The function of the Victim Services and Advocacy Program is to promote safety, healing, justice and rights for crime victims and survivors. Being a victim of a crime is frightening and unsettling for the millions of Americans who unfortunately experience it each year. Progress has been made in improving the rights of crime victims. Victims and survivors of homicide, sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence and other serious offenses have transformed their victimization into a vehicle for ensuring that victims of crime receive justice, meaningful assistance and compassionate treatment.
Do you know your rights as a crime victim?
As a victim of violent crime in Texas, you have the following rights:
- The right to be notified of all court proceedings including cancellation and rescheduling
- The right to receive information about the Texas Crime Victim Compensation Fund that provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes.
- The right to have the magistrate take the safety of the victim or their family into consideration as an element in fixing the amount of bail for the accused
- If you so request, the right to information about procedures in the criminal investigation of your case by law enforcement officials, and about general procedures in the criminal justice system, including plea bargaining , restitution, appeals and parole from the prosecutor's office.
- The right to complete a Victim Impact Statement, detailing the emotional, physical and financial impact that the crime has had on you and your family, and to have that statement considered by the judge at sentencing and by the parole board.
Crime Stoppers of Houston's Victim Services and Advocacy Program provides the following to crime victims and survivors:
- Act as an advocate on all states of victimization
- Ensure crime victims and survivors have a voice in our criminal justice system
- Empower crime victims and survivors to assist in rebuilding their lives
- Collaborate with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, probation and parole departments, juvenile justice systems and social services in assisting all victims of crime
- Accompany victims and survivors to Court and Parole Board hearings
- Guide victims and survivors through media inquiries and engagements
- Refer victims and survivors to local, state-wide and national victim assistance organizations
- Work for legislative improvement to enhance victims' rights and public safety
- Conduct community events to commemorate victims and survivors
Connect with Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppers.org
713-521-4600 or info@crime-stoppers.org
Resources for Victims and Survivors
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
AVDA
713-224-9911
Bay Area Turning Point
281-286-2525
Bridge Over Troubled Water
713-472-0753
Daya
713-981-7645
Family Time
281-446-2615
Houston Area Women's Center
713-528-2121
Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council
281-400-3680
Drunk Driving
MADD
281-590-2222
Homicide
Parents of Murdered Children
713-472-5640/713-522-9045
Missing Persons
Texas Equusearch
281-309-9500
Texas Center for Missing
713-599-0235
Sexual Abuse of Children
Children's Assessment Center
713-986-3300