The Heart and Soul of MADD
By MADD | January 7, 2013| 7 Comments | Filed in: Victim Services

With the holidays being a difficult time for people coping with loss, and the fact that more people are killed in drunk driving crashes on New Year’s Day than any other day of the year, it’s no surprise that we see a significant increase in calls to MADD’s Victim/Survivor Helpline in January.

Victim Services is the heart of MADD.  We have more than 1,400 trained victim advocates nationwide who can help bereaved families and injured victims/survivors by:

  • Providing emotional support
  • Providing advocacy in the criminal and civil justice systems
  • Accompanying victims/survivors to court
  • Assisting in preparing a victim impact statement
  • Referring victims/survivors to appropriate resources for additional help
  • Offering support groups in many areas
  • Connecting victims/survivors who share similar experiences
  • Providing supportive materials on victimization topics

It may surprise you to know that many of MADD’s victim advocates are volunteers — caring individuals who spend their time making sure that victims can get the help they need, when they need it.  Some lost a loved one in a drunk driving crash and decided to put their tragic experience and acquired knowledge to use by helping others; others saw the need in their community and wanted to help.

Volunteers are the soul of MADD. It is their compassion and determination that drives the organization and it is their tireless efforts that have accomplished so much.  If you are interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer victim advocate, or to get more information about other volunteer opportunities, find your state here and fill out the volunteer form.


   

Comments

Submitted by PleasehelpusgetjusticeforAngel at 01:07 AM on March 25, 2013
My neighbor and friend's younger sister was killed by a drunk driver on September 16, 2012. The Florida State Attorney's office is refusing to file DUI charges or any charge really that even remotely acknowledges that Angel's life was cut short as a result of there selfish decision. This is not the First time this prosecutor has refused to seek justice in a DUI case that resulted in a fatality. we have called, emailed, started a petition, and a facebook page but we are in desperate need of help!
Submitted by buckeye at 10:00 PM on January 31, 2013
Is anyone in Indiana interested in volunteering with me to put together a walk like madd? Email me at Buckeye1979@comcast.net Thank you, Marie (Ryan's mom)
Submitted by debdr082 at 11:06 PM on January 26, 2013
because the car didn't kill anybody... the driver used the car as a weapon.
Submitted by victimofmadd at 07:37 PM on January 21, 2013
my daughter who is an alcoholic and 23 recently received her second DUI,she was already suicidal,this puts her over the edge. The laws have become so severe,that the perpetrator (she has remorse)if not financially secure is devastated for loss of money and license.No one,ever so fortunately,was harmed.The loss of license may result in her loss of job,she can't pay fines, another victim of an over zealous system. Perhaps there is a count taken for the suicide of those who had there life taken by the harsh laws. It didn't save her life.
Submitted by jane68 at 07:17 AM on January 17, 2013
why can't mad get as mad about children getting killed by guns as by cars????????????
Submitted by Anonymous at 07:35 AM on January 14, 2013
I am interested in your Victim Service training. I am interested any training anywhere on east coast. Thank you. R. Vickers
Submitted by janey1 at 09:30 PM on January 13, 2013
I am truly sorry for anyone that has lost a loved one to a driver under the influence. I know your loved ones can never be brought back. I am only speaking for my self when I say I am sorry.

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