EMPOWERING VICTIMS,
SEEKING JUSTICE

OUR VISION FOR THE CENTER

The Justice Center envisions a community of victims and service providers working together in a safe environment that is free from coercion and fear. It is a warm and welcoming place where victims can come for education, opportunity, and comprehensive and integrated services in the pursuit of justice, hope and healing.

New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS) offers a range of services, including but not limited to:

  • The Grants Unit at OVS manages the distribution of Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim and Witness Assistance funds through a competitive process to organizations throughout the State that serve crime victims. OVS began supporting community-based organizations in 1981 by funding 23 programs. Currently, over 200 contracts with Victim Assistance Programs are administered and processed by OVS across all 62 counties. This Unit collaborates with other criminal justice agencies in the State on initiatives and service priorities for victims and witnesses, while also serving as a liaison between the agency and various crime victim coalitions, federal authorities, the public, and other interested parties.

  • OVS has been supporting victims of crime and their families since its inception by reimbursing them for crime-related expenses such as medical and funeral expenses, counseling costs, loss of earnings or support, crime scene clean-up expenses, reasonable court transportation expenses, the cost to repair or replace essential personal items, assistance to crime victims acting as a good Samaritan, and the cost of using domestic violence shelter services. Limited attorney fees may also be covered.

    The Justice Center provides support and guidance with filing a claim.

  • One of OVS's core functions is to educate and engage with victims and victim service providers on sensitive issues affecting the victim community. It provides regular training and technical assistance to the network of victim service providers it funds throughout New York State as part of its commitment to promoting awareness and education. The agency conducts research, organizes relevant professional development programs, and convenes trainings and conferences to equip victim assistance programs with the knowledge and expertise they need to serve innocent victims of crime. This continuous support strengthens the capacity of the programs and is key to improving the quality of victim services.

  • Under the New York State Law, OVS offers direct compensation to providers of sexual assault forensic health care examination services. This initiative ensures that sexual assault victims receive confidential medical assistance, while also providing compensation to health care providers in cases where the victim may be unable or unwilling to use their private health insurance for forensic examinations. This program guarantees that victims receive the best possible care and protection, regardless of financial or personal circumstances.

The Center offers several services, including but not limited to:

Our on site partners include The Schuyler County District Attorney’s Office, local law enforcement, Arbor Development, Pathways Inc., Catholic Charities – First Step Victim Services, Survivor Support Services (formerly known as The Sexual Assault Resource Center).  Our off site partners include Schuyler County Department of Social Services, FLACRA, Schuyler County Probation Department.

LEARN MORE

"Justice for victims of crimes is not some abstract legal concept, it is made up of real people seeking validation, healing, and restitution for the harms they have suffered. As a society, it is our responsibility to ensure that justice is accessible to all victims, regardless of their race, gender, or socioeconomic status."
– Kamala Harris

WHAT IS VICTIM ADVOCACY?

Three colored speech bubbles with definitions: green bubble says 'A victim is a person who experiences trauma and exhibits a normal response to an abnormal event.' red bubble says 'A Victim Advocate assists victims to aid in their recovery from a traumatic event such as a violent crime.' purple bubble says 'Advocacy is to be in support of something.'

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

As a victim of crime you have a number of rights within the criminal justice system. 

You have the right to ask for crime victim compensation.

  • • The repair or replacement of essential personal property

    • Loss of earnings or support

    • Medical bills

    • Mental Health counseling

    • Crime scene clean - up

    • Funeral bills

    YOU MAY ALSO RECEIVE COMPENSATIONS FOR YOUR LOSSES THROUGH:

    • Insurance, Veteran’s or Social Security benefits,

    • Worker’s Compensation

    • Filing a civil lawsuit

  • You have the right to know when the offender -

    • is arrested

    • first appears before a judge

    • enters a guilty plea

    • the date of trial

    • the date of sentencing

    • the possible sentence

  • • You have the right to attend court. In certain cases, you may have the ability to speak at sentencing.

    • You have the right to speak to the District Attorney about the case and possible outcomes.

    • You have the right to ask for help with letting your employers know that you need time off of work due to the criminal case.

  • • Victims of crime have the right to be protected from threats. Physical injury and/or other forms of intimidation. Orders of Protection can be issued by the Court to direct the offender to stay away.

  • • This statement allows you to share your feelings about the crime, how it has affected you and your family and if the offender owes restitution to you. This statement is done prior to sentencing.

    • A second Victim Impact Statement can be done at the time of the defendant being eligible for parole.

  • New York State Victim Information and Notification Everyday, VINE, ( LINK TO VINE) can provide crime victims with information by phone, email, or text, about the status of the criminal offender. You can also be notified by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

  • • Restitution is payment for losses from injuries and damages that you suffered as a result of the crime. The person who committed the crime against you pays you restitution as part of their criminal sentence.

    • To seek restitution, please reach out to our Victim Services Coordinator.