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Tri-County Council Offers Victim Support at Minocqua Police Dept. & Oneida Co. Courthouse

Katie Thoresen/WXPR

Tri-County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault knows the difference a victim advocate can make.

They’re the person the victim can count to put them first and make their needs a priority.

Now, Tri-County Council is hope make advocates more easily accessible by having offices at the Oneida County Courthouse and the Minocqua Police Department.

“It makes it easier for victims to reach out for help. Sometimes being in a different building and having another person to contact can be a little overwhelming,” said Angela, the Sexual Assault Program Coordinator for Tri-County Council.

Angela is also the victim advocate that will be working out the Minocqua Police Department on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

“SANE nurses are there specifically for the medical evidence piece of it. That is their focus. The law enforcement is there for the legal part of it to collect evidence to prosecute somebody. Our role is just to be there as a support for the victims, to help them understand what’s going on, how things are going to go, what the flow is, what to expect. A lot of times victims are by themselves. They’re afraid to tell their families. Just being there can be really comforting,” said Angela.

There will also be a legal advocate at the Oneida County Courthouse Monday through Wednesday.

“She is there for help with restraining orders, accompanying them to court through the restraining order process, helping with safety planning, general questions, that type of stuff. Her being in the court offices makes it a little easier to for victims to reach out for help. Sometimes being in a different building and having a different person to contact can be a little overwhelming,” said Angela.

People can just stop by these offices but it’s better call ahead to make sure the advocates are not pulled away on another case.

There are also advocates at Tri-County Council’s offices in Oneida, Forest, and Vilas Counties.

If you need help you can call the 24/7 crisis hotline at 1-800-236-1222 or the main office at 715-362-6841.

Katie Thoresen is WXPR's News Director/Vice President.
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