Department of Police and Public Safety
Victim Assistance Programs
The emotional and physical trauma of any crime can leave you with permanent scars. If you have been the victim of a crime, there may be services available to assist you. These services may include counseling, referrals, assistance with legal paperwork, medical attention, and emergency shelter.
If you have been the victim of a crime, you may contact the FSU Police Department's Investigations Division at 910-672-2486 or 910-671-1775 to speak with an officer about your needs.
For Your Information
- Victim Assistance Program's Purpose & Goals
- Victim Rights
- Services
- Referrals
- Victim Compensation
- Eligibility
- Special Programs
Victim Assistance Program's Purpose & Goals
The purpose of the Victim Assistance Program is to provide victims of crime with assistance in recovering physically, emotionally and financially from criminal acts against them.
Our goal is to improve the consideration and treatment of the victim, by providing direct service to them or making referrals to the appropriate community agency.
As a victim of crime, you are likely to experience feelings of shock, fear, anger, helplessness, and confusion. These reactions are a normal response to crime, whether it is a personal injury or a property crime. At the time, when your emotions are most intense, you may find yourself having to deal with an overwhelming number of people and procedures. Without any previous experience or exposure to these types of situations, and the agencies involved in handling your case, you may find it all too confusing, frightening, or even frustrating. The victim Advocate can answer questions for you and provide the appropriate referrals. You should experience continuous support and guidance as you do your part to cooperate with the criminal justice system.
Victim Rights
The The criminal justice system has often ignored the special needs of the victims, and focused more on protecting the rights of the offender. This image is slowly, but consistently changing.
Victims of crime have the right to be treated fairly, with compassion and respect; to be informed of the progress and outcome of their case, and that the damages done to them be considered by the court as their case is decided upon.
Other rights that victims have:
- To be given information about the criminal justice system
- To be given information about the crime
- To confer with an attorney
- To be notified of all hearings related to the case, prior to negotiations, trial, conviction, dismissal, etc.,
Direct Services
The following services are offered to victims of crime:
- On scene response, when appropriate
- Assistance with crime victim compensation application
- Medical attention
- Information on police procedures
- Information on support groups for victimization
Referral Service
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Crime Prevention
- Emergency Shelter
- Short or Long-term Counseling
- Social or Other Community Services
- Medical Assistance
Victim Compensation
The State of North Carolina has a program to offer financial assistance to innocent victims of crime who suffer medical expenses and lost wages as a result of being a victim of crime. If the victim dies as a result of the crime, Victim's Compensation will also pay some funeral expenses.
To be eligible for benefits under the North Carolina Victim Compensation Program:
- The claim must be filed within one year
- The claimant must not have contributed to the crime or be in violation of criminal law at the time of the incident
- The claimant must fully cooperate with law enforcement, the court system, and the Crime Victims Compensation Commission
- Compensation does not pay for loss of personal property, except for rape victims who are compensated for their clothing used as evidence
- Compensation is not awarded for injury or losses that resulted in violation of motor vehicle laws
- For more information, contact the FSU Investigations Division at (910) 672-2486.
Eligibility
The Victim Assistance Program offers support to victims of sexual assault, robbery, kidnapping, domestic violence, and aggravated assault. Family members who have suffered a loss will be offered emotional support and assistance. In order to be eligible for program services, the crime must have been reported to Fayetteville State University Police Department and must have occurred within the City Limits of Fayetteville. If you are a victim of crime, but do not meet the above criteria, the Victim Advocate will provide you with appropriate referrals.
Special Programs
- The Victim Assistance Program has panic buttons for victims of domestic violence.
- Also, cell phones programmed for 9-1-1 only, for eligible victims, without a phone in the home.