District Attorney: Victim/Witness Volunteer Program
Background
What is the Victim/Witness Unit?
Our Unit was developed to ensure and enforce consistent, fundamental rights for victims and witnesses while allowing them access to high-quality, comprehensive services. Adults and children are provided with court accompaniment, counseling (referrals), crime victim compensation, restitution, “Kids in Court”, and other victim services, along with ongoing support throughout all of their court proceedings. So far in 2009, our unit has assisted over 444 victims.
Mission
Why does the volunteer program exist?
The mission statement of the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office volunteer program is to provide comprehensive victim services to all crime victims, including children who have been physically or sexually abused.
Vision
What will the future be like because of the volunteer program?
The vision of the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office volunteer program is to accompany every victim and witness through the court process; and provide support and information to all victims and witnesses. Offering a support system to those individuals will help them feel safe and intelligible of the process.
Goals
What part will the volunteers hold?
The Victim/Witness Unit has been designed to meet the four following goals:
- To have our volunteers be qualified citizens who represent all areas of the community and who can meet the needs of the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office;
- Provide quality assistance to individuals receiving services from our unit
- Offer members of our community an opportunity to help those affected by crime by accomplishing tasks that are challenging, rewarding, and educational;
- Educate our volunteers on the importance of learning about their community and the diversity of its residents.
Impact
How can volunteerism help the community?
Similar programs across the country have seen monumental changes from their Victim/Witness volunteer program. It enables a sense of security for those who have been victims of or who have witnessed crimes. No one chooses to be a part of the crime, but our volunteers can help make the experience as easy as possible.
Contact
Are you interested in being a part of our team?
Contact Wendy Cole to learn more about being a part of our program. If you're interested in becoming a volunteer, please complete and submit the Volunteer Application:
Wendy Cole
Victim/Witness Coordinator
Office of District Attorney—Chadwick J. Taylor
200 SE 7th St. Suite 214
Topeka, KS 66603
785.233.8200x4226