DAKOTA COUNTY VICTIM ASSISTANCE

Dakota County Victim Assistance

Location: City-County Law Enforcement Center 701 West 29th Street South Sioux City, NE 68776

Office: Monday- Friday 8:00am to 4:30pmPhone: 402.494.7550

402.494.7555- after hours Fax: 402.494.7507

Email: dcvap@southsiouxcity.org

@ Dakota County Victim Assistance Program

Dakota County Victim Assistance

The Dakota County Victim Assistance Program was established in 1989 to serve crime victims of Dakota County. We are here to assist you with information, advocacy, and crisis intervention.

After a crime occurs, it is common for the person who has been victimized to feel frightened or angry. Most of the time people are uncertain as to how to go about resuming their lives. Also, victims have to cope with the added burden of dealing with the criminal justice system.

The Victim Assistance Program is a free service and all information is confidential. Our staff and trained interns are available to assist with these and other crime-related concerns and problems.

The program does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, or religion.

In 2002, there were 23 million violent and non-violent crime victims, this translates into one crime every 5 seconds being committed in communities across America. (Bureau of Justice Statistics, “Criminal Victimization in the United States,2002” Washington, DC; U.S. Dept of Justice).

Crime Victims Served

Survivors of Homicide Victim’s Assault Robbery Child Abuse/Elder Abuse Sexual Assault Adult Survivor of Incest Domestic Violence DWI/DUI Crashes Burglary Stalking Human Trafficking Other Offenses: Harassment/Threats, Identity Theft,

Vandalism, Theft, Criminal Mischief, Disturbing the Peace, etc…

Services Provided By Victim Assistance Program

Provides information about the police and court procedures.

Accompanies the victim to court and provides advocacy/support through the court process.

Assist in filing protection orders and crime compensation forms.

Provides emotional support and referrals to other professional agencies when needed.

Services Provided by Victim Assistance Program Cont.

Coordinates with other agencies to provide emergency food, clothing, and shelter.

Provides information on safety planning.

Contacts employers and creditors, if requested by the victim.

Provides interpreters for the hearing impaired and non-English speaking persons.

Crime Victims Experience Various Feelings

Anger. “Stupid act can effect so many lives. The 1 stupid act can effect people you don’t even know existed.”

-Survivor of Homicide Victim Helplessness . “I never even defended myself , and that is the

hard part. I always had confidence to protect myself… I am very angry.”

-Assault Victim Lack of Control. “There were so many little things that kept coming

up missing. Every day we would find something else. They care less what's on that video but that’s my baby. I just want my things back.”

-Robbery Victim Fear. “People say, ‘Well why didn’t you say anything. Well how could

I? I finally told my mom it took me awhile to tell her.’”-Child Abuse Victim

Shock. “At that point in time I realized my life was in danger. He kept me overnight. Everyone stepped in and helped me get out of that relationship. I had the up most confidence that he would be punished for what he did.”

-Crime against a person with a disability

Victim’s Bill of Rights

1. To be informed by local law enforcement agencies and the County Attorney of the final disposition of the case.

2. To be notified that a court proceeding to which they have been subpoenaed will not go on as scheduled in order to save the person an unnecessary trip to court

3. To receive protection from harm and threats of harm arising out of their cooperation with law enforcement and prosecution efforts, and to be provided with information as to the level of protection available.

4. To be informed of financial assistance and other social services available as a result of being a witness or a victim of a crime.

5. To be informed of the procedure to be followed in order to apply for and receive any witness fee to which they are entitled.

Victim’s Bill of Rights Continued

6. To be provided, whenever possible, a secure waiting area during court proceedings that does not require them to be in close proximity to defendants and family and friends of defendants.

7. To have any stolen or other personal property expeditiously returned by law enforcement agencies when no longer needed as evidence.

8. To be provided with appropriate employer intercession services to ensure that employers of victims and witnesses will cooperate with the criminal justice process in order to minimize an employees loss of pay and other benefits resulting from court appearances.

9. To be entitled to a speedy disposition of the case in which they are

involved as a victim or witness in order to minimize the length of time they must endure the stress of their responsibilities in connection with the matter.

10. To have the family members of all homicide victims afforded all of

the above rights.

Basic Steps in the Criminal Justice System

Other Services

Presentations The Victim Assistance Program provides

speakers for community groups, schools, and businesses. Program topics are information on the Victim Assistance Program and services available.

Statistical Documentation

Compensation Victims may be compensated for physical injury

losses suffered as a result of a crime. Check with the your insurance company first, as it may provide coverage for personal injury or property loss due to a crime.

If the victim has medical expenses or lost wages as a result of a crime and are not covered by insurance they may qualify for reimbursement under the Nebraska Crime Victims Reparation Act. To be eligible you must report the crime to law enforcement within 72 hours of the incident and apply for compensation within 2 years of the date of the crime.

How the Criminal Justice System Works

Crime Occurs Law Enforcement responds to call, take statements from witnesses along with

their names and addresses. The victim’s immediate needs are tended to. Law Enforcement may make an arrest quickly without a warrant or investigate further to gather additional evidence before making an arrest.

Arraignment During an arraignment in County Court the County Attorney informs the

accused/defendant of the specific charges against him or her. Bond is set. A date is set for further proceedings.

Preliminary Hearing The victim and possible other witnesses will testify and be subject to cross-

examination. If the Judge feels there is sufficient evidence, he or she will transfer the case to District Court for another arraignment and trial.

How the Criminal Justice System Works

District Court Another arraignment is held and if the defendant pleads not guilty the case will

be placed on the bottom of a list of cases awaiting trial. The Defendant’s attorney may also take a sworn statement from you prior to trial called a deposition.

Trial The victim may be called upon to testify as to the facts regarding the case.

The trial may be a Jury trial or one with a Judge. The Jury or Judge decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty. The Judge imposes the sentence which may be any or all of the following: jail or prison, probation, fine, and/or restitution.

END

Funding for Victim Assistance

The Victim Assistance Program is, in part, funded by the Nebraska Crime

Commission, City of South Sioux City, and Dakota County.

Any complaints of the Dakota County Victim Assistance Program can be directed to:Chief Scot E. FordChief of PoliceSouth Sioux City Police Department701 W. 29th St., South Sioux City, NE 68776402-494-7553