Victim Advocate

About

Victim Advocate Unit is an all-volunteer group of trained individuals dedicated to assisting victims survive a crisis of crime against them. This includes, but is not limited to, homicides, murder or traffic fatalities. Advocates can be considered the "Helping Hands" of the police, fire and medical personnel.

Purpose

The objective of the Unit is to not further victimize a victim. The purpose of the program is to comfort and assist victims, and to serve as a go between for the victims, their families and scene officials and emergency service providers. Advocates free up the department personnel allowing them to complete their investigation and not leave the victim(s) "out in the cold".

History of Training

Cass County's first Advocate training was held in May 1994. Upon completion of training, eight volunteers became our first victim Advocates. Initial training consisted of forty hours over the course of a two-week period. In September of 2001, eleven new volunteers were trained and ready to serve. The training consisted of twenty hours and was held over the course of one week. Today we have active Advocate volunteers willing to serve and assist deputies and citizens of Cass County. The Advocates work closely with the departments Chaplains.

Additional Information

If you have any questions or would like further information about the Victim Advocate Program in Cass County please contact the Sheriff's Office.