Victim Services Division

The Travis County Sheriff's Office Victim Services Division began in 1984 as a part of the Law Enforcement Bureau. Its conception was prior to state mandates requiring law enforcement liaisons to crime victims. As a result of the Sheriff's Office dedication to crime victims in Travis County, the Division has continued to expand. However, its primary mission remains the same - to provide services to crime victims in Travis County. The Victim Services Division seeks a community based restorative justice approach to victims of crime, critical incidents, fatalities, etc. With the Division's increased understanding of trauma, our response to the community has grown. We have learned that when a crime or critical incident occurs, there is not one victim, but a whole community that is victimized and endures a loss. With that in mind, the Division continues to increase its crime scene and critical incident response. The Division provides services to any individual or entity in the community.

It is our goal to provide immediate intervention to lessen the incidents of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, increase our ability to reduce family violence, lessen the impact of violence and critical incidents and have a long lasting impact on the community. By providing early intervention, when the victim’s needs are at their greatest, much of the trust, willingness to cooperate, and willingness to follow through with treatment is established. With trained community volunteers and through collaborative efforts with other agencies, Victim Services has continued to serve crime victims both at the crime scene and after.

Additionally, Victim Service Counselors do the following:

• Educate the community on victimization through presentations
• Educate officers on how to respond to victims and the need of sensitivity with victims
• Assist other agencies that may not have Victim Services
• Serve as members of the Family Violence Task Force, the Austin Travis County Victim Services Task Force, The Child Protection Team, and as liaisons for the Travis County Sheriff’s Office

Currently, there are 7 full time Victim Witness Counselors and approximately 100 volunteers. Victim Services personnel are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and respond to crime scenes when requested. We are currently looking for volunteers for our August 2006 class. If you would like to become a Victim Services Volunteer, download the following application, complete and return to us: Volunteer Application

Crime Victim’s Rights

• The right to protection from threats of harm arising from cooperation with prosecution efforts.
  
• The right to have your safety and that of your family taken into consideration when bail is being considered.
  
• If you so request, the right to be informed in advance about court proceedings, including cancellation or rescheduling.
  
• If you so request, the right to information about procedures in the criminal investigation of your case by law enforcement officials, and about general procedures in the criminal justice system, including plea bargaining, restitution, appeals, and parole from the prosecutor’s office.
  
• The right to receive information about the Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund that provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes and, if you so request referral to social service agencies that provide additional help.
  
• The right to provide information to the probation department conducting a pre-sentencing investigation on the impact of the crime.
  
• The right to have a law enforcement agency pay for medical examinations for victims of sexual assault, and request the right to counseling regarding AIDS and HIV infection and testing for sexual assault victims.
  
• If you so request, the right to be notified of parole proceedings by the Victim Services Section of the Pardons and Parole Division, the right to participate in the parole process by submitting a victim impact statement or other information, and the right to be notified of the inmate’s release.
  
• The right to be present at all public court proceedings, if the presiding judge permits.
  
• The right to a safe waiting area before and during court proceedings.
  
• The right to prompt return of any property that is no longer required as evidence.
  
• If you so request, the right to have the prosecutor notify your employer that the need for your testimony may involve absence from work.
  
• The right to complete a Victim Impact Statement, detailing the emotional, physical and financial impact that the crime has had on you and your family, and to have that statement considered by the judge at sentencing and by the parole board prior to taking any parole action.
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Helpful Phone Numbers
Emergency (24 hours)	911
Non-Emergency Dispatch	512.974.0845
Victim Service Main Office	512.854.9709
Family Violence Protection Team	512.974.4754
Child Abuse	512.974.6845
Child Protective Services	1.800.252.5400
Shelters
SafePlace	512.267.SAFE (7233)
Round Rock Shelter	512.255.1212
Hays-Caldwell Women's Center	1.800.700.4292
San Marcos Shelter	512.396.3636
Williamson County Crisis Center	1.800.460.7233
Salvation Army Women's Shelter	512.933.0600
Hospitals
Brackenridge Hospital	512.324.7000
North Austin Medical Center	512.901.1000
Seton Medical Center	512.324.1000
St. David's Medical Center	512.476.7111
South Austin Medical Center	512.447.2111
Legal
Legal Aid	512.374.2700
Family Violence Legal Line	1.800.374.HOPE (4673)
Resources
Lifeworks Counseling	512.735.2100
For The Love of Christi	512.467.2600
MADD	512.445.4976
Medical Examiner's Office	512.854.9599
Crime Victim's Compensation	512.936.1200
American Red Cross	1.877.929.1224
Some Useful TCSO Numbers
Major Crimes	512.854.9396
Auto Theft	512.854.9735
Crisis Intervention Team	512.854.3445
East Command	512.854.9721
West Command	512.854.3725
Central Command	512.854.9770

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Volunteer Application

Crime Victim's Rights

Helpful Phone Numbers