Our mission is to involve
victims and the community in a restorative process that diminishes the
devastating impact of crime.
On November 2, 1999, the
people of the state of Oregon adopted what is now Article I, Section 42 of the
Oregon Constitution. This, the Crime Victims Bill of Rights, gives victims of
crime specific rights: http://www.leg.state.or.us/orcons/orcons.html (go to Oregon Constitution, Article I, Sec 42
)
The Harney County District
Attorney’s Victims’ Assistance Program has one employee and several dedicated
volunteer advocates. We are charged with the multi-faceted responsibilities
of advocating for the rights of victims of crime. Oregon Law, Oregon Revised
Statutes and/or Oregon Administrative Rules mandate many of the services we
provide. We provide comprehensive services to victims and witnesses of all
types of crime with particular emphasis on serious crimes against persons and
property, including, but not limited to:
In addition to these services
the Victims’ Assistance Division coordinates, facilitates and monitors a
semi-monthly Victims’ Impact Panel (VIP). This is a panel of victims or
co-victims from our community who come together to speak to adult and juvenile
offenders who have been convicted of drug/alcohol-related offense. These
offenders are court ordered to attend the VIP where they hear about the
devastation to families, friends and communities as a result of their offense.
Victims Advocates work
one-on-one with the victim (and/or family members) through each step of the
criminal justice system to provide crisis intervention, emotional support,
information, resource referrals, and accompaniment to all court appearances.
Advocates are available 24
hours a day, 7 days per week, to be dispatched by 9-1-1, a police agency, or
the Victim Assistance Division to respond to hospital, police station or crime
scene.
Crime victims have
“round-the-clock” access to their assigned advocate from the first meeting
through the process of the case, and after disposition of the case if necessary,
until the victim no longer requires the services of the advocate.
Our Victims Advocates are
trained to be calm, resourceful and professional during the most stressful,
emotionally charged situations. This is not an overnight process. We provide
continuing education for our staff, assistance as necessary, professional and
personal support, guidance and direction and the right to be heard. Some of the
qualification to become an advocate are: must be 18 years or older; dedicated
to the belief that victims have the right to support and accurate information;
must be a good listener; have the ability to be non-judgmental; ability to be
supportive without being directive; commitment to speak out when need for the
well-being of the victim.
If you are a victim of
crime or you know someone who is a victim of crime and needs assistance,
information and/or referral or if you are interested in becoming a crime
victims’ advocate please feel free to contact us at the Harney County District
Attorney’s Office, 450 N. Buena Vista Ave., Burns, Oregon 97720 or call
(541)573-8399 or e-mail to lmoulton@dialoregon.net
Home l Departments l County History l Elected Officials l Jobs & Contract