VICTIM ADVOCACY

MADD Victim Advocates are volunteers trained and certified to assist victims with the criminal justice proceedings and, in many cases, will accompany victims to court. Victim advocates are there for grief support and may well provide a list of local professional counselors, civil attorneys and clergy who are skilled at working with crash victims.

A victim advocate is available to help the victim apply for financial assistance through the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund; inform a victim about drunk driving laws and victim rights; monitor a court case against the defendant; assist in preparing a victim impact statement; represent a family by providing statements to the media; and help with the development of probation conditions if the offender does not go to prison.

Our national website offers an online Victim Tribute and online Victim Chat Groups. For more information on victim services, see www.madd.org.