Victim Advocacy during COVID-19

by | May 19, 2020 | Uncategorized

The coronavirus pandemic is reshaping how Alaskan victim service providers provide advocacy services at many levels. The Alaska Supreme Court and lower courts have issued a rapid-fire series of orders canceling hearings, postponing trials, and even temporarily altering the state’s rule that guarantees defendants a speedy trial.

Michelle Evans, Lead Advocate at VFJ explains some of the ways VFJ adapted to the current pandemic. VFJ is still offering services such as court accompaniment. How does that look? Michelle uses two phones, one for calling the courtroom and listening into the hearing, and another to talk to the victim throughout the hearing as is seen below. Michelle says that it has certainly been challenging providing court accompaniment over the phone, “there are no visual cues, defense attorneys haven’t been next to defendant nor advocates next to the victims.”

Other accommodations have been made in order to ensure continuity of services while practicing physical distancing. VFJ purchased DocuSign in order to receive releases of information from clients throughout the state without the need for in-person visits. And, the phone system was upgraded to be accessible to staff whether they are working remotely or in the office. This ensures the availability of services to clients calling our main line.

The transition to our “new normal” was not easy. Amid the pandemic, VFJ has taken precautions necessary to ensure all client information remains safe and secure in systems updates, while not disrupting daily operations. Things are certainly looking differently. However, VFJ staff remain positive and available to provide services to victims throughout Alaska while guaranteeing confidentiality, support, and referral services.