Niagara County Sheriff's Department Victim Assistance Unit

The Victim Assistance Unit is a team of crime victim advocates that assists victims by making them aware of their rights and providing confidential access to available service providers.

Services are provided to victims of homicide, sexual assault, child abuse physical/sexual, domestic violence, burglary, larceny, robbery, arson, criminal mischief, elder abuse, DWI injury/fatal, harassment with injury.

We provide assistance in filing compensation claims with the NYS Crime Victims Board. Victims may be eligible for:

• Reimbursement for medical costs

• Loss of earnings

• Loss of essential personal property (Rx medicine, Rx eyeglasses, doors, windows, cash, clothing)

• Death benefits for homicide victims

• Counseling costs

• Assistance for child victims of crimes

A Crime Victim Advocate will accompany and transport, when necessary, victims or witnesses to and from court proceedings, as well as police and District Attorney's interviews.

Our unit functions as advocates for innocent victims of crime, including acting as a liaison with law enforcement and keeping the victim informed of court proceedings.

We provide referrals to other local agencies that can offer specific assistance, such as food, clothing, shelter and counseling.

Our unit has an ongoing public information program to inform citizens of the help available should they become the victim of a crime.

Advocates are on a 24 hour call schedule accessible through the Niagara County Sheriff's Department Radio Room. Advocates may be called to the hospital or scene of a crime to provide victims or their families with necessary assistance.

Niagara County Sheriff's Department
5526 Niagara Street Ext., P.O. Box 496
Lockport, New York 14095-0496
(716) 438-3393, Fax (716) 438-3302

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