Victims For Justice announces new partnership with the Anchorage Police Department

ANCHORAGE, AK – Victims For Justice (VFJ) and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) have entered into a collaboration with the goal of giving crime victims greater access to assistance directly following a violent incident.

The new approach is based on multidisciplinary models used in the lower 48 in which police officers reach out to individuals following a traumatic incident and refer to Advocates. VFJ Advocates specialize in providing information and resources, emotional and financial assistance, court accompaniment and education on the criminal justice process.

Executive Director at VFJ, Victoria Shanklin says this new victim-centered partnership will provide much-needed support to victims of violent crime. “It was clear that there was a gap in early intervention, which is a key component to assisting victims in their greatest time of need. Our hope is that this new collaboration will proactively take some of the burdens off of victims and provide support to assist Alaskans throughout the criminal justice process.”

“We frequently have contact with victims of violent crimes that have questions and need varying levels of support long after being victimized,” said Captain Sean Case with the Anchorage Police Department. “The advocates at Victims for Justice have always provided this support; however, accessing victims can be a challenge. The Anchorage Police Department wanted to be a critical link between victims and advocates. This partnership means our officers in the field will provide Advocates with contact information to those victims that want and need additional resources to assist them in overcoming their trauma.”

Since 1985, VFJ has been specializing in providing services to victims of violent crime such as arson, assault, DUI, homicide, kidnapping and robbery. VFJ Victim Advocates have over ten years of experience providing trauma-informed care as well as case management, referrals and follow-up. Given the need for services in our community, the APD-VFJ partnership is only natural.

If you’d like to learn more, please contact Communications and Development Specialist, Merissa Pimenta at mpimenta@victimsforjustice.org or 907-278-0977.