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You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect by everyone in the criminal justice system. |
Crime Victim Services
Purpose
DRVT has specially trained staff able to help victims of a crime living with disabilities overcome unique barriers faced by people with disabilities.
Eligibility
Any person of any age or gender with a disability who is a victim of a crime.
Priorities
Disability Rights Vermont was recently awarded a VOCA (Victim of Crime Act) grant that allows us to provide expanded services similar to case management to victims with disabilities.
Our advocate is able to offer the following services:
- Assistance as non-mandated reporter/Attorney client privilege
- Identify victim’s concerns in person or by phone, identify disability related supports
- Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, domestic violence when appropriate to assist victim with identifying needs and services
- Collaborate with statewide victim services including the Network Against Domestic and Sexual Assault agencies, APS, police, etc.
- Provide training on disability rights information as needed.
- Assistance and sometimes representation with applying for Relief from Abuse Orders and maintaining defendant’s compliance
- Support around how to navigate the legal system (reporting to the police, communicating with the State’s Attorney’s Office, etc.)
- Provide support and collaboration with individual community supports (therapists, case managers, employment, etc.) to ensure victim is safe and receiving services that moves toward healing
- Assist with reporting to state agencies (APS, DA case manager, etc.) & following up on report status.
- Assist with maintaining employment (sometimes employers discriminate against victims)
- Provide long-term emotional and legal support as required
