Court Advocacy

The Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program provides a specialized advocate to assist victims of domestic violence as they proceed through the criminal justice system.  The program was established in 1982 and is based out of the shelter.  Crossroads’ court advocates do not work for the state, the city, the county or the police department and are therefore not obligated to disclose any information shared by a victim.

The Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program increases the accessibility of the criminal justice system to victims, empowers victims to have a voice in the criminal justice system and coordinates services to promote victims’ safety and well- being.

The role of the Court Advocate is to:

  • Helps survivors understand basic information about the courts, criminal prosecutions, and the role of the survivor/witness
  • Informs victims of their rights under the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA).  The VAWA identifies domestic violence as a crime and allows for remedies such as orders of protection and criminal charges.
  • Monitors the response of the court system
  • Improves victims’ access to the court system
  • Provides objective and knowledgeable information about the court process
  • Offers information about survivor rights
  • Facilitates the provision of services or other forms of assistance
  • Supports and empowers survivors to choose their own options and make decisions
  • Assists in dealing with the survivor’s feelings as a result of the crime
  • Communicates as a Liaison within the system
  • Refers to additional services such as shelter, legal assistance, safety planning, crisis intervention, crime victims compensation fund and the Victim Information Notification Everyday (VINE)

The goal of the Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program is to bring about changes which will gain survivors of domestic violence greater access to justice.

Crossroads Crisis Center, Inc. will help and support victims of domestic violence in any way possible.  We will respect the choices that victims make and will assure that they are well informed of all of their options.