Victim Services
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The mission of the Victim Assistance Centre, Inc. (VAC) is to provide comprehensive services to meet the emotional, physical, informational and financial needs of innocent victims of violent crimes through both direct and indirect services. Over 1,400 innocent victims of violent crimes are referred to VAC each year by local law enforcement, family and criminal courts, therapists, friends of victims and other agencies. We believe victims can move beyond their sense of helplessness if these needs are addressed. Emotional needs of victims are addressed through one-on-one crisis counseling, court accompaniment, legal advocacy, and free counseling provided by a licensed therapist in our office. Informational needs can be addressed by providing information on Texas Victim's Rights, the Criminal Justice System process and the Texas VINE Program. The VINE Program provides victims automated information on the status of a defendant, and notifies the victim of any changes in that status: court dates, incarceration/release dates, etc. VAC can help with addressing physical and financial needs by assisting victims file for Texas Crime Victim Compensation. The state program provides compensation for medical costs, loss of wages, loss of support, burial costs, counseling, etc. For victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, relocation costs may be paid. Special emergency needs can be met by providing transportation, crisis response, SAFE Family Programs for children and custodial parents at risk (supervised visitation and exchange of children for visits), and our 24-hour emergency hot line: 713-755-5625. If you or someone you know is a victim of violent crime, or is living in a potentially dangerous situation, call us, we can help! "It frightens me nobody seems to care about the innocent...nobody seems to go through the agony of the victim..." Agatha Christie |
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