The moment you walk into Sylvia’s CAC the first person you’re likely to meet is your Victim Advocate. Your initial conversation will be relatively quick because most of your interaction with them comes after your forensic interview.
Your Victim Advocate’s job is to help you with any immediate needs you might have when you come to the CAC. If you left your home in a rush and forgot to bring a change of clothes, your Victim Advocate can help. Or, if you’re unsure how to replace a loss of income in the wake of the abuse disclosure, your Victim Advocate can try to help with that, too.
What your Victim Advocate will do during and after your visit
As a highly trained and experienced member of the team, your Victim Advocate is able to:
- Listen to you and your non-offending family members, such as other children.
- Help you understand what comes next, including how forensic interviews and the criminal justice process works.
- Connect you to counselors, therapists, physicians, and other medical and mental health practitioners.
- Help you learn about your Indiana Victim Rights, and how to apply for any benefits or compensation that might be available to you.
- Explain how the Prosecutor’s Office and local law enforcement are proceeding within the bounds and scope of what’s known in the investigation.
- Help you find attorneys, if necessary, and understand your legal rights and protection options.
- Find ways to work with your child’s school, your employer, landlord, or other entities that might be able to work with you to help.
You don’t have to be at Sylvia’s CAC to receive this help
Your Victim Advocate is available to you whenever you need them, even months or years after your initial visit to Sylvia’s CAC. Your Victim Advocate will follow your case through the court system and, in partnership with the Prosecutor’s Office and law enforcement, help you know what’s happening including important dates, legal guidelines, and more.
Looking for local services in Boone County?
Your Victim Advocate can help you find many useful services that fit your needs, location, schedule, and income. But you can also browse our Boone County Services Directory for shelters, food banks, things to do, medical services, therapists, and more.
FAQs about Victim Advocacy at Sylvia’s CAC
Our Victim Advocates can help connect you to places that can help with your situation, but know that our time is generally devoted to families who come to the CAC for a forensic interview. You can call 211 in Indiana to speak to a Navigator for more help.