The Goshen County Victim Assistance Program was established to help crime victims cope with the trauma of victimization. Victims of crime have a variety of experiences depending on the severity and the nature of the crime. Studies find that mental or emotional suffering is the most frequent problem expressed by victims, while involved in the court process find time and income losses pose the greatest difficulties.
Services offered by Victim Assistance:
Emotional support and community service referrals
Crisis intervention services
Assist with Crime Victims Compensation filing
Provide information about victims' case and court procedures
Escort and/or present victims and witnesses in court
Notification of scheduling changes
Assistance with court orcered restitution
Act as advocates to secure victims' rights within the criminal justice system
The innocent victims of crime have frequently been over-looked by our criminal justice system. Too often their pleas have gone unheeded and their wounds - personal, emotional and financial - have gone unattended. They are entitled to better treatment, and it is time to do something about it.
