Published: June 01, 2008 11:42 am      

County gains new victim’s advocate

DUNCAN — There’s a new victim’s advocate coordinator for Stephens County.

Angie Dunagan said she will continue the tradition of helping victims of Stephens County through the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office.

Her position was previously held by Andrea Richards, who has moved on to work with the Chickasaw Nation Indian Child Welfare program. The victim’s advocate coordinator is on-call day and night and is notified by law-enforcement whenever there is a victim from any crime.

The coordinator works directly with the victim through the entire court process and can also help find counseling or new housing for the victim if needed.

Since she has taken over the position, Dunagan said she has felt a little overwhelmed, but is trying her best to learn everything as fast as possible.

“I feel a little like the deer in the headlights,” she said. “But I will do my best. If anyone is a victim, please call and I will give my best effort to help them.”

Dunagan knew that taking over the position would require much effort, but she said she feels if she can help someone, the effort will be worth it.

“If I could help everyone in life, I would,” she said. “I love people and hate to see them hurt. This is something I’ve always wanted to do. Always.”

While she may have always wanted to be involved in the criminal justice system helping people, her life took a side road to raise five children, which she said was the best job she’s ever had.

“I did the best I could raising my children,” she said. “Now it’s my turn to move on.”

Raising five children was a great way to prepare for the world and helping others, she said.

“You learn patience and understanding from your children,” Dunagan said. “Children help you get ready for life. You learn how to decipher what’s real and what’s not. They help you see the world differently.”

After raising her children, Dunagan attended Cameron University, received her associate’s degree in criminal justice and began working part time in the Stephens County sheriff’s office.

With the new position, she now works full time, yet hopes to eventually receive a bachelor’s degree from Cameron.

“I’m two semesters away from getting my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice,” Dunagan said.

Dunagan has been a Duncan resident most of her life, “Except for a few times when I went away, but I always seemed to come back,” she said.

Victims may call the Stephens County Sheriff’s Department at 580-255-3131 to reach Dunagan, day or night.

“The deputies will be able to get a hold of me at any time of the day,” she said.