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Alexandra House, Inc. i Criminal Justice Intervention Services Description Alexandra House Criminal Justice Intervention Services are designed to provide advocacy and assistance to victims of domestic violence. In most cases, this occurs immediately after the incidence of abuse and during the course of a victim's interactions with law enforcement legal and social service systems. Assistance provided by Alexandra House aids the victim in understanding and making well - informed choices in regard to options offered by police, prosecutors, court and counseling agencies. Alexandra House Criminal Justice Intervention Services does not influence the victim's decision making process, but ensures that the choices are comprehensive and self direct . P 5 a : :.#itlyst brtweet. victims and systems of government, Alexandra House Intervention Services is currently providing an effective and consistent iiispouse to dcvtesdc violence in the vi ors c4 13laitte, Circle Pines Lexington, Anoka, Fridley, Line Lai:to and the catimunitiee serves; by the. Anoka County Sheriffs Department. Arrest Cases The advocate or volunteer attempts to contact the victim of the assault by phone to provide nfonnatio: sg p.: t anr: reterra .a: :ieeded, At the same time, information is collected from the viuia to be green to the court at the arraignment hearing regarding the 'fet'u's concerns and what they would like to see happen if a guilty plea is issued by the assailant. The information from the victim enables tit court to Ina cm rye case more thoroughly prior to passing sentence or issitin t a rout order such as a "No Contact Order" or specific counseling requirements. The Ethrncem will contar t'. avotim Pt: the arraignment hearing ragatdtng sentencing results or the future court hearing date. Non- Arrest Cases .ij a:rindra Ixonue br.t :rveatt oa Services r:,: ogniaes the importance of reaching f anilies prior to an arrest taking place in an effort to prevent a crisis situation. We receive non - arrest incident reports from law enforcement. A letter and brochure explaining our services are sent to the .ictimmsj ited in the Nouns or an e;tetnpt iy made m contact the victim by phone. An advocate will assist a victim of domestic assault in fling charges, if the victim wishes to do so as well as ftmiX- aizing tt.e victbn - 'n'ith the digit ;:jtiiei criminal '.; i icss sys l eett i `rtledtes. Legal Advocacy Victims of domestic violence are often reluctant to participate in the criminal court process for various reasons. The criminal justice system. can be intimidating and confusing to victims. Many victims fear retaliation from their abuser if they participate in the criminal court process. Legal advocates provide advocacy service to the victirn(s), consistent consequences for the assailant and appropriate counseling and other community resource referrals.