Charting the Course: A Stroll Through the History of Alexandra House

1986
1986… Expanded Community-based
Support Services
Legal Advocacy
Alexandra House expanded services to include legal advocacy for
victims of domestic violence in the criminal and civil court setting. In
partnership with law enforcement, legal advocates provided crime
victim advocacy immediately following a domestic assault incident,
24-hours a day. Legal advocates followed cases, at victims’ request,
throughout criminal court proceedings—serving as a liaison with
prosecutors, conveying information on victims’ behalf to the court,
helping victims navigate the criminal court system, accompanying
them to hearings, providing information on crime victims’ rights,
and assisting them in accessing financial and victim notification
resources. In addition, legal advocates assisted victims in filing
protection orders, accompanied them to subsequent hearings, and
provided critical information regarding civil legal options and other
community resources.
On-Call Hospital Response
Trained volunteer advocates began responding to domestic
abuse calls at Unity Hospital. Advocates were able to provide
emotional support, crisis intervention, validation, information,
advocacy, resources, and safety strategies.
10
Alexandra House began
to provide legal advocacy
services to victims of
domestic violence.
1
1) Unity Hospital
circa 1970’s
2) Protective Order
Alexandra House
volunteers began
to respond to
domestic abuse calls
at Unity Hospital.
2
The Battered Women’s
Advisory Council at the
Department of Corrections
prioritized funds for older
battered women and
disabled battered women.