Victim Assistance Program
The Victim Assistance Program, a division of the Clermont County Prosecutors’ Office, has served victims of crime in Clermont County since 1986. A staff of five Victim Advocates provide services in Clermont County Common Pleas (Felony), Municipal (Misdemeanor), and Juvenile Court.
The Victim Assistance Program provides direct services to all victims of felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile crime throughout the criminal justice process. Please call (513) 732-7979 or (513) 732-7810 to speak to an advocate.
Services include:
- Criminal Justice Support and Advocacy
- Supports & Advocates for crime victims at any stage of the criminal justice process
- Provides updates on court cases
- Tracks court dates & times
- Notifies victim of court dates
- Assists prosecuting attorney with contacting victims when charges are filed
- Facilitates meetings with victims before charges are filed, when appropriate
- Utilizes an intake form to assist in determining needs of victim
- Tracks most current contact information for a victim
- Advocates are able to determine victims through information filed with the Prosecutor’s Office
- Encourages victims to utilize resources and participate in the criminal justice system
- Fosters a positive environment during a challenging time
- Information & Explanation of Court Hearings and Procedures
- Advocates have a working knowledge of the criminal justice system
- Provides detailed explanations of criminal justice system
- Notification of court hearings
- Notifications are by telephone, email, or mail upon request
- Courtroom Support Services
- In person crisis intervention, emotional support and guidance
- Can occur at the scene , immediately after a crime, or be provided on an ongoing basis
- Attends Bond Hearings, Grand Jury, and other court hearings with or on behalf of victim
- Works with victim to request higher bonds and stay away orders from court
- Acts as a liaison between victim and prosecutor
- Provides support during entire criminal justice process
- Separate waiting areas for victims and witnesses
- Referrals to community resources and social service agencies
- Advocates are trained to assess the needs of victim
- Advocates have received trauma informed care training
- Safe at Home registered application assistants
- Work closely with YWCA
- Referrals for assistance with civil protection orders
- safety planning
- emergency housing
- Assistance with filing for Crime Victims Compensation
- Making victims aware of the availability of crime victim compensation
- Assists victims in completing required forms and gathering needed documentation
- Assists with online and mail submission of applications
- Works closely with Ohio Attorney General to obtain information to expedite the process
- Advocates receive training to determine eligibility for the CVC program
- Emergency Legal Advocacy
- Assistance with Protection Orders through Municipal Court, Common Pleas Court and Domestic Relations Court
- Attends bond hearings daily
- Makes contact with victims regarding bond options
- Referrals to other court for Civil Protection Orders
- Information regarding VINE, Ohio’s victim notification service
- Online go to vinelink.com or call 1-800-770-0192
- This service is free to use and is anonymous
- You will need an offender’s first and last name to register
- Options for notification include phone, text message, or email
- VINE will call when there is a change in an offender’s status. This includes release from jail and/or prison or is an inmate is moved to a different facility
- Information regarding the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Corrections , Victim Services
- Assistance with victim impact statements
- Collaboration with local law enforcement
- Police officers provide victims with advocate information at time of arrest/investigation
- Advocates understand their role and works to help victims at the direction of law enforcement officers
- Access to the Clermont County Jail Inmate Search
- Advocates are available to respond to a police department or on scene at the request of a law enforcement officer
Marsy’s Law
Crime victims in Clermont County have certain rights under Marsy’s Law. These rights include:
- To be treated with fairness and respect regarding your safety, dignity, and privacy
- Treasonable protection from the accused or anyone acting on behalf of the accused
- To refuse to answer questions from the offender or any person representing the offender
- Proceedings that are free from unreasonable delay and a prompt conclusion of the case
- To receive a full and timely restitution
- Access to the attorney for the government
Crime Victims in Clermont may request to exercise certain rights during the criminal justice process. These rights that need to be requested include:
- Timely notice of all public proceedings involving the crime against you and to attend the hearings
- To speak at any public proceeding including an offender’s release, plea, sentencing, disposition, or parole
- Receive notice if the offender is released or escapes
- Assert these rights yourself, through a representative, or by asking the prosecuting attorney
You can read more about Marsy’s Law here.
VICTIM SERVICES DIRECTORY
