NCJ Number
75967
Date Published
1979
Length
113 pages
Annotation
The manual assists those working in domestic violence programs in understanding the role of the advocate, based upon the experience of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The role and functions of an advocate are described.
Abstract
For the purposes of this manual, advocacy skills have been divided into five major areas: support; self-awareness education; information and instruction as to the various alternatives and community services available to the victim; assistance of the victim through the systems dealt with; and in appropriate circumstances, intervening on behalf of the victim. It is emphasized that an advocate supports a victim in the efforts to resolve a violent situation and does not act for the victim. The goal is to instill self-esteem so that victims can take charge of their own lives and act for themselves. Advocates should never be judgmental and superimpose their own values on the people they try to serve. The role of advocates in developing working relationships with the police, the courts, and the district attorney is discussed. The civil and criminal law is reviewed, including related legal problems of support, custody, visitation, separation, and divorce, with the intent of familiarizing advicates with the legal procedures, in this case in Pennsylvania. Also discussed are methods of developing working relationships with community-based resources. An appendix provides samples of legal documents likely to be involved in the resolution of domestic violence.