The Victim Assistance Program (VAP) is a program of the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, the purpose of which is to help victims and witnesses of crime. VAP functions to see that victims and witnesses do not suffer unnecessary hardship as a result of a crime. VAP is also designed to help individuals and families deal with the trauma that results from a violent crime.

VICTIM’S RIGHTS, The right to be:
• Free from intimidation
• Informed about the Criminal Justice System
• Told about available compensation for victims of crime and eligibility
• Given aid and information
• Told about social service agencies that could help you
• Treated fairly and with respect
• Assisted by your criminal justice agencies

VAP CAN PROVIDE:
• Immediate general and emotional support services to victims and family members of
  crime victims.
• Assistance to victims in filing for NYS Crime Victims Compensation when victims have
  medical, counseling, funeral, loss of support, loss of wages and/or court transportation costs.
• Needs assessment with appropriate advocacy, information and referrals.
• Information and reminders regarding court dates and other appointments.
• Help in initiating the return of confiscated property.
• Court accompaniment
• Updates on status of cases to victims.
• Collection of information from victims for case files.
• Assistance with victim impact and parole hearing statements.

Financial Assistance is Available

Under NYSCVB Regulations:
• If as a crime victim you sustain physical injury;
• If you are at least 60 years of age or disabled and have lost essential personal property
   as the result of a crime; or
• If you are the surviving spouse, parent or dependent of a victim who dies as a result
  of a crime.

NYS Fair Treatment Standards Law grants crime victims:
• The right to be consulted by the District Attorney’s Office for their views regarding disposition
   of the case by dismissal, plea of guilty or trial, release of defendant pending trial and
   availability of sentencing alternatives such as community supervision and restitution.
• To be provided, where possible, with a separate, secure waiting area when awaiting court
   appearances.
• To have property that has been held for evidentiary purposes promptly returned.
• To be provided with assistance in informing their employers that the need for victims’
   cooperation may necessitate absences from work, and informing their creditors of
   circumstances that may affect their ability to meet obligations.

TIPS:

1. Call the police at 911: When calling the police state your full name, address, and be sure of the street or location where the crime occurred. Also, state if anyone has been injured.
2. Do not touch anything at the crime scene: If something is spilled, dropped or just scattered about, leave all items untouched.
3. Try to remember details of the crime: Reconstruct in your mind what the condition of the scene was before the crime. Include any strange occurrences that may have preceded the crime.
4. Make a list of stolen property: In cases of stolen property, list all the property that was stolen. Try to include serial numbers and approximate value.
5. Report any suspicious or abnormal activity: If a usual routine in your area has been interrupted or if you notice any activity out of the ordinary, make a note of it and consider calling the police. You may prevent the successful commission of a crime.

Important Telephone Numbers:

911---------------------------------------------- In an Emergency
435-2470----------------------------------------Office of the District Attorney
435-3916 x336 or x425-----------------------Victim Assistance Program
442-5111----------------------------------------Syracuse Police Department
425-2111----------------------------------------Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department
699-9611------------------------------------New York State Police
422-9701------------------------------------Child Abuse Hotline (24 hours)
435-8300------------------------------------HELPLINE

Vera House (24 hours)
468-3260------------------------------------Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services
422-7273

VINE (Victim Information Notification Everyday)
1-888-846-3469---------------------------- Inmate and Parole Information

Hospital Emergency Rooms
464-5611------------------------------------ University Hospital
464-5565------------------------------------ University Hospital Pediatrics
470-7411------------------------------------ Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital
492-5535------------------------------------ Community General Hospital
448-5101------------------------------------ St. Joseph’s Hospital