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Marshall-Tama County Violent Crime Coalition event stresses resources for victims

T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY Andrea Keeling, Iowa Victim Service Call Center Coordinator, is shown presenting before the Marshall-Tama County Violent Crime Coalition Monday morning at the Marshalltown Public Library.

Victims of crimes ranging from burglary to domestic violence to sexual abuse have advocates to help confront emotions, financial uncertainty, trauma and more.

Advocates offer guidance, resources and good listening skills at a critical time.

That was the empathetic and detailed message presented by Andrea Keeling, Iowa Victim Service Call Center Coordinator in Sioux Center.

Keeling was invited by members of the Marshall-Tama County Violent Crime Coalition to speak before its members, including area law enforcement, on Monday morning at the Marshalltown Public Library.

“We invited Andrea to let our members know of the resources available to victims,” said Lisa Crouch, Victim Witness Coordinator of the Marshall County Attorney’s office.

“Our service is available to victims in all Iowa counties toll-free and via text 365, 24/7,” said Keeling. “It is a confidential resource for Iowans impacted by crime or trauma. Concerned family and friends can also seek guidance in supporting their loved ones.”

Advocates support victims of domestic violence, elder abuse, sexual violence, homicide, human trafficking, and other violent crimes according to the organization’s website.

Keeling said the center helps victims understand the best law enforcement entity to contact to report a crime.

“We can also help victims complete the application for crime victim’s compensation among other contacts,” said Keeling. “Importantly, we can talk them through what happened … to work through the trauma and feelings of being violated. We discuss safety, security and more … victims said they feel better after talking with us.”

The call center coordinator gave another example of how a center advocate counseled a man — a recovering alcoholic — dealing with the sudden death of his wife.

“Now alone … he was afraid that he would resume drinking alcohol again,” Keeling said. “We counseled him.”

Keeling said Iowa Victim Services can:

· Connect victims and others with local resources such as attorneys, emergency services, and shelters.

· Be a compassionate listener for those needing to talk or process what they have experienced and help Iowans understand their options to move forward.

The call center will also assist victims of bullying, harassment, human rights abuses, stalking, and violence associated with armed conflict.

Keeling said she was pleased that a victims advocate had recently moved to Marshall County.

Crouch said Lee Simcox, a victim advocate from Meskwaki Nation in Tama County, was instrumental in setting up the program.

Keeling’s organization is a division of Family Crisis Centers.

If one is a victim of a crime, contact the crisis line at 800-770-1650, text 2012, or contact Keeling at andreak@familycrisisscenters.org, visit survivorshelpline.org.

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