Victim/Witness Assistance Program

Description

 

This office provides information and assistance to victims and witnesses of intimate partner abuse/domestic violence, child physical and sexual abuse, sexual assault (including historical sexual assault and human trafficking), families of homicide victims, families of motor vehicle fatalities, elderly victims, victims with disabilities, victims of hate crimes. Staff support participation in the criminal court process, offering case-specific information (court dates, bail conditions), court preparation assistance, needs assessment, emotional support, crisis intervention, and referrals to community agencies. Services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over.

They also offer access to the Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund: financial and court-based supports that enable victims of crime and families of homicide victims to attend court; travel arrangements and expenses, language interpretation, real-time captioning or other equipment for victims with disabilities.