“We’re not trying to duplicate the services of what the victim advocates are doing at the state’s attorney’s office. We’re trying to take some of the work off them by offering other options,” Ryan said.

The victims’ advocates at the prosecutors office mostly work with victims of domestic and sexual violence.

The police department is likely to refer victims of vandalism or burglary, Ryan said, but she said she hopes Voice and Choice can also help victims of hate crimes and bullying at local schools and colleges.