The Crime Victims Resource Center has, for the past 40 years, served the needs of crime victims, providing emotional support, information and resources.

That hasn’t changed in all that time, said Director Tori Miller — but, she hopes, perception has.

“I think a lot of people still think that we only provide help in cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse,” she said. “But we help all crime victims,” whether male, female or children.

One thing is sure: services are in demand. In the first seven months of 2017, the CVRC has provided almost 2,900 services to 371 victims — a 52 percent increase in services over 2016, and a 38 percent increase in victims served in the same time period.

Miller said at least part of the reason for the increase was the addition of Jessica Bernand to the staff, a victim outreach advocate who is bilingual. As a result of breaking down language barriers, said Miller, Hispanic clientele have increased more than 100 percent in the past year. Bernand joins fellow victim advocate, Linnea Garness, on the three-person staff that is also supported by volunteer help.

“We are continually busy,” said Miller. “It seems we have no down time at all.”

Tackling language barriers — there is also a multitude of other languages spoken in the county — comes with help from schools, the Welcome Center, Parenting Resource Center and others.

The CVRC provides a number of services to victims, from crisis intervention to accompaniment to court proceedings; or, they may assist in filing an order of protection, or stand as an advocate for the victim if they need a medical exam or need to file a police report.

“Think of someone who has left a bad domestic situation, for example — that person might have no money, no place to go, no job. They might have children,” Miller said. “Often they are overwhelmed by their situation” and have no where to turn.

Miller said two changes have become apparent in recent years. While the majority of clients are female, “men aren’t as afraid of talking about sexual abuse” they suffered as they once were.

She also has witnessed an increase in stalking cases, thanks to more sophisticated technology available to stalkers, who are both men and women.

“GPS, apps, make it much easier for stalkers,” she said. Cellphones carry GPS, making it easier for a stalker to track a victim. There are apps that allow texting to appear as if it is coming from another phone, making it easier for a stalker to harass a victim.

In just 12 months, Miller said, there have been 137 cases of stalking or harassment filed with the center, with as many as 39 filed in a four-month period.

The staff becomes the central point of referral for victims, so they can obtain the help they need to overcome a crisis.

Directing victims to the center for help comes from many sources, but the major one is law enforcement, she said. About 80 percent of their cases come from the city of Austin, while the balance are from the rest of Mower County. Police, pastors, neighbors and other family members have all encouraged victims to seek help.

Victimization can last well past the time a victim has been in crisis. Impacts can be both physical and emotional, and can result in depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating and sleeping disorders, or addiction. Being part of the Mayo Clinic Health System makes referrals easier, she said.

“Having a connection with providers, therapists and chemical dependency counselors allows us to provide a holistic approach to victims,” she said. “Our goal is to provide resources to encourage growth and recovery.”

There are still challenges. Continuing to find ways to partner with other agencies, that will improve services to victims, is always at the forefront, she said.

Staff also continues to work to raise public awareness about victimization, often speaking to organizations and businesses about their services.

And, she said, anyone who would like to volunteer their services to the center would be gratefully welcomed.

“We have many things a volunteer can do — and none of them include facing an abuser, or putting them in any kind of situation like that,” Miller said. The duties are more office-based, she added.

The center was established in 1977 as the Victim’s Crisis Center, part of the Mower County Mental Health Center. In 1985, the center became part of St. Olaf Hospital, which is today Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin.

Miller, who has headed the agency for 18 years, said the program is grant-funded, from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety-Office of Justice Programs, The Hormel Foundation, and The United Way of Mower County. Mayo Clinic Health System provides in-kind contributions.

For more information on victimization, services or volunteer opportunities, call 507-437-6680, or visit the center’s website at www.crimevictimsresourcecenter.org.

Services available

Services provided by the Crime Victims Resource Center are individualized, depending on a victim’s need. Some of those services might include:

• Crisis intervention services and 24-hour hotline

• Short-term counseling

• Support groups

• Referrals

• Assistance in filing Orders for Protection or Harassment Restraining Orders

• Accompaniment to court proceedings

• Assistance in developing safety plans

• Advocacy during hospital exams and police reporting