By Jalayne Robinson, LMSW
TDCAA Victim Services Director
A victim assistance coordinator (VAC) in a prosecutor’s office plays a vital role in supporting crime victims as they navigate the criminal justice system.
VACs serve as a bridge or liaison between victims and prosecutors, ensuring that victims are informed, supported, and empowered throughout what can often be a confusing and emotionally complicated process.
VACs provide a range of services, including explaining legal procedures, accompanying victims to court, and helping them understand their rights. They also assist with safety planning and directing crime victims to the appropriate county office to apply for a protective order. VACs connect victims to counseling or other community resources, help prepare victim impact statements, and help apply for the Crime Victims’ Compensation program. While they do not provide legal advice, VACs help ensure that victims’ voices are heard and their needs are considered within the prosecution process.
VACs assist prosecutors by gathering information and documenting recent contact with victims. In my previous role as a VAC, many times during my initial interaction with crime victims, I learned more in-depth details my prosecutor would not have known otherwise, for example, if the victim is hearing impaired, the victim is homeless, or she does not speak English.
VACs spend time building trust, so victims may share:
• emotional and psychological effects (fear, anxiety, trauma symptoms),
• financial consequences (lost wages, medical bills, relocation costs), and
• changes in daily life (moving, quitting a job, school disruption).
These details often become critical for charging decisions, bail arguments, requesting conditions of bond, and sentencing.
By building trust and spending time with crime victims, VACs can also uncover why a crime victim may be reluctant or may seem uncooperative. VACs may find that the crime victim has:
• fear of the offender,
• immigration concerns,
• financial dependence, and
• pressure from family, community, or church
Uncovering these details helps prosecutors anticipate witness issues and adjust strategy.
Once trust issues are set aside, many times crime victims gain life-changing assistance from VACs, such as relocation assistance and referrals to other resources available for a crime victim to start over. In addition to emotional support, VACs play a vital role in communication. They keep victims updated on case developments, court dates, and outcomes, helping to reduce uncertainty and anxiety. VACs can make a significant difference in a victim’s experience, fostering a sense of dignity, respect, and inclusion.
Ultimately, VACs contribute to a more compassionate and responsive justice system—one that recognizes the importance of not only prosecuting crimes, but also supporting those most directly affected by it.
Victim services consultations
Are you a new VAC? Is your office or region looking for group victim services training? As the Victim Services Director at TDCAA, my primary responsibility is to assist elected prosecutors, VACs, or other prosecutor office staff members in providing support services for crime victims in their jurisdictions. I am available to provide training and technical assistance via phone, by email, in person, or by virtual video conference. I can tailor individual or group training specifically for your needs. The training and assistance are free of charge.
If you would like to schedule a free consultation, please email me at Jalayne.Robinson@tdcaa.com.