Page 6 - DC CCN Newsletter

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The Northern
COVID-19 IMPACTS ON LEGAL ADVOCACY
CCN’s Legal Advocacy program has been greatly impacted by COVID-19. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, CCN advocates were once the smiling, comforting faces to victims filing for Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders, or supporting them during a criminal hearing to help explain their options. Due to the court’s limited operations, CCN’s physical interactions with victims at the criminal level are strained. Unfortunately, some victims in the community remain unaware of our services due to this lack of interaction. As victims are given our information during what may be one of the most traumatic times in their lives, retaining this information can be a challenge when navigating a crisis. Although limitations in criminal proceedings are present, one may still obtain a PFA order through the civil court process and advocates are engaging in safety planning, informing them of their rights and services, and advocating on their behalf.
We are in unprecedented times, and strong advocacy of victims’ rights and services remain critical. Pre-COVID-19, filing a
CDCN’S COACHING BOYS INTO MEN PREVENTION PROGRAM
eight Coaching Boys Into Men (CBIM) sessions in two public school districts, with two other schools on hold due to the COVID-19 shutdown of public schools. As a result of pandemic-related closures, CCN’s Prevention Education team is actively working with coaches, principals, and athletic directors to offer these presentations in a virtual format.
Prior to the shutdown, Mr. Strimel had worked with young male student-athletes from both North Allegheny High School and West Allegheny High School. These athletes, who had successfully completed the eight classroom presentations, are eligible to become mentors to younger students. Student-athletes developed their leadership skills which benefited themselves and
influence in the life of a younger male student. These mentors are matched with younger elementary or middle school male students who need individual attention, meeting one-on-one. The ultimate goal is to help the younger students develop respect and build healthy relationships with themselves and others.
Principals, athletic directors, coaches, teachers, and even janitors attended some of the presentations. The day of the last session at each school, many of them sought
would be any way to do more than the eight CBIM sessions, which is currently being developed to implement as an online format. For more information on CCN’s school-based prevention education offerings, including Coaching Boys Into Men, please contact Leon Strimel at lstrimel@crisiscenternorth.org
Montour High School’s Fall 2019 Coaching Boys Into Men Student-Athletes and Mentors
violation of a PFA order or filing criminal charges was a much more streamlined process, but now has turned into barriers. Victims are faced with the inability to file proceedings when officers do not arrest and therefore have to wait until the courts reopen. Victims had the availability to go before a judge in response to a bail/bond hearing; however, due to these mandated restrictions, victims are unable to be present nor heard. If a victim is aware, one could ask for CCN to advocate on their behalf through a procedure established during COVID-19. However, no longer in court, advocates are unable to relay this option.
Many victims are living in constant fear, wondering if their abuser was or will be released from Allegheny County Jail due to COVID-19. Legal advocacy was strong in responding to the Ordinance by the Council person requesting the release of prisoners as no definition of a “non-violent offender” was present and the wording of “all charged with misdemeanors” were to be released. However, 701 inmates have been released as of April 2.
Arrests for domestic violence assaults, stalking, and harassment are still occurring, but due to COVID-19, many perpetrators are not going to jail, but rather going before the judge and then released. Victims consequently become re-victimized and fearful to report, feeling despair and let down by the system.
CCN actively receives calls from the police and victims, and CCN’s response to review new procedures and advocate on behalf of victims is of the utmost importance during such an uncertain time. In the last two weeks of the stay-at-home order, 132 persons – some alone and some with their children – sought a Temporary PFA. Perhaps the most heartbreaking thought is that more than 132 victims were willing to risk COVID-19 exposure just to stop the violence! The importance of supporting CCN to provide this life-sustaining work is essential, as CCN advocates remain on the frontlines of the pandemic continuing to support victims of intimate partner violence.
uring the past quarter of the 2019-20 others in fostering healthy relationships and Mr. Stimel out, shook his hand, and thanked school year, Leon Strimel, CCN’s a positive school environment, using what him for doing this program in their school. Prevention Educator, conducted they have learned to make a positive Further, student-athletes asked if there