Victim Services and Programs

As the HPD Victim/Witness Advocate, I work in tandem with the HPD Legal Division in providing critical information and support to all victims and witnesses involved in the criminal and juvenile justice process.  I also work closely and train with victim service professionals in the N.H. Attorney General and Hillsborough County Attorney offices, and with community-based domestic violence organizations. 

In addition to my role as Victim/Witness Advocate, I serve on the HPD’s Critical Incident Management Team (CIMT) where I work closely with first responders in debriefing and defusing stressful incidents.  I am also a member of our community’s Relative Support Group where we work to connect local resources to relatives who are raising their siblings and young children.

As your Police Department’s local Victim Advocate I CAN:

• Explain the judicial system to you
• Give you specific information and resources for all victims, and special resources for Domestic Violence victims.
• Act as a link between you and the prosecutor.
• Advise you on the status of the case and confirm court dates and location.
• Make referrals to you for shelter and town assistance, etc.
• Answer your questions regarding pre-trial, trial, sentencing, and appeal process.
• Attend Court with you and stay while you testify in a criminal or juvenile justice matter.
• Assist you in obtaining a Protective Order.
• Help you with submitting a Victim Impact Statement.
• Help you in submitting a Restitution request.
• Provide you with a safe, private area where you can wait before and after testifying.
• Provide you with resource information and referrals to other social service agencies that offer financial and supportive services.

As your Police Departments local Victim Advocate I CANNOT:

• Give you legal advice.
• Take a report or investigate a crime.
• Tell you how to testify.
• Tell you what to write in a Victim Impact Statement.
• Tell you what to ask for regarding restitution.
• Tell you what you should recommend for sentencing.
• Give you an opinion as to whether a case will be charged.
• Give you an opinion as to the likely outcome of a case.
• Give you an opinion as whether restitution will be ordered, and how much.
• Personally transport you anywhere.

Jeri Cloutier, Victim Witness Advocate 603-816-2240 or jjcloutier@hudsonnh.gov