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Victim advocates – Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
Advocating for crucial legislation
We joined state legislators and advocates from across Washington in a press conference highlighting a suite of bills aimed at, among other policies, enacting comprehensive protections of victims of domestic violence and reducing the rest of gun and gender-based violence. Director of Victim Services in the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office Colleen McIngalls spoke about the critical need to take action this legislative session.
First Public Safety Summit
One of the priorities that King County Prosecutor Leesa Manion has long talked about was organizing a Public Safety Summit — a meeting of law enforcement, King County Prosecutors, community members, Harborview staff, municipal city attorneys, treatment providers and leaders from across King County. The idea was as simple as it sounds: to promote public safety.
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Advocating
Highlighting a suite of bills aimed at domestic violence protections and reducing gun and gender-based violence.
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Public safety
First summit focused on improving our response to sexual assault cases involving adult victims.
Our Victim Services Specialists (also known as Victim Advocates) are specially trained to support victims of crime while navigating through the criminal justice process. We help crime survivors understand the complexities of the criminal justice system. We also link crime victims to appropriate and available community resources and support. We want to elevate victim voices and experiences during the criminal justice process, while supporting crime victims who are dealing with adverse impacts of victimization.
Our advocacy services include:
- Crisis intervention and Emotional Support
- Linkages to community resources and support
- Information about the criminal justice process and what to expect
- Important updates on case information
- Support during court hearings and trials
- General information on trauma and victimization
- Assistance with Crime Victim Compensation application
- Information on Crime Victim Rights
- Assistance with safety planning
- Assistance with Victim Impact Statements
- Intervention with landlords, creditors, and employers on behalf of the victim
- Assistance with Civil Protection Orders
Difference between systems-based and community-based advocates
Understanding the difference between a systems-based advocate and a community-based advocate can be helpful. If you are engaging with system advocates, it is likely that community advocacy may also be beneficial to you, due to the variety of services provided. Learn more about our community partner organizations on our helpful services webpage.
You may only meet a System-based Advocate when engaging with a government or law enforcement agency. They are helpful liaisons between you and the systems you are engaging.
Systems Advocates:
- Are typically part of a government or law enforcement system.
- Provide a range of specific support services, such as navigating the criminal justice system and understanding your rights.
- Are not able to keep information about your case confidential.
You do not need to be engaged with the criminal justice system to seek a Community Advocate.
Community Advocates:
- Are typically part of a nongovernment entity such as a non-for-profit agency.
- Are an excellent resource for ongoing safety planning.
- Can refer you to services and/or resources you may need.
- May be able to provide a higher level of confidentiality.
- Can support you through these issues before, during or after—regardless of whether you choose to report.
Our advocacy teams
Gender Based Violence
Domestic Violence Advocacy Team
Provides advocacy and support services on cases filed in our Domestic Violence Unit.
- Felony level Domestic Violence handled in King County Superior Court
- Misdemeanor Domestic Violence cases handled through King County District Court
- All City of Seattle victim advocacy services are provided by Crime Survivor Services
King County Sexual Assault Services
King County Sexual Assault Services (KCSARC) provides all felony level victim advocacy for our Sexual Assault Unit. For cases originating in the City of Seattle, Crime Survivor Services provides advocacy assistance.
Children's Justice Center for King County
The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is the proud host and partner of the Children's Justice Center for King County, a multidisciplinary team of organizations coordinated in King County to respond to child abuse.
Homicide and Violent Crime
Violent Crime Victim Advocacy Team
Provides advocacy and support services on Felony level violent crime cases including:
- Homicide
- Vehicular homicide and assault
- Assault 1 and 2
- Robberies
- Kidnapping
- Others on a case-by-case basis
All City of Seattle victim advocacy services provided by Crime Survivor Services.
Vulnerable Population Advocacy
Specialized advocate who provides advocacy and support services on cases Felony level cases involving:
- Hate crimes
- Elder abuse (The City of Seattle has their own Elder Abuse Advocate at Crime Survivor Services.)
- Trafficking
Alternative Courts and Specialized Advocacy
Mental Health and Veterans Court Advocacy
Specialized advocate who provides advocacy and support services to our Regional Mental Health Court and Veteran's Court. Victim advocacy begins once a case has been accepted into Regional Mental Health Court and Veteran's Court.
Forensic Mental Health and Competency Advocacy
Specialized advocate who provides advocacy and support services to cases pending felony competency to stand trial determination, and cases where the court is supervising Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) commitments.
Post Sentencing and Sentence Review Advocacy
Specialized advocate who provides advocacy and support services to post sentencing cases including:
- Clemency requests
- Cases impacted by the Blake Decision
- Cases handled by our appellate and Sentence Review units
Involuntary Treatment Court Family Liaison
Serves as a liaison between the family and the court regarding ITA Court proceedings.
Juvenile Court Advocacy
Juvenile Court Victim Advocacy
Provides advocacy and support services on cases assigned to our Juvenile Division including felony and misdemeanor cases. Learn more about our Juvenile Division.
Protection Order Advocacy Program
Provides information and assistance to crime victims seeking a civil protection order. Victim advocacy services are available on all intimate partner violence cases and parents filing a Domestic Violence Protection Order on behalf of minors.
Learn more about protection orders and our Protection Order Advocacy Program.
Contact us
Adult Felonies, Seattle
Address: Victim Assistance Unit
King County Prosecutor's Office
King County Courthouse, E560
516 Third Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98104-2362
Phone: 206-477-3743
Fax: 206-205-6104
Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday through Friday
Adult Felonies, Kent
Address: Victim Assistance Unit
Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center
401 Fourth Avenue North, #2A
Kent, Washington 98032-4429
Phone: 206-477-3757
Fax: 206-205-7475
Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday through Friday
Juvenile Cases
All Juvenile Court Cases
Victim Assistance Unit
King County Prosecutor's Office
Juvenile Division
1211 East Alder Street, 5th Floor
Seattle, Washington 98122-5553
Email: vau.juvenile@kingcounty.gov
Phone: 206-477-3044
Fax: 206-896-8869
Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday through Friday
Need an interpreter?
Interpreters are provided to help with:
- Testimony in the State's case
- Restitution investigations
- Victim advocacy
If you or someone you are assisting needs an interpreter during the prosecution process, notify the deputy prosecuting attorney, paralegal, or victim assistance worker assigned to your case as soon as possible.
If you do not know who your deputy prosecuting attorney or paralegal is, call our records department:
Seattle: 206-477-3735
Kent: 206-477-3755
Be prepared to provide your cause number. Interpretation is provided at no cost for all court events. Our office does not have interpreters on staff. For most languages, an interpreter can be available within a few days.