Victim Support

Crime leaves us all at a loss. No one expects a family member, a close friend, or even themselves to become a victim of crime.

There is a period of shock and confusion that follows the criminal victimization of yourself or a loved one. These feelings are normal and common. It is important to give yourself time to understand and talk about what has happened. However, it is not always possible to do this alone. It may be useful to seek the services of those specially trained and experienced in helping victims reduce the emotional impact of crime.

The University Police Department’s Victim Support Program was established to provide victim support services to anyone who may become a victim of crime while on campus. The program maintains close working relationships with other local and state victim service providers.

NC Victims Rights

NC Victims Rights Statement

Guidelines for Fair Treatment of Victims in the Criminal Justice System

• Victims have a right to be treated with dignity and compassion.
• Victims have a right to be informed concerning the criminal justice process.
• Victims have a right to provide input into the criminal justice process, especially at such key points as plea bargaining, sentencing, and parole release hearings.
• Victims have a right to receive restitution.
• Victims have a right to due process in criminal court proceedings.
• Victims have a right to timely notice of judicial proceedings they are to attend and cancellations of any proceedings.

Services Provided by WFUPD Victim Support Program

• 24-hour support/outreach to victims of violent crime.
• Referral to community and University support services for counseling and other assistance.
• Victim support and accompaniment through criminal proceedings (testimony, deposition, trial, sentencing, injunction, hearings, etc.).
• Community education, consultation, and speaking engagements.

All services are free, and most are confidential, and they are available to all university students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the University campus.