Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office celebrates the women of Victim Witness Advocacy

The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office will celebrate the stories of its Victim Witness Advocacy Office for Women's History Month.

There are six women in the office with a total of 86 years of service, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.

Former Prosecutor James McClain once categorized them as "the heart and soul of the criminal justice system."

Their job is to help victims and families, notify them of things such as upcoming hearings or changes in a defendant’s status, and answer any questions.

Often, they can be seen in the courtroom just supporting the families, even offering a smile or laugh.

The office was entirely female until late 2018, when then-Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner brought in Raymond Royster to head the office after its first supervisor, Jackie Simonson, retired.

Royster joined as a longtime case manager for the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency.

But many of the Victim Witness advocates have spent their careers helping victims and their families understand the criminal justice system.

The senior member is Kristie Baker Gardener, who has been with the office for 28 years. She is the Child Abuse MDT coordinator. MDT, or the Multi-Disciplinary Team, are the first step in child advocacy.

Tricia Hayek has been with the office for 23 years. She has a masters in social work and served as the acting director before Royster was brought in. She is currently the supervising advocate.

Maria Sosa became the unit's first bilingual advocate 14 years ago.

Melody Kirby has served as an advocate for 16 years.

The teams newest members are Bella Alameda, who has been the second bilingual advocate for three years, and Shavonne Davis, who brought her master of arts degree to the unit two years ago.

"When you are a victim of a crime or a witness to a traumatic event, it can seem overwhelming and you may be uncertain of who can help you through the crisis and the aftermath," reads a release from the Prosecutor's Office. "The advocates employed by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office are available to provide information, support and advocacy (and) link you to recovery services, all with the goal of helping you to recover and be supported through the justice system."

The free services include assistance completing a victim impact statement, crisis intervention and support counseling, assistance with restitution requests, HIV testing of certain charged offenders, social service agency referrals, and even child care if needed while testifying.