What is the Athens County Crime Victim Program?

This is a service provided through the Athens County Sheriff’s Office that affords a primary and indispensable “first response” role for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault within the county. 

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A Crime Victim Advocate serves as a support system and offers reassurance as an effective means to a more positive outcome for a victim.

• Respond with law enforcement officers to a crime scene assisting with crisis intervention;

• Photograph physical injuries;

• Helps to clarify and/or educate on the court process and provide any updates on court proceedings; 

• Assists in obtaining a Criminal or Civil Protection Order;

• Inform and assist with the application process for the Ohio Crime Victims Compensation Program;

• Make referrals to other service providers that offer additional assistance for immediate remedies .

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Ohio Crime Victims Rights

You HAVE THE RIGHT to be treated with Respect, Fairness and Dignity throughout the criminal justice process.

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YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE INFORMED

• By law enforcement about your rights, available services, victim compensation, and the name, arrest and release of the defendant(s)

• By prosecutors about pretrial diversion, plea negotiation, change in charges, and of all court proceedings, hearing changes, appeals, and parole and release hearings.

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YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO BE PRESENT

• At hearings and proceedings without undue delay unless judge determines it will cause an unfair trial

• To have someone represent you if you do not want to attend

• To have someone with you for support, in a separate waiting area

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YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HEARD

• Through a victim impact statement; prosecutor, judge, and be heard at a probation and parole hearing

• Without penalty by your employer

• With consideration from confidentiality when you are fearful

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YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO RESTITUTION

• To be paid by the criminal for your financial loss, if ordered by the court

• From the State of Ohio Victim Compensation Program for certain injury-related expenses and counseling, even if the criminal is never identified or arrested

• To have your restitution order enforced as a civil judgment

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Protection Orders

If a person feels threatened of physical harm or is afraid due to the physical or verbal behavior of another, they may wish to petition the court for a protection order. A protection order is granted by a judge and orders the defendant to stay away from you.  The defendant should not enter your home.  The defendant should not approach you at your place of employment or at your school. If the defendant violates the protection order, a new criminal charge could be filed and the defendant could be arrested.

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TYPES OF PROTECTION ORDERS

• Criminal Domestic Violence

• Criminal Anti-Stalking

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Depending on the criminal charge filed and your relationship to the defendant determines which protection order will be petitioned to the court. These are valid only for the duration of the court case.

• Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order
  You must be a family or household member of the defendant. This order can be valid for up to five years.

• Stalking Civil Protection Order
  If you are being harassed by ANY person that has the intention to cause anxiety or fear. This order can be valid for up to five years.

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Crime Victims Compensation Program

A victim of a crime may be eligible to receive compensation for replacement costs such as medical expenses, loss of work, crime scene cleanup, counseling, and funeral expenses.

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This program is administered by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and applications are available online at www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov or by request from the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

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Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE)

Vine is a free, anonymous, computer based service that provides victims of crime information and (if the victim chooses) an automated telephone notification when an offender has changed in status throughout the criminal judicial process. For more information, please call 1-800-770-0192, online at http://www.vinelink.com or by request from the Athens County Sheriff ’s Office.

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Help for Family Violence Victims

• Survivor Advocacy Program (740) 597-SAFE (7233)

• My Sisters Place (Shelter) (740) 593-3402 or 800-443-3402

• Athens Police Department, Domestic Violence Unit (740) 592-3315

• Athens County Prosecutor’s Office, Victim Assistance (740) 592-3208

• Athens County Child Advocacy Center (740) 566-HUGS (4847)

• Athens County Children’s Services (740) 592-3061

• Athens County Sheriff ’s Office (740) 593-6633

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*If you have not been notified of the arrest of the offender within a reasonable period of time, you may contact the Athens County Sheriff ’s Office to learn of the status of your case.

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**A copy of the incident report may be obtained once the investigation is closed. ***This program and all victim services publications are provided through a grant supported by the Victims of Crime Act, (VOCA) awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, through the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.  Victims of federal crimes will be served.