The Advocate - Victim Management Software

    "The Advocate" Victim Management Software began over five years ago when a Victim Advocate complained about changing letter format on an antiquated database.  The advocates got together and directly influenced the design of the software.   Our feedback during the development stage was received in the form of frustration and confusion.  After several months of contouring the product, we could slowly see this frustration turn to acceptability.  Numerous enhancements and time-saving features have changed the acceptability into a form of "glee".   

    The finished product, "The Advocate", has become an integral part of that office.   We feel that within the past few years there have been many breakthroughs, but we also see in this program many more breakthroughs yet to be discovered.   

    Many states are implementing a Victim’s Bill of Rights. New Jersey, in particular, has put forth the Crime Victims Bill of Rights (NJS 52:4B-36). 

Crime victims and witnesses are entitled to the following rights:

1. To be treated with dignity and compassion by the criminal justice system
2. To be informed about the criminal justice process
3. To be free from intimidation
4. To have inconveniences associated with participation in the criminal justice process minimized to the fullest extent possible
5. To make at least one telephone call provided the call is reasonable in both length and location called
6. To medical assistance if, in the judgment of the law enforcement agency, medical assistance appears necessary
7. To be notified if presence in court is not needed
8. To be informed about available remedies, financial assistance and social services
9. To be compensated for their loss whenever possible
10. To be provided a secure, but not necessarily separate, waiting area during court proceedings
11. To be advised of case progress and final disposition
12. To the prompt return of property when no longer needed as evidence
13. To submit a written statement about the impact of the crime to a representative of the county prosecutor's office which shall be considered prior to the prosecutor's final decision concerning whether formal criminal charges will be filed
14. To make, prior to sentencing, an in-person statement directly to the sentencing court concerning the impact of the crime. This statement is to be made in addition to the statement permitted for inclusion in the pre-sentence report by N.J.S. 2C:44-6. In any homicide prosecution the victim's survivor may display directly to the sentencing court at the time of this statement a photograph of the victim taken before the homicide.

    That's a tall order, and may be overwhelming for some offices.  “The Advocate” database was designed from the ground up to make your advocates more efficient. With this program, your agency will rise to meet the requirements of victim notification and statistics reporting.

Key Benefits