Advocacy
Advocacy – Supporting you through the criminal justice system
Refuge’s domestic violence advocates act as a single point of contact and support for women and children who are at risk of harm and who are in the process of going through the criminal justice system with a case against their abuser.
The legal system can be complex, intimidating and isolating if you are a victim of domestic violence. Statistics show that women and children are at high risk of becoming repeat victims. It is therefore vital that they go through with their case so the law can protect them.
Through our work, we aim to reduce repeat incidents and the number of children at risk. We help to prevent repeat homelessness and can reduce the severity of injuries sustained by women and children.
An advocate’s role often begins at the point of crisis for a victim for example just after a police call or upon accident and emergency attendance, but will vary for each woman.
Advocates act as a go between to communicate with all of the different groups and organisations involved in the woman’s care. This is to make sure that everything is done to protect her and keep her safe.
An advocate can talk to you to assess the risk posed to you and your children and bring agencies together to address these risks. They are key to increasing safety and increasing victims’ confidence in the criminal justice system.
At Refuge we will support you to ensure that you and your children will no longer have to sustain verbal and physical abuse from your partner.
