Crime Victims' Assistance
Become a Volunteer to Help Crime Victims!
Bring your compassion and motivation to make a difference, and we'll provide the training!
Contact cooscva@co.coos.or.us to apply, or see the "Additional Resources" tab below to check out volunteer opportunities and how to apply.
The mission of the Crime Victim's Assistance Program is to provide crime victims with the assistance and services needed to recover from the effects of the criminal act, to support them as they move through the criminal justice system, and to ensure their rights are upheld. Once the District Attorney's Office charges a criminal case, CVA Advocates spring into action to provide the necessary services and support for the victims of that case.
In addition to CVA Program Director Denice Banks, CVA has three full time Victim Advocates who provide victim services in all cases filed by the District Attorney’s office: Michele Short, Shannon Rucas, and Kim Holderfield.
The CVA office is located in the basement of the Coos County Courthouse. The public can access the office by entering through the front Courthouse entrance, then taking the stairs down from the main floor.
Services provided by the Victim Assistance Program:
- Case status information/updates, accompaniment to court, victim preparation for upcoming testimony at hearings, general information about the criminal justice process.
- Advocacy for the rights of victims.
- Assistance with restitution and property return.
- Assistance with application to the Crime Victim’s Compensation Program.
The participation and cooperation of a crime victim is an important part of the prosecution process. Since the State is responsible for holding offenders accountable for their actions when they break the law, only the state can drop charges in a criminal proceeding. To the extent practicable, the State will consult with crime victims before final plea arrangements are made. It is the responsibility of a victim requesting ongoing notification to keep contact information at CVA updated to ensure their requested rights are honored.
The USDOJ and Coos County are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers and comply with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 . Crime Victims’ Assistance operates its program, services and activities in compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws.
