Victim Assistance

The policy of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is to treat all victims/witnesses in a respectful, responsive, and compassionate manner that reflects the Department’s recognition of the trauma of victimization. A member’s interaction with the victim/witness of a crime shall not contribute additional harm. Toward that end, MPD members assist crime victims by providing them with information about their rights and available programs and services that can help them cope with physical injury, emotional trauma, and economic loss. Additional information about specialized programs and services are listed below.

Crime Victim's Bill of Rights

A crime victim has the following rights:

1. The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim's dignity and privacy
2. The right to be reasonably protected from the accused offender
3. The right to be notified of court proceedings
4. The right to be present at all public court proceedings related to the offense unless the court determines that testimony by the victim would be materially affected if the victim heard other testimony at trial
5. The right to confer with attorney for the Government in the case
6. The right to restitution
7. The right to information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment, and release of the offender

Crime Victims Compensation Program (CVCP)

The Crime Victims Compensation Program administered by tthe Superior Court of DC assists innocent victims of violent crime and their families with crime-related expenses such as funeral and burial costs, medical and mental health costs, lost wages, loss of support and services, clean up of a crime scene and, for victims of domestic violence, the cost of temporary shelter. Through the services of a victim advocate, crime victims receive assistance in filing applications; locating victim service programs, support groups, or mental health counselors; and handling quality of life issues that arise after victimization. 

• Program Information
• Application

Resources and Services

• Domestic Violence Intake Center
• MPD Family Liaison Specialists Unit (FLSU)
  • Join the MPD Homicide Survivor's Outreach Listserv: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DCSurvivors
• MPD Domestic Violence Unit
• MPD Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit
• MPD Hate Crimes Coordinator, or Special Liaison Division
• MPD Major Case Victims Unit
• MPD Sex Assault Unit
• MPD Victim Specialists Unit
• Victim Witness Assistance Unit (US Attorney's Office)

Useful Links

• Domestic Violence Resources
• Sexual Assault Resources
• Office for Victims of Crime (US Department of Justice)
• Office for Victims of Crime Online Directory of Crime Victim Services
• National Center for Victims of Crime
• National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)
• Communities Against Violence Network (CAVNET)
• VINELink Online Community for Victim Services