NCJ Number
166401
Date Published
Unknown
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This document provides information on the various statewide victim services available in Texas, including contact persons for each type of service.
Abstract
A Victim Services Directory briefly describes the various types of victim services available statewide, along with the name and phone number of a contact person for each type of service. The services encompass education, training, notification, mediation/dialogue, Crime Stoppers, victim liaison, and the Texas Crime Victim Clearinghouse. The mission statement, goals, and services are presented for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Victim Services Office. This office was created in May 1993 and is charged with planning and implementing a comprehensive victim services program for the State Jail Division, Community Justice Assistance Division, Institutional Division, and Parole Division. The Office's mission is to assist victims in the criminal justice process and develop and direct the implementation of a victim notification program throughout the criminal justice process. Possible points of notification to victims are listed (36 points). A description of the Crime Victim Clearinghouse states that its primary goal is to provide accurate information to victims and their families; provide technical assistance to victim service providers; and emphasize victim sensitivity when conducting training. Also described is the Crime Stoppers program, which allows inmates to provide crime-solving information anonymously on any felony crime of which they have knowledge; this may help to bring closure to many victims. Descriptions are also provided for programs of victim-offender mediation/dialog, services for victims whose offenders have been placed on community supervision, and confidentiality mandates for victims whose offenders are processed by parole and institutional divisions. Information is provided on how to deal with an angry victim and the psychological effects of victimization.