HAVE YOU BEEN A VICTIM OF CRIME?
As a victim of a crime in Washington State, you may feel lost or forgotten, however there is assistance available. If you have questions about your rights, the Crime Victim Advocate Program is ready to help. Please contact our office at 509-765-9206 and we will answer the questions you may have.
SERVING VICTIMS OF CRIME IN GRANT AND ADAMS COUNTIES
903 W 3rd Ave
Moses Lake, WA 98837
Phone: (509) 765-9206
Fax: (509) 765-9619
TOLL FREE: 1-866-846-7895
Email: Vicki Gamboa - vgamboa@nccac.net (bilingual services)
Chris Bainard- cbainard@nccac.net
VICTIM RIGHTS IN THE WASHINGTON STATE CONSTITUTION
Effective law enforcement depends on cooperation from victims of crime. To ensure victims a meaningful role in the criminal justice system and to accord them due dignity and respect, victims of crime are hereby granted the following basic and fundamental rights.
• To be informed of and attend trial and all other court proceedings that the defendant has a right to attend.
• To make a statement at sentencing and any proceeding where the defendant’s release is considered.
• A representative of the victim may appear to exercise the victim’s rights if the victim is deceased, a minor, or otherwise unavailable.
These rights were amended to the Washington State Constitution on November 7, 1989 by Senate Joint Resolution No. 8200, p 2999. For a complete list of the Crime Victims Bill of Rights please contact the crime victim service center.
TYPES OF CRIME INCLUDE
Assault (other than Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault)/ Fraud and Identity Theft / Kidnapping and Missing Persons / Trafficking /Child or Elder Abuse / Hate Crimes / Robbery / Property Crimes / DUI Crashes / Vehicular Assault / Homicide (Survivors of Victims and/or Victims of Attempted Homicide)
SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CRIME VICTIM SERVICE CENTER
CRISIS INTERVENTION - Personal response to an individual impacted by crime to alleviate acute distress and assist in determining the next steps.
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL- Connecting victims of crime and others impacted by violence and/or crime to appropriate resources.
EMERGENCY LEGAL ADVOCACY - Provide assistance with protection and anti-harrassment orders as well as support during crime reporting process including law enforcement and attorney interviews.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SUPPORT - Support and assistance to ensure crime victim's interests are represented and their rights upheld withing the civil and criminal justice systems. This can include attending criminal hearings and trials as well as networking with law enforcement, prosecution, and the Department of Corrections.
EMERGENCY FINANCIAL SUPPORT - Providing short-term, immediate funds to crime victims to meet basic needs for health and safety. i.e. housing assistance for victims of arson.
CRIME VICTIMS COMPENSATION - Assistance in filing CVC claims to provide financial support for medical and/or funeral expenses as well as counseling services related to a crime.
This project was supported by Grant No. 2005-VA-GX-0057 awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Points of view in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Grant funds are administered by the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy, Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development
