Victim Services Program

 

Welcome to the Victim Services Program of the Little Rock Police Department.  Our mission is to provide nonjudgmental, informational, and practical support to all victims and survivors of violent crime in the City of Little Rock.  We strive, through the pursuit of this mission, to promote safety, healing, justice, and rights for victim sand survivors.

 

Crime Victims Rights in Arkansas

Arkansas law (Act 873 and Arkansas Victim Rights Act 1262) provides certain protections to victims. For a complete list of these laws, visit:  http://acic.org/citizens/Pages/victimsInfo.aspx#victimRights  

You MUST request these rights 

• The right to be present at any proceedings where the defendant has the right to be present, unless the court determines that the victim’s presence will jeopardize the defendant’s right to a fair trial.
• The right to not be discharged or disciplined by an employer for participating in the criminal justice process.
• The right to be informed of the availability of victim services and victim compensation.
• The right to be notified of critical events in the criminal justice system.
• The right to be notified of any pre-trial or post-trial release of the defendant.
• The right to be provided with information concerning a defendant’s appeals or post-conviction remedies.
• The right to submit a victim impact statement during sentencing proceedings and parole hearings in either written or oral format.  This statement can include information about the effects of the crime on the victim, the circumstances surrounding the crime, or the manner in which the crime was perpetrated.
• The right to not be compelled to disclose your residential address or place of employment when testifying, unless the court determines it is necessary.
• The right to not have your identity, if a victim of a sexual crime, disclosed by law enforcement, except under certain conditions.
• The right to have your address and phone number exempt from the Freedom of Information Act.

To ensure your rights are afforded to you, you should:

• Designate yourself or a family representative from the victim’s family to be the party receiving information about the related criminal matter.
• Keep the proper authorities informed of the current name, address, and phone number of the victim or the victim's representative.

 

Victim services program - staff

Victim Services Program staff can be reached at the Victim Help Line by calling 501-918-HELP (4357) during our regular office hours.

Victim Services Program staff is located at LRPD 12^th Street Station, 3917 West 12^th Street, Little Rock, AR 72204. Additionally, there are victim services specialist located at our Northwest Substation, 10,001 Kanis Road, Little Rock, AR 72205 and our Southwest Substation, 6401 Baseline Road, Little Rock, AR 72209.

Hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Kandi Hause Program Coordinator  khause@littlerock.gov  501-244-5482	Virginia Lee Volunteer Coordinator  vlee@littlerock.gov 501-404-3173	Antoine Lewis Victim Services Specialist  Disabilities/Homeless/Veterans  aalewis@littlerock.gov  501-404-3045
Jenny Smith Victim Services Specialist  LGBTQIA+ and Elderly jrsmith@littlerock.gov 501-404-3043	Kelly Shackelford Victim Services Specialist kshackelford@littlerock.gov 501-404-3057	Alex Pennington Victim Services Specialist  Domestic Violence apennington@littlerock.gov 501-918-4357
Amber McCoy Victim Services Specialist Overdose Deaths/Suicide/DWI/DUI amccoy@littlerock.gov 501-404-3133	Laura Lyles Victim Services Specialist  Limited English Proficiency/Bi-Lingual llyles@littlerock.gov 501-404-3137 *Locate 12th Substation

What we do

Little Rock Police Department Victim Services Program provides services to all victims of violent crime in the City of Little Rock and/or their families/survivors.  They provide information, referrals, resources, and support.  These services are provided free of charge by the civilian Victim Services staff.

Victim Services Program

The essential services provided by the Little Rock Police Department (LRPD) Victim Services Program (VSP) are unique to each situation and individual.  The primary focus is to address the immediate health and safety needs of the victim.  VSP Specialists attempt to contact victims within 72 hours after a crime has been committed and will thoroughly assess their needs to provide the appropriate services.  These services may include, but are not limited to:

• Advocacy and Support
• Crisis Intervention
• Accompany/respond to hospital
• Safety planning
• Personal advocacy
• Property return assistance
• Appropriate counseling referral
• Assistance filing for state compensation
• Criminal Justice information and support
• Assistance registering for Victim Information Notification Every Day (VINE)
• Information and referral
• Bi-lingual advocate services

Recovery after being the victim of a crime takes both time and the support of others.  The VSP is here to help.  Victims may experience an array of feelings and reactions that are normal and important to the healing process.  During many of these traumatic situations the added confusion of dealing with an unfamiliar criminal justice system is introduced.  The VSP helps to provide a foundation for victims and their families by offering information and support.  We can provide emotional support and practical assistance to crime victims, witnesses, and their family members.

IF YOU ARE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, PLEASE CALL 9-1-1!

24 Hour Crisis Lines

Domestic Violence---------------------------1-800-332-4443

Child Abuse------------------------------------1-800-482-5964

Rape Crisis Program-------------------------1-800-643-5748

Adult Abuse-----------------------------------1-800-482-8049

Human Trafficking---------------------------1-800-373-7888

As a victim of violent crime, there are some programs that may be able to assist you:  

The Crime Victims Reparations Fund administered by the Arkansas Department of Public Safety may help victims pay for medical expenses, work loss due to medical injuries resulting from the criminal incident, counseling, and funeral costs.  You may qualify for the Crime Victims’ Reparations Program if you do not have a violent felony on your record, and you are cooperating with law enforcement. To apply for benefits from this program the VSP can assist you or you can visit their website at https://www.dps.arkansas.gov/crime-info-support/crime-victims-reparations-board/. 

The Arkansas VINE Program is a free, automated hotline that provides crime victims with vital information and notification, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  This service will allow you to obtain inmate information, and will also allow you to register for notification of inmate release and court dates of cases that have been filed in Circuit Court.  

To register for the VINE Program, call 1-800-510-0415 or visit www.vinelink.com.

Advocacy

The Victim Services Program (VSP) provides advocacy to victims of violent crime.  VSP Specialists are connected to victims via law enforcement, criminal and civil justice systems, community organizations, and self-referrals.  Although many times a report has been filed, it is not required to access VSP services.  

The following is a list of crimes VSP may respond to including additional information and community resources:

• Domestic Violence and Related Offenses
• Sexual Violence/Assault, Abuse
• Child Abuse/Neglect/Exploitation
• Elder Abuse/Neglect/Exploitation
• DUI causing injury or death
• Stalking/Harassment
• Homicide
• Hate Crimes
• Other crimes determined by assessment

Homicide

The grief of losing a loved one to homicide is different than any other grief.  It is an unexpected death, committed at the hands of another person.  Coping with violent death is always difficult.  The Victim Services Program has an informational booklet that provides specific information to assist victims with this traumatic event.  Please contact The Victim Services Program at (501) 918-HELP to obtain this information, and speak with an advocate to assist you with your specific needs and questions.  The Arkansas Crime Victims’ Reparations fund can assist with some expenses, including burial, mental health treatment and medical expenses for the immediate family or witnesses, as well as expenses related to crime scene clean-up.  The VINE program (1-800-510-0415/www.vinelink.com) can assist you with receiving information regarding the suspect’s custody status once an arrest is made.  It can also provide information regarding the criminal case.

Domestic Violence Crimes

Definition: Domestic violence generally is defined as a violent crime committed in the context of an intimate relationship.  It is a crime involving the use of power, coercion, and violence to control another. 

Domestic violence is different from other random crimes because a perpetrator and victim are not strangers.  Instead they are intimate partners, family members, or parents of common children.  This relationship; therefore, binds a victim to his or her perpetrator.  For example, the victim may rely on the perpetrator for economic support or child support.  Ongoing domestic violence is characterized by a pattern of escalating abuse in which one partner in the relationship controls the other through force, deprivation, and/or the threat of deprivation or violence.

Resources:

• Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ACADA) (501) 907-5612 Hotline: (800) 269-4668 1401 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 170 Little Rock, AR 72201  www.domesticpeace.com
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or (800) 787-3224 (TTY) 
• Women & Children First (501) 376-3219 (local) / (800)-332-4443 (toll-free hotline)
• The Center for Healing Hearts and Spirits (501) 372-3800

Shelters:

• Women & Children First:    ⁽501) 376-3219 (local) /1-800-332-4443 (toll-free hotline)
• Dorcas House (women):  (501) 374-4022
• Our House:  (501) 374-7383
• ABBA House (unwed mothers): (501)-666-9718
• Union Rescue Mission (men): (501) 376-8470
• Salvation Army: (501) 374-9296

Links to domestic violence assistance:

Domestic Violence: A Practical Guide for Navigating the Legal System in Arkansas

http://tinyurl.com/navigateabuse

Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence

https://www.domesticpeace.com

Women and Children First

http://www.wcfarkansas.org/

Orders of Protection:

An Order of Protection can prohibit the abuser from having further contact with you and other persons protected by the Order of Protection. Even if you choose not to file criminal charges or a police report, you can still petition the Circuit Court for an Order of Protection.    

An Order of Protection can:

• Keep the abuser away from you at your residence, place of employment, church children’s schools, or any other address where you want protection. 
• Make your abuser move out of the house if you are living together. 
• Decide who will have temporary custody of your children and set up a temporary visitation schedule. 
• Order your abuser to pay temporary support for your children and/or yourself. 
• Stop the abuser from contacting you except in specific instances that court allows 
• Order the abuser to stop from harming, harassing, or molesting you 

Once the Order of Protection has been served on the abuser, it goes into effect.  If your abuser violates the Order, you can report it to the police and the abuser can be arrested.

How to Apply for an Order of Protection

You can contact VSP at (501) 918-HELP/ (501) 918-4357 for assistance with completing the Order of Protection paperwork and filing.  Or, you can go to the Circuit Clerk’s office at the county courthouse in the county where: 

• You currently live; 
• The abuser currently lives; 
• The abuse happened; or 
• The domestic abuse shelter you are staying at. 

Tell the court clerk you want to apply for an Order of Protection. The clerk will give you a form to complete, called a petition. Fill the petition out as best you can. Victim Assistance Programs and domestic violence shelters have people that can help you complete a petition located in the courthouse.  You do not need a lawyer to file the petition for an Order of Protection. 

*Be sure to have a picture ID to provide to the clerk.

Helpful Numbers and links for additional information:

Arkansas Legal Services Partnership - https://www.arlawhelp.org/

Arkansas Judiciary, Administrative Office of the Courts - https://www.arcourts.gov/public

Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence - https://www.domesticpeace.com/

UALR Law Clinic - (501) 324-9441

Tips for Surviving Domestic Violence:

• If an argument is unavoidable, try to stay close to an exit and avoid rooms with a lot of possible weapons, such as kitchens.
• Notify someone close to you of the situation and keep a bag ready at their home.
• Advise a neighbor of the situation and ask them to call police if they hear a disturbance.
• Give friends and family a code word to call police.
• Use your “gut instinct” and consider giving the abuser what they want until you can get away from the situation safely.

For more information:  If you need further assistance in filing criminal charges or obtaining an Order of Protection, please contact the LRPD Victim Services Program at (501) 918-HELP.

Sexual Violence/Assault/Abuse

Definition: A statutory offense that provides that it is a crime to knowingly cause another person to engage in an unwanted sexual act by force or threat.

Resources:

• Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault  - (501) 246-3276 1-866-63-ACASA (22272) 201 East Markham, Suite 50. Little Rock, AR   www.acasa.us
• Statewide Sexual Assault Crisis Response Hotline -  1-800-977-5776
• Rape Crisis Program (Center for Healing Hearts and Spirits) -  1-855-6-HELP-4-U/1-855-643-5748 2416 South Chester St. Little Rock, AR 72206 www.hhscenter.org
• Women and Children First Courage to Heal Support Group -  1-800-332-4443

COPING WITH A SEXUAL ASSAULT

If you or someone you know was recently a victim of a sexual assault or rape the experience of such trauma has a huge impact on a person’s life.  You may experience a whirlwind of emotions that are very confusing.  Knowing what happened is not your fault, is the first step in recovery.  While nothing can take away the pain, knowing what to expect emotionally and physically can be helpful in the healing process.  However, if you continue to experience these reactions over time, you may want to seek mental health counseling.

PHYSICAL REACTIONS

• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Pain from injuries
• Loss of appetite
• Headaches
• Insomnia- unable to sleep
• Exaggerated Startle Response- always being on guard
• Loss of interest in sex or sexual dysfunction

EMOTIONAL REACTIONS

• Shock and denial
• Irritability and/or anger
• Depression
• Withdrawal socially
• Numbing
• Loss of caring
• Inability to express emotions
• Nightmares or flashbacks
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Loss of self-esteem
• Guilt/shame

If you experience any of the following, please seek help immediately.

• Thinking or suicide or thoughts of death
• Substance or alcohol abuse
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder-, which can include severe nightmares and flashbacks, continued social withdrawal, and hypervigilance.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

There is no foolproof plan to avoid becoming a victim of a violent crime.  But as a former victim, you may experience extreme fear that you will become a victim again.  Knowing some safety precautions will hopefully help restore some sense of security.

AT HOME

• Keep windows and doors in your home locked at all time.
• Keep entrances well lit.
• Install a peephole.
• Check identification of any repair or sales person before letting them in.
• Don’t let a stranger inside when you are home alone.
• If you live alone, use your last name and first initials for telephone directories and mailboxes.
• Get to know your neighbors.  You can look out for each other.
• If you come home and find a door or window open, do not go in.  Go to the nearest phone and call 911.

WHEN WALKING

• Avoid places that are not well lit such as alleys.
• Walk at a steady, confident pace and carry something that can be used in self-defense such as keys or a pen.
• Be careful when people stop you for directions.  Reply from a distance and keep walking.
• If you are in trouble, scream and do anything you can to attract attention.

WHEN DRIVING

• Keep your car well maintained so you don’t end up stranded in an isolated area.  If it does happen, always have a flashlight in the car.
• Park in well-lit areas where you can be seen and lock all car doors.
• Have keys ready and check the backseat when you return to your car.
• Keep all doors locked when driving.
• If you have a flat, drive slowly until you can reach a well-lit area.
• If you see another driver needing help, don’t stop.  Help them by going to the nearest phone and calling for police assistance.

If you are being followed, do not go home.  Go to the nearest police station or even a well-lit store and honk your horn, if you cannot get out safely.  Try to get a license plate number and car description.

Child Abuse/Neglect/Exploitation

Resources:

• Arkansas Child Protective Services (501) 682-2119 700 Main St. Little Rock, AR

www.humanservices.arkansas.gov

• Arkansas Child Abuse Prevention (501) 664-2227 415 N. McKinley St. Little Rock, AR 
• Children’s Protection Center , 1210 Wolfe Street, Little Rock, AR (501)364-5490, www.childrensprotectioncenter.org 
• Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse (501) 661-7975 4301 W. Markham St. Little Rock, AR www.accardv.uams.edu
• 1-844-SAVE-A-CHILD.  http://asp.arkansas.gov/divisions/crimes-against-children/

Elder Abuse/Neglect/Exploitation

Definition: Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation is generally defined as any knowing, intentional, or negligent act causing harm or risk of harm to a person 60 years of age or older.  Losses associated with abuse can be devastating to an individual and include the loss of independence, shelter, monetary savings, health, dignity, and security.

Elderly persons may be abused in a variety of ways, including physically and emotionally.  Physical abuse is non-accidental use of force against a person that results in physical pain, injury, or impairment.  Such abuse includes not only physical assaults, such as hitting or shoving, but also the inappropriate use of drugs, restraints, or confinement.  Emotional abuse includes infliction of mental or emotional anguish or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts.

Neglect of an elderly person is the refusal or failure by a caregiver to provide food, shelter, healthcare, and/or protection.  This may include the abandonment and desertion by someone who has taken the responsibility to care for that person.

Exploitation often consists of illegal and unauthorized taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets.

Warning signs: Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation symptoms may be hard to recognize, and it is important not to dismiss the warning signs.  Some physical indications that an individual may have been abused include:  unexplained fractures, bruises, welts, or burns.  Emotional symptoms may include:  fear, depression, change in appetite, and a reduction in personal hygiene.

DUI Causing Injury or Death 

Definition: Drunk or drugged driving is a crime which can affect a victim physically, emotionally and financially. This crime can affect not only the victim with possible trauma and /or disfigurement, but also victim’s family members in the case of death and the loss of a loved one.

These victims of drunk driving crashes are not hurt accidently, rather it is a result of two choices made by the offender:

• To use alcohol and/or other drugs and
• To get behind the wheel.

Resources:

The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking.

• MADD aRKANSAS sTATE, MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING, 10515 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205, (501) 376-6100,  https://www.madd.org/

The 6th Judicial District Drug Task Force, located in Little Rock, Arkansas is a law enforcement agency that has been granted specific police powers in Pulaski County.

• 6th Judicial District Drug Task Force in Little Rock, Arkansas,  122 Broadway Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72201,   501-340-8000

DUI/DWI Information Department of Finance and Administration

When an individual is stopped or arrested upon probable cause for an alcohol or drug related offense, the arresting law enforcement officer will give the individual an Official Driver’s License Receipt and take the individual’s driver’s license. This action is part of Arkansas Administrative Law.

https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/driver-services/dui-dwi-information/

Hit and Run accidents

After a hit and run collision, you should call the police by dialing “9-1-1.” Depending on your location in Pulaski County, you may have police officers from the Little Rock Police Department dispatched to your location. The police may be able to find the driver who fled the scene of the accident. If the driver is found, you will need to establish the other driver’s negligence in order to recover damages by proving that you were owed a duty of reasonable care by the other driver, but the other driver breached the duty, thus causing you to suffer injuries.

Accident Reports/City of Little Rock

Accident reports are generally available eight (8) hours after the report is taken.  The cost of reports are between $5.00 and $10.00.  Criminal and Traffic history checks can be obtained by visiting the records division.  Please contact the Little Rock Police Department Records Division for additional information.

• LRPD Records Division
• Address: 615 W Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72201
• Phone: (501) 371-4654
• ​Hours of operation: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM / Monday – Friday
• https://buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com/

Stalking/Harassment

A stalking victim may be one at risk for imminent danger to their physical and/or emotional welfare, or one with danger continually pending but not at immediate risk for harm.  These victims should be informed of the local stalking laws and about the resources and procedural precautions available to assist and protect them.  It is important for stalking victims to recognize that their victimization is not their fault.

There is not a single psychological or behavioral profile for stalkers.  Because of this, it is impossible to devise a single effective strategy to deal with each stalker's behavior.

The following is not intended to be a set of strict guidelines for stalking victims, but rather practical information to assist you.  By implementing these strategies, you may reduce your odds of emotional or physical harm from your stalker.

IF YOU ARE IN IMMINENT DANGER:

Your primary goal should be to locate a safe place for yourself.  Safety can often be found in the following locations:

• Police stations;
• Homes of family/friends (if the location is unknown to the stalker)
• Domestic violence shelters, local churches, etc.
• If you have access to a telephone immediately call 911.

IF YOU ARE IN DANGER, BUT NOT AT IMMEDIATE RISK:

Although you may not be in immediate danger, you may be at risk for being in a potentially harmful or violent situation.  Because of this, you may want to consider the following options:

• Order of Protection - to find out if you are eligible and/or to obtain an Order of Protection, Victim Services Program can assist you or you can go to your County's Courthouse and obtain one (at no cost to you) from the Chancery/Circuit Court Clerk.
• Knowledge of local stalking laws.   
• Documentation of all stalking activities.  This documentation may be needed at a later date.  Some things you may want to use for documentation include photographs, tape recordings, letters/written material from the stalker, etc.
• Contingency Plans.  Although you may not be in immediate danger, the potential always exists.  Therefore, a contingency plan may be appropriate.

 

STALKING DOCUMENTATION

It is critical that as a victim of stalking, you keep a log of all stalking related behavior.  When filing reports with your local police department, be sure to note the incident number, employee/officer name and identification/badge number.

Documentation of stalking behavior can be a difficult and emotionally exhausting task.  You may want to seek assistance from an advocate or a counselor.

When documenting information on the stalker, the more information that you have about them, the better.  This will mean that you can provide law enforcement with as much information as possible.  Some information that you may want to obtain on the stalker are as follows:

• Full name, nicknames, alias
• Home address, current address and last known address
• Home phone number, cellular phone number, pager number and any other phone numbers the suspect can be reached at.
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Height, weight, race/ethnicity
• Hair color and eye color
• Language(s) spoken
• Length/style of hair
• Social Security number, Driver's license number
• Any tattoos, scars, identifiable marks or features
• Medications taken by the suspect
• Substance abuse
• Employer's name, address and phone number(s)
• Supervisor of the suspect
• Work hours
• Suspect's school, address, phone number and class schedule
• Probation/parole status
• Probation/parole officer
• Does the suspect have access to a gun or other weapons? If so, where are they kept?
• History of use of other weapons
• Threats of suicide by the suspect
• Vehicle information to include year, make, mode, color, license plates and any identifiable features.
• Names of family/friends and their addresses, phone numbers, etc.

 

As you keep a log of stalking behaviors and information, the things that you will want to note for each incident include:

• Day, date, time and location
• Law enforcement agency incident was reported to and their report number
• Employee/officer name and identification/badge number
• Names of witnesses as well as their addresses and phone numbers
• Description of the incident/behavior
• Medical injuries sustained
• Medical treatment sought
• Property damages sustained

Advocates during Prosecution

The Prosecuting Attorney

The Sixth Judicial District Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, serving the largest judicial district in the State of Arkansas, is charged with the responsibility of prosecuting criminal cases filed in the Arkansas counties of Pulaski and Perry.

The utmost priority of the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney is the delivery of justice to crime victims and their families. To that end, the Office and its representatives faithfully employ respect, honor and integrity in every investigation and prosecution, regardless of the race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status or country of origin of the victim or the defendant.

The Prosecutor’s Victim/Witness Program

The Prosecutor’s Victim/Witness Program is designed to assist victims of crime through the criminal court system. Our Victim/Witness Coordinators provide a variety of informational, referral and personal support services to crime victims in court related cases. Some of these services include:

• Step-by-step explanations about the criminal court process and what to expect in the months ahead.
• Notification about case developments.
• Emotional support through the court process, including accompaniment to meetings and court proceedings.
• Assistance with restitution during prosecution for property loss or damage resulting from the crime.
• Referrals to other community services such as local shelters, the domestic abuse court advocate, group or personal counseling providers and area support groups, etc.
• Assistance in seeking reimbursement through the Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Board for various out-of-pocket expenses such as medical, funeral, counseling expenses, etc. resulting from the crime.
• Special programs for domestic abuse victims.
• Emotional support and a Children’s Room for children who are victims of crime.
• Assistance in registering for victim notification through the V.I.N.E. electronic notification system and/or the Arkansas Department of Correction (ADC).

The services of the Prosecutor’s Victim/Witness Program are free of charge. If you are a victim of a crime committed in either Pulaski or Perry counties, we may be able to help you. We know that the better informed you are about your case, the better able you are to cope with your difficult situation.

For more information, call: (501)340-8000

File a Criminal Complaint

This Complaint Form can be printed and filled out, but a person who wishes to file a criminal complaint must do so in person, at the Prosecutor’s Complaints Division located at 224 S. Spring St., Little Rock, AR 72201.  Our office will be glad to answer any questions regarding this form, at our Main Office.  Our Complaints Division’s telephone number is (501) 340-8100.

Criminal Justice System

The following information is provided to help you understand the roles of the various departments and offices you may encounter from investigation of a crime through possible court proceedings.

Police Investigation Working with a victim advocate from the law enforcement agency and/or the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is the best way to keep tabs on what is happening with your case. Law enforcement investigates for probable cause to make an arrest and/or present a sworn complaint to the Prosecuting Attorney. Interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence can be a timely process. If enough evidence is found, a case will be presented to the prosecutor.   Grand Jury/Preliminary Hearing Prosecution must establish that there is a reasonable cause to believe that the defendant committed the criminal offense. As the victim, your presence is required at the Preliminary Hearing and you must testify at a Grand Jury Hearing.

Arraignment & Plea The defendant will be informed of the charges and of the right to an attorney. The judge will decide if the defendant may be released on bail. This determination is made based upon many factors including: the nature of the offense, evidence, employment status, mental condition, and ties to the community.           Trial The trial is held to determine if the prosecution can show, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant committed the crimes for which he or she was accused. The decision is made by a jury of twelve members of the community. In the case of a non-jury trial, this decision is made by the judge. The victim will usually be called upon to testify. At any stage, with permission of the court, the Prosecuting Attorney may allow the defendant to plea to a lesser negotiated crime.

Sentencing Defendants will be acquitted (found not guilty) or convicted (found guilty) by the judge or jury. A separate sentencing date will be scheduled and victims have the right to make a statement at this time. The judge will determine the consequences for the crime and a sentence will be imposed. Whatever the sentence, the victim advocate from the District Attorney’s Office or City Attorney’s Office will help ensure the safety of a victim or a victim’s family. Victims have the right to be heard at all future proceedings regarding the sentencing or release of a convicted person.   Victim Information Notification Everyday If an offender is in custody of the Arkansas Department of Corrections, register with Arkansas State Wide Vine Program for notification of parole hearings or release. To register with ARKANSAS STATE WIDE VINE PROGRAM call 1-800-510-0415 or visit the website at http://www.vinelink.com.

 

As the victim or witness, your role is critical. You have seen, heard, known or experienced something that is important to the investigation and prosecution of the case. You may be interviewed by law enforcement to identify perpetrator(s), to help in finding the crime scene, or to identify stolen property.

Please keep the agencies advised of where you are living and how you can be contacted. Each case in unique. Please contact a victim’s advocate for assistance in navigating the criminal justice system.

Personal Safety

As a victim of crime, you have the right to protect your personal safety. It is important to recognize that even the most careful person cannot prevent all crimes. However, you can increase your level of safety to protect yourself from future victimizations. One way to protect yourself is to develop a safety plan or seek a protection order.

For a safety plan:

Write out a safety plan so you can evaluate the risks and benefits of your different options. When creating a safety plan, consider:

• Who do you need to protect? (Yourself, children, family)

• Where is the protection needed? (Going to your car, leaving work, school)

• Where can you go to get help?

• What essentials do you need in order to leave a situation if you are feeling unsafe? (Personal documents, keys, important phone numbers, etc.)

If the offender is living your home, it is recommended that you keep your written safety plan in a secure place where the offender is not likely to find it. If you’re unable to find a secure place to keep a written safety plan, ask a friend, family member, or an advocate to keep a copy for you.

Practice your safety plan on a regular basis, as if it were a "fire drill." Think of some "what if" situations, and try to figure out how you would respond in a variety of environments (for example, at home, at work, at school, in public).

Plan to protect yourself from the people most likely to victimize you, including, but not limited to, acquaintances, strangers, peers, and family members.

When the offender has been arrested, you have a right to be notified if the offender is released from jail. To receive a notification, you must register with VINE (Victim Information Notification Everyday) either by phone 1-888-268-8463 or online at VINELINK.COM.

Reactions to Trauma

Many crimes involve the use of force or violence against the victims. As a victim of crime, you may experience trauma – physical damage, emotional wounds, or shock caused by the violence you experienced. Reactions to trauma vary from person to person and can last for hours, days, weeks, months, or years.

With physical trauma, you may have cuts, bruises, fractured arms or legs, or internal injuries. You may have intense stress reactions where your breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate may increase, and your muscles may tighten. You may feel exhausted but unable to sleep, and you may have headaches, increased or decreased appetite, or digestive problems.

With emotional trauma, you may have emotional wounds or shocks with long-lasting effects. Emotional trauma may take many different forms such as:

• Shock or numbness
• Feeling disbelief, anger, or denial
• Experiencing extreme tension or anxiety
• Having outbursts of anger, memory problems, or difficulty concentrating

It is common to experience these reactions. To work through these feelings you have to access to a variety of resources. You may decide to:

• Seek medical care to treat injuries and/or exposure to sexual transmitted diseases
• Seek support from a friend, family member, or clergy
• Access a hotline for one-on-one advice from a trained crisis interventionist
• Seek individual counseling from a therapist or psychologist
• Attend group counseling under the care of a metal health professional in a setting of people who have experienced similar traumas

Join a support group of other victims to share information about the impact of the crime and how to cope with it.

Ask your victim advocate for more information about these services and available resources to cover any costs.

Community Resources

The healing process during difficult times can be overwhelming. During a time of crisis, you may need additional support. Below are a few community resources that may be able to assist you. 

Pulaski Housing Authority Section 8 201 Broadway Street; #220, Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 340-8230   Arkansas Department of Human Services Donaghey Plaza, P.O. Box 1437, Little Rock, AR 72203 (501) 682-1001   Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Board 1 State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock, AR 72209 (501) 682-1020

Adult Protective Services P.O. Box 1437 – Slot W241, Little Rock, AR 72203-1437 (501) 686-9164   Department of Children & Family Services P.O. Box 1437, Slot S560, Little Rock, AR 72203-1437 (501) 682-8770   Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline  1-800-482-5964 You can make a report to the hotline without giving your personal information.

 

Women & Children First Shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. P.O. Box 1954, Little Rock, AR 72203 (501) 376-3219 www.wcfarkansas.org   A.B.B.A. House Shelter for homeless/pregnant women. 1002 South Oak Street, Little Rock, AR 72204 (501) 666-9718 www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/abba-house-3680   Dorcas House Shelter for women (only).  Domestic Violence/Recovery 823 South Park Street, Little Rock, AR 72202 (501) 374-4022 https://urmissionlr.org/dorcas-house/

Little Rock Compassion Center Women’s homeless shelter. Must have ID and over the ag of 18. 4210 Asher Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72204 (501) 663-2972 www.lrcompassioncenter.org   Jericho Way, Homeless Day Resource Center Showers, Laundry, Case Management, Breakfast, Lunch. 3000 Springer Blvd., Little Rock, AR 72206 (501) 297-8904 www.depaulusa.org   Arkansas Food Bank Text Findfood to (844) 381-FOOD (3663) to find a pantry near you. 4301 W 65th St, Little Rock, AR 72209 (501) 565-8121 www.arkansasfoodbank.org/

Volunteering with the Victim Services Program

Becoming a volunteer with the Victim Services Program will give you the opportunity to touch the lives of your neighbors in crisis while providing support to Little Rock Police Department detectives and officers. As a volunteer you will gain knowledge of systems based advocacy, law enforcement operations, criminal and civil justice systems. Our volunteers provide invaluable support, resources, information, and guidance to victims of crime and their children.

Volunteer Opportunities

Below are descriptions of the types of volunteer roles available within the Victim Services Program. Your involvement as a volunteer may include, but is not limited to, the following.

On-Site Volunteers/Internships

• Assist staff advocates on cases in all crime categories
• Provide advocacy and maintain a case load
• Attend community outreach events as a Victim Services Unit representative
• Work on various special projects and events throughout the year
• Input cases into the case management system
• Help with donation collection and management
• Assist with preparing resources and mailings
• Court accompaniment
• Assist victims in accessing resources and victim compensation
• Assist staff advocates and victims with resource requests
• Class credit may be available for qualified college students

VOLUNTEER VICTIM ADVOCATES BROCHURE 

The majority of cases handled by the Victim Services Program are cases involving Domestic Violence. In order to respond to the high volume we employ a system utilizing both Staff and Volunteer Victim Services Specialist. Volunteer Victim Services Specialist play a vital role in ensuring that no victim in need of services is overlooked.

• Provide safety planning and advocacy
• Maintain a case load and case management
• Complete follow-up calls for service referrals

Volunteering for the Victim Services Unit provides a unique opportunity for community members to be involved with local law enforcement while helping victims of crime.

If you would like more information or have questions about becoming a volunteer, please contact the Victim Services Help Line (501) 918-4357.

Internships: Due to the nature of the internship and the timeframe needed for application processing and background interviews, applications need to be received by the following dates:

FALL INTERNSHIPS: APPLICATIONS DUE BY MAY 1

SPRING INTERNSHIPS: APPLICATION DEADLINE AUGUST 1ST.

Mail/Deliver applications to:

Little Rock Police Department

Victim Services Program

Attn: Victim Services Volunteer Coordinator

3917 West 12^th Street

Little Rock, AR 72204

Because volunteers will be working in a police department, volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, provide references, pass a criminal history background check, and attend mandatory trainings.