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Post by reelee71 on Jun 9, 2008 19:06:18 GMT -5
Here I am still in the state of sadness that I can't seem to shake. I have a therapist, a counsler, a pastor and I go to a grief, loss and recovery group. I know that all these things have helped eventhough it doesn't feel like it. I also take antidepressants! Heck I would hate to see myself if I wasn't doing all these things.
Here is my problem. I'm one of these people that can easily hold up in my room for days, but I know that it's not good for me to do that. When my husband killed my family I just lost everything! I'm self-employeed and it has hurt my business all the media attention. I'm a photographer and started my business three years ago and it was doing wonderful till all of this happend. I guess it doesn't help that my heart has only been half in it because my mom was my business partner. And I live in a town with only 13,000 people...
I don't know, I'm broke from having to pay for funerals, and covering costs that no one would cover but me. And don't get me wrong I would do it again, but what do I do to bounce back? There are no jobs in my town and I'm just barely hanging on. I even lost my home. It was were the murders took place. I don't have a place to live. I've pretty much lived out of a suitcase since this happend. I've stayed with my best friend, my office and my brother. All of this has left me broke to the point that I can't even get a place of my own, because any money I get is keeping my business afloat.
At the end of the day I don't have anyone to lean on. My brother has a wife and kids. He won't even talk about any of it. Since it was my husband that did it I think he blames me. This is just so hard. I don't understand how this man could ruin my life and take my momma and grandparents and then tell the cop that he loves me.... He still has his parents that go and see him and stand beside him and I feel so alone. My momma was my best friend and my confidant my world really and now that she's gone I just don't know what to do.
You know, after it all happened I planed and took care of everything. My brother couldn't because he had been shot ten times and was in the hospital, but I never got a chance to soak all of this in and deal with it. My mom didn't have any insurance so I had to go back to work and try and pay for everything. And I did. Almost $30,000 worth of funerals I only owe $2,500, but I've just had no time for myself. I just miss my old life so much that at times I can't even breath.
And we all know that each story has a villan and a hero. Well, the idiot that committed this crime was not the villan. People say that I had to have done something to push him over the edge. Bull! I never did anything but give him the love the that he really didn't deserve. And my brother is the hero, and I'm the villan. All I ever did was work go to church and try to help my mom take care of my sick grandparents and help her get over the loss of my dad that past a way a year before her murder.
If you are a woman why is it always your fault if a man does something? He is the killer not me. I have wished a thousand times that he would have killed me that night. I wish that he would have, because it has to be better than what I'm living now.
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Post by drewsmom595 on Jun 10, 2008 5:34:18 GMT -5
You live in Arkansas, right? Have you checked into the Arkansas Victims of Crime Compensation? I think you'd probably qualify to get many of your expenses reimbursed:
What is the Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Program?
The Arkansas Legislature created the "Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Act" when they passed Act 817 in 1987. The legislation provides a method of compensating and assisting victims and their dependents that have suffered personal injury or death as the result of a violent crime, including DWI and hit and run incidents that are a violation of A.C.A 27-53-10.
Where does the money come from?
The Crime Victims Revolving Fund
One of the most positive aspects of the Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Program is that a portion of the funding comes from individuals who commit crimes. A major source of revenue for the program is the assessment of court costs and fees.
The program also receives money through the federal Victims of Crime Act as well as the court-ordered restitution collected from criminals.
When did Arkansas begin assisting victims of violent crimes?
The operation date for the program is July 1, 1988.
Who qualifies as a claimant?
* A victim * A dependent of a homicide victim * An authorized person acting on behalf of one of the above
Is there anyone excluded from acting as a claimant?
Yes. A service provider cannot act as a claimant for the purpose of filing for compensation.
Who qualifies as a victim?
* A person suffering personal injury or death as the result of a criminal act * Any Arkansas resident suffering personal injury or death as an act of terrorism committed outside the United States * A minor child of an eligible victim * An immediate family member of a deceased victim, a sexual assault victim, or a child victim * A person who resided, at the time of the crime, in the same permanent household as a deceased victim * A person who discovers the body of a homicide victim
Who is an immediate family member?
* Parents * Siblings * Grandparents * Spouse * Children of the person suffering personal injury or death as the result of a criminal act
What are the eligibility criteria?
* Victimization must have occurred in Arkansas on or after July 1, 1988 * Claim must be filed within one (1) year of incident (and may be waived for good cause) * Victimization was reported to the proper authorities within 72 hours (minors excluded, may be waived for good cause) * Victim must have suffered personal injury or death due to criminal act of another person * Victim/claimant must be cooperating with the investigation and/or prosecution * Victim must not have been covered by a collateral source * Victim/claimant must not have been convicted of a criminally injurious felony * Victim's conduct must not have contributed to the victimization * Victim must not have been involved in illegal activity at the time of the incident * Victim must not have been incarcerated at the time of the incident * The injury cannot be the result of a motor vehicle accident unless the act was 1. In violation of Omnibus DWI, A.C.A. §5-65-101 et. seq., Intent 2. In violation of A.C.A. §27-53-101 – leaving the scene of an accident involving serious injury or death 3. Intentional * Compensation must not unjustly benefit the offender or accomplice
What types of assistance are available to eligible victims?
* Medical, including rehabilitation and dental * Repair and/or replacement, such as eyeglasses, dentures or hearing aids * Mental health * Work loss * Funeral * Loss of support for dependents of a homicide victim * Crime scene clean-up
What does crime scene clean-up involve?
This expense is available to survivors or dependents of homicide victims only. There is a maximum limit of $3,000 to cover reasonable expenses involved with removing, or attempting to remove, from the crime scene, blood, dirt, stains, or other debris caused by the crime or the processing of the crime scene. Reasonable expenses include, but are not limited to, cleaning supplies, equipment rental, labor, and hazardous waste removal. The location of a crime scene may include a structure or automobile; however, a distinction exists between cleaning and property replacement. Property replacement is prohibited. Additionally, the approval of assistance with this type expense is contingent upon all other eligibility criteria having been met.
What expenses are not covered by the program?
* Pain and suffering * Property damage or loss * Attorney fees
What are the maximum limits?
* Overall maximum is $10,000 per victim, but this can be raised to $25,000 if the victim suffered catastrophic injury that resulted in total and permanent disability; * Medical expenses are paid at 65% of balance submitted, but if the provider accepts payment they are agreeing to accept as payment in full; * Mental health expenses are paid up to $3,500 for out-patient treatment and $3,500 for in-patient treatment * Funeral expenses are paid up to $7,500; * Crime scene clean-up expenses are paid up to $3,000. * Up to one week of work loss directly related to participation in criminal justice activities * Mileage directly related to participation in criminal justice activities can be paid up to $300 * Lodging directly related to participation in criminal justice activities can be paid up to $300 (reimbursement basis only) * Lodging that is medically necessary for the victim who suffered personal injury can be paid up to $300 (reimbursement basis only) * Up to $500 can be paid for installation of locks and windows for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence who are victimized in their primary residence (reimbursement basis only)
Who makes the decisions?
The administrative staff is responsible for conducting an investigation on all claims submitted. This involves gathering information regarding the victimization and reviewing all aspects of the case to determine whether the eligibility criteria have been met. The administrative staff will then prepare a synopsis of each claim submitted and forward it to the Board for review during one of its meetings or conference calls. A staff recommendation will accompany the synopsis; however, the Board will make the final decision on each claim.
Can a victim whose claim is awarded file additional expenses?
Yes. These additional expenses are considered supplemental expenses, regardless of whether they are for treatment rendered at the time of the incident or for ongoing treatment related to the victimization. It should be noted that the expenses for any treatment rendered after the decision date of the claim must be submitted in compliance with ACVRB Rule No. 24. This rule stipulates that all supplemental expenses be submitted within one year of treatment or payment by a collateral source in order for them to be considered for compensation.
What recourse do victims have if a claim is denied or diminished?
A victim or claimant can appeal the decision within forty-five (45) days of receipt of the certified notice. The claim will be scheduled for the next available board meeting. The victim or claimant or a representative is required to be present at the appeal hearing.
How often does the Board meet to review the claims or appeals?
The Board holds six annual meetings at the Attorney General’s Office to hear appeals. These meetings take place on the third Thursday of January, March, May, July, September and November. In addition, the Board meets via conference call during the months of February, April, June, August, October and December.
Who are the members of the Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Board?
The Board consists of five (5) members who are appointed by the Governor of the State of Arkansas. One position is currently vacant.
* Mary Marsha Porter, Chairman Attorney, Rogers * Dr. Janice Church Psychologist, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock * Colleen Nick Victim Advocate, Alma * Cory Cox Attorney, Little Rock
Who is on the administrative staff?
* Bishop Woolsey, Assistant Attorney General * Avis Lane, Administrator & Community Relations Director * Lynette Parham, Assistant Administrator * Wendy Sanders, Investigator * Brittany Hillyer, Investigator * Derald Johnson, Investigator * Kathy Keatts, Investigator * Varnell Messer, Investigator * Patsy Gatlin, Investigator * Ada Hollingsworth, Investigator * Ruth Wilson, Fiscal Assistant * Clay Marks, Secretary
What is the recourse for the victims who are denied or diminished by the Board after an appeal hearing?
The victim or claimant may file an appeal in Circuit Court within thirty (30) days of receipt of the Board’s decision. The petition may be filed in the Circuit Court in Pulaski County or the county in which the victim or claimant resides.
Do I need an attorney to file a claim?
No. Assistance in filing a claim is available from the Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Program. In addition, the law does not provide for attorney's fees to be paid by the program.
Do I have to prove financial need in order to be eligible for compensation?
No.
Does there have to be an arrest or conviction of the assailant before compensation will be paid?
No.
How do I file a claim?
A claim form may be obtained from your nearest prosecuting attorney's office, law enforcement agency or the Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Program. You may also download and print the form by clicking here (downloadable claim form requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader). It is necessary for the claim form to be completed in its entirety and accompanied by the following:
* Documentation verifying that the incident was reported to the proper authorities within 72 hours (minors excluded); and * At least one itemized statement
Where can I find more information?
You can contact the Program at the following address:
Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Program Office of the Attorney General 323 Center Street, Suite 200 Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Phone: 501-682-1020 or 1-800-448-3014
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Post by pumpkin12903 on Jun 11, 2008 10:06:45 GMT -5
Dear reelee71, I'm so sorry about all you're going through. Drewsmom gave you wonderful advice about Victims' Assistance. The people at the unemployment office might be able to help you found out about other job options. They were a great help to me the last time I was out of work. As far as people blaming you, unfortunately, this world has these creepezoids. The 1's who think they're so above it all, so smug and arrogant that they think it can't happen to them. Also just plain abusers who love being cruel to MVS and others and take out THEIR problems on the 1's they abuse. Very sad and disgusting. I know it's very hard to do this at times, but in the long run ignore them. If you have abusers in your life, cut off contact with them. You don't NEED this right now! We do find out when we become MVS how many cruel abusers are out there. I find comfort in that the MAJORITY of people aren't like this! The same with MVS. Most aren't abusers, thank God! And most don't take out their tragedies on others! Know that we're here anytime you need to vent, need advice, etc. I understand your feelings of "how will I make it"? I felt that for a least a few years after the murders in my family. It's all part of the healing process, unfortunately. Again, sorry for all you're going through. Take care.
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Post by taterfay on Jun 14, 2008 19:21:35 GMT -5
Hi reelee:
The info that drewsmom gave you is priceless. I was able to submit all of my sister's funeral expenses and the state of Hawaii (crime victims compensation commission) did reimburse me. It took them a little while, but then again, it took me awhile to take that step to send in the funeral expenses for some reason.
It always seems like people that don't understand LOVE to blame the victim and not the abuser. People on the big Island were at one point (after my sis was murdered) insinuating through ridiculous gossip, that, in some ways maybe it was MY SISTER'S fault that he murdered her because she couldn't stay away from him (or..get away from him!) Sickening, isn't it?
I am just so sorry you have to deal with all of this on to of trying to deal with your HUGE grief. I hope you can get some help with everything!!
Hugs, Stacey
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