MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake Police Department and Region 8 Crime Victim Service Center announced Thursday a program aimed to encourage people to access victim support services.

Beginning March 1, a certified bilingual crime victim advocate will be riding with a Moses Lake police officer during selected hours, according to police Chief Dean Mitchell. The advocate will be readily available to inform victims of their rights and ensure they have the information required to access services they may need.

"We know that victims are occasionally reluctant, due to the trauma they've experienced, or are unaware of the services available to them," Mitchell said. "By having an advocate readily available, it is hoped that we can encourage victims to access those services they may qualify for. Much too often, these victims are overlooked.

Crime Victim Advocate Yesenia Diaz will be the representative riding with officers. Diaz, who is bilingual, has been with the victim service center for almost two years. Diaz is a state-certified victim advocate. Diaz joined the center to assist with Spanish-only speaking residents.

"We've had a huge success with her doing this," said Thomas Bonnington, manager of the service center in Grant County. He said the center has seen about an 80 percent increase in responses since Diaz joined.

Bonnington said having Diaz ride with officers will allow her to contact victims directly after police have spoken with them.

"We're hoping through that we'll be able to provide more referrals and more assistance to people," Bonnington said.

The service center targets victims of crimes other than victims of intimate crimes, such as sexual assault.

Advocates work to ensure victims receive assistance through programs they may qualify for, including emergency financial assistance, help with court proceedings as well as emotional support. The goal of the program is to make the public aware of the available resources.

The program is funded through victim's compensation as part of the restitution fees from criminals who are prosecuted. There is no cost to a victim using the center.

The Region 8 Crime Victim Service Center serves victims of crime in Adams, Grant, Lincoln and Whitman counties. For more information on the program, contact the center during business hours at 509-770-1380. Spanish speakers may call 509-770-1575. A 24-hour crisis hotline is also available and can be reached at 1-800-701-8385.