Student Life

What is a Victim Advocate?

A victim advocate is a confidential, supportive resource meant to protect and minimize the burden on the complainant. They focus on supporting and advocating for the needs of the victim, including but not limited to emotional support, assistance with protection orders, court advocacy, guidance through the criminal justice system, safety planning, community resource referrals, support for loved ones, therapeutic counseling referral, and safe shelter referral.

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Who is Manchester University's Victim Advocate?

Heidi Vandermark is the Hands of Hope's victim advocate. Heidi has lived in Wabash County all her life and has worked for many non-for-profit agencies. In August, she will have worked with Hands of Hope for the last 5 years. She has received various trainings around domestic violence, sexual assault, and the importance of the trauma-informed care approach. In April 2020, she will attend the Moving Forward Conference, sponsored by Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault, which will focus on Sexual Violence and Human Tariffing prevention and response efforts.