The Victim Assistance Program is designed to provide aid
to victims of serious crimes.
The program is staffed by a team of full-time and volunteer advocates who work out of two offices. Their main office is located at Police
Headquarters on Creighton Avenue and a satellite office is situated on
the second floor of the City-County Building, at One Main Street.
Office hours are 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday -Friday; however, advocates
are available 24-hours a day for emergency situations.
A Victim Advocate will evaluate the physical and
emotional trauma suffered by the victim as a result of a criminal act.
The Advocate will
counsel and refer the victim to the appropriate community and/or private
resources needed; and will assist the victim in dealing with the
criminal justice system, offering support through a trial, if there is a
prosecution. The program will assist victims of all ages.
Victim Advocates have a clear understanding of the adverse impact of Domestic
Violence within our community. Each year, a number of
homicides are determined to be the end-result of a domestic violence
problem. Advocates are trained to recognize these situations
and guide the victim to appropriate remedies. It is important to
understand that domestic violence is not exclusively a situation of
physical pain. Domestic violence can exhibit itself in the
form of mental abuse. Mental abuse is often a pattern of threats,
jealousy and an explosive temper. It is a method used to isolate and
overpower the other person. Children are emotionally traumatized
by witnessing family violence; many of them grow up to repeat the
pattern as a victim or abuser.
Ø Does your partner try to control your behavior?
Ø Do you need permission from your partner before buying food or clothing,
writing
checks, etc?
Ø Does your partner dictate what you wear, or decide who you socialize
with?
Ø Is your partner jealous? Are you accused of things you never did?
Ø Are you afraid of your partner?
If you ever require emergency assistance due to an immediate threat for
your safety, always call the police at 911. If you feel
that you may be involved in an abusive situation and would like to
consult an advocate, you may reach one at 427-1205.
Domestic Violence Safety Plan
If an argument seems unavoidable, move to a room with easy
access to an exit - NOT a bathroom, kitchen or anywhere near
weapons.
Identify which door, window, stairwell, or elevator offers the quickest
way out of your home, and practice your route.
Find a trusted neighbor you can share your concerns about the possibility
of violence and ask them to call the police if they hear a disturbance.
Devise a code word to use with your children, family, and friends when
you need the police.
Establish a plan for where you will go if you have to leave home, even if
you don't think you will need to. Determine who will be willing to
let you stay with them or lend you some money.
Have a bag packed and ready. Keep it hidden, but easy to get to.
You might consider keeping it at the home of a trusted friend or
relative.
Leave money, an extra set of keys, copies of important documents, extra
medicines and clothes with someone you trust.
Obtain information about Protective Orders from the Victim Assistance
office or the Allen County Prosecutor.
There are many other considerations to be evaluated when it comes to
planning for your safety and that of your children. Safety
at home, at work, and at school are all areas that can be discussed with
a Victim Assistance Advocate. You can speak to an advocate
at 427-1205.
