The purpose of the Washoe County
Sheriff's Office Victim Advocate is to establish immediate emotional
and physical assistance to victims of crime. The advocate's first
responsibility is to provide crisis intervention and short-term
emotional support. Information about victim compensation funds and
appropriate referrals are also given to victims of crime. Later
the advocate may provide case status information, while maintaining
relationships with family and friends.
The victim advocate generally works
with any type of crime by which a person is victimized and is able
to bring the "victim's perspective" to departments working
on the case. Victims who are treated well by members of the department
are more likely to cooperate in the ongoing investigation and court
actions. This gives the detectives more time to actively investigate
the crime while feeling comfortable that the victim is receiving
adequate follow-up resources and information. The advocate is not
considered law enforcement but rather a neutral party who is on
call and available by telephone or pager 24 hours a day.
The Sheriff's Office has a strong
commitment to victims' rights and the treatment of all victims with
fairness, compassion, and dignity. Helping victims, witnesses, and
the families of victims with immediate assistance, support, and
community referrals is a priority of the Washoe County Sheriff's
Office.
