a Surviving Family Member of a Homicide Victim
As a surviving family member of a homicide victim, you are a victim(s) of the crime. Your loss is great. A victim advocate can assist you through the criminal justice system.
The advocate can provide the following information to you:
- an explanation of the criminal justice system
- the status of the case in the criminal justice system
- the custody status of the suspect/defendant
- the amount of bail
- the name and telephone number of the assigned prosecutor
- dates of the criminal proceedings
- arrangements for court accompaniment, if necessary
- helping prepare you to testify at court, if necessary
- information about the verdict and sentencing
The advocate can also assist with:
- applying for crime victim compensation to help with funeral and burial expenses, if entitled by law
- preparing a victim impact statement to be reviewed by the sentencing judge
- referrals to support groups, if desired
- a list of reading materials to assist children in dealing with their loss
- referrals to community resources, as needed
