Different roles of Victim Witness Program, Crisis Solutions explained

To the Editor:

The Lincoln County Victim Witness Program started in October of 1997. Throughout the United States, victim witness programs operates either part of the xounty attorney's office or the local domestic violence program. Lincoln County's program is under the county attorney's office. We are completely separate from Lincoln County Crisis Solutions. While the programs sometimes work in conjunction to better assist victims of domestic and sexual violence, the programs are totally separate.

We still have the question: what is the difference between the Lincoln County Victim Witness Program and the Lincoln County Crisis Solutions?

If you are involved in a violent crime as a victim or witness, once a police report is filed you can begin receiving services from the Lincoln County Victim Witness Program.

The Victim Witness Program works with victims/witnesses of any violent crimes being prosecuted in Lincoln County. The Victim Witness Program usually becomes involved after an arrest for a violent crime is made. The Lincoln County Victim Witness Program is either notified through the prosecutor's office, local law enforcement or if the victim may call the office directly at 293-7781 extension 276. The purpose of the Lincoln County Victim Witness Program is to reduce the trauma or re-victimization suffered as a result of a violent crime. The program provides assistance through helping understand and navigate the legal system, by providing strong advocacy to victims and witnesses of violent crimes throughout the criminal justice process.

Some of the services provided by the Victim Witness Program include explaining how the court process works, personal support during criminal court proceedings, emotional support, information about the status of their court case, transportation to court proceedings, a secure waiting area during court proceedings, assist in protecting victims/witnesses from threats or harm, provide assistance in filing out crime victims compensation forms and follow up to crime victims compensation. The program even works with the prison on sentence review hearings or parole hearings allowing the victims to have input during all stages of the criminal justice process. Ultimately, the Lincoln County Victim Witness Program strives to reduce and eliminate re-victimization and trauma of victims and witnesses of violent crimes by the criminal justice system.

Lincoln County Crisis Solutions works primarily with victims of domestic and sexual violence both reported and unreported offenses. Lincoln County Crisis Solutions becomes involved when a person calls the crisis line, at 293-3223, for assistance. Although Lincoln County Crisis Solutions works primarily with women, they do have some services and referrals for male victims of domestic and sexual violence. Lincoln County Crisis Solutions offers 24-hour telephone support, emergency shelter, food and transportation, personal advocacy, law enforcement support, emergency room support, assistance with orders of protection, civil court escorts, support group for women in transition, information and referral and education and outreach training in the community.

If you would like to learn more about these programs, including volunteer opportunities, please contact Carol Ramos at the Victim Witness Program at 293-7781 extension 276 or Lincoln County Crisis Solutions's 24 hour crisis line at 293-3223

Carol Ramos

Victim/Witness Coordinator