For women who have reported a domestic violence crime, the criminal justice system can be very intimidating.
The Broome County Sheriff's Office in conjunction with the SOS Shelter now has a dedicated staffer who can assist victims with services and guide them through the legal process.
April Hopkins is an SOS Shelter advocate who now has an office at the Sheriff's Department.
Each day, she looks through domestic violence call reports and contacts the victims to offer her assistance.
Because many victims are still living with their abusers, she can offer help in a discreet way.
April Hopkins says, "What I see, when I get in contact with the victims, they're anxious, they're scared, they're nervous. They are wanting to know what services we can offer them, what their need is at the time."
The funding for Hopkins' position comes mostly from the New York State Crime Victims Board with additional funding by the SOS Shelter.
Hopkins has been on the job since mid-October.
If you need help, you can call the Shelter 24 hours a day at 754-4340.
