Marion County Prosecutor to Hire Victim Advocate

A federal grant will enable the Marion County Prosecutor to hire a full time victim advocate for the next two years.

Prosecuting Attorney Luke Bryant told the Marion County Commissioners Monday that this was one of five Missouri counties to receive a federal grant for over $86,000 for the purpose of hiring a victim advocate.

Bryant told the commission the advocate’s duties would include contacting crime victims at the beginning of the criminal process, answering their questions, providing support, and sitting with victims during court hearings.

The grant comes from the federal Victims of Crime Act program, made available through the Missouri Office of Prosecuting Services.

Bryant plans to advertise the opening by the end of this week, and hopes to have someone in place by mid-December.