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Victim Services Unit

GRPD Victim Advocate logo

Being the victim of a crime, especially violent crime, can impact people in many different ways. The Victim Services program was established to provide dedicated resources and point of contact to help with the different needs someone may have in managing the emotional, financial, and physical needs following a crime.

The Victim Services program is comprised of a team of Victim Advocates whose sole focus is to provide information, support, and resources to victims of crimes that have occurred in the city of Grand Rapids. 

Available services include:

  • being present during law enforcement interviews as a supportive presence (advocates 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 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 Victim Services 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

Note: Victim Services is not the contact for subrogation matters.

Help is available for victims of crimes occurring in the city of Grand Rapids. Any victim of crime with a report through the Grand Rapids Police Department can request assistance through Victim Services.

Victim Services Advocates are non-sworn professional (civilian) staff members with backgrounds in social work or other related mental health fields. The program also regularly hosts academic interns from local universities. 

In addition to staff, Victim Services also houses the Volunteer Advocate Team (VAT). The VAT is a group of trained community volunteers who provide on-scene support in cases of unexpected deaths.

Victims who would like assistance may contact the program by phone or email. Response times can vary, but be assured, an advocate will contact you as soon as possible. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911. For connection to after-hours mental health support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Working with Victim Services is optional. Advocates are there to provide support and connections to resources for crime victims. 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 assistance.

Information shared with advocates is treated as confidential with the following exceptions:

  • As law enforcement-based advocates, they must share any case-related information with the detectives assigned to investigate the case
  • Advocates 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 advocates 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. Victim Services 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.

Crime Victim Compensation

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 grpdvictimservices@grand-rapids.mi.us to get connected.

Contact Victim Services

Phone:
616-456-3309

Email: 
grpdvictimservices@grand-rapids.mi.us