Victim Support Sub-Committee

Victim Support

Hate crimes affect people in many ways. In some situations, it may mean the loss of loved ones. In other situations, it may mean the loss of the home, important or cherished belongings or a business or property. Sometimes recovery means starting over.

Hate crimes tend to result in greater personal and financial losses to a victim. The emotional effects and disruption of one's life may show up immediately or may appear many months later. Hate crime victims suffered more, and longer, from posttraumatic stress than do victims of similar but non-bias motivated crimes, according to a 1998 American Psychological Association study.

Hate crimes can also cause a victim to suffer in ways apart from the direct emotional, financial and physical harm of the crime itself. Often a victim will perceive a hate crime as falling into a larger context of wrongs. Hate crime victims are likely to feel isolated from the community and retreat into their group, the greater target of the crime's bias. This is why hate crimes affect a community in ways different from other crimes. Relationships with friends outside the group can become strained. When the group as a whole feels threatened, they may not venture out into the larger community. Thus, not only the victim suffers, so do those in the greater community.

Provided below are resources available to crime victims through various state and national providers. Victim-Witness Assistance Programs at county prosecutors’ offices are available through this link.

REPORT A HATE CRIME OR BIAS INCIDENT

If there is any immediate danger, emergency or threat of violence,

contact your local law enforcement agency immediately.

Please dial 9-1-1.

To send and email to Victim Support Sub-Committee email us VictimSupport@miaahc.org

State Resources

C.O.V.E. is a non-profit agency serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and women and children who are homeless. C.O.V.E., commonly known as The Women's Shelter, believes that no human being should ever be homeless, beaten or violated.

The goal of the Women's Shelter is to give women the resources needed to handle their individual situations. C.O.V.E. is part of a state and nationwide network of Shelters and support services for women, by women.

GET THE HELP YOU NEED!

2-1-1 Call Center Toll-free numbers 2008.doc

2-1-1 Call Center Toll-free numbers 2008.pdf

GIVE THE HELP YOU CAN!

The Michigan Advocate was created to provide information and resources to crime victim programs and advocates in Michigan and throughout the country. This publication strives to help professionals maintain comprehensive and quality services to victims of crime and to inform advocates of broader issues affecting crime victim services.

The Crime Victim Services Commission is the state agency charged with overseeing a wide range of funding and services for victims of crime.

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights investigates and resolves discrimination complaints and works to prevent discrimination through educational programs that promote voluntary compliance with civil rights laws.

The Clearinghouse is funded by the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and provides materials to promote healthier lifestyles for a healthier Michigan. Order victim support and violence prevention materials free of charge.

The Michigan Department of Corrections, Victim Services Division, provides information on a prisoner's status while incarcerated with the Michigan Department of Corrections and notification to Victims, Co-Victims, and other concerned citizens.

Crime Victim Notification Brochure

Crime Victim Notification Request Form

The Michigan Victim Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to the healing and protection of victims of violence, trauma, and abuse.

The Crime Victim Foundation was established in 1992 to provide a last resort safety net to assist victims of crime in Michigan. Its mission is to help victims meet those critical, life altering financial needs after all other methods of assistance have been exhausted.

The Crime Prevention Association of Michigan provides and promotes crime prevention, education, training, technical assistance and professional development to crime prevention practitioners to improve the quality of life in Michigan communities.

Central Michigan Crime Prevention Association

West Michigan Crime Prevention Association

An organization of translators, interpreters, agencies, and language professionals in Michigan, the Michigan Translators/Interpreters Network (MiTiN) was formed in 1991, and has over 130 members and represents over 34 languages.

National Resources

The National Center for Victims of Crime is proud to present the 2008 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Resource Guide, “Justice for Victims. Justice for All.,” a product of continued partnership with the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Dept. of Justice.

The Online Directory of Crime Victim Services, an OVC resource designed to help service providers and individuals locate nonemergency crime victim service agencies in the U.S.and abroad.

The National Center for Victims of Crime is the nation's leading resource and advocacy organization for crime victims.

If interested in receiving reimbursement for services provided to victims of human trafficking, please contact mrs@usccb.org

The United States Attorneys

Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan

The Department of Justice implemented a nation-wide Victim Notification System (VNS). This no cost service provides crime victims with letter and email notices as the case progresses through the criminal justice system.

For general information on the VNS System, click VNS Brochure to download. For additional information visit:

U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Michigan Victim-Witness Program

U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Michigan Victim and Witness Assistance Program.

MIAAHC.com News

MIchigan Alliance Against Hate Crimes