Victim Assistance & Victim's Rights

The Victim Advocate can assist victims of the following crimes:

Sexual Assault
Domestic Violence
Child Abuse
Elder Abuse
Physical Assault
Robbery
Kidnapping
Unlawful Imprisonment
Stalking
Wanton Endangerment
Residential burglary

The major goal of the Victim Assistance Program is to identify and provide comprehensive services to victims of violent crime including

The Victim Advocates work very closely with the County Attorney and his assistants and act as a liaison between the victim and various entities of the criminal justice system.

The McCracken County Attorney's Office of Victim Assistance seeks to offer a complete support system to those who are faced with the devastating realities of crime.

The advocates are available during regular business hours 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Victim Assistance Office is located on the 1st Floor of the McCracken County Courthouse.

Crime Victim's Bill of Rights

All victims of crime have certain basic rights in Kentucky. If you are the victim of a violent crime, you are entitled to receive:

Notification about:

Arrest of the accused or defendant
Release of the accused or defendant
Case information
Dates of Criminal Court proceedings
Plea bargain agreements
Final case disposition

You are also entitled to:

Protection from: intimidation, harassment and retaliation.
Property returned as quickly as possible.
Referral Information for: financial assistance, social and medical services and community programs.
Restitution for financial losses.

Crime Victim Compensation

If you suffer from injuries caused by a crime, you may be eligible for compensation.

Who can apply?

Any person who is an innocent victim of a violent crime, including victims of drunk driving, where bodily harm, psychological injury or death has occurred
In the event of death, any person who assumed the medical or burial expenses incurred as a direct result of crime
Any person who has lost earnings or support as a result of the crime.

Victims must report the crime to the proper authorities within 48 hours, they must cooperate with law enforcement agencies and must apply within five years after the crime has occurred.

If you feel that you may be eligible for compensation, please contact the Victim Assistance Office for a claim form or you may contact:

Crime Victim Compensation Board
130 Brighton Park Blvd.
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
1-800-469-2120 or (502) 573-2290

	Program History
	The victim assitance program was established in October 2000. The program was developed to address the needs and rights of innocent victims of crime and thier families. The demand for victim services provided by the McCracken County Attorney's Office of Victim Assistance is increasing rapidly. By the end of 2001 over 1200 victims had been served. All of the services are provided by the program director and the victim advocate and with the help of volunteers.

	Volunteer Opportunities
	The leadership of key volunteers is essentially needed in all areas of Victim Assistance. Volunteers provide the needed help to carry out mny functions that the justice systems rewquires of our office and the Victim Assistance Program. Volunteers may be assigned general office duties or provide direct services to crime victims, depending on their age, experience and career pursuits. Volunteers are recruited from the community, through local colleges and high schools. Training for volunteers is provided by the Victim Assistance Office. For more information contact Phyllis McLennan at (270) 444-2545 or e-mail pmclennan@co.mccracken.ky.us

Last Updated 9/29/2008

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