Tag: crime victim services

crime victims rights, Non-Profit Agency, Victim Service Agency, Violent Crime

Burglary vs. Robbery: What is the Difference?

Arkansas Valley Resource Center

When googling burglary or robbery, both topics frequently come up in the same search. They are different crimes, though they do seem to often be linked. The main difference between the two has to do with the presence (or rather the lack thereof) of the victim of the crime. With burglary, the victim does not have to be present in order for the crime to be charged. This is not the case with robbery, which, as defined by Colorado state law, is when A person knowingly takes anything of value from the person or presence of another by the use of force, threats, or intimidation (CRS Sect. 18-4-301).

Burglary v. Robbery infographic

Burglary seems to inherently come with the image of a large figure in a striped sweater and mask, equipped with a crowbar and a flashlight. burglar-cartoon2However, this cartoon stereotype isn’t entirely accurate. Second degree burglary is defined by Colorado state law as knowingly breaking an entrance into, entering unlawfully in, or remaining unlawfully after a lawful or unlawful entry in a building or occupied structure with intent to commit therein a crime against another person or property (CRS Sect. 18-4-203). With that in mind, it is entirely possible that someone can be charged with burglary, and have no intent to commit the additional crime of theft. Another debunk of the stereotypical image of a burglar is they are sneaking into the home in the dead of night, when residents are asleep, flashlight in hand. The reality is that most burglaries occur during the day, when a flashlight isn’t really necessary. In fact, of all the residential burglary cases reported in 2016, a majority occurred during daylight hours, specifically between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This percentage may be even higher, as 13% of residential burglaries occurred at unknown times, such as when the victim was away on vacation, and discovered the crime when they returned home. This is why it is important to not post on social media that you are currently on vacation in the Bahamas for 2 weeks, because it can alert potential burglars that you will be away from the home.

Burglary by location and time

Robbery is defined by state and federal law as a violent crime, as opposed to burglary, which is most typically considered a property crime, under most circumstances. In 2016, there were 332,198 reported cases of robbery nationwide, including 3,528 cases reported in Colorado. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 2010, “robbery was the most likely offense to involve an armed offender (44 percent)” and “firearms were the most commonly used weapon (29 percent)”. Most robberies occur on the street or highway, accounting for 38% of the incidents nationally reported in 2016; bank robberies accounted for 1% of the reported incidents. Other locations that robbery was reported to have occurred in 2016 included gas/services stations (2%), convenience stores (6%), and residences (16%).

Both crimes can have a lasting impact on victims, including nightmares, flashbacks, and/or trouble sleeping, all of which are potential symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  In a survey of child survivors of burglary, there was indication that the self-confidence of the child was damaged after the attack on their home. For robbery victims, reactions are much the same, including being hyper-vigilant, or being nervous in large crowds, and being suspicious of strangers. All of these reactions are completely normal for what survivors have gone through; it is a normal reaction to an abnormal experience.

Should you, a loved one, friend, or family member have been a victim of burglary or robbery, support is just a phone call or car ride away! An AVRC Advocate is available 24/7 to answer the questions you may have about this issue, so don’t hesitate to reach out!

415 Colorado Avenue, La Junta, CO 81050
24 Hour Hotline: (719) 384-7764
TTY: (719) 384-1938
After Hours Colorado Relay dial 711 or 1-800-659-2656

AVRC is a non-discriminatory agency regarding race, religion, color, gender, country of national origin, sexual orientation, mental health status, substance use or economic condition.

 

Statistics provided by the FBI Unified Crime Report 2016
https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2016/crime-in-the-u.s.-2016/topic-pages/robbery

Bureau of Justice Statistics
https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/cv16.pdf

2015 National Crime Victims Rights Week Resource Guide
http://victimsofcrime.org/docs/default-source/ncvrw2015/2015ncvrw_stats_burglary.pdf?sfvrsn=2

Huffington Post
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-siciliano/children-significantly-af_b_5343097.html

 

crime victims rights, domestic violence, Non-Profit Agency, Services Spotlight, Sexual Assualt, Stalking, Victim Service Agency, Violent Crime

AVRC Services Spotlight: Criminal Justice System Advocacy

Arkansas Valley Resource Center

Recovery from violent crime and/or ongoing abuse can potentially feel overwhelming, especially when trying to juggle one’s daily life on top of navigating the ins and outs of  the criminal justice system.

Who am I supposed to talk to about my concerns regarding my case?

What do I do if I am struggling to make contact with someone?

What are my rights as a victim of violent crime?

What does ‘Arraignment’ mean? 

Sometimes, we just need a helping hand to let us know where to go or what to expect next. As a community based agency, the Arkansas Valley Resource Center (AVRC) stands alongside our local criminal justice system agencies (law enforcement, district attorney, courts, probation, etc,), but also apart from them, allowing AVRC Staff to potentially address the overall needs of the survivor in tandem with their criminal justice case(s) needs.

AVRC can, at the survivor’s request, refer to, arrange contact with, and/or attend contacts with criminal justice agencies, such as meeting with the District Attorney or reporting new and/or ongoing crime to law enforcement. Also, AVRC staff may be available to go with the victim to hearings and trials regarding their victimization, for emotional support. AVRC staff can assist the survivor in completing a victim impact statement or seeking victim compensation to possibly meet financial needs that arise from their victimization. AVRC will educate clients on the Colorado Victim Rights Act (VRA), and can assist when a victim feels their Victims Rights may have been violated, including making a VRA complaint.

If you or someone you know has needs relating to their victimization and the criminal justice system, and is need of support, AVRC staff is available 24/7 to answer your questions!

415 Colorado Avenue, La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-7764
TTY: (719) 384-1938
After Hours Colorado Relay dial 711 or 1-800-659-2656

AVRC is non-discriminatory agency regarding race, religion, color, gender, country of national origin, sexual orientation, mental health status, substance use or economic condition.

Become a Volunteer, Colorado Gives Day, Donate, Non-Profit Agency, Victim Service Agency, Victim Service Provider, Violent Crime

Colorado Gives Day 2018

Arkansas Valley Resource Center

Colorado Gives Day 2018 is December 4th and the Arkansas Valley Resource Center is calling everyone out there to give, Give, GIVE! As a non-profit, community based agency, AVRC is funded in part by donations, and a donation to AVRC is a donation to the victims of violent crime in the counties of Bent, Crowley, and Otero. This includes support for AVRC to provide continuing services to those victims, and contributions to ongoing projects such as the Blair House Fundraiser. In addition to donating directly at the AVRC office and the DONATE button that can be found on this website, donations can be sent through the PayPal Giving Fund, which gives AVRC an extra 1% on top of your donations from November 27th through December 31st. That 1% could make a BIG difference, so please make sure to donate via the following link:

https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2105097

Donating isn’t just limited to money and material goods; time and skills are also incredibly valuable donations! AVRC is always looking for volunteers to join the team, working on anything from office operations to direct victims services. AVRC recognizes that the time, energy, and skills provided by volunteers are as valuable a donation as any!

If you are interested in giving back, or have any questions about donating to AVRC or about AVRC’s services, feel free to contact AVRC Staff! 

P.O. Box 716/415 Colorado Avenue
La Junta, CO 81050
24 Hour Hotline: (719) 384-7764
TTY: (719) 384-1938
After Hours Colorado Relay dial 711 or 1-800-659-2656

 

AVRC is non-discriminatory agency regarding race, religion, color, gender, country of national origin, sexual orientation, mental health status, substance use or economic condition.

 

Donate, Non-Profit Agency

Giving Tuesday is 11/27

Arkansas Valley Resource Center

After the hullabaloo of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the next date to mark on your calendar is Giving Tuesday, November 27th, 2018. Giving Tuesday kicks off the PayPal Giving Fund season, from 11/27/18 to 12/31/18. Starting that day, if you donate to AVRC via the following link, AVRC will be given an extra 1% on our donations during that time. Help AVRC kick off the giving season with a little extra 1% to give back to the victims of violent crime in our area! 

Donations can be made on our website the DONATE button, at the AVRC office, via mail, or at the following:

https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2105097

If you have any questions about AVRC services or to contact us about donating, feel free to give AVRC staff a call!

P.O. Box 716/415 Colorado Avenue
La Junta, CO 81050
24 Hour Hotline: (719) 384-7764
TTY: (719) 384-1938
After Hours Colorado Relay dial 711 or 1-800-659-2656

 

AVRC is non-discriminatory agency regarding race, religion, color, gender, country of national origin, sexual orientation, mental health status, substance use or economic condition.

Non-Profit Agency, Victim Service Agency, Victim Service Provider, Violent Crime

AVRC is Now Hiring!

Arkansas Valley Resource Center

The Arkansas Valley Resource Center (AVRC) is looking for someone to join their team, specifically in the position of Crisis Worker. AVRC is seeking candidates with the following qualifications:

  • High school Graduate or GED
  • Bilingual skills a plus
  • Be able to pass background check, drug test and e-verify
  • Have a reliable vehicle
  • Good work ethic
  • Desire to serve crime victims
  • Positive references
  • Have skills in Microsoft Office applications
  • Willingness to work on-call

On the job training is provided, and this is a full time salaried position with benefits.

If you are interested, send your resume to:
Arkansas Valley Resource Center 
P.O. Box 716
La Junta, Colorado 81050.

Please, no walk-ins or phone calls.
Applications need to be received by the deadline of December 3, 2018.
AVRC is an equal opportunity employer.

AVRC is non-discriminatory agency regarding race, religion, color, gender, country of national origin, sexual orientation, mental health status, substance use or economic condition.

Become a Volunteer, Donate, Non-Profit Agency, Victim Service Agency, Violent Crime

The AVRC Wish List

Arkansas Valley Resource Center

Did you know that the Arkansas Valley Resource Center runs partially on donations? Here is a wish list of all the things that AVRC is needing the most right now, to best help the victims of violent crime in the counties of Bent, Crowley, and Otero. Be part of the Resource Center in helping your community!

Volunteers…
Grocery Certificates/Cards
Canned Meats
Gas Cards
Crackers
Pasta-Spaghetti, Macaroni, Ramen
Spaghetti Sauce
Volunteers!
Canned Fruit–Peaches, Pears, Mixed
Peanut Butter
Jelly-Squeezable
Mac and Cheese
Soups–Tomato, Chicken
Bottled Water/Gatorade/Juice
Dry Cereal/Oatmeal Packets/Breakfast Bars
Canned Vegetables–Corn, Peas, Green Beans, etc.
VOLUNTEERS!
Diapers–Sizes 3, 4, 5
Socks (Men/Boys)
Tupperware (small/microwaveable)
Plastic Forks
Paper Bowls
Can Openers
Used Cell Phones W/ Chargers

…Did we mention, more Volunteers?

We are also accepting any monetary donations, which can be made here on our page via the DONATE button!

Thank you for helping to keep our agency open and allowing us to help the families in the Tri-county area. We appreciate and need our community’s support in reducing crime victimization!

 

415 Colorado Avenue, La Junta, CO 81050
24 hour hotline: (719) 384-7764
TTY: (719) 384-1938
After Hours Colorado Relay dial 711 or 1-800-659-2656

 

AVRC is non-discriminatory agency regarding race, religion, color, gender, country of national origin, sexual orientation, mental health status, substance use or economic condition.

crime victims rights, domestic violence, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Intimate Partner Violence, Victim Rights Act, Victim Service Agency, Violent Crime

Domestic Violence in Colorado: Top Facts to Know

Arkansas Valley Resource Center

Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2018 (#DVAM2018) is in full swing, and the theme for the year is:
AWARENESS + ACTION = SOCIAL CHANGE
With this in mind, here are some facts regarding Domestic Violence in the state of Colorado, to spread awareness about this serious issue and how close to home it may actually be.

  1. Domestic Violence (DV), under the Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS Title 18 Criminal Code § 18-6-8003), is defined as an act or threatened act of violence upon a person whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship. It further defines “intimate relationship” as a relationship between spouses, former spouses, past or present unmarried couples, or persons who are both the parents of the same child, regardless of whether the persons have been married or have lived together at any time.
  2. DV, per Colorado Law, is a criminal sentence enhancement. This means that if a DV perpetrator is charged and convicted, the sentence of the crime(s) committed (harassment, assault, etc.) increase, due to the potential lethality of the situation.
  3. In Colorado DV cases, if law enforcement has probable cause to believe that DV has occurred, the perpetrator is to be automatically arrested. Additionally, the perpetrator is to be held without bond until he goes before a Judge for advisement, and a mandatory (criminal) no-contact protection order is issued.
  4. Colorado DV cases cannot be dropped by the victim in the case. It is at the discretion of the State, specifically the prosecuting District Attorney’s Office, to “drop charges”.
  5. Per the Colorado Victim Rights Act (VRA), Domestic Violence is considered a violent crime. As such, victims of DV are to be protected throughout duration of the criminal justice process under the Colorado VRA.
  6. As a VRA protected crime, the victim of a DV case that has been reported and charged may be able to access Victims Compensation to pay for expenses that may have been a result of their victimization.
  7. Of the crimes against persons reported to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2017, 18,239 were committed by a current or previous intimate partner of the victim; in 2016, these reports totaled 17,423.
  8. From 2013 to 2017, CBI has reported a total of 129 murders committed by former or current intimate partners of the victim. Of these, 2 were reported within the 16th Judicial District (Bent, Crowley, and Otero counties).
  9. The Arkansas Valley Resource Center was created, in 1987, in response to a DV murder that occurred in the 16th Judicial District (Bent, Otero, and Crowley Counties).


If you, a friend, or a family member are a victim of Domestic Violence, and you are in need of support, AVRC Staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your contacts are confidential/privileged and at no cost to you. Reach out today!

415 Colorado Avenue, La Junta, CO 81050
24 Hour Hotline: (719) 384-7764
TTY: (719) 384-1938
After Hours Colorado Relay dial 711 or 1-800-659-2656

 

AVRC is non-discriminatory agency regarding race, religion, color, gender, country of national origin, sexual orientation, mental health status, substance use or economic condition.