A victim-centered approach
Victim services offer a lifeline at a time of deep vulnerability and fear. After experiencing violence or a crime, victims often feel isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure of where to turn.
Traditional advocacy services have been more closely associated with the criminal justice process, including after an arrest has been made or charges have been filed. The delay in services until the point of arrest means that victims are often not accessing available and needed services as they experience the immediate effects of victimization and trauma. Often, victims are left without an advocate and never know about the resources available to them.
Our Law Enforcement Advocacy Program, or LEAP, changes that. LEAP advocates provide services to victims as soon as possible in the aftermath of a crime, regardless of the arrest status of the offender. Moreover, they offer a compassionate response, meeting individuals in the midst of their trauma and providing immediate support that is dignified and empowering.
The LEAP Model - Healing through expertise
Meeting the urgent needs of victims
In partnership with Atlanta Police Department (APD), we place trained advocates in all six APD zone precincts and several special crime units such as homicide, gun assault, robbery, sexual assault, and child abuse. This positioning allows LEAP advocates to develop a rapport with officers and the community, and to accompany law enforcement to respond to victims at crime scenes. Being on the front lines means victims receive prompt critical services.
LEAP advocates utilize trauma-informed best practices and evidence-based victim services. In addition to informing victims of their rights, they address immediate safety needs. This includes working diligently to find or arrange housing for victims displaced by crimes such as domestic violence or homicide, securing transportation to safe locations, and providing essentials such as food, clothing, and toiletries. In cases where a victim is not in our jurisdiction or service area, advocates identify available resources, speak on the victim’s behalf to ensure services are received, and provide referrals to our partner agencies for additional support.
Victim compensation
Georgia’s Crime Victim Compensation Program helps victims and their families offset financial costs associated with funerals, mental health and medical expenses, and lost wages. Across the US, victim compensation is underutilized, largely due to a lack of awareness that such service exists. Our dedicated Crime Victim Compensation Advocate not only notifies all victims of this program, but advises them of their eligibility for benefits, assists them in understanding and completing the application forms and procedures, and helps them check on their claim status.
Counseling referrals and free support groups
Almost all our referral services include a referral to counseling. Often a strong relationship develops between the victim and the advocate as the victim works to make his or her way through the aftermath of crime. This relationship allows advocates to assess an individual or family’s unique needs and barriers to healing and to help tailor specific referrals and services. Additionally, LEAP advocates in our homicide unit facilitate monthly support groups for surviving family members and provide an annual celebration of life to commemorate loved ones lost to violence.
Supporting effective interaction between victims and law enforcement
One of the major activities of all LEAP advocates is to act as a liaison between victims and law enforcement. Research supports the ways in which trauma makes it difficult for victims to retain knowledge, sift through information, and interpret what is being said in clear and factual ways. LEAP advocates fill in these gaps for victims, reinforcing and reminding them of specific information and instructions that law enforcement has shared.
LEAP advocates encourage mutual-cooperation and patience. Thus, detectives often request the presence of the advocate during victim-witness interviews. When present for interviews, advocates can provide immediate support, answer questions, and respond to any re-traumatization of difficult feelings that may result from the interview.
Supporting law enforcement
LEAP advocates support our law enforcement by providing additional support to officers at crime scenes and acting as a point of contact for victims, diverting calls away from law enforcement and allowing them to concentrate on the investigation and solving the case. Law enforcements have peace of mind knowing that they have back-up when it comes to supporting victims’ needs.
A focus on gun violence
Gun violence among Atlanta youth is shockingly high. In 2023, we partnered with Grady Memorial Hospital’s Interrupting Violence with Youth and Young Adults project to provide wraparound services to young survivors of gunshot wounds. We deploy two trained advocates to Grady who are dedicated to providing essential support, facilitating access to community resources, and offering referrals tailored to the needs of these survivors. These advocates ensure access to the financial support necessary for their recovery and serve as steadfast advocates for these individuals throughout the legal process.
Thousands helped annually
victims of all crime types served in the past year
of clients in 2023 reported increased knowledge of legal options and safety planning
advocacy services provided to victims last year, including assistance with compensation and crisis coordination