Overview of Victim Assistance Division
The Marion County Victim Assistance Division was established in 1981 as a program of the District Attorney's Office. Our volunteers and staff work side-by-side with the DA's Office on behalf of crime victims. The program is funded through a combination of State and Federal grants, general fund dollars, and donations.
The mission of the Victim Assistance Division is to involve crime victims and the community in a restorative process that diminishes the devastating impact of crime. The goals of the program are to:
- Provide direct victim services
- Advocate for victim rights
- Offer volunteer opportunities
- Provide education and promote public awareness
- Promote professional and agency communication
Are You Looking to Make A Difference?
Do you look around our community and believe we can do better? Do you find yourself wondering what you can do to make a real impact on the lives of our neighbors who need help? Are you a kind, empathetic person who has a heart for serving others and a desire to help? Being a volunteer in our Victim Assistance Division may be for you!
Public safety is a community concern. Police and prosecutors cannot do it alone. Working with survivors of crime is one way you can make a difference and help law enforcement make our county safer. We know that while we cannot negate the crime that has so greatly affected the victim, we are committed to not making it worse. Our victim advocates are one of our best assets in doing that.
What Does a District Attorney Victim Advocate Do?
Our victim advocates commit their time and their heart to victims of crime throughout the criminal justice process. You will be their trusted source of information about what is happening with their case. You will be their constant courtroom companion. You will be there to answer questions and help quell their fears. And you can be their connection to crucial community resources that can further help them through what can be a chaotic and confusing time. You will help them move forward.
What Do We Do to Help You?
You won't do this alone. We have a comprehensive and robust training process that will give you all the tools you need to be a successful advocate. Upon graduation, you will become part of a team full of people who care just like you do. We will ensure that you get the support and help you need to be able to help others.
What's Next?
Contact us and we will give you more information about our next cadre of available trainings. We look forward to partnering with you to make our community better. Together we can make a difference.
Volunteers and student interns contribute more than 40,000 hours to the program each year. Volunteers make it possible for us to provide many needed services to crime victims. There are several ways in which volunteers can contribute their time, compassion, and skills. Please consider the following opportunities:
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Day Advocate (normal business hours) for adult victims of:
- sexual assault
- victims of child abuse and neglect
- victims of partner abuse
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24-hour On-Call Advocate for victims of sexual assault
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Office support and special projects
Volunteers provide the following services to victims of violent crimes:
- Support through a sexual assault examination
- Crisis intervention and short-term emotional support
- Accompaniment to meetings and court hearings
- Information on the case status
- Referral for counseling, social services, or other needs
- Assistance in applying for Crime Victims' Compensation
- Minimum of 18 years of age
- Ability to work effectively with diverse client base
- Strong moral character
- No record of criminal conduct
- Submit application and release form
- Background check
- Applicant interview
- Training
- Sign volunteer/staff contract
