What role does "victim advocacy" play in the CCP?

Victim advocacy plays a crucial role in the criminal justice process, specifically within the framework of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Providing support and resources for victims throughout the criminal justice process is essential, as it recognizes the unique challenges and emotional turmoil victims face after a crime. Advocacy programs focus on ensuring that victims are informed about their rights, the legal proceedings, and available resources such as counseling, legal aid, and support services. This support is designed to empower victims and help them navigate through the often complex and intimidating criminal justice system, thereby facilitating their healing process and ensuring they have a voice in the proceedings that affect their lives.

The other options do not accurately depict the primary role of victim advocacy. While helping build a case or assisting in evidence collection may align more closely with law enforcement or prosecution roles, these do not capture the supportive and resource-oriented focus of victim advocacy. Similarly, representing the defendant falls outside the victim advocacy role, which is instead focused on supporting the needs and interests of victims.