NCJ Number
190824
Journal
Community Links Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2001 Pages: 18-19
Date Published
June 2001
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article describes the work of the Victim Assistance Unit of the Las Cruces Police Department (New Mexico), using an illustrative case study of a domestic-violence incident.
Abstract
The officer who arrived at the scene of the domestic-violence call found a woman bleeding from the mouth, limping, and with bruises on her arms and back. Two small children were hysterical, and the family dog was hiding under a bed. The officer called for an advocate of the Victim Assistance Unit. The advocate arrived on the scene within 30 minutes, and after informing the advocate of the situation and taking the suspect into custody, the officer left. The advocate then conversed with the victim about her situation and developed an "option" plan. Although the suspect had been arrested, he might get out on bond and return to the house, so the advocate suggested that the family go to the local domestic violence shelter. The suspect had torn the spark plug wires from the family car, so the mother had no transportation to the shelter or to work in the morning. The advocate convinced the mother that the shelter was safe and assured her that the Victim Assistance Unite would contact a mechanic to repair the car. Arrangements were also made to care for the family dog. The Victim Assistance Unit obtained a court order to keep the suspect away from the family. The advocate further suggested that the mother and her children seek counseling through the shelter. Other services provided by the Victim Assistance Unit include court advocacy and financial compensation for victims. All victim advocates must participate in a 40-hour training course and attend classes at the police academy. They are trained to defuse a crisis, debrief the victims, handle family and friends of a suicide victim, and deal with domestic violence, assaults, armed robbery, and stalking. Advocates also assist the fire department with victims of house fires who have no place to go, no belongings left, and who may have lost loved ones.