Victim's Assistance

Roanoke Police Department’s Victims’ Services Unit

 

A crime can have multiple and lasting impacts on an individual and their family, not only physically but emotionally, financially, legally, and relationally. These and other constraints may hinder people victimized by violence or crime in understanding and utilizing the criminal justice system, exercising their rights under the law, and accessing services necessary for recovery.

The Roanoke Police Victims' Services Unit is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate services to support victims, family members, and witnesses in the aftermath of a violent crime. Our goal is to reduce the short and long-term effects relating to the traumatic experience of victimization.

We work closely with victims and their families to provide the following:

  • Assistance in applying for and filing Crime Victims' Compensation (CVC) claims
  • Assistance in evidence return
  • Assistance in obtaining Permanent Protective Orders
  • Court accompaniment for Permanent Protective Order hearings and Grand Jury subpoenas
  • Criminal justice support and advocacy
  • Crisis intervention and counseling referrals
  • Notification of victim rights
  • Referral to appropriate social service agencies for financial and legal assistance
  • Safety planning, including referrals to family violence shelters
  • Assistance with the U-Visa program

Note: Assistance for those victimized by violence or crime is provided free of charge.

Victims Rights

Victims of crime in Texas are afforded certain rights under Texas law. These rights include, but are not limited to:

  • The right to protection
  • The right to information
  • The right to notification
  • The right to be heard
  • The right to participate in the criminal justice system
  • The right to seek financial remedies. These rights are guaranteed under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 56

Crime Victims Compensation

Crime Victims’ Compensation is a division of the Attorney General’s Office. The Crime Victims' Compensation (CVC) Program helps crime victims and their immediate families with the financial costs of crime. CVC covers crime-related costs such as counseling, medical treatment, funerals, and loss of income not paid by other sources.  

Learn more about crime victims' rights through the State of Texas Attorney General’s Office or the Texas Health and Human Services Department.

Protective Order

A Protective Order can deter violence and provide law enforcement and courts additional authority to intervene in family violence cases but it is not a shield that truly stops the next violent act from occurring. If you are in the process of a divorce, your private attorney must assist you in filing for a Protective Order. The Protective Order can supersede any other court orders currently in place. Law Enforcement can enforce a violation of this Order.

Tarrant County District Attorney Protective Order Unit 817-884-1623 or visit the Tarrant County Protective Order Questionnaire website.

Denton County District Attorney Protective Order Unit 940-349-2646 or visit the Denton County Protective Order Unit website.