The Johnson County Victim Assistance Program delivers practical information and compassionate services to crime victims as they pass through a criminal justice system that may be unfamiliar to them. The Victim Advocates work diligently to ensure that every victim has access to information about their rights as a victim, the criminal justice process, how to pursue compensation and/or restitution, and services in the community that can assist in meeting their needs.
Victim Advocates believe victims of crime are empowered through knowledge and information and when their voices are heard and valued. Through collaborative relationships with victims, law enforcement agencies and community organizations, the Victim Assistance Program strives to give victims a voice in order to hold offenders accountable for their crimes and promote safety both for the victim and the community.
As the victim of a crime, your cooperation is essential to make the criminal justice system work. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our Victim Assistance Program. Our office is open to serve your needs from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Victim Advocates do accept walk-in appointments, but it is best to call ahead to make sure an Advocate will available to speak with you.
Victim Advocates:
Hannah Griffin -Juvenile and Misdemeanor Crimes
346-4529
Rhonda Nichols-Domestic Violence Crimes
346-4527
Lisa Vanek, MSW-Child Abuse, Sex Crimes, and Major Felony Crimes
346-4533
If you are the victim of a crime in Indiana, you have the right:
- To be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect throughout the criminal justice process
- To be informed, upon request, when a person who is accused or convicted of committing a crime directly against you has been released from custody or has escaped.
- To confer with prosecuting attorney’s office
- To have your safety considered in determining release from custody of a person accused of committing a crime against you.
- To be heard at any proceeding that involves sentencing or a post-conviction release decision.
- To prepare a written or oral statement to be used in the presentence report or at a sentencing hearing
- To pursue an order of restitution
- To receive information, upon request, about the disposition of the criminal case, or the conviction, sentence, and release of the person accused of committing a crime against you.
- To be informed of your rights