BOUNTIFUL—As a victim of a crime it can be overwhelming not knowing where to turn for help. That’s Colette Rampton’s job as Bountiful City’s Victim Advocate – helping them through the process and offering a listening ear. 

“We typically have more victims of domestic violence," Rampton said. "But Bountiful City does not exclude services to any victim of a crime." 

Rampton went back to school and graduated last year from Weber State University with a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and also received a certificate as a Victim Advocate.

“I didn’t know about the Victim Advocate program until my junior year,” said Rampton. “I felt like with my own life history I would be well suited for it. I got the certificate and continue to go to training. There are a lot of resources there too.”

The position is 100% grant funded, she said. “It’s under the VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) from 1984. We have to apply every two years for the grant.”

The criminal justice system can be an intense, long process, said Rampton. “I’m here to answer questions. They’re already feeling anxiety so they can be by my side. My goal is to help them feel calm and help them through that.”

Rampton also helps them with protective orders and goes to court. “I sit by them in court and I read the victim impact statement to the judge,” she said. “Most victims don’t want to come. They’re not required to unless it goes to trial. There’s no pressure. I just let them know the options and let their voice be heard when they’re ready and willing to let that happen.”

 Sometimes after a protective order hearing the victim will see the respondent in the (court) hallway, said Rampton. “A bailiff will escort them out to the parking lot so that they feel safe.”

It’s not just women who are domestic violence victims, Rampton said. “Men are assaulted by their partners. With the grant we focus on the victims of domestic violence whether they’re male or female. It goes both ways.”

Most of the time men say “I’ll be OK. She needs some help,” said Rampton. “You can tell there have been multiple cases ongoing. Then they’re more willing to have the help they need.”

Some relationships just breakup, she said. “They say ‘I’m done.’ We treat the victim the same no matter if it’s the first time or the 10th time. They all deserve respect.”

Rampton’s office only handles misdemeanor cases, she said. “The county handles felonies. We give a warm handoff to the county for filing. I let them know that we’re going to refer them and that we’re not pushing them off. They can call me.”

Misdemeanor charges can be enhanceable and kicked up to a felony, she said. “It depends on what the prosecutors decide. I work closely with the city prosecutor and we ask ‘what does the victim want?’ We listen to the victim in each case. They’re all different. We let the victim know these are the charges and ask how they feel. It’s up to the prosecutor to file the charges but we want them (victims) to know their voice does matter.”

Making sure a victim feels safe is Rampton’s top priority. “With the cycle victims go through I have to meet them where they’re at,” she said. “There is no judgment. I want to provide a safe place and let them know resources are available.”

Sometimes victims will flip flop, Rampton said. “As time goes by they say ‘no we’re back together.’ It’s not my job to tell them how to live their life. I give them resources and let them know I’m here for them.”

Most victims feel alone, like no one is out there, she said. “You don’t have to walk the path alone. Ask questions, there are no stupid questions, especially with domestic violence.”

People don’t know that Bountiful has a Victim Advocate, said Rampton. “I have the resources. Because I’ve been there my heart goes out to them with compassion and understanding. If I can help I’m ready to do that. That’s important to me.”