When an Unsolved Homicide Gets
Renewed Attention
Victims’ Rights & Services
Victims’ and Witness Rights
Victims of crime in Wisconsin have special constitutional and statutory rights. The rights help keep victims aware of what is happening in a case and provide a chance to speak with a prosecutor, to make statements to the court, and to be told when hearings are held. In Wisconsin, a spouse, minor child, adult child, sibling, parent or legal guardian of a homicide victim is considered a victim for the purpose of receiving these special rights and other services. You can learn more about victims' rights by reading an
online brochure or call the Department of Justice Office of Crime Victim Services (1-800-446-6564) during business hours to speak with someone in person.
Restitution and Crime Victims Compensation
In cases in which there is a conviction, victims are entitled to seek a court order for
restitution from the offender to pay for expenses related to the crime. Under some circumstances, victims of crime may be eligible for assistance to pay for certain expenses (including for medical and psychological services) related to the crime through the
Wisconsin Crime Victims Compensation Program. There are eligibility requirements which you can learn about by calling the Department of Justice Office of Crime Victim Services (1-800-446-6564).
Victim Support Services
There are many services and support groups devoted to assisting victims of crime. Many provide services free of charge. The Wisconsin Department of Justice has an online
victim resource directory that you can search in order to learn about what is available in your county or nearby.
For More Information:
Call the Department of Justice Victim Resource Center (1-800-446-6564), or visit us online at www.doj.state.wi.us/cvs to get information about:
- Your rights as a victim of crime
- The criminal justice process
- Victim services and support groups
- Crime Victim Compensation
- Restitution
- How to get information about your case
