Victim Assistance Program

About the Program
In addition, the Solicitor's Office operates a state-certified Crime Victim Assistance Program (VAP). Our VAP goals are to:
  • Providing the highest quality services to crime victims
  • Ensuring that they are informed of their rights under the Crime Victim's Bill of Rights Advising victims of resources available for other assistance
  • Assisting with victim compensation for injuries and expenses caused as the result of a crime
Our VAP program also serves as a networking resource for victims of crime to other agencies in the Hall County Community that can assist with their recovery.

Crime Victims Bill of Rights

Victims of many types of crimes have rights and responsibilities under a Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 17-17-1) called the Victim’s Bill of Rights. The purpose of the Victim-Witness Assistance Program in this office is to educate and assist victims of such crimes. These rights include:


  • The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any scheduled court proceedings or any changes to such proceedings;
  • The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of the arrest, release, or escape of the accused;
  • The right not to be excluded from any scheduled court proceedings, except as provided by law;
  • The right to be heard at any scheduled court proceedings involving the release, plea, or sentencing of the accused;
  • The right to file a written objection in any parole proceedings involving the accused;
  • The right to confer with the prosecuting attorney in any criminal prosecution related to the victim;
  • The right to restitution as provided by law;
  • The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay; and
  • The right to be treated fairly and with dignity by all criminal justice agencies involved in the case.


The Crime Victims Bill of Rights specifically applies to victims of the following crimes:


  • Homicide
  • Assault and Battery
  • Kidnapping, False Imprisonment and related offenses
  • Reckless Conduct
  • Cruelty to Children
  • Feticide
  • Stalking/Aggravated Stalking
  • Cruelty to a Person 65 Years of Age or Older
  • All Sexual Offenses
  • Burglary
  • Arson, Bombs and Explosives
  • Theft
  • Robbery
  • Forgery, Deposit Account Fraud, Illegal Use of Financial Transaction Cards, Other Fraud Related Offenses, Computer Crimes, & Identity Theft
  • Sale or Distribution of Harmful Materials to Minors
  • Elder Abuse
  • Homicide by Vehicle
  • Feticide by Vehicle
  • Serious Injury by Vehicle


Resources & where to go for help:

If you feel you are in immediate danger, dial 911.

GEORGIA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: 1-(800) 33-HAVEN (1-(800) 334-2836) Voice/TTY 24-hour hotline automatically connects callers to the nearest shelters based on their phone number exchanges

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE



SHELTERS



SEXUAL ASSAULT



CHILD ABUSE



ELDER ABUSE



MISCELLANEOUS



Domestic Violence:

Domestic violence is a pattern of intimidation and abuse that is used by one partner to establish and maintain control over the other partner.  The abuse can be physical, verbal, mental and financial.  While it can take different forms, the abuse may become more frequent and intensive over time.  Domestic Violence hurts everyone.  In crosses all boundaries of age, race, ethnicity, religion, economic background, physical ability and sexual orientation.  It can occur in any type of relationship, including past and present spouses, parents of the same child, parents and children, step-parents and step-children, foster parents and foster children or others living in the same home.  The damage to body and self-esteem inflicted by domestic violence has been linked to homelessness, suicide, crime, teen pregnancy, premature births and miscarriages.

The Solicitor-General’s prosecutors and victim advocates keep in close contact with victims through all phases of the prosecution and provide information, resources and critical support.  Working with other law enforcement agencies and community organizations, it is our goal to:


  • Increase victim safety
  • Stop the violence
  • Diligently prosecute Domestic Violence crimes; and
  • Hold abusers accountable
  • Give victims a voice
  • Ensure victims are informed of their rights pursuant to the Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights
  • Assist victims with Crime Victims’ Compensation application as applicable


How to recognize abuse:

Does your partner…


  • Call you names or use other insults?
  • Destroy or damage your property?
  • Threaten to harm you or others?
  • Insist on controlling family finances?
  • Criticize your abilities as a parent, threaten to take the children away?
  • Become jealous of your friends and the time you spend with them?
  • Control how often you and where you interact with friends and family?
  • Hit, shove, kick, grab or use other forms of physical violence toward you?
  • Make unwanted advances or force you to perform sexual acts?
  • Threaten to commit suicide if you leave?


If so, you may be experiencing abuse.