Rights, access, equity, for all victims

April 24-30 is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, a week dedicated to raise awareness about crime victims’ issues and rights and introduce the community to the important resources and services available.

Journey Center recognizes the work our advocates do to support survivors who are experiencing abusive relationships while navigating the justice system. Journey Center’s Justice System Advocacy Program is the only program providing services for victims of abuse in the inner ring suburban courts – 9 Cuyahoga County based courts, consisting of 42 municipalities - serving victims of domestic violence, stalking, and other crimes of intimate partner violence.

The work of Journey Center's Justice System Advocacy Program Advocates is to provide victims of domestic violence with services that research has shown to make them safer. Advocates demystify the court process, alert victims to potential consequences of arresting of the abuser, explain next steps, and, most importantly, provide support and access to resources they may need going forward.

Advocates can provide a multitude of services including:

  • Safety planning and danger assessments

  • Protection order assistance

  • Court escorts

  • An explanation of all applicable court processes and present a victim with their options, with an emphasis on safety and self-determination

  • Resources and referrals

  • Follow-up phone calls, as needed, to ensure that victims are able to feel supported and informed during this difficult and frustrating experience

Journey Center advocates also lead Domestic Violence Support Groups for individuals who have experienced abusive relationships. These free, weekly, facilitated groups offer a safe and confidential setting for discussion, support, and more.

Journey Center and our advocates are committed to advocacy as a principal strategy to improve the justice system to ensure that victims of abuse achieve safety, autonomy, health, well-being, independence, financial restitution, and justice.

Journey Center’s Justice System Advocacy Program served a total of 3,169 victims of domestic violence and other intimate partner crimes. To learn more, click here. To help support individuals and families navigating the legal system, click here.

journey newsMegan GergenJourney Center, Blog, Domestic Violence