Victims of domestic violence in Whatcom County’s smaller cities now have a helping hand to guide them through the judicial system.

Domestic violence specialist Caryl Dunavan began assisting victims in Blaine, Everson, Ferndale, Lynden and Sumas last month.

Dunavan has various roles, from making contact with victims after police respond to a domestic violence call, to referring them to local assistance programs if necessary and helping them navigate the court process.

“Having that advocate in the courtroom and in the criminal justice system … (victims) find the whole process so much more responsive and helpful,” Dunavan said.

Dunavan has lived in the county for 20 years and is a former case manager for Dorothy Place, an Opportunity Councilrun housing program for domestic violence victims.

In her new job, she assists in cases being prosecuted in each city’s municipal court.

Her position is funded by a two-year federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women, and mirrors similar positions in the Bellingham and county court systems.

Dunavan said she already has helped victims who wanted to change the terms of their nocontact orders so that their children could see their fathers or for other reasons.

Sue Parrott, program supervisor for Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence, said helping victims feel more comfortable in the system will hopefully cut down on unreported domestic crimes. The National Institute of Justice estimates that less than a quarter of domestic assaults are reported.

“It’s not necessarily a goal of the project, but it would definitely help if more victims are willing to be a part of the judicial process,” Parrott said. “We want to make sure victims know their voice will be heard.”

Dunavan encourages anyone who needs help with a domestic violence situation to contact Womencare Shelter or Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services.