Suffolk County Sheriff Andrea J. Cabral recently established a Victim Services Unit to render more services to the victims of offenders housed at the Suffolk County House of Correction.

The unit is responsible for notifying victims, witnesses and family members of an inmate’s status including release or transfer to a less secure facility. Additionally, the unit provides crisis assessment and intervention, support advocacy and referrals to community-based services to victims.

“When I was Assistant District Attorney, I recognized the critical need for advocacy services for crime victims. My extensive work with advocates gave me a greater understanding for the emotional impact of crime on victims. I also witnessed first hand the benefit of intervention by skilled advocates. That is why I wanted to expand and enhance our work with crime victims as Sheriff,” Cabral said.

Diane Coffey, a career victim service professional, heads the unit. With funding from the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance, she hired Kelly Henderson a Victim Witness Advocate for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. The grant was issued through the 1984 Victim of Crime Act from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs and the U.S. Department of Justice.

The goal of the Sheriff’s Department Victim Services Unit, in collaboration with the Criminal History Systems Board, other Criminal Justice Agencies and community service providers, is to provide education and information to the community about the services available and their rights as victims and witnesses.

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