What is a Victim Advocate?
A Victim Advocate is a person who assists victims throughout the criminal process, providing information, support, and resources, help with protective orders, help with submitting Victim Impact Statements and Restitution information, and generally guiding victims through every stage of a case. You can contact your advocate via e-mail or by calling 602-261-8192 at any time during the case.
What can my Victim Advocate do for me?
An advocate can:
- Explain the judicial system to you.
- Give you specific information and resources for all victims, and special resources for Domestic Violence victims.
- Act as a link between you and the prosecutor.
- Advise you as to the current status of the case and confirm court dates and location.
- Make referrals to you for counseling, shelter, food, etc.
- Answer your questions regarding the pretrial, trial, sentencing, and appeal process.
- Escort you to and from court and stay in court with you while you testify.
- Assist you in obtaining a Protective Order (Order of Protection or Injunction Against Harassment).
- Help you with submitting a Victim Impact Statement.
- Help you with submitting a Restitution request.
- Provide you with a safe, private area where you can wait before and after testifying.
- Provide you with resource information and referrals to other social service agencies that offer financial and supportive services.
An advocate cannot:
- Give you legal advice
- Tell you how to testify
- Tell you what to write in a Victim Impact Statement
- Tell you what to ask for regarding Restitution
- Tell you what you should recommend for sentencing
- Give an opinion as to whether a case will be charged
- Give an opinion as to the likely outcome of the case
- Give an opinion as to whether restitution will be ordered, and how much.
- Personally transport you anywhere
