Victims of crime can feel overwhelmed for a long time after the event. Victim assistance programs are available in many communities, including law enforcement agencies, prosecutors’ offices, and community-based agencies. Victims can find support by contacting their local police department or national hotlines, and may also be able to access assistance through employee assistance programs.
During the days, months and even years following a crime, victims can find themselves overwhelmed. As victims deal with their wounds and losses, the legal system can move slowly and it can take some time to get back to normal routine. Many communities now offer victim assistance programs that can help victims of crime cope with these changes. Determining the best sources of victim assistance depends on what is available in a particular community, the needs of the victim, and, in some cases, the nature of the crime. Good sources of victim assistance information include law enforcement agencies, prosecutors’ offices, and crime victim organizations, as well as employee assistance programs and local community counseling agencies.
In many countries, victim support services are provided by law enforcement and prosecutorial offices. The nature of the services offered will likely depend on the staffing and budgetary resources in that area. Victim services from law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office may include keeping a victim or witness apprised of the investigation and if and when the defendant is released from prison or about to stand trial. Victims should find out which law enforcement agency is handling the case to request these notifications.
Other community-based agencies may be able to provide more comprehensive services, such as counseling and case management, to help a struggling victim get back on their feet. In some cases, agencies such as rape crisis centers or domestic violence shelters work with victims of specific crimes. In other cases, the agency may only work with a specific group of people, such as victims of elder abuse or victims of crimes against gays and lesbians. Local charities may also be able to help meet a victim’s basic living needs, such as bills and medical bills, while they take time to recover from a crime or attend a trial.
To locate victim support services, victims and witnesses can begin by contacting their local police department and asking for references. If the police department has a social worker on staff, that could be an especially good source of information. Local charities and community counseling services may also provide victim services and other types of support. National telephone hotlines are sometimes sponsored by advocacy groups and can direct callers to local services. Finally, victims and their families may be able to get assistance through employee workplace assistance programs (EAPs) sponsored through their workplace. These programs can connect victims to health, financial and relocation services, often at no cost to the employee and their family.
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