Skamania County DVSA Now Offers Crime Victim Services
Jennifer Martin, Legal Advocate, Destiny Pearlta, Legal Adovcate, and Lisa Alexander, Executive Director of SCCDVSA. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
By Cole Goodwin
The Dalles, Ore., February 6, 2024 – Have you been a victim of a crime in Skamania County? Need help? Skamania County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCDVSA) has begun offering crime victim services thanks to a $125,000 grant from the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (OCVA).
The grant which was awarded in July of 2023 will empower SCCDVSA to assist victims of identity theft, driving under the influence, elder abuse, fraud, robbery, kidnapping, property crime, homicide, vehicular assault, human trafficking, and more.
While there is a systems advocate within the Skamania County Prosecutor's Office, their role is largely clerical and the coordination of witnesses and prosecutor work. They are also bound to share information with the prosecutor and may be called to the stand to testify.
SCCDVSA operates as an advocate outside of the criminal justice system, allowing for complete confidentiality.
“There’s a systems advocate which is way different than a community advocate. Anything that’s said to them can be said to the prosecutor whereas we don’t have to do that. We have some privilege around that, we can’t get called to the stand in Washington. All of our services are victim centered and confidential,” said Lisa Alexander, Executive Director of SCCDVSA.
SCCDVSA’s Crime Victim services include:
Support in identifying and prioritizing the emergency needs.
Assistance and referral in obtaining services to enhance healing and recovery.
Education and Assistance for victims navigating the civil and criminal justice systems.
Assistance in obtaining criminal or civil orders.
Support during the investigative and legal processes.
Advocacy for victims choices and rights with service providers and individuals.
Assistance with crime victim compensation claims.
Safety planning.
Community education.
Support to family members or friends of the victim who are also impacted by the crime.
Support obtaining a temporary immigration status through the U-Visa program for immigrant victims of crime.
“You get a full spectrum of services,” said Lisa Alexander, Executive Director of SCCDVSA.
SCCDVSA provides referrals to numerous other services including housing, financial, food, child care, and counseling assistance and resources.
SCCDVSA advocates can accompany crime victims as they navigate the court system.
“If it’s a court case we can follow it all the way through the court system. We can be there for every interview, so they’re not alone. We can help advocate for them if they feel like their case is not being handled in the way that they feel like it should be,” said Alexander.
SCCDVSA can also provide support to crime victims who do not want to press charges.
“We can still be there and work with them if there are other needs. We’re connected to many agencies so we can connect them to therapy, housing services, food assistance if they need extra support in those areas,” said Alexander.
Crime victim advocacy services can be obtained by calling 509-427-4210 and setting up an appointment.
“In respect of client confidentiality we ask that anyone seeking services or engaged in services please call before stopping by the office to make sure no other clients are present. Thank you,” said Alexander.
SCCDVSA’s Crime Victim Service Center is located at 40 SW Cascade Avenue, Suite 110 Stevenson, WA 98648. Business hours are Monday - Friday 9 a.m. -5 p.m.
SCCDVSA does not discriminate in delivery of services on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, national origin, income, veteran status, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
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