Melisa Dodge is passionate about her role as a victims’ advocate.

While she has been working for the Paradise Valley Prosecutor’s office for a little more than two years, Dodge has 15 years of experience in the fields of behavioral health, mental health, substance abuse, victims’ rights, law enforcement and prosecution.

Prior to working with Paradise Valley, she served as a community services victim advocate for the Avondale Police Department.

“A victim advocate’s job duties entail many different tasks. In a nutshell, a victim advocate assists crime victims in navigating the criminal justice system, informs victims of their statutory rights and provides notification of case-status updates from citation/arrest to final disposition,” Dodge stated. “We also assist with victim-impact statements, restitution claims, orders of protection, accompany victims to court and much more.”

Read on to learn more about Dodge and her work in Paradise Valley.

Who can use a victims’ advocate? People often think that we only help with violent crimes — but that’s not true. To us, all victims, regardless of the severity of crime committed against them, deserve to have full access to a victim advocate and assistance throughout the judicial process. I’ve helped people who have been victims of trespassing to others who have been surviving families of homicide. There is no victimless crime, and we are here to help everyone who has been determined a victim by law.

 How long have you worked as a victims’ advocate? I began advocating for victims of crime in 2014, with my previous employment history as a social worker, specifically with those dealing with mental illness and substance abuse. I joined the Paradise Valley Prosecutors Office in December 2022.

 What made you want to work with victims? I did not discover my true passion until I began assisting victims of crime. I’ve always enjoyed helping people — but helping those that are experiencing what could be the worst moment in their life is what is rewarding for me. Helping inspire perseverance and providing a sense of empowerment to those I serve is what it’s all about.

 What do you wish more people knew about being a victim? Being victimized can be deeply embarrassing. Victims often, incorrectly, blame themselves. “I should have locked the door,” or “I shouldn’t have been walking alone,” or some other self-directed fault. The blame lies within the criminal, and there’s no need to feel shame. We all have a right to live our lives and to feel safe. It’s a simple concept to us but can be difficult for victims to accept.

What are some tips people should know about navigating the court system? Well, first, it’s nothing like what you see on TV. In reality, it is a lengthy process with police conducting their investigation, the prosecutor reviewing all details of the case and the potential frequency of continued court hearings while the state and defense negotiate a plea agreement or case disposition. This lengthy process can be very frustrating for victims.

I would say the first tip would be to expect a lengthy process but know that you are not alone and have a victim advocate in your corner who will advocate for you and help you throughout the entire process. With that said, people should also understand how powerful they can be as the victim of a crime. A good example is the influence of a victim’s impact statement — this statement, made to the court. carries a lot of weight with prosecutors, juries and judges, and can help people find a sense of closure. It should not be underestimated.

Any final tips for victims of crime? You’re not alone. There is help available to you, regardless of the crime committed against you. Be open to receiving help — from friends, family, our wonderful community — and from government resources like the police, prosecutors and victims’ advocates. We all want to help.

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