It's a job that requires a big heart, a great deal of compassion and a good working knowledge of the legal system.
Dana Banta rises to that challenge, a role in which she's served McDonald County neighbors for 13 years.
Banta is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help crime victims in McDonald County.
She helps victims in rape and abuse cases, as well as victims in other cases. When abuse cases arise, Banta is there to assist victims with a listening ear and the option to file a complaint against the abuser.
Most importantly, she helps victims find answers and helps them move on.
Keeping abreast of changes in the law can be challenging. But it's a role about which Banta is passionate.
"It's rewarding when a victim feels they are now ready to rebuild their lives and move past what has happened to them," she said.
Banta assists with protection orders, sets up meetings with the victim and the prosecuting attorney, refers victims to services and assists them with needed forms.
She's the main point of contact for victims to understand their role in a court case, and the court system in general.
To assist victims with additional options, Banta also works hand-in-hand with several agencies, such as law enforcement, legal aid, Missouri Victim Automated Notification System and Crime Victim Compensation, to try to make it easy for victims to receive the help they need, she said.
Banta's office is located at the McDonald County Prosecutor's Office. She also has an office for victims who are not ready to file a complaint against their abuser, but who seek information.
"My contact number will ring at both offices so I can answer the call in which ever office I am," Banta said.
Those who seek legal options -- and ways to move forward -- find a great deal of guidance. Banta said the role is most rewarding when life starts to look more hopeful for those she's helped.
"I love to have a victim come tell me about their new life."
General News on 10/12/2017