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 DA's 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 police 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.

D.A. 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 California Crime Compensation Claims
• Information about the Criminal Justice System (case status, impact statements, restitution)