Kat Cocivera, Director of Youth Program and Outreach Of Crime Victim Center
Kat Cocivera, who serves as the director of youth programs and outreach of Crime Victim Center, is our featured partner this month. Kat explains that CVC, established in 1972 as Aid for Victims of Crime, has the distinction of being the first victim-serving agency in the nation to serve victims of all crimes (versus only intimate partner violence). CVC expanded its reach following the 2012 merger with Legal Advocates for Abused Women. The agency serves more than 7,000 individuals in the St. Louis metropolitan area each year. CVC’s services, all provided at no cost to clients, encompass four main categories: advocacy, counseling, legal assistance, and community engagement.
Advocacy programs provide crisis intervention, case management, education about legal proceedings (according to Kat, “the justice system looks different than on Law and Order”), and referrals to address clients’ needs. Advocates tailor their services to each individual client. Kat says that “Crime affects everyone differently. Everyone’s circumstances are different. So, advocacy looks different for everyone.”
Individual and group counseling is available for adults and children over the age of nine. The therapists on staff utilize a range of treatment models in their work, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (commonly known as EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and play therapy. CVC counselors do not bill clients or their insurance carriers; they also do not diagnose clients. There is no limit on number of sessions. Anyone wishing to request counseling services should call 314-652-3623 and press option #2. Kat explains that prospective clients should leave a message; CVC staff will return the call with a day or two. Callers may be routed to another CVC advocate or program that will better meet their needs.
CVC’s legal program provides free representation for Order of Protection hearings for clients who meet the federal poverty threshold. The Legal Helpline provides safety planning, information about legal options, step-by-step filing procedures, and referrals for legal or social services. The helpline’s contact number is 314-664-6699.
The community education program works to raise awareness about the impact of crime. CVC staff host special events such as the annual Vigil of Remembrance. They attend community resource fairs, serve on panels, and volunteer in the community. CVC also provides community members with training and education about topics related to crime, victim needs, and legal issues. Anyone can request a speaker from CVC on the agency’s website, www.supportvictims.org.
Kat has worked at CVC full-time since 2016. She completed an internship there in 2015. Kat started in the role of homicide response advocate. Once she obtained clinical licensure, she started the youth and family programs. Kat speaks highly of her experiences at CVC. In addition to being strongly committed to the agency’s mission of moving clients from crisis to resilience, Kat also praises the workplace environment. “We have an amazing team. There has never been a moment where I felt I couldn’t process what I needed to. It’s a very supportive environment.” Kat, who just welcomed baby Alessandra into the world three months ago, also appreciates the flexibility afforded CVC staff.
CVC is located within Grand Center at 539 North Grand Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63103. Walk-in office hours are offered on Wednesdays from 10am-2pm. The main office phone number is 314-652-3623. Please see supportvictims.org for more information.
