Van Buren County Victim Services Unit

Van Buren County Victim Services Unit VSU is dedicated to helping victims, survivors and their loved ones through a crisis. VSU plays a vital role in assisting victims through the trauma.

The Van Buren County Victim Services Unit is a trained volunteer group under the direction of the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office, the Michigan Sheriff's Association and the Coordination of Tara Bugg and David Hagan. Dedicated to helping victims, survivors and their loved ones work through a crisis or crime, they are the helping hands of the police, fire and medical personnel. The Victim Service

s Unit frees authorities to do their job without leaving victims alone or feeling ignored. The objective of the unit is to assist and their efforts are focused on avoiding further victimization. The unit is designed to comfort and help victims immediately after an incident by providing short-term crisis intervention. Having no personal reference for traumatic events, most victims feel lost and in need of guidance. They can offer answers to such common questions as what happens next, funeral preparations, why an autopsy is needed, why a crime scene takes so long to process and who will guide them through the court system. Referrals can also be made to appropriate agencies and services within the community. On scene, the Victim Services Unit plays a vital role by lending support and assisting victims and witnesses through the initial shock of trauma. The Unit can separate victims from the scene of an investigation while maintaining a link to officers for the victim's questions and concerns. At a secondary site, they can stay after officers leave, working to pull a support system of close friends, family or church personnel into place.

11/09/2025

We can help you navigate through the holidays and your grief. Call us today to RSVP 269.983.2707.

11/09/2025

In November, survivors of su***de loss come together at healing conferences in their communities and online for support and guidance. If you have lost someone to su***de, this conference is for you. You’ll get to hear from other survivors about how they cope. This will include opportunities to share about your person in a supportive setting. Please RSVP to 269.983.2707 prior to attending.
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Help support a great cause!
10/12/2025

Help support a great cause!

10/10/2025

Van Buren County community members, are you committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others and giving back to your community?

Victim Services, is a volunteer division of the Sheriff’s Office, dedicated to providing critical support during unexpected deaths, fires, and other crises. Our role is to offer emotional comfort, address questions, and facilitate connections with emergency services and resources. We aim to help individuals navigate potentially the most challenging moments of their lives with empathy and understanding, informed by our own experiences of either receiving supportive care or navigating traumatic events.

If you have experienced loss or adversity and wish to support others, or if you possess empathy and encouragement for those in need, consider joining our organization. Please contact me to learn more.


10/08/2025
08/27/2025

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office is proud to welcome our newest team member, Deputy Rachel Anderson!
Deputy Anderson brings 6 years of corrections experience and also serves as a Sergeant in the United States Army Reserves. We’re excited to have her on board and look forward to the expertise and dedication she’ll bring to our community.

07/23/2025
Van Buren VSU represented at the Lawton Summerfest and the Van Buren County Fair! Interested in volunteering? Please j...
07/19/2025

Van Buren VSU represented at the Lawton Summerfest and the Van Buren County Fair! Interested in volunteering? Please join our Unit! Private message me if interested!

05/30/2025

Address

205 South Kalamazoo Street
Paw Paw, MI
49079

Telephone

+12696573101

Website

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