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 Victim/Witness Assistance Center
Help Is Available…
A crime can have severe after-affects on the victim. Weeks, months, and sometimes years after the violation, the victim may still be experiencing emotional, financial, and legal problems. These problems may lead to feelings of helplessness, guilt, frustration and anger.
The goal of Silicon Valley FACES – Victim Witness Assistance Center is to provide needed services for the victims and witnesses and to encourage their cooperation in the investigation of the case and prosecution of the offender. The staff and trained volunteers provide direct assistance, peer counseling, information and referral services to over 8,000 victims and witnesses each year. Translation services for non-English speaking clients are available.
The Victim/Witness Assistance Center was established in 1975 and is funded by the State from penalty assessments collected from convicted offenders.
Your Rights as a Crime Victim…
…to be treated with dignity and compassion.
…to be protected from intimidation and harm.
…to be informed of social services and resources available in the community.
…to be informed concerning the criminal justice system, and the status of the case.
…to be assisted if subpoenaed as a witness.
…to have help in dealing with the system and to be accompanied to court for support.
…to have opinions considered at the case disposition through a Victim Impact Statement.
…to preservation of property and employment.
…to be compensated for injuries, wage loss, and funeral expenses.
…to be assisted while working with other Victim Services agencies.
Help for Crime Victims....
Crime victims may experience
problems and disruptions that require special attention and support. The
Victim Witness Assistance Center was created to assure that every possible
benefit, service and courtesy is made available to crime victims and witnesses.
Anyone May Be a Crime
Victim....
With needs and problems that cannot be
handled by agencies of the criminal justice system. Law enforcement, prosecution
and the courts must turn their attention to the process of identifying,
arresting, convicting and sentencing the offender. The victim may feel
left out...fearful...confused...angry.
To remedy this situation,
the Victim Witness Assistance Center provides:
Crisis Counseling...
Program staff provide counseling,
companionship, transportation, food, shelter, clothing or other emergency
services.
Follow-Up Care...
To identify and contact local
agencies and resources that are needed. Staff will arrange appointments
and assure that services are delivered without delay.
Assistance in Court...
Victims may need help in
the procedures associated with bringing a defendant to justice. The program
provides information about the criminal justice process and may contact
witnesses in advance to confirm time and place of court appearance. Companionship
with a "friend in court" may be arranged prior to and during hearings and
trials. Special courthouse waiting rooms are maintained for privacy and
security. Emergency transportation is available. Case progress and disposition
reports are provided.
Recovery of Loss...
Victims of crime who lose
income or have un-reimbursed medical expenses may be compensated by the
State of California. Although the application procedures are complex, trained
staff will prepare and file claims with the Victim Compensation Board.
You may download the claim
form by visiting the State Victim Compension Board web site at: www.vcgcb.ca.gov
Complete the information
requested, sign where indicated, and send for processing to:
Victim Witness Assistance
Center
777 North First Street,
Suite 220
San Jose, CA 95112
Or come to our office to
consult with an advocate or contact us at
(408) 295-2656
Fax: (408)295-2045
VWAC@Victim.org
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