The Merrimack County Advocacy Center is a community partnership dedicated to strengthening and protecting victims, families and the community through early intervention, coordinated investigations, and collaborative action plans. We are dedicated to pursuing the truth in physical and sexual abuse cases, coordinating social services for victims, and providing ongoing support to victims and their families.
What does the Merrimack County Advocacy Center do?
At the Merrimack County Advocacy Center, our neutral, safe, family- friendly space provides victim centered forensic interviews for joint investigations of sexual assault, physical abuse, neglect, and domestic violence. Forensic interviews are neutral third party fact-finding interviews conducted to find out what happened. Forensic interviewers at the Merrimack County Advocacy Center are trained in a nationally recognized model of forensic interviewing developed by the National Children’s Advocacy Center. Forensic interviews are utilized to provide information that can assist in investigations. Properly conducted forensic interviews are effective because they are objective, non-leading, and carefully documented.
Additionally, the Merrimack County Advocacy Center provides trauma informed support services to victims and families. We provide supportive case management and follow up to victims and families served at the advocacy center. This may include information, education, and referrals to partner agencies for support services.
Who is part of the “team” at the Merrimack County Advocacy Center?
The use of a Multidisciplinary Team approach at the Merrimack County Advocacy Center has been deemed best practice in the investigation of abuse cases. Professionals assigned to the Multidisciplinary Team specialize in the area of abuse investigations.
Members of the Multidisciplinary Team include:
Child Protective Services - Read more...
Crisis Center Advocates - Read more...
County Attorney/Prosecutors - Read more...
Law Enforcement - Read more...
Medical Providers - Read more...
Victim/Witness Advocates - Read more...