Describe the role of a victim advocate in the VCITP framework.

• A. To investigate suspects
• B. To provide immediate support, explain rights and options, facilitate communication with investigators, coordinate resources, and maintain victim autonomy
• C. To ignore victim preferences
• D. To delay processing

Answer: (B)

The main concept being tested is the victim advocate’s role in supporting victims within the VCITP framework by focusing on immediate support, explaining rights and options, facilitating communication with investigators, coordinating resources, and upholding the victim’s autonomy. A victim advocate works to empower the survivor throughout the process, ensuring they understand what options are available (whether to pursue reporting, participate in interviews, or seek safety measures), and what rights they have to be informed, heard, and involved. They act as a bridge to investigators, helping convey needs and questions without forcing decisions, while connecting the survivor to resources such as counseling, crisis services, housing or safety planning. This approach is central to victim-centered practice: it prioritizes the survivor’s choices, reduces re-traumatization, and keeps the process guided by the victim’s preferences.

Investigation of suspects is the role of law enforcement, not the advocate. Ignoring victim preferences or delaying processing run counter to the victim-centered approach and can undermine the survivor’s safety and agency.