Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Shannon McFate

Parker,CO

Summary

Compassionate Victim Advocate with extensive experience serving and supporting victims and witnesses of crimes. Well versed in Colorado Victim Rights, community resources, and referral services. Supported and guided diverse individuals through entire court proceedings.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Victim Advocate

Denver District Attorney's Office
Denver, CO
10.2006 - Current
  • Provided training sessions on topics related to victimization issues.
  • Attend multiple trainings every year to stay updated on victim resources and VRA legislation changes
  • Provided multiple trainings to community based agencies on working with the criminal court processe.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with victims, their families, law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, victim service providers, and other stakeholders.
  • Assisted victims in understanding complex legal proceedings associated with their cases.
  • Attended court hearings to provide advocacy for victims throughout the criminal justice process.
  • Provided guidance on how best to address safety concerns after an incident has occurred.
  • Educated victims on their rights under the Victims' Bill of Rights Act.
  • Organized educational workshops designed to raise awareness about victimization issues within the community.
  • Provided emotional support and comfort to victims of crime.
  • Collaborated with other professionals involved in victim cases such as lawyers, counselors and social workers.
  • Assisted individuals through criminal justice process, providing information and support.
  • Corresponded and collaborated with law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys, social services agencies, judges, court staff and other victim advocacy groups.
  • Coordinated referrals and crisis counseling services and programs to victims and witnesses of crimes.
  • Assisted homeless victims with procuring mental health support and other various community resources.
  • Assessed risk factors for domestic violence incidents and provided appropriate resources accordingly.
  • Advised victims on available legal remedies such as restraining orders or civil suits.
  • Provided resource information related to housing assistance, counseling services, financial aid programs, medical care.
  • Collaborated with prosecution team to ensure that victims were informed of developments in their cases and communicated their wishes regarding sentencing options.
  • Coordinated with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of victims throughout criminal proceedings.
  • Facilitated training sessions on best practices for court-based victim advocates.
  • Assisted victims in navigating the court system by providing education about their rights as a victim and how the criminal justice process works.
  • Prepared reports summarizing casework activities for grant funding purposes.
  • Attended court hearings to provide emotional support and legal information to victims.
  • Maintained detailed records of all victim interactions, case notes, and other relevant documents in accordance with program standards.
  • Engaged in outreach activities such as tabling events or presentations at schools and community centers.
  • Provided direct services to victims of crime, including crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals for supportive services.
  • Communicated regularly with other members of the MDT regarding progress updates on cases.
  • Created awareness of victims' rights and services by delivering presentations to agencies, schools, and community groups.
  • Built partnerships with related organizations to develop support and gain greater attention for important issues.
  • Acted as a liaison between victims/ witnesses and prosecuting attorneys during trial proceedings.
  • Assisted victims in accessing community resources, such as shelters, legal services, and mental health counseling.
  • Led trainings on trauma-informed care practices for staff members.
  • Escorted victims to court appearances or meetings with prosecutors.
  • Assisted victims in filing restraining orders or other legal documents.
  • Provided referrals to appropriate social service agencies when needed.
  • Advised and educated victims about the criminal justice process and court proceedings.
  • Researched best practices related to victim advocacy services.
  • Conducted safety assessments for victims of domestic violence and stalking.
  • Attended conferences related to victim rights issues and legislation.
  • Contributed to development and documentation of safety program and training initiatives.
  • Defused hostile situations involving threats to concerned individuals, self, or others.
  • Participated in continuing education opportunities related to victim advocacy topics.
  • Accompanied victims during police investigations or court proceedings as necessary.
  • Educated victims on their legal rights and options available to them through the criminal justice process.
  • Provided information about compensation programs available to crime victims from local, state, and federal sources.
  • Created resource materials for use by agency staff as well as victims and their families.
  • Collaborated with prosecutors, law enforcement officers, social workers, mental health professionals, probation officers, corrections personnel, and others involved in the criminal justice system.
  • Assisted victims in navigating the criminal justice system, including court proceedings.
  • Collaborated with attorneys in all stages of court process.
  • Communicated with witnesses regarding trial prep and witness testimony for trail.
  • Coordinated travel witness testimony.
  • Maintained calendars for upcoming court dates or deadlines related to cases.
  • Facilitated communication between attorneys, clients, witnesses, and court personnel.
  • Coordinated subpoena services and other support activities for legal office.
  • Called witnesses to give testimonies during court hearings.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Forensic Psychology

Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO
05-2006

Skills

  • Case Management
  • Stress Management
  • Attention to Detail
  • Decision-Making
  • Problem-Solving
  • Effective Communication
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Relationship Building
  • Professionalism
  • Professional Demeanor
  • Problem-solving aptitude
  • Trauma Informed Care Framework
  • Rapport Building
  • De-Escalation Techniques
  • Crisis Management
  • Boundary Setting

Affiliations

  • I am a painter

Accomplishments

  • Denver District Attorney Meritorious Service Award Family Violence Unit 2009-20012
  • Denver District Attorney Meritorious Service Award 2014
  • Denver District Attorney Meritorious Service Award 2016

Certification

  • Canine Companions Facility Dog Handler 2022 and certified each year since
  • Canine Companions Therapy Doc evaluator 2023

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Victim Advocate

Denver District Attorney's Office
10.2006 - Current

Bachelor of Arts - Forensic Psychology

Metropolitan State University of Denver
Shannon McFate