The victim assistance program is here to help crime victims with problems associated with
the crime. The court process can be confusing and intimidating. Counselors
provide the services listed below and many other services, without charge to
victims, throughout and often after the victim's involvement with the criminal
justice system. Assistance can be provided in the following ways:
Emergency Services - Victim
advocates are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, upon the request of
law enforcement to provide emergency, on scene services to victims and family
members.
General assistance - Information
about the criminal justice system and explanation of the various stages of the
prosecution. Advocating for the victim on behalf of employers, creditors and
landlords when necessary. Serving as a liason between the victim and the
assistant state attorney, law enforcement and other agencies.
Courtroom assistance - Escorts to
hearings and depositions when reguested and seeking property return when it is
no longer needed as evidence.
Notification of hearings - We will
notify you in advance when possible of all crucial court dates. Court escorts
to hearings, trials and depositions may be provided as needed.
Emotional Support - Trained
counsellors help you deal with typical feelings of anger, frustration, guilt,
loss, fear etc. and understanding the the common reactions and effects of the
victimization. Mental health counselling is also available.
Victim Compensation - Assistance
with eligibility and filing claims with the State Bureau of Victim Compensation
for financial assistance with medical bills, lost wages, and funeral expenses.
Victim Rights - You will be informed
of all the rights available to victims. We will assist you in seeking
restitution and in preparing your victim impact statement.
Other assistance - Providing the
victim with information about other community services such as shelter,
emergency food, medical treatment etc. For question about Victim Assistance
please call 272-6472
Domestic Violence - Specially
trained counselors are available to assist victims of domestic violence in all
of the areas described above, in addition to assistance with safety planning,
relocation options, as well as assistance with filing for the appropriate
Injunction for Protection through the civil court. If you are the victim of
domestic violence you may call 272-6423
Worthless Check Unit - The worthless
check unit provides assistance to victims of bad checks. For information
regarding prosecution of a worthless check you may call 272-5336.
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