Sex
Female, 79%
Male, 82%
Race
Other, 1%
Race
Other, 2%
Caucasian, 98%
Caucasian, 99%
Relationship between Offender and Victim
Sibling, 4% Parent or Child, 17% Other, 7% Married, 43%
Types of Charges Filed against Offender (if any charges were filed)
Misdemeanor, 37%
Felony, 6%
Separated or Divorced, 5%
Partnered, 26%
Violation, 58%
Additionally, the domestic violence incident report includes a section for the officer to use to mark the various kinds of violence that took place. The categories of violent behavior on the form include: biting, choking, destroying property, forcible restraint, grabbing, hair pulling, homicide, injury to child, kicking, pulling phone from wall, punching, pushing, slamming into walls, sexual abuse, slapping, threats with weapons, throwing items, using weapons, verbal abuse, and other. There were no homicides reported among the cases examined for this report. On average there were 2.9 acts of violence per case. Looking at a select number of circumstances, we find that 8% of the incidents involved pulling the phone from wall; 8% involved forcible restraint; 2% involved injury to child; and 48% involved verbal abuse.
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B. Court Response
Domestic violence service providers, such as agencies working with the court system and ACCORD Corporation, help clients request orders of protection. This is often a first step toward gaining independence, but is by no means a guarantee of safety or the end of the cycle of violence. Below is a chart displaying data from Allegany County Family Court containing figures related to such types of family offense petitions. Included are numbers of new petitions and dispositions12. Note: these figures do not include data from the Criminal Court.
Family Offense Petitions and Dispositions
180 160 140 120 Number 100 80 60 40 20 0 2000 2001 2002 Year 2003 2004 2005 21 13 62 117 104 140 122 115 119 173 166
96 New Filings Dispositions
Source: Allegany County Family Court
C. Domestic Violence Shelter
The ACCORD Domestic Violence Shelter has a six-bed capacity and is located in a secure and confidential location. Shelter services include transportation, advocacy, risk assessment, safety planning, and assistance with housing relocation, domestic violence education and support. Criteria for the Residential program are that the person must be a victim of domestic violence with identified safety issues and no safe place to reside.
Emergency Shelter
Source: ACCORD Corporation
Number of Victims
60 40 20 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 Years Women Children Men
Note: In 2003, the ACCORD Corporation Emergency Shelter decreased the number of available beds from nine to six beds due to lower occupancy rates as recommended by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
12
Dispositions are changes to previously filed petitions, including supplements, violations, and modifications made by the court.
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Annual Shelter Occupancy Rate 25
Occupants 22 18 12 14 16
20 15 10 5 0
Source: ACCORD Corporation Note: The decline in shelter occupancy may be due to Preventative Services provided and further intervention with the Allegany County Victim Response Team.
2000
2001
2002 Years
2003
2004
D.
Hotline
The 24-hour toll-free hotline (1-800-593-5322) offers victims a mechanism to find services to address the issues of shelter, safety planning and referrals.
Domestic Violence Hotline: Annual Calls Received
1200 Number of Calls 1000 800 600 400 200 0 1999 2000 2001 2002 Year
Source: ACCORD Corporation
1069 696 769 504 509
2003
2004
2005
E. Non-Residential
The ACCORD Corporation administers a women’s support group for victims of domestic violence called the CHANCES program. A companion support group is offered to their children called the Children’s CHANCES program. A recent evaluation by the Rural Justice Institute at Alfred University indicates the programs are well-received and apparently helping to make a difference in victims’ lives. Based on responses to a questionnaire administered to women graduating from the program between 1998 and 2004, participants positively endorse the CHANCES program. When asked about the benefits of the program, respondents were asked to use a checklist. The number one benefit, checked by 92% of the women in the sample, was “As a result of attending Chances, I received information that assisted me in making decisions.” As for the decisions for which they needed assistance, healthy relationships was the
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top ranked (84%), followed by a safety plan (72%), an order of protection (48%), and obtained custody (40%). After information to help with decision making, the benefit ranking second in the list was “receiving support from others” checked by 84% of respondents. Participation in the program “broke the isolation” was a benefit checked by 64% of the respondents. The item “learned about [a specific topic they could write-in]” was checked by 48% of the sample. Overall the program content received high marks from the participants. The materials were helpful (92%), interesting (80%), and relevant (56%). All respondents agreed that the materials were not “too much or too little.” As for whether the materials were “just right,” however, only 36% agreed. The facilitators themselves earned even higher marks, though. A checklist was used to gauge respondents’ opinions about the work of the facilitators. All respondents felt the facilitators were supportive. Equally high numbers of participants felt the facilitators were interesting and informative (96%); understanding (96%); courteous (96%); respectful (96%); prepared (92%); and knowledgeable (88%). Perhaps most exciting are the changes women report in themselves as a result of participating in CHANCES. Women recognize changes in themselves such as feeling more assertive and empowered to make good decisions—these are the types of changes that promise safer, more secure futures.
Non-Residential Services
Number of Victims Enrolled 250 200 150 100 50 0 1999 2000 2001 2002 Years
Source: ACCORD Corporation
209 157 146 174 153
2003
2004
2005
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F. Batterers’ Education Program ACT
Allegany County A.C.T. Referrals: 2000-2004
160 140 120 100
136
95 82
94
80
60
60 40
47 22 28 3 8 5
2001
47 16 17 3
2002
48 20 6 8
2003
20 3 9
20 0 2000
11
3
10
15 5
20 4 4
2004
Total Number of Referrals Total Number of Referrals from AC Family Court Total Number of Referrals from Probation Total Number of Referrals from Criminal Court Total Number of Referrals from CPS Total Number of Self Referrals
Source: Allegany County A.C.T Program
Enrollments Completion Status: 2000-2004
40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
38
30
22 19 14 11 11 13
20 17 11 8
18
17 11
9
10
10 7 5
Total Total Total Total
Number Number Number Number
of of of of
New Enrollments Completions suspensions for Non-Compliance Final Terminations
Source: Allegany County A.C.T. Program
G. Domestic Violence Liaison Services
According to New York State’s Welfare Reform Act of 1997 all counties are required to have a domestic violence liaison(s) either on staff or by contract. “The domestic violence liaison(s) has the responsibility to assess the credibility of assertions of DV, what referrals should be made and whether
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domestic violence interferes with an individual’s ability to comply with program requirements13.” The Domestic Violence Liaison, through the Department of Social Services, screens all matters and only valid cases receive waivers to explain the noted variance between the total number of intakes and the waivers granted. However, over the past year, methodology for tracking these figures has changed. The altered protocol is reflected in the figures for 2005. Please note that the information provided for 2004 lacks data from September. Figures from 2005 include information gathered up to September 1, 2005.
Domestic Violence Liaison: Temporary Assistance Services
90 82 80 70 60 50 40 32 30 23 22 20 10 1 0 1999 2000 2001 2002 Waiver Requested 2003 Waivers Granted 2004 2005 1 0 0 17 17 29 25 17 17 13 7 7 48 49 66 63
Total Intakes
Source: Allegany County Department of Social Services
H. Allegany County Office for the Aging
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, elder abuse is a term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. Abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, exploitation, neglect and abandonment14. Estimates indicate that elder abuse is a problem in our society affecting as many as
13 14
NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance http://www.otda.state.ny.us/otda/domv/default.htm#what National Center for Elder Abuse. www.elderabusecenter.org
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500,000 Americans each year. Research documenting the risk factors for physical, emotional, and/or financial abuse among older Americans is limited. Attempts to help victims are frustrated by their resistance to discuss personal or family situations. Rural communities in particular may be plagued with higher incidences of all forms of elder abuse due to such factors as limited access to social and medical services and lack of transportation. The following data on the number of elder abuse reports of all types will provide insight into the frequency of elder abuse. According to the National Elder Abuse Incidence Survey only 16% of abuse situations are referred for help and 84% are hidden abuse situations15. Therefore it is crucial that we consider the number of cases in Allegany County that go unreported. Research conducted by the Rural Justice Institute at Alfred University utilized cases reported to the local Office for the Aging. Between January 2000 and June 2004, 122 cases of abuse were reported to the agency on individuals ranging in age from 61 to 99. Data were gathered from client case files on the nature of the complaint and the characteristics of the client. Our findings suggest that these elderly clients suffered different forms of abuse. The most frequent form reported was financial abuse (40%), followed by emotional abuse (20%), and physical abuse (11%). Over one-third of the clients were found to experience more than one form. While factors like poverty and isolation are important predictors for abuse and neglect, not all abuse victims were poor and/or living alone. The findings suggest a varied profile. The greatest risk factor, however, may be lack of information and awareness on the part of family members, service providers, and the elderly themselves.
Elder Abuse Neglect Reports
50
47
45 Number of Reports 40 35 30 25
41
40
22
20 2002 2003 Year
Source: Allegany County Department of Social Services
2004
2005
Note: Figures represent “indicated” reports, which are defined by the Department of Social Services as having “credible evidence that the allegations are true” but “not necessarily…enough evidence to intervene with the party’s consent.”
15
National Elder Abuse Incidence Study
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V.
Common Client Characteristics
Domestic violence affects people of all types, ages, genders and socioeconomic classes. The following highlights include noteworthy characteristics of ACCORD clients receiving domestic violence services in Allegany County. These statistics include unduplicated figures for 818 of the 1,114 individuals served, representing 586 of the 732 families served (296 individuals representing 146 families opted not to offer demographic information upon intake). Demographics 38% of all individuals receiving services were between the age of 24-44 19% of all individuals receiving services were children 17 and younger Income/Benefits 32% of all individuals served had a family annual income amount of less than $8,000 14% of all individuals served had a family annual income amount of less than $1,000 17% of all individuals served had no medical coverage 28% of al individuals served received food stamps 38% of all individuals served rented 12% of all individuals served did not have an auto
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