By virtue of a state grant, the Hays County District Attorney’s office is hiring a new Victim Assistance Coordinator (VAC) to ensure crime victims receive services they need.
On Oct. 12, the Hays County Commissioners Court approved a two-year grant from Texas Gov. Greg Abbot’s office, which will cover 80 percent of the salary for a new full-time VAC position. The county will cover the remaining 20 percent of the salary.
The move comes as the an influx of criminal cases is placing a strain on the Hays County District Attorney’s office, which oversees the VAC.
The increasing caseload means prosecutors have even less one-on-one time with crime victims than before. The VAC is hiring another full-time staffer to ensure no victim feels the strain.
The new coordinator is expected to start in December and will be officially hired after graduating from Texas State University that month.
District Attorney Wes Mau said the office is waiting to hire in December because the applicant is a former intern who showed promise.
“We’ve unofficially chosen who we would like to take the position,” Mau said. “When she was here as our intern she did very well. I want to continue the position for as long as possible, so we will keep applying for the grant to have the extra help.”
VACs help their charges find counseling and restitution; they also help crime victims find new homes if they had been traumatized where they lived. There is no time limit on their service to victims as they are available before, during and after trial. VACs will answer questions when attorneys are unavailable or in court and take meetings and calls with victims as often as requested.
Similar coordinators are available through local police departments and the sheriff’s office. The more crimes in the county, the more victims the coordinators take on. Victims of any crime have access to help regardless of the crime, as long as the case is held in the district court.
Maggie Avelos, lead victim’s assistance coordinator, said she and her six-person staff handle a lot of cases where victims experience trauma from abuse or crimes, which can lead to them feeling afraid.
“We’re here to help them get though the (trial) process and get them what they need,” Avelos said. “They’re able to get back to their lives with our help, but they’ll never be whole. Their lives have changed.”
Many of the cases the VACs handle include victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and abuse. The coordinators rely on each other and local organizations including the Hays Caldwell Women’s Center, according to Avelos.
“We’re always going to be there for them, but there are a lot,” Avelos said. “We do need to add another person and I’m glad we had the grant help to do that.”
