What is a Domestic Violence Advocate
A domestic violence advocate is a specially trained person that provides support to victims of domestic violence. This support can include but is not limited to:
- crisis intervention;
- individual case management;
- safety planning from a strengths-based and victim centered perspective;
- information about available support groups, counseling, advocacy, children’s services, hotline assistance and transportation;
- assistance with navigating the various systems that victims may choose to access; and
- most importantly to help victims of domestic violence understand their options and provide appropriate referrals.
In addition to providing helpful information, some domestic violence advocates have the ability to accompany victims of domestic violence to court, to the police station, to the emergency room or to the local department of social services to provide support.
