RPD Victim Unit Responds Mostly to Domestic Violence Cases
By: Cierra Putman
Updated: October 10, 2012
Did you know a large majority of police calls are to report cases of domestic violence Rochester police has a unit dedicated just to helping these and other victims.
Last year the crime victims assistance unit worked with more than 5,000 crime victims. More than 80 percent of them were victims of domestic violence.
Starting at 7:30 in the morning RPD's crime victim assistance unit starts calling crime victims.
There are 7 counselors in the unit. They offer domestic violence victims a way out of their violent relationship. The unit also helps victims find safe shelter, navigate the legal and court systems ... Get medical assistance and fill out a domestic incident report when the victim is ready.
"Having an advocate help a victim navigate through the criminal justice system is having a bright spot for the victim," said Patricia Huntington-Sigel with the Victim Assistance Unit.
It helps all victims, whether they're ready to press charges or not.
"Providing that information to a victim helps them make choices helps them take control of their life," Huntington-Sigel said. "Because victims of any type of crime feel like control's been taken away from them. So our mission is to help a victim regain a sense of control."
Bellow are some links to local victim advocacy groups in the area.
Rochester Police Department Victim Assistance Unit
http://www.cityofrochester.gov/VictimAssistanceUnit/
Rochester Police Department Domestic Violence Page
http://www.cityofrochester.gov/domesticviolence/
Monroe County Victim Assistance Program
http://www2.monroecounty.gov/sheriff-community/vap
Safe Journey
http://www.safejourney.org/
Alternatives for Battered Women
http://www.abwrochester.org/
Gates Victim Assitance Coordinator
http://www.townofgates.org/index.php/departments/police?start=3
Monroe County/City of Rochester Coalition for Crime Victims
http://www.4victims.org/
