Victim Advocates

District Attorney Powell reorganized the Victims Advocate Department to better serve victims of crime by appointing a full-time supervisor to oversee the multidisciplinary components.  The District Attorney’s office has units devoted to helping victims that include Special Victims, Trauma Services, Victim and Witness’ assistance.  Under District Attorney’s leadership, victims are contacted well in advance of hearings and their voice matters.  A victim’s opinion about the appropriate disposition  of a case is listened to and restitution is mandatory before a plea offer is extended to a defendant.

Homicide and Violent Assaults

As a society, we recognize that there is no more egregious crime than murder or aggravated assault.  Regardless of the circumstances, we know that it impacts people and their loved ones forever.   

In Lackawanna County, specially trained and highly experienced victim advocates are assigned to serve victims and the family of homicide victims as quickly from the moment a crime occurs through the criminal justice process.  Advocates provide assistance and referrals for services, assist in applying for resources and Victim Compensation, and keep families updated as an investigation proceeds.  When an arrest is made, an advocate will notify listed family members of court dates and accompany them in court.  

Domestic Violence

Intimate partner and family violence occurs across all racial, gender, sexual orientation, religious, social, and economic demographics.  It’s important for victims to know that our office provides dedicated and compassionate professionals who will listen closely, help ensure their safety, and hold their abusers accountable. 

In Lackawanna County, prosecutors and victim witness advocates assigned to the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit are experienced and specially trained in meeting the needs of victims of domestic violence. Our advocates are to help victims with crisis intervention, safety planning, restraining orders, and other services.

We understand that not every survivor is ready to report abuse to law enforcement or participate in a prosecution.  Even so, we have resources available for anyone who wants to leave an abusive relationship, as well as for friends and family who want to help a loved one.  Prosecutors, victim witness advocates, and other members of the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office are available and ready to provide assistance to anyone in need.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of their age, ethnicity, gender, or orientation.  Understanding that many survivors may be reluctant to report an assault for any number of reasons, our prosecutors, victim witness advocates, and partner agencies are committed to providing a safe, confidential, and victim-centered environment to discuss services and options.  The prosecutors, advocates, and support staff assigned to our Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit are experienced in working with victims of these offenses and work closely with service providers tailored to the needs of sexual assault survivors.

Child Abuse

Children are among the most vulnerable people we serve.  Survivors of child abuse, who have often been hurt by the very people responsible for their safety and wellbeing, confront special challenges when it comes to disclosing that harm.  They may: blame themselves; fear retaliation or disbelief; or have conflicted emotions about reporting abuse by a family member they depended on.  We understand those concerns and have the expertise to work through them with young victims and their loving caregivers. 

When a child or adult survivor does make the courageous choice to come forward and disclose abuse, Lackawanna County prosecutors, victim-witness advocates, and other staff will be there to listen and to ensure victims receive the services they need to heal.  All child abuse investigations are conducted in a manner that aims to hold abusers accountable while attempting to limit and treat the trauma caused to victims.  Forensic interviews conducted with specially trained professionals limit the number of times that a survivor must disclose abuse, and we offer all the resources of the The Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania – a one-stop service center for children and their non-offending caretakers to meet with police, prosecutors, advocates, medical and mental health clinicians, social workers, and other service providers.  Knowing that the court process can be intimidating even for adults, we take every step to prepare young victims and witnesses for what they can expect as their cases move forward.

Elders Abuse Unit

The staff of the Elders and Persons with Disabilities work with people age 60 and older and those of all ages living with physical or intellectual challenges who have been harmed by abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.  Prosecutors and advocates know the importance of investigating and trying these cases in such a way as to maintain the dignity of victims while ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their crimes.  

While crime can affect anyone regardless of age, senior citizens are often at increased risk for harm through financial scams. Prosecutors and advocates are familiar with many of these schemes and work to prevent as well as prosecute them.  In addition to assistance offered through this office, a number of agencies offer services and helpful information to seniors, those living with disabilities, and their loved ones and caretakers.