Victim Advocacy

Victim Advocacy

Introduction

Victim advocates work to help victims assert their rights and further their interests in the criminal justice system, social services, and society (1). Advocacy can be defined at the individual level, where dedicated individuals assist victims with problems stemming from crime and their involvement with the criminal justice system. Advocacy can also be defined at the collective level, where organisers aid victims by pressing for positive change in statutes and government programs.

Individual Advocacy

Advocates work with victims of violence from the time a crime occurs through the prosecution and sentencing of the perpetrator. (2) The role of an advocate is to help victims cope with the physical, psychological, and emotional trauma that may arise in the wake of criminal victimisation, and to help them negotiate with police, prosecutors, judges, and other criminal justice officials. The work of some advocates begins at the scene of the crime, where they may be summoned by the police to provide crisis counseling to victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or other violent crime. Many crime victims are eligible for state compensation for medical expenses or time lost from work, and advocates often assist them in filling out necessary forms and documenting their losses(3). Advocates aid domestic violence victims in obtaining civil or criminal restraining orders, which enjoin abusers from contacting victims or restrict the conditions under which contact may occur (1).

After an arrest has been made, advocates explain the criminal justice process to victims, who may not understand their role or the role of officials. With the increasing rights of victims under state and federal statutes, an important part of an advocate's job is to apprise victims of the level of participation to which they are entitled under law. For example, many state laws now require that police keep victims informed about the status of investigations, that officials notify victims of court dates and permit them to be present in court, that victims be consulted before plea bargains are reached, and that victims be permitted to inform the court about the affect the crime has had on them and on their families. Advocates may help victims provide the documentation necessary to obtain restitution from the offender. When the court case ends, advocates assist victims in retrieving property no longer needed as evidence (2).

Advocates assist victims in recovering from the effects of crime. They may provide immediate assistance by replacing stolen documents, securing premises after break-ins occur, or providing emergency food or cash grants. They also play an important role in linking clients to social service programs, including mental health counseling, welfare, housing assistance, and legal aid. The need for these services may stem directly from the crime. Often, however, advocates find that the effects of crime are not the most important problems that victims face. Victims especially those who are victimised repeatedly often have serious emotional, health, or economic issues that are exacerbated by the criminal incident. They may need help with landlordtenant issues, job training, or medical ...