Victims of crime have rights, including the right to:

• Help getting emergency medical care.
• Be notified about arrest and court proceeding. Arraignment may occur the day after arrest. Contact the clerk of court to check on status, court data and location.
• Receive information on conviction, sentencing, imprisonment and release of the offender.
• Reasonable protection from the accused.
• Protection from employer harassment when under subpoena as a witness.
• Timely disposition of the case after arrest of the accused.
• Return of property the police took for investigating the crime.
• Get information on services and agencies which help victims.
• Be treated with fairness and respect.
• Apply for financial assistance.

Family violence victims:

• Violence includes threats of violence.
• The police officer is responsible for deciding whether or not to make an arrest.
• Victims can file a complaint with the police, and ask them to arrest the offender.
• The person arrested for a family violence crime must go to court the next day court is open. At that time, the victim can request a protective order.
• Courts have Family Violence Victim Advocates to give victims services and support. Courts also have Family Violence Intervention Units which evaluate cases and serve both victims and offenders.
• Victims can contact the clerk of the court to learn when the offender is scheduled to be in court. The Family Violence or Family Relations staff can tell victims which court hearings are important to attend.
• Victims can get a court order to stop further physical injury or harassment. Contact: the clerk of civil court, a family violence advocate or a lawyer.

Victim Service Organizations and Crisis Services - 24 Hour Hotlines

Domestic violence advocates, emergency shelter, counseling and other services.

Office of Victim Services

1-800-822-8428

E-mail

The Office of Victim Services, a division of the State of Connecticut's Judicial Branch, responds to the needs of victims through information, referral, and direct assistance. Listed below are OVS program directs to aid you in making appropriate referrals.

Victim Assistance Programs

  Crime Victim Compensation

Provides monetary reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages resulting from violent crime injuries.

  Victim Advocate Program

Offers court-based assistance of physical injury to crime victims of physical injury and their families.

  Victim Rights Information Clearinghouse.

Responds with information, resources and referrals to callers with crime or victim related inquiries.

  Victim Notification Clearinghouse.

Informs victims and their families of inmate releases, discharges, and requests for sentence modifications.

  Outreach Services for Families of Homicide Victims

Relays information and direct service referrals to the surviving family members and friends of homicide victims.

  Victim Assistance Grants.

Provides funds to community agencies to serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, drunken driving and homicide.

  Training and Technical Assistance.

Provides, supports, and participates in leadership and collaborative efforts with state and municipal agencies, victim services coalitions and independent victim groups.

Office of the Victim Advocate

1-888-771-3126 / 860-550-6632

 A Guide for Victims of Crime

The Office of the Victim Advocate is an independent state agency whose charge it is to assist crime victims when their rights have been violated. The OVA can file a limited appearance to advocate for a crime victim when their rights have been violated, make a factual inquiry into the victims' case and conduct an investigation. The OVA is a separate and distinct agency from the OVS. (Information has been provided by the Connecticut Judicial Branch Office of Victim Services and the Office of the Victim Advocate.)

Rights To Confidentiality

You have the right to have any statements you make to a sexual assault counselor or a battered women's counselor at a rape crisis center or a battered women's center remain confidential and not be admitted as evidence in court. You may choose to waive this right. (§52-146k)

You have the right in the prosecution of a sexual assault case, to expect that your present or prior sexual conduct will not be brought into evidence during the trial unless the court, after a hearing, determines that is relevant and material to the criminal trial. You may wish to speak with the prosecutor trying the case concerning this issue. (§54-86f)

You have the right in the prosecution of a sexual assault case, injury or risk of injury to a child, or impairing the morals of a child, not to have your address or telephone number disclosed in the courtroom during any proceeding. (§54-86d) Also, you have the right to have your name and address in the court records remain confidential from non-involved persons (the defendant will have access to this information through his/her attorney), and released only by an order of the court. (§54-86e)