Victim Assistance Program

Free non-clinical crisis intervention is provided in person, via sms text, online chat, and via phone (hotline) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to summit county residents and employees who voluntarily seek Assistance. Advocates address safety and security, allow the client to vent and be validated about their reactions and responses to trauma, and predict and prepare the client to address basic human needs to overcome the aftermath of the traumatization. Clients are empowered to develop an individualized safety plan and plan of action to regain the control that was lost as a result of their trauma. Finally, crisis intervention incorporates information, education, and referrals to ensure clients are provided holistic wrap around services for the entire family. Although most crisis intervention is provided on the hotline, the most unique accessibility point and only one of its kind in summit county, is immediately following the traumatic experience. Clients receive crisis intervention at the scene of the crime/traumatic incident or in the hospital upon request from law enforcement, fire/ems, the medical examiner's office, or hospital personnel. Otherwise, victims may walk into any of the 6 office locations throughout the county to receive services without an appointment.

To ensure victims are receiving comprehensive and trauma informed services, Victim Assistance Program staff and volunteers undergo extensive training. An emphasis on education prepares Victim advocates to be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to utilize best practice and evidence-based techniques to fully serve victims. Victim Assistance Program provides ongoing education to staff, volunteers, interns, and community professionals through our own summit Victim Assistance academy Program. The community contracts with the summit Victim Assistance academy for one of three offered fee-for-service programs. From across the us and canada, individuals and agencies purchase either the essentials of Victim advocacy, a 44-hour hybrid learning model created to prepare individuals of all disciplines to comprehensively assist victims of crime/trauma, corporate essentials, a 12-hour course intended to provide employees with required crisis intervention skills for in office use, and customizable trainings designed to meet any organization's unique culture and educational needs.

After addressing a Victim's acute crisis through crisis intervention, advocates contact clients within 24 to 48 hours to check in, reassess safety, and offer advocacy services. Victim advocacy empowers clients to establish a plan of action (also known as a case management) to address the impact trauma has, or may have, on their life or their families' lives. Advocacy services are provided in the home, in a vap office, or any other location where the Victim feels safe and comfortable enough to do so. If criminal charges are filed, advocates walk alongside victims through all phases of the criminal justice process, from the initial arraignment hearing to case disposition. In addition to criminal cases, when clients seek civil action though protection orders to increase their safety, they are referred by law enforcement and the clerk of courts to meet with a Victim advocate. Both personal and legal advocacy incorporates non legal education and information to allow each client to make informed decisions about their individual and family situation. As children are not permitted in the courtroom, clients seeking services through the summit county court of common pleas utilize our free children who witness violence drop-in center when childcare is a barrier. Children ages 6 weeks - 18 engage in trauma informed age-appropriate activities allowing clients to accomplish court related matters alongside a supportive Victim advocate.