Crime Survivor Services Unit

The mission of Crime Survivor Services (CSS) is to advocate for survivors and victims to ensure their rights are protected and their voices are heard. The CSS unit is dedicated to prioritizing the well-being, autonomy, and safety of survivors while providing compassionate, trauma-informed support.

CSS provides survivor-centered legal advocacy, resource navigation, and safety planning for survivors and victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, gun violence, homicide, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, internet crimes against children, and hate crimes.

Our Co-Location Model

Victim Support Team (VST) community volunteers are embedded in police precincts. Seattle Police Department (SPD) patrol officers can request their services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The presence of volunteers immediately following a traumatic incident can increase feelings of support people experiece from their community, and strong partnerships with local resources ensure survivors have timely access to critical services.

Crime Victim Advocates foster collaborative working relationships with SPD investigators to keep survivors updated on recent changes in their cases and ensure the survivors' voices are heard by co-locating Advocates in each investigative SPD unit.

Victim Support Team

The Victim Support Team (VST) bridges the gap in services for domestic violence survivors immediately after a patrol officer responds to a 911 call.

On the weekends, VST is a mobile crisis response team operating city-wide and offering both on-scene and over-the-phone support. Volunteers work in teams of two, assisted by an On-Call Supervisor. They provide transportation; help locate shelter, food, and clothing; offer resource referrals; and answer questions about the criminal justice system.

During the week, the VST Victim Advocates respond to requests for VST services, collaborating with detectives, patrol officers, system-based advocates, and community partners.

Crime Victim Advocacy Team

The CSS Crime Victim Advocacy Team ensures that crime survivors' rights are upheld. Crime Victim Advocates are embedded within SPD investigative units. They collaborate closely with detectives and prosecutors to ensure survivors have a voice in the criminal process.

Crime Victim Advocates provide ongoing support and resources to survivors and their families from the initial police report through the resolution of any criminal charges. They follow-up detectives and prosecutors, providing victims with timely updates on investigations and court proceedings, as required by law.

When criminal charges are filed, advocates track court proceedings, keep survivors informed, and attend critical hearings with or on behalf of the survivor or their family.