Nine advocates work with victims of crime through three local agencies: the Frederick Police Department, the Frederick County Sheriff's Office and the Frederick County State's Attorney's Office.

Known as victim-witness coordinators, their workload encompasses all types of crime.

In cases of domestic violence, their mission is twofold -- to train police officers to recognize signs of family strife, and to offer comfort and assistance to survivors when it occurs.

At the Frederick Police Department, Rosario Garcia and Dave Schultz make up the victim services unit.

At the sheriff's office, Carrie Payne and Theresa Hiegel help victims cope as deputies investigate allegations of abuse.

At the state's attorney's office, Carmen Figueroa leads a staff of four who provide support to victims uncertain about what to expect as a case makes its way through the criminal justice system.

During the trial last fall of a man whose wife accused him of rape, a victim-witness coordinator kept watch over the woman inside the courtroom and out. Advocates helped arrange her transportation to and from court and ensured she felt safe at home.

They followed up with her after the man was acquitted of all charges.

Keeping in touch with domestic violence victims as cases are concluded can be gratifying for the advocates, but they know it won't always happen.

Some victims eventually end communication because they don't want to be reminded of difficult times in their lives, Payne said.

Training deputies and others who attend the sheriff's academy is a key duty for Payne. She has been with the sheriff's office for five years.

Each class of recruits receives six hours of classes, which cover victim resources and the dynamics of domestic violence.

Sworn deputies receive additional in-service training every two to three years. Lectures from Assistant State's Attorney Teresa R. Bean bring deputies up to date with changes in the law.

Just as the county's population has grown, the presence of victim-witness coordinators has grown with it.

Former Sheriff Jim Hagy started his agency's unit with one person about 10 years ago and soon added a second. The same scenario held true at the Frederick Police Department about four years ago.

Most of the sheriff's office's caseload -- averaging 10 reports a day -- comes from patrol deputies who recognize potential signs of trouble as the result of training they've received, Payne said.

The referrals originate from all sorts of calls, not just reports of violence.

"A deputy may respond to the scene of a theft and, in talking to the victim, realize they may be able to use more assistance," Payne said.

"It's nice to see that they know where to send these people for help."

Figueroa said her district court staff are swamped as they assist victims of all types of crimes -- about 40 each day, Monday through Thursday.

The victim advocates at the different agencies work hand-in-hand. On the law enforcement level, advocates make referrals to social service agencies that may assist them with specific needs.

"Our piece starts when they come to court," Figueroa said. "We guide them through the legal process."

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