Navajo County Attorney’s Office
Victim Advocate Volunteers
Robert Dawson, Jr., the 15-year-old son of Robert and Vicky Dawson of Holbrook and
a member of Boy Scout Troop 256, recently delivered 125 hand sewn care bags to the
Victim and Witness Services program of the Navajo County Attorney’s Office
for distribution to young crime victims, family shelters such as the White Mountain
Safe House and local doctors’ offices. The bags are filled with homemade blankets,
water bottles, granola bars, toys, crayons and other items to brighten a youngster’s
day.
Responsibilities
Volunteers support victims by:
- Giving them information about their rights and about what they may expect throughout
the criminal justice system.
- Providing them with case and criminal justice system information throughout the
prosecution.
- Providing emotional support and empathetic/active listening.
- Addressing the concerns that victims may have about their case and their participation
in prosecution.
- Giving them information about restitution.
- Accompanying them to court to help them understand the proceedings.
- Providing information and referrals to community and social service agencies in
order to meet victims’ needs for compensation, counseling or other assistance.
- Assisting in arranging transportation for victims to court or interview upon request
of the victim or prosecutor.
- Scheduling interviews upon request of the attorney or advocate.
- Documenting all contacts accurately in the designated Notification System.
- Providing information by telephone about the status of the victim’s case.
- Acting as a liaison between the victim and the prosecutor and other criminal justice
professionals.
Qualifications
Volunteers must:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Pass a background check and fingerprinting.
- Have a valid Arizona Driver’s License and personal transportation to and from
the volunteer placement.
- Be able to work effectively with victims in a mature, non-judgmental and sensitive
manner.
- Successfully complete a training program at the office of the Victim and Witness
Services Division.
- Be able to make good, sound decisions.
- Be able to work independently.
- Agree to volunteer a minimum of ten hours per month.
- Be able to communicate well with victims, witnesses and criminal justice professionals,
both orally and in writing.
If you would like to participate in our volunteer program, and can effectively and
professionally handle emotionally difficult situations, please contact Evelyn Marez,
Victim and Witness Services Division Director, at (928) 524-4026 or by
email.
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