About the Program

The Yates County District Attorney’s office has and will always consider assisting victims and witnesses as a top priority. The Victim Assistance program was started in October 2000 to ensure that the unique needs of survivors of crime were being met, throughout the court process and beyond. The program is funded through the New York State Office of Victim Services grant. The grant is written by the Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes, Inc.

New York State Office of Victim Services 

The Crime Victims Compensation Board was established on August 1, 1966 and is now named the Office of Victim Services (OVS). It provides financial relief to specified victims of crime and their families by paying non-reimbursed crime-related expenses or support, counseling, crime scene clean-up expenses, the cost to repair or replace items of essential personal property, reasonable court transportation expenses, and the cost of residing at or utilizing the services of a domestic violence shelter. In 1981 the Office of Victim Services began funding programs to specifically address the needs of crime victims.

Victim/Witness Coordinator

The Victim/Witness Coordinator provides victims with information about the court process and updates the victim on the status of their particular case, provides support and accompaniment to law enforcement agencies and court proceedings. The Coordinator informs victims of services available to them and makes referrals to appropriate agencies. The Coordinator also assists the victim with the Office of Victim Services' application when eligible.