Victim Assistance
UPDATED: February 17, 2010
 Victim Rights |
 Heather Hicks Victim-Witness Coordinator |
 Victim FAQs |
 Victim Compensation |
 Resources & Links |
 Victim-Witness Unit is (517) 543-4835 |
| The Eaton County Victim-Witness Assistance Service is a liaison between crime victims and witnesses, and the criminal justice system. |
- Crime in Eaton County touches all of us. When one person is victimized, we all --- as a community --- suffer. If you are not personally a victim of crime, then you know a relative, friend or neighbor who is. Being a victim of, or a witness to, crime can be a frightening experience. You often feel violated by the intrusion into your life and are left with feelings of anger and pain.
Victims and witnesses naturally look to the criminal justice system for vindication and justice, but all too often find a court system which appears to be dedicated to protecting the very people who have caused their anger and pain. While the criminal justice system is designed to protect, support and serve our communities, most citizens do not learn about it until after they become victims of crime --- the worst possible time to try to understand the complex roles and responsibilities of each of the "players" in the system. However, no criminal can be successfully prosecuted without the valuable assistance of victims and witnesses.
As a result of aggressive advocacy, crime victims have recently gained many rights. The web pages linked above will help you to learn about those rights, inform you about Michigan's Victim Compensation Fund, answer many questions concerning crime victims, and advise you of local, state-wide and national crime victim resources.
We have also created a Victim-Witness Assistance Program to help victims and witnesses ... to answer questions ... to keep you informed ... to provide referrals to counseling and support groups ... and to provide personal assistance when possible.
I encourage you to contact our Victim-Witness Coordinator, Heather Hicks, if you have any questions. We are here to serve you.
Jeffrey L. Sauter
Eaton County Prosecuting Attorney
Crime Victim & Crime Prevention
Program Calendar
How We Can Help
The Eaton County Victim-Witness Program was created to assist victims and witnesses of crime during their involvement with the criminal justice system. We provide the following services upon request:
- status information on cases
- referrals for counseling, support groups and emergency services (food, shelter and clothing)
- crime victim compensation information
- victim impact statements
- restitution information and assistance
- help with the return of personal property
- accompanying a victim to court
- employer intervention
- orientation to the courtroom setting and information on how the court works
- privacy prior to appearing in court
- informing the community about victim's rights
Our office is located on the second floor of the Eaton County Courthouse, 1045 Independence Blvd., Charlotte, MI 48813. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
As a crime victim, you may need information. We encourage you to call with any questions or concerns, and let us assist you. Call Heather Hicks, our Victim-Witness Coordinator at (517) 543-4835, or call a victim assistance agency.
URL: http://www.eatoncounty.org/Departments/ProsecutingAttorney/Victim.htm
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