For more information about the domestic violence victim go to the Domestic Violence section under Types of Victims.
Crime Victim Services provides 24 hour emergency shelter in area safe homes for 3 to 10 days for domestic violence victims and their children. While in shelter, victims will be provided with a supportive environment where they are kept safe, can gather their thoughts, and think of their options.
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The goal of the eight week domestic violence support group for women is to teach a firm belief in basic rights for all persons, an understanding of and the ability to set boundaries, and the development of assertiveness skills. The support group is not group therapy. The main goal is to provide a safe, challenging, and supportive environment in which interactive learning can take place. Crime Victim Services hopes to provide an understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence and to introduce practical tools for changing the cycle of violence. The group experience permits abused women to meet with other women in the same situation and relieves the feeling of total isolation. Group members encourage one another in the learning process and draw strength and determination from one another.
Crime Victim Services also provides a support group for children who witness violence in their homes. Through the continued participation in the children's group, young people will gain respect for themselves and others. They will also gain an understanding of the violence they have experienced, prepare a safety plan to protect them in the event of further episodes of violence in the home, and gain the confidence to make choices for themselves. They will be educated on the dynamics of domestic violence in an effort to prevent the cycle of violence from continuing into their adult lives.
For more information see Crime Victim Services Support Group Program.
Crime Victim Services (CVS) provides 24 hour crisis response by trained volunteers and CVS staff, in order to provide supportive services to domestic violence victims within minutes of the original 911 call.
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The goal of Crime Victim Services' Transitional Housing program is to provide victims of domestic violence and their children with safe, affordable, and temporary housing, as well as empower women and children to take control of their lives by providing a wide range of services, such as safety planning, shelter, advocacy, education, and support, so that women may become self-sufficient and live a life free from violence.
For more information see Domestic Violence Transitional Housing
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CVS assists domestic violence victims in obtaining Temporary Protection Orders (TPO) when criminal domestic violence charges are filed. CVS can also assist victims in obtaining Civil Protection Orders (CPO), whether domestic violence charges are filed or not.
For more information see Victim Rights Protection Orders
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Crime Victim Services informs victims and witnesses about their opportunities to participate in the court process and assists victims in providing oral or written impact statements that include information about the physical, emotional, and financial effects of the crime, special circumstances such as cruelty or vulnerability, and victim options regarding plea negotiations, sentences, release from prison, and fear of the defendant.
Using letters, brochures, or telephone calls, CVS also notifies victims and witnesses of critical hearings, changes to that date, the outcome of the case (including decisions to drop the case, divert it, or transfer it to a different court), and the sentence (often including a certified journal entry). CVS answers questions about the process of testifying and attempts to resolve other problems that might discourage appearance at court (transportation, employer of school intervention, victim intimidation).
For more information see Victim Rights Court Processes
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