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VICTIM SERVICES

If You Are A Victim of a Crime

As soon as you are safe, the first and most important step is to call the police. Talking about what happened may be difficult at first, and you may not understand why the officers have to ask so many hard questions.

Try your best.

If you have been physically hurt in any way, make sure to get medical attention immediately. You may even be eligible to have your medical bills paid for from a special compensation fund for victims in Wyoming

What Are Your Rights As A Victim In Wyoming

Depending on the type of crime committed against you, you have several rights under the law. However, they are subject to some provisions and are not constitutionally guaranteed. Be sure to ask to speak with a victim advocate who can explain your rights and how to exercise them.

Ask about how you can get information about:

  • The status of the case.
  • The release from custody of the perpetrator.
  • Various court-related rights, including making a statement about your losses.
  • Requesting restitution, accepting plea agreements to lesser charges, and making a statement to the judge at sentencing.
What Should You Know About Your Case?

In all cases you should stay in contact with law enforcement. Be sure to request the Case Incident number from the responding officer and always refer to it when you call. Most victims and their families feel unsafe after they have been victimized.  By working with helping professionals and the Court, you can take positive actions to safeguard you and your family from further harm.

Remember, whether you need to go to a safe shelter, obtain a protection order, or just learn about the latest crime prevention tips, help is available!

Victim Service Programs Can Help!

What are victim service programs?

There is a victim service program in every county in Wyoming. If you or a loved one has been victimized by a crime, your local victim service program can help.

Victim service programs can give you practical advice and support. They will help you deal with your basic needs (like food, clothing and housing) and prepare you for what’s ahead.

You may be feeling confused or isolated. If you don’t understand how the criminal justice system works, these feelings can get stronger.

Contact your local victim service program to find out what services are available in your county.

What services do victim service programs have?

Most victim service programs offer:

Counseling after the crime to help you deal with the immediate emotional trauma.

Referrals to other agencies for services not available at the program.

Follow-up counseling for emotional, financial or work problems related to the crime.

Emergency help with housing, clothing, food, transportation and medical care.

Help filing for compensation through the Wyoming Crime Victim Compensation Program (CVCP).

If eligible you may be compensated for medical or dental bills, loss of income or support, and funeral and burial expenses.

Support as the criminal case moves through the system.

Explain the criminal justice process.

Make sure you have a support person when you go to court.

Give you information about the case.

Help you get your property back if law enforcement held it as evidence.

Help prepare you for when the offender is released.

If you want, advocates from the program can also tell your friends and relatives that you were the victim of a crime. They can also contact your employer to minimize any loss of pay or benefits because of missed time related to the crime.

Some programs offer help with childcare, transportation, funeral arrangements and will notify people you owe money to that you will need more time to pay.
  
Do I have to pay for services at the victim service programs?

No. All services are free.

What other options do I have?

Every county has a Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Program.

These programs provide emergency and long-term support to victims and their families, like:

Emergency safe homes or shelters.

24-hour crisis telephone line.

Follow-up crisis and long-term counseling.

Someone to support you during medical exams, court hearings and when you deal with other agencies.




The Wyoming Office of the Attorney General
Division of Victim Services

122 West 25th Street
Herschler Building, First Floor West, Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: 307-777-7200, Fax: 307-777-6683
Victim Helpline V/TTY: 888-996-8816 TTY/V
e-mail: victimservices@state.wy.us
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