Victim Services

The Victim Assistance Program at the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office offers comprehensive services to victims of all types of crimes. Our victims are from all types of backgrounds and experiences, age, race and immigration status. All services are free of charge. An advocate can assist you even if a suspect is not identified or if criminal charges have not been filed. We can also connect you to numerous local service agencies that further help victims of crime, including abuse and domestic or intimate partner violence. Victim advocates can also help you understand your rights as a victim under Missouri law.

Victim advocates may assist with the following services:

  • Crisis Intervention
  • Emergency Assistance
  • Resource and Referral Assistance
  • Orientation to the Criminal Justice System
  • Court Support
  • Case Status Information
  • Notification of Family and Friends
  • Victim Compensation Application Assistance
  • Restitution Information
  • Crime Prevention
  • Order of Protection Information
  • Property Return

To apply for state victim compensation:

Spanish Version

For more information on the state victim compensation program, please click: https://dps.mo.gov/dir/programs/cvc/

For help on any services, please reach out to one of our victim advocates - (816) 881-3555

For more information on the rights of Missouri crime victims: Under Section 595.212, prosecuting attorneys are required to provide victims’ services programs. Every victim of a crime should know their rights and be notified of court procedures in the criminal case resulting from the crime that impacted them. Those rights are outlined in RSMo 595.209. Here’s a list of the general rights of Missouri crime victims:

VICTIMS’ GENERAL RIGHTS :

  1. To be present at all criminal proceedings where the defendant has that right, even if the victim is called to testify or may be called to testify as a witness in the case.
  2. To confer with the prosecutor regarding bail hearings, guilty pleas, pleadings of insanity, hearings, sentencing and probation revocation hearings.
  3. To be present at any hearing in which the defendant is present before a probation and parole hearing officer and to full participation in all phases of parole hearings or probation revocation hearings.
  4. To be heard at juvenile probation revocation hearings, probation revocation and parole hearings initiated by the board of probation and parole, and release proceedings for persons found not guilty by reason of insanity. Victims may offer a written statement, video or audio tape in lieu of a personal appearance.
  5. To protection from harmful threats from a defendant, or persons acting on behalf of defendant, for activities arising out of cooperation with law enforcement officials, and the right to a secure waiting area during a court proceeding.
  6. To speedy disposition of cases and speedy appellate review, allowing for the defendant to prepare a defense.
  7. To fair employment rights (including the right of a victim, witness or member of a victim’s family not to be discharged or disciplined by an employer for honoring a subpoena or for participating in the preparation of a criminal proceeding).
  8. To regain property from a prosecutor or law enforcement officer once it is no longer needed for evidence or retention during an appeal (within five working days upon request) unless it is contraband or subject to forfeiture proceedings.
  9. To creditor intercession services by the prosecuting attorney if the victim is unable, as a result of the crime, to temporarily meet financial obligations.
  10. To limited compensation for out-of-pocket loss and for qualified medical care necessary as a result of the crime.