Victim Services Program

Our Victim Services Program includes two part-time Advocates who are committed to including victims in every step of the criminal justice process. Sandra Burt, MSW, is a licensed social worker dedicated to serving adult and child victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Liz Pillow is our Advocate for general crimes. IT IS OUR GOAL TO: hear what you want and need after the crime, help you and your loved ones stay safe, keep you informed about what is happening with the case, and be sure you get the help you need, whether that be counseling, a protection order, a chance to be heard in court, or fair repayment for your losses caused by the crime. We are especially committed to helping child victims and their families, and pledge to work hardest to make the system work for children. We need your help to make justice happen, and we hope we can give you the support you need along the way.

Logo Copyright Mary Ann Rock 1982

Victim Services

• Information about the status of the case and the criminal process.
• Sitting with you in court and meetings with prosecutors and, in some cases, with law enforcement officials.
• Help in getting protective orders, victim compensation, restitution, and in giving victim impact statements to the court
• Referrals to supportive community resources such as counselors, medical professionals, support groups and advocacy programs
• Assistance with return of property held as evidence.

If you have additional needs or safety concerns, please contact our office at 360-378-4101.

We are committed to working with other organizations to see that crime victims receive the services they need and deserve.

When the Victim is a Child

When children become the victims of crime, special attention and care is needed so that the criminal justice process can work as smoothly as possible for them.

Family members, particularly parents, are seen as secondary victims of the crimes committed against children, and support to them is a priority of our program.

We help children learn about the process in ways that they can understand. Our goal is to help children feel as comfortable as possible in their role as witness and, ultimately, to help them heal by providing a just response to the crime. We provide guidance and support to parents, so that they can best provide the same for their children.

Protection Orders

When criminal charges are pending or filed, a judge may issue a no contact order to prohibit or restrict the defendant's contact with victims. No contact orders can also be a condition of sentencing. Victims may also seek civil protection orders through the Court. Our staff can help you understand the protection order options and procedures, and help you plan for your family's safety after a crime.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

In addition to the Victim Services Center, we are fortunate here to also have Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of the San Juans (DVSAS). DVSAS is a private, non-profit agency with trained advocates who assist victims of these two crimes through a 24-hour hotline (360-378-2345). Victims can be served at DVSAS whether or not the criminal justice system is involved. While information victims share with Victim Services Program staff is also shared with the Prosecutor, DVSAS services are completely confidential.

Victim Compensation

If you are hurt as a result of a violent crime, you may be eligible for compensation of medical or mental health expenses through the Washington State Crime Victims' Compensation Program. If the crime results in a loss of work or disability, you may be eligible for partial repayment of lost income or a pension. Family members of homicide victims may be eligible for mental health and funeral expenses. Compensation through this program is not available for stolen or damaged property (see Restitution, below).

Restitution

When restitution is ordered as a sentencing condition, the offender pays the victim for financial losses resulting from the crime. Restitution is paid and monitored through the Court, so it does not require any contact between victim and offender. If you have financial losses as a result of a crime, keep track of those losses and provide our office with bills or receipts to document restitution needs.

Victim Impact Statement

Washington judges consider the impact of crimes on victims when determining sentences. Victims can tell the judge about the physical, emotional, financial, and social impact of the crime verbally by appearing at the sentencing hearing, or by submitting a written statement.

Community Resources

The Victim Services Center will provide support to victims throughout the criminal justice process, and will act as a referral service when we are unable to meet all of your needs. Frequent referrals include: