Victim Services Provided
Crisis Intervention
Informing victims of their rights as a victim of crime
Emotional support
Information and Referrals
Individual and Group Counseling
Assistance with Crime Victims Compensation
Assistance with completing Victim Impact Statement forms
Criminal justice/court accompaniment
Law enforcement and/or medical accompaniment
Assistance with parole protest letters
Follow up with victims
Victim advocacy
Assistance with Protective Order applications
Co-facilitating Options Class
Assistance with TX VINE
Victims are encouraged to keep in contact with our office so that we can provide the victim with docket dates, jail status, disposition information, information about available social services and agencies, assistance in completing the Crime Victims Compensation application and the victim impact statement, and help with understanding courtroom procedure and policies, including facilitating a court school for child victims. We also provide courtroom accompaniment during court hearings and trial and accompany victims and their families to a sexual assault exam (SANE) at a local hospital and/or provide emotional support when providing information to law enforcement.
We are proud to provide a safe, comfortable waiting area, away from the courts and media, where victims and their families can relax and feel secure during court proceedings while waiting to testify. Additionally, our office collaborates with local agencies in a multidisciplinary team meeting each month to discuss ongoing cases with law enforcement, prosecution, child protective services, CASA and other agencies to ensure continuous support for victims of violent crime.
In 2001, during the 77th Legislative Session, a bill was passed giving victims the right to request victim offender mediation through the Victim Services Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Also, victims have the right to be informed of the uses of the Victim Impact Statement and the Statements purpose in the criminal justice process; to complete a victim impact statement, and to have the statement considered by the attorney representing the state, by the judge before sentencing, before a plea bargain agreement is accepted, and by the Board of Pardons and Paroles before an inmate is considered for release on parole.
As per Article 56.11 CCP, a victim or witness who testifies in a criminal case has a right to receive notice of a defendants release, escape or transfer.
At this time our office does not handle victims of property crime; however, you should receive a Restitution Form from the appropriate prosecutors office on which you may provide information on your financial and property losses. Our plans for the future include applying for grant funding to fund an additional employee to serve victims of property crime.
List of Violent Crimes