Police Department

Crime Victim Advocate

The Crime Victim Advocate is a full-time civilian employee of the Spokane Police Department. This position provides critical support to survivors of violent crimes Tuesday through Friday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. and works closely with SPD detectives, providing investigative/case updates, and providing referrals to community-based advocates along with community resources.

Violent crime has the potential to change the course of a person’s life. Crime impacts victims, witnesses, families, and entire communities. The Crime Victim Advocate with SPD was established to ensure fair, compassionate, and sensitive treatment of victims and witnesses of crime. The primary goal of the Victim Advocate is to listen to survivors, help them identify what next step they want to take, address immediate safety concerns, and offer connections to resources in the community and within the Criminal Justice System. The Victim Advocate supports crime victims and witnesses by helping them navigate the criminal justice system and by responding to their emotional and physical needs using a trauma-informed approach. The SPD guarantees that victims and witnesses of crime are treated with respect and dignity and are afforded rights and services designed to address the specifics of their victimization. These free services are available to help victims cope with the trauma and aftermath of victimization and to lessen the inconveniences and unknowns often associated with participation in the criminal justice process.

Services

Through a trauma-informed lens, the victim advocate offers referrals to community resources. Safety planning is survivor-centered and empowerment based. Through collaboration with system-based partners, the victim advocate also supports in navigating the legal system. As a government program, all services are non-confidential.

To access confidential advocacy, you can contact Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) or the YWCA. If you’re searching for ways to support someone else who may be struggling in their relationship, please refer to the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence Friends and Family Guide.

The Crime Victim Advocate provides the following services:

• Initial in-person or telephone contact explaining victim services
• Information on victims’ rights and services
• Safety planning
• Explanation of the criminal justice/court process
• Court accompaniment as needed to civil and criminal proceedings to provide the victim with support
• Resources and referrals-emergency services, counseling, etc.
• Investigative updates
• VINElink/Advance notification of release
• Assistance with filing victim compensation claims
• Intervention with employers, academic institutions, creditors, service providers and landlords

Victims of the following crimes are eligible to receive services:

• Child Physical and Sexual Abuse
• Domestic Violence
• Families of Homicide Victims
• Human Trafficking
• Sexual Assault

The Victim Advocate does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, military status, age or disability.

Contact Information

Cheyenne Gillespie
SPD Crime Victim Advocate
509.242.VICT (8428)
VictimAdvocate@spokanepolice.org
Available Tuesday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Helplines

LCSNW Sexual Assault 24-Hour Support Line
509.624.7273*
*Text available during business hours

LCSNW Crime Victim Support Line
509.747.8224

YWCA Domestic Violence 24/7 Hotline
509.326.2255 (Call)
509.220.3725 (Text)
help@ywcaspokane.org

National Domestic Violence 24/7 Hotline
800.799.7233 (Call)
Text “START” to 88788
Chat Live

Suicide Hotline
988 (Call or Text)

National Sexual Assault 24/7 Hotline
800.656.4673

Mental Health Crisis 24/7 Hotline
877.266.1818

National Human Trafficking 24/7 Hotline
888.373.7888 (Call)
233733 (Text)