Victims of Crime

Victims of crime have rights that are guaranteed by Washington State Law.  Assisting victims in understanding and exercising these rights is a priority during the juvenile court process.  In addition to feeling victimized as a result of criminal activity, individuals, their families and communities can also feel victimized by the legal system.   For this reason, Juvenile Rehabilitation (JR) works to ensure that victims of crimes perpetrated by JR youth are treated with fairness and compassion throughout the various stages of the criminal justice process. 

In support of RCW, 7.69.030, JR strives to:

  • Uphold the rights of crime victims to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity
  • Work to ensure that victims are heard and properly informed as outlined by State law
  • Promote the safety and restoration of victims and communities to the degree possible.

The Victim/witness Notification Program is designed to assist victims and witnesses of sexual assault or violent crimes in tracking the location of the person who victimized them.  The program is confidential. 

JR Policy 2.20 establishes a plan for youth payment of legal financial obligation (LFO) including court ordered restitution, fees and claims for damages by Juvenile Rehabilitation.  Restitution repayment plans are created collaboratively with JR staff and youth.  Restitution payments are made directly to the committing court. For more information about restitution, please contact the court of commitment.   

Are you the victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or other crime?  Use this Crime Victim Resource Guide to locate services in your County.

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries can provide assistance to crime victims.  Including information about who can file and what is covered, applying for crime victim

Crime Prevention Resources

Bullying

There is a national initiative to Stop Bullying that provides information about recognizing warning signs, getting help, suggestions for prevention, knowing the risk factors, and other helpful information for victims. 

Drunk Driving

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) provides resources and support for families and victims to address underage drinking. For more specific help, call 877.ASK.MADD (877.275.6233). 

Domestic & Sexual Violence

The Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence information on understanding the cycle of domestic violence. It also links families to the nearest local certified domestic violence center as well as other resources. You can also call their hotline at 1-800-500-1119.

The Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs provides a resource guide for victims of sexual abuse. Find information on counseling services, support groups, victims’ rights, restitution, and a variety of other resources available throughout the state.

Find information on Washington’s offender laws, registration requirements, offender searches, public safety, and victim information at the Office of Crime Victim Advocacy- WA State Department of Commerce

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a form of “modern-day slavery” where people profit from the control and exploitation of others. Victims of human trafficking include children involved in the sex trade (prostitution), adults age 18 and older who are coerced or deceived into commercial sex acts, and anyone forced into different forms of "labor or services," such as domestic workers held in a home or farm-workers forced to labor against their will.

To learn how recognize and report suspicions, visit Washington State Department of Health website

National Grief Support and Advocacy

  • The National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children (POMC) offers assistance and links to many resources for families and friends who have lost their loved ones to violence. The toll-free number for POMC is  888-818-POMC (888-818-7662).
  • Compassionate Friends offers assistance to families and friends who have experienced the loss of a child by connecting them with local resources that providing support, understanding and healing. Call toll-free: 1-877-969-0010.
  • The National Center for Victims of Crime is one of the leading resource and advocacy organizations for helping crime victims rebuild their lives.