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Domestic Violence Alert

Safety Alert! Your computer use or use of another electronic device and your search history could be monitored by someone else. If you are afraid that your internet and/or device use might be monitored, please use a safer device, like a computer at a library or self-help center, and/or contact a domestic violence organization for help. To learn more about online safety, visit Security Planner.

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I Am a Victim of Crime

This toolkit tells you about resources available to you and your rights if you have been abused, neglected, or exploited. For general information, read the Articles on this page. Review the Common Questions if you have a specific question. The links under Court Information tell you about the court that will handle your case.

You'll find links to legal aid offices and lawyer referral services under Find A Lawyer. If there is a Self-Help Center in your area you can get more help there. If you need something other than legal help, look in Community Services. If you need a fee waiver, an interpreter, a court to accommodate your disability, or more information about going to court, visit Going to Court.

Common Questions

Who is a victim of a crime?

A victim is someone who suffers a direct or threatened physical, financial, or emotional harm after a crime. A person is considered a victim even though the person alleged to have committed a crime against them has not been convicted. If a victim is physically or emotionally unable to exercise their rights, they can appoint a close family member to act in their place. Close family members can include the victim’s spouse, parent, adult child, or adult sibling. If the victim appoints someone, they need to tell the prosecutor in the case. Even if the victim appoints someone, victim notices required by law can only be sent to the victim.

Some victims’ rights may not be available to someone who is also charged with a crime related to the one the defendant is charged with. The rights of victims who are in jail or prison are also different.

What rights do I have as a victim of a crime?

You have the following rights as they related to the criminal case:

  • The right to be informed
  • The right to be involved in the case
  • The right to privacy
  • The right to protection
  • The right to restitution and crime victim compensation
  • The right to file a civil case against the defendant in certain circumstances
  • The right to enforce these rights if they are violated

To learn more, read Your Rights as a Victim of a Crime.

 

What resources are available to victims of crime?

The Crime Victim Services Commission (CVSC) Compensation Program helps victims who sustained a personal physical injury with the financial costs of crime.

The Crime Victims Legal Assistance Project (CVLAP) is a statewide program with lawyers across Michigan. CVLAP provides free legal help to clients who have experienced domestic violence and to clients who are at least 55 years old and have experienced abuse, neglect, or exploitation. To learn more or to find a CVLAP lawyer in your area, visit the CVLAP website.

The Survivor Law Clinic of the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence (“MCEDSV”) helps survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The Clinic provides legal representation to victims to help them enforce their rights. They also provide educational materials, trainings, and technical support to help victims. You can find their contact information on their website.

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