May 30, 2002 @ 3:00 pm

Ruth opened the meeting and welcomed everyone. Ruth recapped the previous CBLC meetings with those attending, describing that a number of issues have been discussed and LCDA wanted to now open the meetings to the greater community. She talked about the current process of key informant and focus group interviews and she introduced Yvonne Rivera to briefly describe the process.

Yvonne: Introduced herself and her relationship to the project. She is here to conduct qualitative interviews to discuss IPV/SV issues in order to increase/improve services. The first group, conducted in Spanish, was held yesterday and was very productive. The subjects participated eagerly. Yvonne described that children of the subjects were US born citizens, but mothers were generally non-citizens with limited English. She stressed the need for help in recruiting male participants (18-64 years of age). She also stressed the sensitivity of the subject. Focus group participants can be victims or perpetrators. Cynthia and Ruth have details for participant guidelines. She stressed that all of the women were very excited to participate and were deeply engaged.

Questions arose about deadlines. Yvonne stated she will be here until next Friday. Cynthia said we need men (25-64) this Friday and elderly men (55-64) on June 6th. Yvonne described interview process and incentives. Yvonne thanked everyone for participating in the study.

Ruth asked for questions: One member asked about questions presented during the interviews and the results of the interviews. Yvonne referred the question to OU, but reaffirmed this was a qualitative study. Betty explained the coding scheme of data, and stated that preliminary analysis will be available as early as the end of July. She stated the comprehensive study will be available early next year. Another question was asked about sufficient participation. Betty stated that there will be sufficient participation and expressed concern about recruiting court mandated or people currently involved in the legal process. She spoke about the incentives and the availability of a therapist for participants. Betty stated that Cynthia has the interview schedule.

Yvonne stated that the transcripts will be translated in English/Spanish after they are conducted.

Cynthia introduced herself and asked others to introduce themselves.

Cynthia introduced VAWA presenters. Giovanni Perry and Teresa Rendon.

Teresa Rendon

Background materials were handed out on VAWA.

· Summary of Law

· More complete section on VAWA (immigrants), 2 versions of VAWA

The goal of VAWA was to prevent immigrant women from being afraid to report violence. Two groups of women were thought to be protected. Only one was. The protected group was those who could obtain citizenship. VAWA II protects second group. Teresa described some specifics of the handout. She briefly talked about criminal provisions that have been added to VAWA. It is now a federal crime to transport a person by duress or fraud, or commit an act of violence on that person (inter-state). Teresa asked if anyone knew who received VAWA funding in the state. Some funding is going for domestic investigation training and prosecution. 1,020 officers have been trained in this area. Trainings have also been given to tribal entities. Trainings have been successful, including with the rural populations. Guymon was specifically referenced. Someone asked if VAWA funds were for criminal or were any for treatment. Teresa referred to handouts. Someone stated that shelters received a bit of increase from VAWA this year. There are pots of money that flow into different programs from VAWA. (family violence and prevent act). Currently there are studies to see who is getting the money and how it is distributed. Cynthia is on committee to assess and plan monies from VAWA.

Another participant stated that there is a great need for advocates.

The law enforcement is obviously a gateway into the programs, and trainings/retrainings are essential to be progressive. This Fall, there will be a two-day training for District Court judges on domestic violence. Public hearings (year ago) revealed that a missing piece was the understanding of domestic violence by judges. This will complete the realm of educating everyone on the justice end.

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…requirements for qualifying for assistance under VAWA (section covers those who weren’t previously covered). There is a new non-immigrant visa, U visa & T visa, which was discussed in the other hand-out.

Giovanni Perry

The T visa is also new and covers victims of trafficking. These visas are so new that practioners are still unclear on the details. The self petition can also be tricky. A manual was produced by Catholic Charities (Dallas). Giovanni stressed that this is not an easy task to take on by yourself. Giovanni gave specific examples of a recent client that she worked with. Regional offices are not trained or connected on the findings of the Vermont Service Center. VAWAupdates.org is an update page that gives legislative updates/action. There is a lot of information on the web relating to VAWA.

Several handouts are included in the packet. Under VAWA, once a victim has approval from the Vermont Service Center, sometimes even before, a client can go to DHS to access social support services.

There are some organizations that help deal with immigration cases. Updates on legislations can be looked up at www.wava.update.org

The second handout does not include VAWA II. On page 7, the fee has increased to $130. She advised not applying for work authorization with I-360. Each country has a limited number of visas each year. Once that number is reached, a backlog is increased. For the spouse of a legal permanent resident (Mexican) the waiting period is around 6 or 7 years. With VAWA, the spouse is considered an immediate family and given a priority date. Meanwhile, they are allowed to renew their work permit every year. It is called deferred status.

The other remedy is cancellation of removal. Under VAWA, there are other chances. It’s best to go with self-petition.

Questions: Does it work the same for men. A:Yes. Men and children can be protected under VAWA. Children can be step-children. Even if mom isn’t being abused, but child is, then she can petition too.

Unaccompanied minors???: if you can show evidence of abuse, then you can file self-petition. Fill out same form, based on child’s information. Cover letters show what is in your application package such as birth certificate, evidence, and, cover letters can explain situation and itemize evidence.

Under U&T visas, they discovered a sex ring in FT. Worth. Immigration has to protect victims and is reaching out to services (shelters, etc) so victims don’t have to go to jail.

A recent news release stated that INS will be separated into two separate agencies.

Questions: Is there a time frame for coming forward? Say two years. A: It depends on the current status. If the abuse is not going on anymore, they may not get help, but should still try. Under the old VAWA, divorce cancelled everything out. VAWAII allows for a two year reprieve, but the divorce must have been due to the violence.

A lot of attorneys in family and children law are not trained in immigration issues.

Comments: Have someone who is an authority figure to on the Spanish radio and inform people about domestic abuse.

Cynthia thanked Giovanni and Teresa.

She reaffirmed the welcome and acceptance of the extended community.

The next meeting will be on marketing and awareness to the bilingual community. It will be June 5, 2002.

Ruth stated that cost and effectiveness are important factors in reaching out to the community. Bus bench advertisement was given as an illustration of an effective tool. Ruth said the next meeting will be a great starting point to begin exploring these issues. She requested any information (posters, etc) that might be helpful.

Cynthia stated that Wednesday’s are educational and Thursday’s are designated for issues (once each month). Additional binders would be made available for the Extended CBLC members. The council previously stated that they needed more training and that has developed into these educational meetings. Meetings are always held in the Rainbolt room at 3pm.

Dr. Barney gave the website address and Cynthia stated that the minutes are posted on the web.

A media campaign is being developed by a community member/agency and would like to bring their staff to talk with CBLC members. Cynthia affirmed their participation.

Cynthia asked for meetings ideas/topics. Can contact her to schedule a topic.

Oklahoma State Coalition Against Domestic Violence will be having a conference on 26^th, 27^th, 28^th of June in Tulsa. There is a small fee for attending the conference. If the fee is too high, then something might be able to be worked out.

Ruth asked if it would be possible to have some registrations provided for community members. Is that something the coalition might consider? The current grant (state) may not cover that, but the new grant (October) may be more helpful.

Meeting adjourned at 4:18pm