One of Empire’s leading stars, Jussie Smollett, has recently been in the news in connection with a reported assault. Smollett reported a personal attack and explained a chemical substance, suspected to be bleach, was doused in his face. It was later said the two attackers screamed “MAGA country” as they flee, but that detail was later reported fictional. In the latest update, Smollett is being accused of “crying wolf” and making a false police report.

The police identified and apprehended the attackers using video surveillance nearby. Afterward, rumors of a concocted attack began circling the media outlets. Setting opinions aside, does crying wolf hurt assault victims moving forward?A similar scenario was observed when three gentlemen at Duke University were accused of rape by a woman, who ultimately was found to be untruthful. Unfortunately, the 3 students had already been convicted in the court of public opinion and suffered adverse consequences as a result of the accusation. Blogs and other media outlets are hinting at a similar effect in the Smollett accusation.

Smollett has maintained his accounts of the attack are true despite the authorities turning their focus to him as the perpetrator of a crime. With the media’s help, the case became a national issue and many appeared to judge quickly by their display of support for Smollett. People can take the least amount of information and form the most reliable opinions leading to unwarranted retaliation. The aftermath can escalate to the loss of a job or spreading false information that damages a brand or image. It is difficult to fight back if no one believes the actual story, resulting in feelings of helplessness. It can be overwhelming when others find it thrilling to gang up or attack as words, or emotional abuse is more traumatizing than physical abuse.

Count the Cost

Reactions to false accusations prevent victims from coming forward with their stories and in some cases, cause supporters to question versus rising to action. How do you see Smollett’s example affecting the assault victims in the future? Do you think Smollett should suffer consequences for making a false report? If so, what type of consequences? Share in the comments.

Annual PRIDE festivals and parades are planned throughout the year internationally and we’re helping you get your piece of the pie at home or away. If you missed the celebration June 1-3 at Laguna Beach, you don’t want to miss Kehlani, Keri Hilson, Icona Pop, and Kim Petras at the Rose Bowl this weekend (June 9-10)! Backstage passes inclusive of admission and a meal are available starting at $250, but add Natalia Jimenez, Eve, and Tove Lo…it’s a steal (general admission starts at $30).

Kids at home this weekend? Bring them along because children 12 and under are free! The LA Pride festival is one of the largest inspirational extravaganzas, but be sure to check Metrosource for the list of events in 2018 before traveling or deciding you missed out. If you’re going to be in Los Angeles, check out the festivities and join the countdown to LA PRIDE WEEKEND!!

California created the nation’s first Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) in 1965. Responsibility for this program was transferred to the Victims of Crime and Government Control Board in 1967 and has since become its largest program. It assists victims with resolution, including reimbursed expenses or losses to the injured party as a result of criminal acts. These include domestic violence, human trafficking, hate crimes, and online harassment. CalVCP has initiated a campaign to focus on five highlighted issues: Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, Mental Health, and Stalking. There are Victim Witness Assistance Centers in each county and one more in the city of Los Angeles that work directly with the California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) to assist victims.

Physical injuries are traumatizing and emotional stress endured by victims can be debilitating and present road blocks to recovery. Some experiences may include intrusive flashbacks, sleep issues, and detachment from others. Even when a victim returns to regular daily activities, progress is inhibited without access to appropriate resources. Many victims find themselves struggling to pay for mental health services and new legislation has included financial assistance for peer support groups and services focused on victims of crimes.

Eligibility
CalVCP funding comes from restitution paid by criminal offenders through fines, orders, penalty assessments and federal matching funds. To be eligible for compensation, a person must be a victim of a qualifying crime involving physical injury, threat of physical injury, or death. For certain crimes, emotional injury alone is enough to qualify. Certain family members and loved ones who suffer an economic loss from an injury to, or death of, a victim of a crime may also be eligible for compensation. In addition to being the victim of a qualifying violent crime, applicants must also:

• Be either a resident of California or the victim of a crime that happened in California.
• Generally, report the crime to the police, sheriff, child protective services, or some other law enforcement agency.
• In most cases, apply to CalVCP within three years of the time the crime happened.
• Cooperate with law enforcement during the investigation and prosecution of the crime.
• Not have participated in or been involved in committing the crime.
• Cooperate by providing the information needed to review the application.

Minors
Minors who suffer emotional injuries from witnessing a violent crime may be eligible for up to $5,000 in mental health counseling through CalVCP. A law that went into effect in 2009 allows the minor witness to be eligible for assistance even if he or she is unrelated to the crime victim. To qualify, the minor witness must have been in close proximity to the crime.

Exceptions
The Victim’s Compensation Board (CalVCB) is the payer of last resort and there is some exclusion from financial compensation. Reimbursement and recovery sources are applied to all expenses, like medical and disability insurance first. Employer benefits and civil suites are also paid before any disbursement for other expenses. CalVCB cannot pay for any expense not related to the crime, including expenses for lost, stolen or damaged property. CalVCB cannot pay any expenses incurred while a person is on parole, probation or post-release community supervision for a violent felony; incarcerated or required to register as a sex offender. This does not affect an application’s eligibility. It instead stops payment for expenses that are incurred during incarceration and felon or registered sex offender status.

Getting Started
Contact your Victim Witness Assistance Center to access resources and affiliates providing advocacy and services. The advocates can assist with completing applications for CalVCP and provide more information about the criminal justice system. Applications are not required for resources regarding counseling, supportive resources, and recovery programs.

More Than Sad (developed by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) helps parents, educators, and students recognize signs of depression, initiate conversations about mental health, and demystifies the treatment process.

If you have attended a More than Sad workshop, please leave your feedback with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or contact Pretty Girl Passion Society (PGPS) to schedule a workshop!