Victim Advocacy in Jefferson County

Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.

With every crime that is reported in the United States, a case is opened. Some crime cases are closed swiftly, while others may remain open for months or even years without resolution. With every case that is opened, there are innocent lives that have been impacted, sometimes irreparably. Victims or survivors of crimes often are thrown into unfamiliar legal territory, or may be unaware of their rights, and may be uncertain as to how to navigate criminal or court processes. They may be unaware of how to seek emergency services or who they can call during a critical situation in order to receive assistance. Marie Rigdon, the Victim Services Practitioner with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, has been helping victims to find the help they need since June of 2016.
In her six years working as a victim advocate, Rigdon has seen a variety of different cases, from domestic violence cases, thefts, and crimes against children or elderly citizens. Her department is dedicated to assisting all victims and survivors of any type of crime by offering emotional support and empowering victims/survivors. After a crime has been committed, many survivors feel as if power has been completely taken from them, and Rigdon strives to return that sense of control to them in their situation as much as possible.
Rigdon's time with each victim varies, as does the specifics of her assistance. “Every victim/survivor has a special set of needs that are met to the best of my ability,” says Rigdon. “My interaction with a victim/survivor may last a few weeks to years later, depending on the situation. As an advocate, I make sure they are aware of all of their rights and I help ensure that those rights are maintained.”
The Victim Advocacy program was re-implemented by Sheriff McNeill, who saw an increasing need in the community for victim/survivor services. The program is funded by a grant through the Office of the Attorney General, which provides victim compensation funds for those who need it. In addition to the grant, however, a great deal of assistance comes from the community itself.
“I partner with local organizations, citizens and churches,” says Rigdon, “as well as other providers outside of our county. Jefferson County is very fortunate to have amazing volunteers as well as churches that give their talents, time and money to assist victims/survivors in their time of need. We have received handmade dolls, blankets and teddy bears, as well as clothing and food from various generous local citizens and clubs. The local community is always willing to help when called upon, and that is such an asset to my job.”
Victims and survivors of crimes can have a wide array of needs, from assistance with expenses associated with the crime, emergency medical attention, legal assistance, safe shelter access, food or clothing. Victims/survivors are given resources that help with not just the initial impact of the crime, but also long-term affects as well.
Rigdon finds great satisfaction in her work as an advocate. “I love everything about advocacy and the work I do,” she reflected in an interview. “I would say that there are times that are more challenging, and hit a bit closer to my heart. I do wish sometimes I could do more in helping to empower the victims/survivors that I work with.” She mentioned that the greatest joy she finds comes when the work comes full circle. “Often times, I get the opportunity to see the amazing, resilient people I have worked with come back to me, even years after the case is over, and share with me that I helped to make a difference to them.”
Her work is not limited to after a crime is committed; as part of her advocacy, Rigdon also provides information to the community that can serve to aid in crime prevention, which helps to reduce the amount of victimization that occurs in the community, benefitting the community as a whole.
As the sole Victim Services Practitioner for Jefferson County through the Sheriff's Office, Rigdon mentioned that everyday members of the community can also help bring support and relief to the victims and survivors of crimes.
“It is mostly local citizens who aid my mission of helping victims/survivors,” she stated, saying that the effectiveness of the program depends largely on the good will of fellow community residents. “I am able to do as much as I do currently because of kind donations and volunteering! If anyone is interested in partnering with me, please, give me a call at (850) 997-0510.”
Dedication to outreach efforts are always a powerful way for a community to support itself. It was Margaret Mead who once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”