What is Advocacy?

Victim advocates are trained to support victims of crime. They offer emotional support, victims’ rights information, help in finding needed resources and assistance in filling out crime victim related forms. Our advocates frequently accompany victims and their family members through the criminal justice proceedings. Advocates work with other organizations, such as criminal justice or social service agencies, to get help or information for the victims we serve. Victim advocates’ responsibilities vary depending on the situation.

Advocacy services include:

• Crisis intervention
• Emotional support
• Resources and referrals
• Information on victimization
• Assistance with Crime Victims Compensation application
• Information on legal rights and protections
• Information on criminal justice process
• Assist victims and their family members submit statements to the court
• Intervention with landlords, creditors and employers on behalf of the victim
• Information on crime prevention
• Assistance with safety planning
• Assistance in navigating the medical systems