Advocacy
Assistance is provided to crime victims at multiple levels. Comprehensive services such as information, support and advocacy are available to crime victims. Witness/Victim encourages crime victims to learn about available options and notifies victims of their rights under Ohio law. Victim advocates facilitate interactions between the victim and law enforcement officers, prosecutors, court personnel, probation/parole officers, and jail/prison personnel. Victim advocates accompany victims to court and assist in the completion of victim impact statements and requests for notification from the Ohio Adult Parole Authority. Victim advocates also intercede with other community agencies and facilities for victims as necessary.
Juvenile Court Advocacy
Comprehensive advocacy services are available to victims and witnesses of crimes committed by juveniles. Designated staff members work exclusively with these victims. Services can be obtained both in our main office and in our Juvenile Court office located at:
2163 East 22nd Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216.698.6430
The Role of a Victim Advocate
The role of a victim advocate includes:
- Answering all of your questions as fully and accurately as possible
- Helping you to understand what is happening throughout the process
- Assisting you in remaining safe
- Promoting your opportunity to be heard
- Speaking on your behalf when it is necessary
- Seeing that you do not go through this process alone
- Listening to you and understanding what you are saying
- Working to meet as many of your needs as possible
- Speaking to you honestly and realistically about what you should expect
- Giving encouragement when you need it
- Making referrals for any other services and resources you may need
The following items and suggestions are for you to keep in mind:
You and your advocate will get the best results if you work as a team. It is critical that you keep in touch with your advocate . Your advocate works best for you if he or she knows what is going on and what your concerns are. If anything more happens – that is, if anyone hurts you, threatens you, or bothers you in any way – make a police report right away and let your advocate know about it.
If you receive a subpoena to appear in court, please call your advocate , telling him/her the day, time and courtroom that you are scheduled to appear in. If your advocate is not in when you call, you can leave a confidential voice-mail message . On the day when you are to be in court, your advocate will meet with you and attend the hearing with you.
You do not have to talk to the defendant, the defendant’s family, the defendant’s attorney, or anyone else who is associated with the defendant. While an advocate cannot tell you not to talk to them, you need to remember that they are not on your side and you have the right to refuse to talk to them if you don’t want to.
Often, people will try to give you information or advice that may not be accurate or in your best interest. If anyone, including the defendant, tries to tell you anything about your case that doesn’t sound like what you and the advocate may have discussed, or that scares, disturbs, or confuses you, call your advocate and talk about it . If your advocate is not in when you call, please leave a message with a number where you can be reached. Your call will be returned.
Bilingual Services
Bilingual staff members are available to help minimize language barriers both in and out of the criminal justice system and to address the needs of all crime victims with cultural sensitivity.
Arrangements may be made to assist crime victims who speak languages other than those spoken by staff.
Therapeutic & Supportive Services
Therapeutic Services
- Individual meetings are offered to adult crime victims
- Meeting are also available to surviving family members of homicide cases
- Crisis intervention, short and long term support are available to serve each victim’s need
- Witness/Victim strives to assist the client in developing coping skills to better handle future problems
- Staff strive to empower and foster independence for all clients
Support Groups
- Support for women committed to breaking the cycle of violence in their lives
- Eight week psycho-educational sessions
- Morning and evening groups are available
Community Referrals and Education
The Witness/Victim Service Center networks and refers clients to shelters, attorneys, counselors, hospitals, and other public and private agencies to ensure that crime victims receive comprehensive services.
Witness/Victim Service Center staff members welcome the opportunity to meet with professionals in a variety of disciplines and with community organizations. We try to respond to requests for speakers on a variety of topics.
Internships are available for undergraduate and graduate students.
Victims of Crime Compensation
The Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Program may provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses when someone is physically injured, emotionally harmed, or killed by a violent criminal act.
General information regarding the following is available at the Witness/Victim Service Center:
- Who may file a claim
- Requirements which may determine eligibility
- Expenses which may be considered for reimbursement
- Expenses not eligible for reimbursement
Information specific to child victims as well as victims of sexual assault and domestic violence is available.
Application forms and direct assistance in completing the application are available at the Witness/Victim Service Center.
Additional information regarding the Victims of Crime Compensation Program may be obtained by calling:
Ohio Attorney General’s Office
Ohio Victim of Crime Compensation Program
150 East Gay Street – 25th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
1.877.5VICTIM (877.584.2846)
www.ag.state.oh.us