Victim Services Unit

Victim's Assistance Services


The Durham Police Department's Victim Assistance Program helps victims and family members affected by crime navigate through the aftermath of victimization or trauma.  The Federal Victim and Witness Protection Act and the North Carolina Fair Treatment for Victim and Witness Act directs that certain services be made available to victims and witnesses of serious crimes, families of murder victims and to seriously injured children.


The Victim Assistance Program exists to provide assistance to crime victims and their families.  Services may include the following:



  • Information & referral to appropriate service providers
  • Notification & assistance in filing crime victims' compensation claims
  • Provide current information about the status of a case
  • Notification of victim rights
  • Criminal justice support and advocacy
  • Safety planning, including referrals to family violence shelters
  • Crisis intervention
  • Assistance with Evidence return
  • Assistance obtaining Emergency and Permanent Protective Orders
  • Court accompaniment
  • Training to law enforcement, community groups and other agencies

What is National Crime Victims' Rights Week?


Since 1981, National Crime Victims' Rights Week is celebrated every year in April.  The week is dedicated to educate the community about victimization; the effect victimization has on individuals, families friends and the community, and to promote laws, policies, and programs to help victims of crime.  Every year, thousands of communities across the nation honor the dedication of those before us that established victim rights and renew commitment to guarantee that all victims have the rights and services they need to recover from crime.

Locally, the Durham Police Department organizes events and ceremonies to promote victims' right, to honor crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.