Victim Advocacy Services in Urban Programs: A Description by Staff and Clients of Service Provision and Gaps

Project objectives were to describe and compare existing advocacy services in Ohio; compare victim advocacy typologies and identify key variables in service delivery; develop a better understanding of how victim advocacy services are defined and delivered; and assess the effectiveness of those services. The first phase of this two-phase research gathered comprehensive information about 13 VAWA-funded programs that provide direct services in Ohio. Descriptive information on funding, staffing, number of clients served, and other agency demographic information was collected through interviews with agency administrators and a survey. Focus groups with clients and service providers were also conducted in each of the agencies. The second phase of the research developed ways to evaluate service outcome. Two agencies with different service objectives were selected to participate in the evaluation phase. A number of themes emerged from the client and staff focus groups regarding the kinds of services provided by the participating VAWA-funded agencies. In the focus group interviews, most clients and service providers spoke of advocacy in operational terms. Concerns expressed focused on tangible goods and services, emotional support, case management, education, services to children, legal services, and visitation supervision. Suggestions for future research are offered. 5 tables, 1 figure, 22 references, and appended evaluation instruments