VICTIM SERVICES / VICTIM COMPENSATION - CONNECTICUT

The following includes excerpts from the Office of Victim Services, State of Connecticut Judicial Branch, Victim Services FAQ.

WHAT ARE VICTIM SERVICES?

Connecticut has programs to help victims of crime and their families. These programs address victim concerns such as safety, notification, and financial loss. The Office of Victim Services (OVS) provides the following services and programs:

• Court-based Victim Services Advocates
• In-State Toll-Free Helpline
• Services for Families of Homicide Victims
• Funding to Community based Non-profit Agencies
• Crime Victim Compensation
• Victim Notification
• Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFE)
  
• Community Education & Training on Victims Rights & Services

WHAT SERVICES DO COURT-BASED VICTIM ADVOCATES PROVIDE?

The Office of Victim Services court-based advocates help victims of violent crimes by notifying them of their rights and by providing information and assistance.  Advocates are available in many of the courthouses throughout the state.

WHAT IS THE VICTIM NOTIFICATION PROGRAM?

OVS operates a Victim Notification Program that offers these services:

• The State of Connecticut's Protection Order Registry Notification Program features automated notification to protected parties when protective orders terminate or five weeks prior to the expiration of restraining orders. An OVS victim services advocate is available to answer questions and provide referrals that may arise from the notification of the order termination.
• The Post-Conviction Notification Program offers information about changes in the status of convicted inmates.

HOW CAN I ACCESS COMPENSATION FOR FINANCIAL LOSSES ASSOCIATED WITH VIOLENT CRIME?

OVS manages the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund to assist victims in recovering from the financial and emotional impact of the crime.  This Fund supports the OVS Compensation Program that provides reimbursement and financial assistance for expenses related to the crime, such as medical, dental, counseling and lost wages.  The Program does not provide financial assistance for any non-economic loss, including property damages, and pain and suffering.

WHAT IS RESTITUTION?

Restitution is payment by the offender to the victim to cover some or all of the costs associated with a crime. It is ordered by a judge and usually paid through the Court Support Services Division, Connecticut Judicial Branch. To obtain restitution in a criminal court case, contact the State's Attorney Office or the OVS Victim Services Advocate.

VICTIM SERVICES: DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

A victim of crime, their survivor, or representative may confidentially register with the DOC Victim Services Unit, and request notification when an inmate is released, escapes, or is scheduled for a sentence review or parole hearing.

TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:

Search by service names:

• Crime Victim/Witness Counseling
• Crime Victim Support

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SOURCES: Office of Victim Services, State of Connecticut Judicial Branch, Victim Services FAQ, Refer Database
PREPARED BY: 211/kq
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: February2013