01/23/1995 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ALEXANDRA HOUSE INTERVENTION SERVICES DESCRIPTION The purpose of intervention services is to intervene at strategic points in the police, prosecution, court and counseling agencies in order to coordinate an effective and consistent response to domestic violence in the cities of Blaine, Circle Pines/Lexington, Anoka, Fridley and communities served by the Anoka County Sheriff's Department. ARREST CASES The advocate or volunteer attempts to contact the victim of the assault by phone to provide information, support and referral as needed. At the same time, information is collected from the victim to be given to the court at the arraignment hearing regarding the victim's concerns and what they would like to sea happen if a guilty plea is issued by the assailant. The information from the victim enables the court to assess the case more thoroughly prior to passing sentence or issuing a court order such as a "No Contact Order" or specific counseling requirements. The advocate will contact the victim after the arraignment hearing regarding sentencing results or the future court hearing date. NON -ARREST CASES intervention services recognize the importance of reaching families prior to an arrest taking place in an effort to prevent a crisis situation. We receive non -arrest incident reports from the Police Department. A letter and brochure explaining our services are sent to the victim(s) cited in the reports or an attempt is made to contact the victim by phone. An advocate will assist a victim of domestic assault in filing charges, i.e. the victim wishes to do so as well as familiarizing the victim with the civil and/or criminal justice system and available legal remedies. LEGAL ADVOCACY Victims of domestic violence are many times reluctant to participate in the criminal court process for various reasons. The criminal justice system can be intimidating and confusing to victims. Many victims fear retaliation from their abuser if they participate in the criminal court process. Legal advocates provide advocacy service to the victim(s) throughout the criminal court process enabling them to be a part of the process in an effort to ensure safety of the victim(s), consistent consequences for the assailant and appropriate counseling and other community resource referrals. The following services are provided by the legal advocate: • familiarizing the victim(s) with civil and/or criminal justice system and available legal remedies; • providing referrals to appropriate community resources; • consulting with attorneys to assist in case preparation and often acting as a liaison between the victim and the city prosecutor;