October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Corpus Christi Police Department
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (News Release) - The Corpus Christi Police Department would like to introduce the community to their Victim Advocates and learn how they can assist victims of crime.
Although there are resources available to assist victims of crime, many victims are unaware of where, when or how to seek help or protection. Victim Advocates help ease the feeling of frustration and powerlessness that is intensified when faced with the intimidating process of the criminal justice system. Due to the increasing number of violent crimes against person(s), it is imperative that all victims, regardless of race, national origin, sex, age and disability, be serviced by providing them with information on resources available to them in a timely manner.
Photo courtesy of Corpus Christi Police Department
Victim Advocates provide services based on the needs of the victim in all types of violent crimes such as aggravated assault, homicide, robbery, sexual assault (adult and child), and vehicular crimes such as intoxication assault/manslaughter and hit and run.
From the initial contact through the follow up, Victim Advocates will assess immediate and long-term needs. Addressing those needs will reduce the short- and long-term effects of the trauma.
Victim Advocates provide victims with crisis counseling, crime victims compensation information, assistance with funeral and burial expenses, victims’ rights, referrals to community agencies, advocacy on their behalf with other agencies and assist them in acquiring an understanding of the criminal justice system. This will not only enable them to utilize the system for assistance in establishing trust and stability, but it will also help facilitate the victims’ willingness to participate in the criminal justice process.
Ultimately, the goal is to help people who have been victimized by violent crimes in a professional and compassionate manner and restore them to as much normalcy as possible as they were before victimization.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please speak up. The Family Violence Unit and Victim Advocates can be reached at (361) 886-2670.