Victim Support

Victims of Violence

The National Center for Victims of Crime operates the nation’s most comprehensive information and referral program for linking victims anywhere in the country with high quality local services.

The Helpline number is 1-800-FYI-CALL (1-800-394-2255)

To preview and order free information cards for distribution to the public call (202)467-8700 or visit their website at www.ncvc.org.

Victim/Witness Assistance Program (479) 444-1570

The Victim/Witness Program has been set up in Washington and Madison Counties (4th Judicial District) to aid victims of crime with support and financial help, where appropriate. If you have been the victim of a crime, contact your Victim/Witness Coordinator to see if you are eligible for assistance.

Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights

A victim of crime has the following rights:

To be treated with fairness and respect for the victim’s dignity and privacy.
To be reasonably protected from the accused offender.
To be notified of court proceedings.
To be present at all public court proceedings related to the offense, unless the victim’s testimony would be materially affected.
To confer with an attorney for the Government in the case.
To restitution.
To information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment, and release of the offender.

Victims’ Rights and Restitution Act of 1990

The Victim/Witness Program offers help to victims of violent crime. The program is federally funded, so services are provided free of charge.

Services include:

Referrals to community agencies
Education/Information about the justice system
Support during court proceedings-
- Notification of trial dates
- Escort witnesses for court
- Transportation when needed
- Liaison for victims and service providers, employers, landlords, law enforcement, and the judicial system
- Help victims file for Arkansas Crime Victims Restitutions claims. The Crime Victims Reparation Board was designed to pay crime victims for such things as:
  - Medical expenses
  - Time lost from work
  - Rehabilitation-
    - Mental Health
    - Physical/occupational
  - Funeral Expenses
  - Replacement services-
    - Child care
    - Transportation

This is not all-inclusive; personal property loss is not covered.

For more information on how the Victim/Witness program can help you or to file a claim with the Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Board, contact:

Victim/Witness Coordinator
District Prosecutor’s Office
280 North College Avenue, Suite 301
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
479-444-1570

You May Qualify If…

You are a victim, a dependent of a deceased victim, or a person authorized to act on behalf of a victim or dependent.
The crime-related injury or death occurred in Arkansas on or after July 1, 1988.
The crime was reported to law enforcement within 72 hours.
Compensation will not benefit the offender.
You cooperated with the investigation of the incident.
You did not contribute in any way to the injury or death.
You have never been convicted of a felony in a criminally injurious act.

A claim for compensation must be filed within one year of the crime. The criminal does not have to be arrested or convicted for you to get benefits. An attorney is not needed to file a claim.

Northwest Arkansas Service Providers

Arkansas Department of Human Services (479) 521-1270
Services for Children and Families: Foster care, protective and supportive services for dependent, abused, neglected, and exploited children and adults.
HOTLINE—(800) 482-5964

CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) (479) 575-5276
The staff of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) works with members of the University to help solve problems, understand themselves, grow personally, develop more satisfying relationships with friends and family and help with other mental health issues. Services are provided by licensed psychologists, counselors, and social workers.

24 hour emergency services are available by calling (479) 575-5276.

Children’s House (479) 443-5239
Day care for abused and neglected children (18 months to 6 years old) referred for child protective services by the Department of Human Service Crisis Child Care Program for families in crisis (homelessness, medical emergency, etc.) whose children are at risk of abuse or neglect. All services are provided free of charge.

Northwest Arkansas Crisis Intervention Center (888) 274-7472
Suicide prevention, crisis intervention, referral information. Services are provided free of charge.
HOTLINE—(800) 640-2680

Northwest Arkansas Rape Crisis Center (479) 927-1025
Crisis intervention and emotional support for rape victims and their families including: 24 hour crisis line, advocacy/escort, follow-up and referral, support group, and community education. Services provided free of charge.
HOTLINE—(800) 794-4175

Ozark Guidance Center (479) 751-7052
Comprehensive community mental health center with outpatient/inpatient services, 24 hour emergency services, individual and group therapy, and adolescent residential treatment. Fee is based in ability to pay.

Ozark Legal Services (479) 442-0600
Free legal services for qualified persons. Eligibility based on income, resources, and number in household. Toll free: (800) 234-3544

Project for Victims of Family Violence (479) 442-9811
Safe, temporary shelter for battered women and children, 24 hour crisis line, individual and group support for resident and non-resident families. Services are provided free of charge. Toll free: (800) 332-4443

STAR Central (479) 575-7252
STAR Central is the Office of Support, Training, Advocacy, & Resources on Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence coordinated through the Department of Wellness and Health Promotion at the Pat Walker Health Center. STAR Central serves the University community through education programs, professional consultations, and victim advocacy services. There is not a charge for STAR Central services to members of the University community. Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Vantage Point (800)545-4673
Providing caring, quality inpatient, residential & outpatient treatment for children, adults, and seniors struggling with mental health, co-occurring disorders & addiction.

Youth Bridge (479) 575-9471
Residential treatment for youths, advocacy. Services based on ability to pay. Emergency Shelter can be reached at (479) 521-1930

This information provided courtesy of: