PACIFIC COUNTY — Whether attempting to heal the wounds from abuse, overcome a loss due to homicide, or repair the damage caused by a burglary — picking up the pieces can be a daunting task when one’s life has been forever changed by a crime. But for a victims’ advocate like Jerri Hawks, it’s all in a day’s work when you have “the best job in the world.”
Hawks, formerly an advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, was hired in December as the crime victims advocate for Crisis Support Network. Part of the Crime Victim Advocacy Network region 11 — consisting of Pacific, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason and Thurston counties — Hawks provides free and confidential services for victims of identity theft, vehicular assault or homicide, hate crimes, child physical abuse, assault, homicide, burglary, DUI/DWI injuries, vulnerable adult abuse, trafficking, robbery and property crimes.
She is also receiving training to assist victims of cyber crimes and identity theft, and has references to advocate for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking cases.
As an advocate, Hawks helps victims navigate through the criminal justice system at a time of crisis, whether it be referring them to public programs and other resources or advocating for their rights.
“Being the victim of a crime is a lifetime change — you’re never the same after it,” Hawks explains. “I take care of the people left in the dust and try to make them feel whole.”
Serving justice
She also ensures that victim’s statutory rights are preserved, such as: the right to protection from the accused; the right to be notified of court or parole proceedings related to the crime; the right to be heard at public proceedings involving the release, plea, sentencing or any parole hearing; the right to full and timely restitution and the right to be treated fairly and with respect for his or her dignity and privacy.
“Justice isn’t served until the victim is,” she adds.
A crime victims advocate can also accompany victims to hearings and interviews, and refer them to child/respite care and transportation arrangements to attend court.
“It can be overwhelming and scary,” Hawks says of the process. “If they need me to go to court with them, I can do that. If they say, ‘I need you to go to court for me,’ I would be more than happy to do that ... I spend a lot of time in court, usually two or three days of the week I’m in court.”
Her duties also include advocating for the victim when working with public service providers, creditors, employers, insurance companies and landlords. She assists victims in retrieving their property from law enforcement, and can help them apply for restitution in criminal cases.
Compensation program
Through the Washington State Crime Victim Compensation Program, Hawks helps eligible crime victims obtain medical, mental health and financial compensation for LifeFlight expenses, injuries, hospital bills, doctor appointments, gas mileage, mental health counseling, prescriptions and even glasses. There are even death benefits available for homicide victims’ family members.
Hawks says there have even been instances where she’s helped to bring a person’s medical bills out of collection so that they could be paid off with compensation funds. Another time, Hawks helped a man find assistance to pay his rent for one month so that he could afford to retrieve his stolen vehicle from impound. She can also help to repair a person’s credit after they’ve been the victim of identity theft.
By working with law enforcement, prosecutors and the courts, an advocate can facilitate requests so victims are notified when the offender in their case is released or transferred in custody.
Hawks says much of her caseload consists of assault and burglary victims.
As part of her community outreach and education duties, Hawks distributes information about the resources available in regard to crime victimization and violence, as well as makes presentations about crime, advocacy and victims’ rights.
“I’ve met a lot of great people who are very warm and excited about what I do,” she says. “Going out and doing presentations, for me it’s a good fit.”
To schedule a presentation from Hawks, call 800-435-7276.
To receive assistance from a crime victim’s advocate, call the 24-hour toll-free crisis line at 866-711-2826. Her office is located at 312 Duryea Street in Raymond. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, she holds office hours at the old county administrative building at 318 Second Street North in Long Beach.
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