POLICE DEPARTMENT
CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE UNIT
The criminal justice system itself can be confusing and overwhelming for victims, and their lack of knowledge about the process often contributes to a sense of helplessness and frustration, often leading to decreased cooperation with law enforcement and prosecution efforts. Victims of domestic violence in particular may have complex emotional, financial, and legal concerns that affect their willingness to participate in the process and may limit their ability to make sound decisions about improving their situations.
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VICTIMS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Mansfield Police Department Victim Assistance Program (MPDVAP) exists to provide services to victims and family members with the goal of lessening the short and long-term trauma experienced as a direct result of their victimization. For this purpose, victims and their family members are provided with crisis intervention help, information, reassurance, empathetic listening, guidance for resolving problems and referrals to other social service agencies to provide additional support. Currently, the Victim Assistance Program provides services to victims of violent crime in Mansfield.
Services include: Guidance during crisis, on-scene counseling, notification regarding eligibility for application to the Crime Victims' Compensation (CVC) fund, assistance with CVC applications, death notification, personal advocacy/intervention, information and referrals to local social service agencies, child care (while statements are given to detectives) and other services as assessed on a case by case basis by staff.
On scene crisis intervention services and follow-up can be provided to victims of domestic violence. Victims of other types of violent crime may also receive on site crisis intervention services.
The VAP (Victim Assistance Program) works conjointly with other agencies to provide a comprehensive chain of services to those victims. VAP staff and volunteers work closely with a number of different types of service providers including counselors, shelter programs, programs for at risk youth, local charities, attorneys, and the District Attorney's Victim Assistance, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
In addition to direct services to victims, VAP staff also provides training to police department personnel who deal directly with victims. By increasing the awareness of department personnel of the various types of victim reactions, victims' rights, and appropriate strategies for effectively dealing with victims, both the victim and department benefit through improved overall relationships and improved service to the community. The entire Victim Assistance team is very interested in increasing public awareness of crime victims' rights, Victimology, and available services.
INFORMATION CLINICS
The Victim Assistance Program and the Crime Prevention Unit of the Mansfield Police Department are happy to announce a new joint-effort approach to community awareness and crime prevention. "Info Clinics" are now being offered to Mansfield church, civic, and neighborhood groups . . . free of charge!
The following groups are just a few of those that can benefit from "Info Clinics":
- Senior Citizen Groups
- Church or Synogogue Study Groups
- Adult Sunday School Classes
- Employee Group Meetings
- Civic Groups
- Neighborhood Watch Groups
- Parent Groups
- Student/Teacher Groups
- Club Meetings
Choose from any of the following clinic topics that fit the needs of your church, civic group, or neighborhood:
- Introducing Victim Assistance Program
- Family Violence Issues
- Grief Recovery
- Crime Victim Rights
- Telemarketing Fraud
- Sexual Assault & Trauma Healing
- Child Abuse
- Tree of Angels
- Suicide Prevention
- Hate Crimes
- I.D. Theft
- Mental Health
- Crime Victim Compensation
- Con Games
- Texas Laws Pertaining to Victims
- Crisis Needs of Adults
- Victim Rights & The News Media
- Personal & Employee Safety
- A Walk Through the Judicial System
- Crime Prevention
- Home Security
- Church Safety
- Crimes Against Women
"Info Clinics" can be scheduled for almost any time at your location or at the Manslfield Public Safety Building.
Contact Dan Burdan of the Crime Victim Asistance Unit at (817)276-4700.
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