GRANT COUNTY - Victim advocates from the New Hope Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services will ride along with Grant County deputies in a partnership designed to help victims and enhance crime prevention.

"This program helps us in law enforcement provide better services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault," Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones said. "Many victims may not immediately seek help or know how to seek help."

Modeled by the U.S. Department of Justice, the program allows advocates and deputies to meet face-to-face and gain exposure to each other's work experiences.

Jones stated many times a deputy handles a domestic violence or sexual assault case in the field but may not work directly with a crime advocate after the case has moved forward.

The program will allow advocates to respond on scene for incidents of domestic violence or sexual assault, providing crisis counseling and educating victims on the resources available. The advocates can also arrange shelter admittance and transportation for victims, according to Jones.

"Having a New Hope advocate on scene can provide the victim with immediate assistance and resources, and then the advocate can guide the victim through the system and get any long-term assistance they may need," Jones said.

Advocates will begin riding with deputies once a week with more opportunities in the future as workloads permit, Jones stated.

The Moses Lake and Othello police departments also participate in similar programs.

For more information, contact the sheriff's office at 509-754-2011 ext. 468, or New Hope Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services at 509-764-8402.