Victim Assistance Unit Porter County Indiana

Victim Assistance Unit Porter County Indiana We are available to help you understand the criminal justice system and to help you get through this difficult time.

The Victim Assistance Unit of the Porter County Prosecutor's Office was established in 1983. Chief Deputy Nancy Vaidik saw the need for crime victims to have representation within the criminal justice system. She went on to become a judge in Porter County and currently is an Appellate Court Judge for the State of Indiana. With the aid of an intern, they wrote a grant for the Sexual Assault Recover

y Project, which is still in existence to this day. The Victim Assistance Unit, which began in a closet-sized space with one part-time employee, has grown into a full-time staff of five employees with four offices. It has developed into a well-respected statewide model program. There are three specialized advocates who handle all cases involving domestic / family violence and s*xual assault. With the support of our prosecutor, advocates screen all criminal charges filed in Porter County and determine the victims of crime cases. As a crime victim, dealing with the criminal justice system may create a sense of frustration and helplessness. It is hard to understand laws that constrain the prosecutor, judges, and police. As a crime victim, you may be eligible for the following services:
• Information
o We provide information about the criminal justice system, status of your case, court date notification, victim's rights, availability of violent crime compensation and s*x crime funds, restitution, community resources, etc.
• Support
o We provide support during court hearings and as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system.
• Advocacy
o We provide a voice for your concerns to the Porter County Prosecutor's Office and the criminal justice system.
• Assistance
o We will assist you with making a written or oral statement, filling out violent crime compensation forms, or other tasks that may need to be done. The Sexual Assault Recovery Project & the Domestic / Family Violence Program
These programs are a part of the Victim Assistance Unit and provide services to victims and survivors of abuse. Services include:
• Referrals to support groups
• Criminal justice information
• Lending library
• Referrals
What Is Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence refers to a pattern of violent and coercive behavior exercised by one adult in an intimate relationship over another. It is not "marital conflict," "mutual abuse," a "lover's quarrel," or a "private family matter." It may consist of repeated, severe beatings or more subtle forms of abuse, including threats and control. Types of Abuse
• Physical assault includes shoving, pushing, restraining, hitting or kicking. Physical assaults may occur frequently or infrequently, but in many cases they tend to escalate in severity and frequency over time
• Sexual assault is any time one partner forces s*xual acts which are unwanted or declined by the other partner
• Psychological assault includes isolation from family and friends, forced financial dependence, verbal and emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, and control over where the partner can go and what she/he can do
• Attacks against property and pets could be destruction of property which may include household objects or treasured objects belonging to the victim, hitting the walls, or abusing or killing beloved pets

The cycle of violence usually follows a predictable three phase cycle:
• Tension builds up
• The battering occurs
• A period of remorse follows until the tension builds again starting the cycle over

What You Should Do if You Believe You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
• Trust your instincts and seek help from a domestic violence program in your community
• Recognize that the abuse is not your fault
• Know that you are not alone and that help is available
• Talk in confidence with someone you trust (relative / friend)
• If you choose to remain in the situation for now, set up a safety plan of action

Address

16 E Lincolnway, Ste 527
Valparaiso, IN
46383

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30pm - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30pm - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30pm - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30pm - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12194653433

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