What is the role of victim advocacy in the U.S. justice system?

Victim advocacy refers to the provision of support, resources, and assistance to individuals who have been victimized, particularly in the context of the criminal justice system. The role of victim advocates is to ensure that the rights and needs of crime victims are recognized and addressed throughout the criminal justice process.

Specifically, victim advocates may provide emotional support to victims and their families, assist with safety planning and crisis intervention, accompany victims to court hearings or other legal proceedings, facilitate communication between victims and prosecutors, and connect victims with community resources such as counseling or financial assistance.

The inclusion of victim advocacy in the criminal justice system is an important step towards recognizing and addressing the harm caused by crime. By providing victims with the support and resources they need to navigate the legal process, victim advocates can help promote greater accountability for offenders and ensure that victims are not re-traumatized by the justice system itself.