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 Victim Assistance ProgramThe Jacksonville Police Department recognizes the psychological, physical and financial problems that crime victimization creates for victims and their families. The staff of the Victim Assistance Program is genuinely concerned about the affect that has on ones life and are committed to providing assistance and support by listening to concerns and responding fully with helpful information and explanation of services.
As a victim of a crime you may experience feelings of shock, fear, anger, helplessness and / or confusion. These reactions are a normal response to crime, whether it be a personal injury or a property crime. At the time when these emotions are most intense, you may find yourself having to deal with a complex maze of people and procedures. Without previous experience or exposure to the agencies involved in handling your case, you may find the situations confusing, frightening, or frustrating. The staff of the Victim Assistance Program can answer your questions, provide you with appropriate referrals, and offer you continuing support and guidance as you cooperate with the criminal justice system.
Services
The following services are confidential and free of charge to victims of crime:
- Crisis Intervention and short term counseling
- Counseling and Support Group referrals
- Referrals to social service and criminal justice agencies for needed information and services
- Information on the status of the investigation
- Explanation of the criminal justice system and the victims role in that system
- Accompaniment, information, and emotional support during medical, law enforcement and court procedures
- Orientation courtroom setting
- Assistance in securing victim compensation benefits when applicable
- Assistance with preparation of a Victim Impact Statement
- Property Return Assistance
- Employer intervention to explain time missed from work due to cooperation with law enforcement investigative procedures
- Assistance if you are intimidated, harassed of threatened
- Personal safety and crime prevention information
Who is the Victim Assistance Program designed to help?
The Victim Assistance Program offers support and services to victims of sexual assault, robbery, kidnapping and aggravated assault. Family members who have suffered a loss of a loved one as a result of homicide will be offered emotional support and assistance. In order to be eligible for program services, the crime must have been reported to the Jacksonville Police Department and must have occurred within the City limits of Jacksonville. If you are a victim of a crime, but do not meet the above eligibility requirements, the Victim Assistance Program will provide you with appropriate referrals.
How do I Receive Support and Services?
The Victim Assistance Program operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may contact the program by calling 910 455-2472 between the hours of 8:30AM and 5PM of on weekends, you may call the Police Department Dispatcher who will contact Victim Assistance for you.
Referrals are also accepted from law enforcement, medical, social services and criminal justice personnel. The program also screens police reports and contacts victims by letter, telephone, or personal visit to offer the services of the program. Participation in the program is voluntary.
If You Are The Victim of a Crime
You Are Not Alone
Trying to carry the burden alone may be difficult. There are people who care about you and what happens to you. Report the crime to the police so they can assist you. Contact a friend or relative to be with you as you cope with the initial shock. The Victim Assistance Officer from the Jacksonville Police Department can be with you during this time if you wish. Seek the support you deserve.
Why Me?
In searching for a reason for the crime, you may relive the experience and say to yourself, "If only I had..." Try not to blame yourself. Remember, you are innocent and did not deserve to be hurt. You are no responsible for the crime committed against you - the criminal is!
This Can't Be Happening
Immediately after the crime, you may experience a sense of shock and disbelief. Feelings of confusion and disorientation are normal at this time. Strong emotions may surface in the days, weeks, and months that follow. Feelings of fear, anger, and depression can cause you pain and personal distress. Talk with someone who cares and understands, whether it is a close friend, relative, minister, or professional counselor.
A Word About Professional Counseling
Talking with someone about your experience and feelings about it can be helpful. It is a way of taking care of yourself and respecting yourself. Seeking counseling does not mean "something is wrong with you." It means that you have had a life-disrupting experience and you are taking positive steps to deal with it. The victim Assistance Program can make referrals to counseling professionals and support groups based upon your needs.
Your Rights
The criminal justice system has traditionally ignored the special needs of victims of victims while focusing on protecting the rights of the accused. But that is changing. It is the policy of the State of North Carolina that victims of crime be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect; that they should be informed about the progress and outcome of their case, and that damages done to them be considered by the court as is decides their case.
As a victim of crime, you have the right:
To Be Protected From Further Harm
- To receive immediate medical treatment when needed and not be detained for an unreasonable length of time before receiving care.
- To receive protection from harm, or threats of harm, arising out of cooperation with criminal justice personnel; and to be free from intimidation during the court process.
- To have stolen or other personal property returned as soon as such property is no longer needed as evidence.
- To full protection of your job and credit rating to the extent that these may be affected by the crime.
- To receive on a timely basis any restitution collected from offender / offenders.
To Be Informed
- To receive an explanation of the criminal justice system as it affects your case, and information about your role in the process.
- To be notified of all criminal stages of the legal process, including bail hearings, final disposition and parole hearings.
- To be advised of any financial, psychological, legal or other assistance that may be available to you.
- To be advised to seek counsel in order to determine whether to seek civil remedies.
To Be Heard
- To prepare and present (with assistance) a Victim Impact Statement describing the physical, psychological, and economic harm that you sustained as a result of the crime for the judge to consider prior to sentencing the defendant.
- To be present and to speak at all criminal stages of the prosecution process.
Community Services For Crime Victims
Our community is fortunate to have a network of Victim Assistance Programs. The Jacksonville Police Department's Victim Assistance Program will work with other agencies in a spirit of cooperation, communication and coordination.
| Victim Assistant Services |
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Jacksonville Police Victim Assistance (24 hours)
Crisis Intervention, information, support
and advocacy for victims of felony crimes.
Jacksonville Police Dept. Victim Assistance Program
P.O. Drawer 436
Jacksonville, NC 28541-0436 |
910 455-1472
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District Attorney's Victim/Witness Program
Information and assistance with criminal justice procedures, case status and court appearances. |
8:30AM-5PM
Superior Court
910 455-8008
District Court
910 455-4458 |
Family Services Center (by Appointment)
Individual and group treatment program for sexual abuse victims and their families. |
910 |
Onslow Women's Center, Inc. (24 hours)
Shelter for battered women and their children, etc. |
910 347-4000 |
| Domestic Violence Intervention |
910 347-4000 |
| Crisis Line |
910 577-1900 |
Rape Crisis Center
Crisis Intervention, information, support and advocacy for victims of sexual assault and their families. |
910 347-4000 |
| Second Chance Mission |
910 455-8855 |
| Emergency Numbers |
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| Medical |
911 |
| Police |
911 |
| Sheriff |
911 |
| Fire |
911 |
| Ambulance |
911 |
| Non-Emergency Numbers |
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| Jacksonville Police Department |
910 455-1472 |
| Onslow County Sheriff's Department |
910 455-3113 |
| State Highway Patrol |
910 347-1751 |
| Criminal Justice Services |
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| Clerk of Court |
910 455-4458 |
| District Attorney's Office |
910 455-8008 |
| Estate and Probate |
910 455-4458 |
| Onslow County Jail |
910 455-0829 |
| Probation and Parole |
910 455-4826
910 347-2915 |
Important Names And Numbers
This Information is important and should be kept with you:
- Name of Defendant
- Date of Crime
- Case Number ( OCA No.)
- Police Officer at the scene
- Detective
- Victim Advocate
- Assistant District Attorney
If You Need Protection
If you are being threatened or intimidated by the offender; contact the police or detective assigned your case, the District Attorney's Office, or the Victim Assistance Program.
If You Have Additional Information About The Crime
Contact the police officer or detective assigned your case or the Victim Assistance Program.
If The Defendant's Attorney Contacts You
The defendant's attorney or an investigator for the defense may contact you to discuss what you know about the case. It is your right to decide whether or not to talk with them. You have the right to have the District Attorney present during any meetings with the defendant's attorney. Contact the District Attorney if anyone contacts you on behalf of the defendant.
Victim Compensation
The Rape Victim Assistance Program
This program provides up to $1,000.00 for medical and counseling expenses. To be eligible you must have reported the assault to law enforcement within 72 hours of the attack, unless there was good cause for delay.
North Carolina Victim's Compensation Fund
This fund was established in August 1987 to provide compensation to victims who have suffered financial losses due to criminally injurious conduct.
- Compensation may not exceed $30,000
- In North Carolina call, 1 800-826-6200
Civil Suits
You can hire an attorney and file a personal injury suit in civil court. You may either sue the person who committed the crime against you or seek to recover damages from a third party whose negligence may have contributed to the crime. You can sue for damages caused by the crime, including physical and psychological injuries, loss o income, and property damage. A civil case is very different from a criminal prosecution and usually takes much longer. If you bring a suit against the offender, you must do so within one year of the injury. If the suit is against a third party, you must begin these lawsuits for negligence within three years of the crime.
Restitution
If the person who committed the crime against you is found guilty, the judge may order him to pay medical bills or other damages as part of the sentence. Payment will be made directly to you or through the Court. You will need to keep receipts / records of any expenses you incurred as a result of the crime, as well as detailed information about your other losses. Your District Attorney can discuss the possibility of restitution with you.
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