Victim Services

IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF A CRIME

It may be difficult for you to reach out for help, but by contacting our agency for victim services you will find that our victim coordinator can offer you information, support, and access to helpful services that you may not know about. Many victims are relieved to know our agency strives to make sure victims are helped and receive the tools they need to recover from the impact of their crime.

You have the right to receive information about support services. You have the right to contact judicial officials about the defendant's bond and court case. When a defendant is arrested, he or she will be brought before a magistrate or a judge and at that time, a bond and a court date will be set. You may speak to the judicial officials about bond and release conditions.

THE VICTIM SERVICES COORDINATOR CAN ASSIST WITH THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF CRIMES TO INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

Surviving family members of homicide victims
Sexual Assault/Statutory Rape
Child Abuse
Domestic Violence
Stalking
Human Trafficking
Felony Assault
Identity Fraud

PROTECTIVE ORDERS

North Carolina Statute 50B is very specific about who is eligible for a protective order. It is important to understand that this is a civil court action you must pursue on your own. Although civil, it is a Judge's order and violation of it may result in criminal charges and possibly a jail sentence. The process for filing a protective order is complicated and advocacy groups are available to help you understand the process, i.e.; The Sheriff's Victims Coordinator

The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) is committed to serving the citizens of Forsyth County, especially those citizens who are victims or witnesses of crime as well as other survivor-victims. Victimization is a traumatic event that can result in many problems for survivor-victims and their families as a result of direct physical and/or emotional injury. Senate Bill 682, implement Crime Victim Rights Amendment, known as Marsy's Law. This bill enacts into law additional statutory protections for victims of certain crimes, and expanded the rights of victims of certain crimes.

WHAT IS A VICTIM SERVICES COORDINATOR?

Victim Services Coordinator plays a significant role in improving the treatment of victims within the criminal justice system. A Victim Services Coordinator is a professional who represents the rights and interests of crime victims. He or she informs victims of their rights, answers the victim's questions, and serve as a liaison between the victim and the deputies investigating their case. The Victim Services Coordinator helps victims cope with the consequences of the crime.

HOW COORDINATORS WORK WITH VICTIMS

It is the responsibility of the Victim Services Coordinator to ensure that all victims know the rights that the North Carolina Constitution guarantees. As part of our agency's core values (Transparency, Integrity, Compassion, Trust, Empathy), you shall be treated in a professional, courteous, and compassionate manner and in accordance with the North Carolina State Constitution, Victims' Rights Laws of the State of North Carolina, and agency guidelines.

The Victim Services Coordinator can offer victims information about different options and services available to them. The coordinator provides assistance and guidance to victims so that they can make informed decisions for themselves during very stressful times. The Victim Services Coordinator maintains the highest level of confidentiality possible. The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Victim Coordinator is certified through the North Carolina Victim Service Practitioner Academy.

THE ROLE OF THE VICTIM COORDINATOR

Provide information on victimization
Provide information on crime prevention
Provide information on victims' legal rights and protections
Provide information on the criminal justice system
Provide information on safety planning
Assist victims in finding shelter and transportation
Provide referrals for services/resources the victim may need
Provide case status updates
Crisis intervention

The Victim Services Coordinator takes practical and legal avenues to support the victims of crime as they process their experiences and return to normal life. Our agency's core values ensure that you shall be treated with professionalism, dignity, and respect.

FCSO VICTIM SERVICES COORDINATOR
MICHAEL F. WEAKS
EMAIL weaksmf@fcso.us
OFFICE 336.917.7167