Victim Services Unit

Available services include:

• being present during law enforcement interviews as a supportive presence (VSU personnel cannot provide input or otherwise directly participate in the interview)
• connections to community resources available to crime victims, including referrals to agencies that help with housing, food, clothing, financial assistance, counseling, legal aid, healthcare and/or other needs
• helping victims stay connected to the detective(s) assigned to their case
• information about how to navigate the criminal justice system and victims' rights
• assistance applying for funds from the State of Michigan's Crime Victim Compensation program
• emotional support and coaching on basic coping skills
• creation of a safety plan tailored to help victims stay safe physically and emotionally
• assistance with enrolling in the State of Michigan's Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) which provides certain protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, or those who fear that disclosure of their physical address will increase the risk of harm  

While there are many different supports VSU can offer crime victims, they cannot:

• give legal advice
• pay bills or buy supplies
• reach out to witnesses
• directly participate in an investigation
• process U Visa requests
• investigate or take official complaints about GRPD personnel
• provide therapy
• start the process to report a crime or provide copies of police reports

The VSU currently has one full-time staff member, Clorissa Novak, the Victim Services Coordinator. Ms. Novak is not a police officer. She is part of GRPD's professional (civilian) staff and has a background in social work and victim advocacy. The VSU at times hosts academic interns from local universities who work alongside Ms. Novak in a limited capacity.

Ms. Novak also oversees the Volunteer Advocate Team, a group of trained community members who provide on scene support in cases of unexpected deaths.

Victims who would like assistance may contact the Victim Services Coordinator by phone or email. Response times can vary, but be assured, the Victim Service Coordinator will contact you as soon as she is able to do so. If you are experiencing an emergency before you are contacted, call 911. For connection to after-hours mental health support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Working with VSU is optional. VSU is there to provide support and connections to resources for crime victims but if you choose not to use these services, it in no way impacts the investigation, priority, or outcome of a case. You do not have to participate in the investigation of your case to receive help from the VSU.

Information shared with VSU personnel is treated as confidential with the following exceptions:

• as law enforcement-based advocates, VSU personnel must share any case-related information with the detectives assigned to investigate the case
• VSU personnel are mandated reporters in the State of Michigan, meaning they have to report abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult and have a duty to warn if an individual makes a threat to harm themselves or others
• Because VSU personnel are not healthcare providers, HIPAA regulations do not apply

The State of Michigan, through the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), has a Crime Victim Compensation program available for some victims of crime. VSU staff can help crime victims complete and submit an application to get these funds but has no part in the review and processing of applications, nor in deciding the amount of an award. For more information on the MDHHS program, requirements, and how to apply, use the link below.

MDHHS Crime Victim Compensation

Download more information about Victim Services and helpful resources.

Understanding the System(PDF, 2MB) - a guide to assist victims and others affected by crime in Grand Rapids

Victim Services Unit Brochure(PDF, 248KB) - an overview of services and resources provided by the Victim Services Unit

Victim Services Unit brochure - alternate language versions:

     Spanish(PDF, 147KB)

     Bosnian(PDF, 147KB)

     Kinyarwanda(PDF, 248KB)

     Swahili(PDF, 151KB)

     Vietnamese(PDF, 212KB)

The Kent County Welcome Plan Committee is a multi-organizational effort to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for new Americans, immigrants, and refugees in Kent County. GRPD, the Kent County Sheriff's Office, the Kent County Prosecutor's Office and other agencies partnered to create a document that addresses common questions about interactions with the justice system. We hope that increasing the understanding of both police responsibilities and immigrant concerns will act as a catalyst for de-escalating potential conflicts.

If you need a copy of this FAQ sheet in a language not available here, please reach out to welcome@kentcountymi.org or call 616-632-7573.

English(PDF, 295KB)

Spanish(PDF, 280KB)

Swahili(PDF, 179KB)

Kinyarwanda(PDF, 182KB)

Arabic(PDF, 276KB)

Spread the word about services: help ensure that all community members know about existing supports for victims of crime

Apply to be a Volunteer Advocate: Volunteer Advocates respond to scenes of unexpected deaths to assist first responders, provide information, and support surviving loved ones. Learn more here: Volunteer Advocate Team

Collaborate: Let us know how we can best show up for the community. VSU staff is available to attend community events, share resources, and provide training. Email cnovak@grcity.us to get connected.