Stevenson works toward protecting victims of crime
The Loveland Police Department’s Ashley Stevenson serves a unique role in the cogs of criminal justice, working with the victims of crimes that the police investigate.
Stevenson serves as the the LPD’S victim services coordinator, working with victims both on scene as well as back at the department. At the department just west of downtown Loveland, this includes several more calming spaces where victims can speak with her. These spaces also include packets of information for different local resources based on various crimes, from a death investigation to domestic violence.
Stevenson said that it was through her work in victims services and her time at the department in the records department that led her to the position when it became open.
“I was able to recognize the importance of people needing someone to walk alongside them in these instances,” she said.
She spoke of the importance of victims services ahead of the Tuesday’s Loveland City Council meeting, during which councilors will officially recognize the week of April 21-27 as Victim’s Rights Week in Loveland to coincide with the national week. The week also calls for people to wear a different color every day for different kinds of victims, including light blue on Monday to honor child abuse victims to white on Thursday to honor bias motivated crime victims.
The week will come with local events as well, including the proclamation at city council and an event at the Lincoln Center in Fort Collins from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
“I love being there for other folks,” she said, later adding “Havin that consistent, reassuring contact is helpful to get (them) through the process.”
How did you get involved in victims services in the first place?
Due to my previous volunteer experience with (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Abused and Neglected Children) and Youth Emergency Services, I understood the value of walking alongside someone experiencing a traumatic incident. When I saw the Victim Services Coordinator job opening, I was excited to help ensure that victims in our community would never walk alone.
What goes into working with victims in a given case?
Victim Services is often called to respond to the scene of an incident. When that occurs, we provide crisis intervention and ensure that the victim’s basic needs are being met. After the initial incident, we continue to work with victims until the case has reached a final disposition. For instance, if the case requires additional investigation, we will work with the victim throughout the duration of that investigation to ensure that their questions are being answered and that they have been referred to appropriate resources in our community. If an arrest is made, we ensure that the victim has pertinent information related to the bond hearing and an outline of what will follow.
How do you take care of yourself in a job where you are working with often emotional and difficult situations?
Self-awareness and self-care are vital for anyone working in Victim Services. You must have the ability to objectively evaluate yourself and make time to reflect. Making time for yourself, your family, and things you enjoy is pertinent to maintaining your mental health. Personally, I enjoy going on walks with our two dogs, attending concerts with my husband and daughter, and enjoying meals with friends.
How does what you do as a victim services coordinator fit into policing and criminal justice overall?
As law enforcement victim advocates, we understand that the criminal justice system can be a confusing and overwhelming experience.
Trying to navigate that system alone or when processing trauma is extremely difficult. To assist, we provide immediate on-scene crisis intervention and response 24 hours a day. This allows us to provide a victim-centered response and services to victims, witnesses, and family members. This may include notification and education on victims rights, information on obtaining the status of the offender and general information regarding the criminal justice system. We provide referrals to and help with accessing other community-based services such as crisis intervention services, victim assistance resources, legal resources, mental health services, financial services, applicable protection services, and other support services.
With that, what is the importance of ensuring victims are cared for outside of just the immediate incident?
Victims have the right to be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity and to be informed of specified critical stages in the criminal justice process. Often, this process is strenuous and lengthy. Providing support and continuity through all stages of the justice process assists with trauma recovery as it helps to empower the victim and ensure autonomy in making decisions. We are always looking for volunteers!