Victim-Witness Assistance Program

The mission of the Victim-Witness Assistance Program is to provide quality and compassionate assistance to victims and witnesses of crime in Fulton County who are involved with the criminal justice system at the Superior Court level. To accomplish this mission, the Program is staffed by professional advocates and counselors and utilizes the support of interns from local colleges and universities. We assist approximately 10,000 clients a year.

Under the "Victims Bill of Rights," the District Attorney's Office is required to provide notification and other basic services to crime victims. Prosecutors are responsible for informing victims of all court dates as well as the status of a case from the time of the initial charging decision to final disposition. Some victims are also entitled to compensation. Through this Program, the office ensures that victims are aware that compensation may be available to them and that they receive the assistance they need to apply.

The Victim-Witness Assistance Program provides a variety of services designed to meet the needs of crime victims, witnesses and their families. Case information as well as explanations of and information about the criminal justice system are made available. Members of our staff also provide clients with an orientation to the courtroom setting as well as short-term counseling and can make referrals to community agencies when long-term therapy is necessary.