the office of the

OVERVIEW

The Victim Witness Unit shepherds victims and their families through the criminal justice system. This unit works to provide a safe environment for victims to tell their stories to non-judgmental advocates trained to validate the victims feelings of discomfort and distress. The unit provides information, assistance, accompaniment

and support to prepare victims for their encounter with the

criminal justice system and makes appropriate referrals to Victim/Witness Unit

meet victims' physical, emotional, financial and other needs Section Chief: Linda Burkett

as a result of their victimization. Number: (856) 225-8440

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Victim Witness Coordinator supervises and trains the unit staff and handles victim assistance grants to support the Victim Witness Unit. She works with law enforcement recruits, officers and the general public to increase awareness of victims rights and the services available to victims. She is responsible for assisting indigent victims of sexual assault in obtaining post-exposure prophylaxis and informing victims of the results of their offenders HIV/AIDS tests.

The Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Coordinator and Victim Advocate facilitates bi-weekly meetings where cases of child sexual abuse and serious child physical abuse are discussed. She also provides service to victims of child physical abuse, child sexual abuse and neglect.

The six Victim Advocates' roles are expansive. Crime victims experience trauma that can persist well after the criminal event. Crime causes physical and psychological damage. It can shatter social networks and families, both emotionally and financially, and leave people feeling unsafe in their own homes. The Victim Advocates work to mitigate that damage as much as possible. Part of this job involves accompanying victims or their families to court hearings, but the advocates job doesn't end at the conclusion of a hearing or trial. The advocates, many of whom are on-call, reach out to such disparate groups as hospitals, landlords and social service agencies to keep a victim or a victim's family afloat in the aftermath of crime.

The clerical staff, along with their clerical duties, inform victims and law enforcement agencies of offenders release from custody.