Transitioning Times

When individuals recognize the abuse in their lives, they frequently reach out to others for help. Victims of abuse may appeal to friends, family, doctors, counselors, Children and Youth workers, Transitions, law enforcement, the courts, etc. or any combination thereof for assistance in ending the violence. Transitions regularly receives referrals from these various sources to provide one of our many services–Legal Advocacy. What does a Legal Advocate do? Simply put… ‘Trained staff provide clarification of the legal process and transactions, assist clients in filing Protection From Abuse (PFA) Orders and accompany victims to court hearings’ (Transitions, 2011). In reality legal advocates provide multiple services in addition to explaining legal options, assisting with paperwork and accompanying to hearings. We also talk about the violence, discuss safety planning with victims, and make referrals to other agencies, which can provide services specific to individuals needs e.g....

April 22-18, 2012 is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.   Every April since 1981, one week has been designated as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week .   This year’s theme is “Extending the Vision: Reaching Every Victim.” It is necessary to take this opportunity to remember that every victim may not feel that he or she has rights.   This year’s campaign video focuses specifically on minors who are victims of sex trafficking ,    LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay,Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning) youth ,   migrant workers , and   victims of crimes using technology .   A person who is being told, by an offender or their culture, that no one will listen, no one will believe you, may not feel that he or she has rights.   A 14 year old person who has run away from their home may not know that he or she can even report a crime, let alone receive free and confidential support.   He may be told that he cannot report a cr...