Victim Services

Often, until one has become a crime victim, a he or she may never have heard of Victim/Witness or contemplated the wide range of services available to crime victims.  Victim/Witness provides the necessary services to assist crime victims through the complex criminal justice system and to locate important resources in the community.  Highly skilled and well trained Victim Advocates are located in all the court centers and the District Attorneys office to help varying crime victims.  Community Service Programs, Inc., provides the advocate services for the County of Orange.

Victim Services

• Crisis Intervention – Counseling, reassurance and support following the crime.
• Emergency Assistance – Meeting the immediate needs of victims such as food, clothing, shelter or medical care.
• Resource and Referral – Information regarding resources available through outside agencies and organizations based on the needs of the client.
• Orientation to the Criminal Justice System – Familiarize clients with the criminal justice system including court tours and individual case status and disposition information.
• Property Return – Assisting in the prompt return of property used in evidence.
• Restitution Services – Coordinating the collection of court-ordered restitution from convicted offenders.
• Victims of Crime Compensation Program – Assisting the victim in preparing and submitting application forms to receive compensation from the State Restitution Fund.
• Temporary Restraining Orders (See Domestic Violence Assistance Program) – Assisting victims of domestic violence to obtain court-ordered protection.
• Notification of Family/Friends – At the request of a crime victim, notify relatives and/or friends of the occurrence of a crime and the victim’s current condition.
• Employer Notification – At the request of a crime victim, notify an employer that their employee is a victim/witness of a crime.  Advocates may encourage the employer to minimize any loss of pay or other benefits.
• Creditor Intervention – Notifying a victim’s creditors that the victim is temporarily unable to meet current obligations as a result of a crime.
• Presentations and Trainings – At the request of community and law enforcement agencies, advocates provide informational trainings regarding resources available through Victim/Witness Centers and providing an explanation of the rights and needs of victims.