Staff shortages at the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office are creating issues for crime victims and their families.
The Crime Victims Assistance Program, developed by the Texas legislature, is supposed to provide victims with case notifications, referrals to social services, and short term counseling. The issue is no one is working in that department at the D.A.’s office. There were two employees, but one retired and the other is on medical leave.
Victims say the shortage is denying them help.
“You now have a victim of domestic violence which is rampant in South Texas who doesn’t want to talk, and they see all of this? Do you really think that makes them want to come forward and get into this mess that is Nueces County right now? And it is a mess,” says Sharon Sedwick, Victim’s Rights Advocate.
Until the District Attorney’s office can hire new victims advocates, crime victims should contact the prosecutor assigned to their case.
