Victim Advocates/Domestic Violence Counselors

Victim Advocates

The goal of the District Attorney Victim Advocate is to provide or arrange for services to meet the material, emotional and informational needs experienced by victims and witnesses thereby allowing for faster and more complete recovery from the effects of crime. The Victim Advocates have completed the mandatory Entry-Level and Advanced Level Victim Advocate Training. The advocates must demonstrate an understanding of victim's rights, the dynamics of victimization, crisis intervention, cultural, ethnic and special needs assessment and the Victim's Compensation Program.

The victim advocate is available to intercede on behalf of victims with family and friends as well as law enforcement officers and prosecutors. Advocates become involved in a case after a crime report is filed. The advocate is dedicated to respond to the needs of the victim even if there is no suspect and no prosecution. In addition to Victim Advocates, we also recruit and use volunteers to augment paid staff in the delivery of victim services.

Victim Advocates are trained to assist victims in the following ways:

• Crisis Intervention
  
• Emergency Assistance (housing, food, medical care, etc.)
  
• Community Resource Referrals
  
• Assistance with filing Crime Victim Compensation Claims
  
• Information about the Criminal Justice System (case status, accompaniment to court, impact statements, restitution)

Domestic Violence Counselors

The emotional and psychological scars from family violence often remain long after the physical wounds have healed. Fear, loyalty, love, anger, self-blame, betrayal, family pressures, financial insecurity and other emotions may cloud the victim's ability to move on to the next phase in their lives with or without the abuser. Domestic Violence Counselors help them move from "victim" to "survivor" of family violence.

The criminal justice process can be confusing and intimidating. Victims need support and information throughout this process. The Domestic Violence Counselors of the District Attorney's Office can keep them informed of what to expect along the way.
In felony and misdemeanor cases, a Domestic Violence Counselor from the District Attorney's Office contacts victims by phone and/or by letter. The counselor answers questions relating to the status of the case, the need for advocacy, counseling and support, and requests for criminal protective orders. The counselor can keep the victim informed of the progress of the case and what to expect at trial and accompany the victim to court. They may refer the victim to the Victim Assistance Center for assistance with Victim Compensation claims.