Victim Services Program

The Oklahoma City Police Department is proud to provide a Victim Services Program to assist you.

The Victim Services Program works with individuals whose lives have been impacted by crime and strives to help victims feel safe, supported and informed. Our goal is to empower victims by providing information, resources and practical support for crime victims and witnesses.

The effect of crime can threaten an individual’s sense of safety and security, and also impact their physical, financial and mental well-being. For some people, these difficulties can feel overwhelming. If you have been a victim of a crime, here are a few things you should know:

• You are not alone.
• As a victim, you have rights.
• There are programs and resources that may be able to help.

Do I Qualify for an Advocate?

To qualify, the crime must have occurred in the Oklahoma City jurisdiction, and you must be one of the following:

• A victim of crime
• Family member of a crime victim
• Witness to the crime
• Survivor of suicide loss

How We Can Help

Our goal is to meet the immediate health and safety needs for a victim, after a crime has been committed. We respect individuals’ choices and provide compassionate care. Services are catered to each individual’s needs and advocacy can include:

• Emotional support
• Safety planning
• Crisis intervention
• Informing victims of their rights
• Resources and information
• Assistance applying for and/or referral to state victim compensation
• Criminal justice information and support
• Assistance registering for VINE (Victim Information Notification Everyday)
• Assistance obtaining basic needs

Impact of Crime

Reactions to a crime vary based on the individual. Some individuals report feeling “okay” after experiencing a crime. However, half of people who have been victimized report moderate to extreme distress as a result of the crime (DOJ, 2012). While reactions vary, it is not uncommon for people to experience the following after a crime:

• Fear
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Guilt
• Feeling numb
• Flashbacks
• Isolation
• Poor concentration
• Stomach problems
• Weight loss/gain
• Sleep problems
• Avoiding people or certain situations

While these initial reactions are normal, we strongly encourage anyone who has been a victim of a crime to contact an advocate. By working with an advocate, victims can receive emotional support; learn more about their rights and how they can access additional support services. All of which can reduce the long-term impact of the victimization. You are not alone. The Victim Services Program can help.

Victim and Witness Rights

• The right to request charges be pressed against your assailant;
• To receive written notification of how to access victim rights information from the interviewing officer or investigating detective;
• To receive protection from harm and threats of harm arising out of the cooperation with law enforcement and prosecution efforts, and to be provided with information as to the level of protection available and how to access protection;
• The right to be informed of financial assistance and other social services available as a result of being a victim;
• To be notified that a court proceeding to which a victim or witness has been subpoenaed will or will not go on as scheduled;
• To have any stolen or other personal property expeditiously returned by law enforcement agencies when no longer needed as evidence.

For a complete list of your rights, please go to ok.gov/dac or call the District Attorney’s Council at 405-264-5006.