Victim / Witness Services
The Victim-Witness program of the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office was designed to create a more trauma-informed, compassionate and inclusive response for victims and witnesses involved with the criminal justice system in Douglas County, Kansas. This team works to ensure that victims and witnesses are not further victimized in the wake of a crime as cases move through the criminal justice system. Coordinators act as liaisons between law enforcement, prosecutors, community resources, families, criminal justice system representatives, employers and schools. This victim-centered approach acknowledges that the impacts of crime are broad, and no one “wins” in criminal proceedings. Our coordinators offer victims information about options available to them and support them throughout the legal process, even attending court proceedings with them to offer information and reassurance.
K.S.A. Crime Victims Bill of Rights
(a) Victims of crime, as defined by law, shall be entitled to certain basic rights, including the right to be informed of and to be present at public hearings, as defined by law, of the criminal justice process, and to be heard at sentencing or at any other time deemed appropriate by the court, to the extent that these rights do not interfere with the constitutional or statutory rights of the accused.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed as creating a cause of action for money damages against the state, a county, a municipality, or any of the agencies, instrumentalities, or employees thereof. The legislature may provide for other remedies to ensure adequate enforcement of this section.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a court to set aside or to void a finding of guilty or not guilty or an acceptance of a plea of guilty or to set aside any sentence imposed or any other final disposition in any criminal case.
Community Resources
The Care Center
The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center promotes a culture of consent while providing 24/7 support to people of all ages and genders affected by sexual trauma and abuse in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties.
The Willow
For survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking
A nonprofit law firm and community education organization helping low and moderate income people in Kansas
Children’s Advocacy Center
Comprehensive, child-centered program based in a facility that provides an immediate and compassionate response to a child’s out-cry of abuse.
Kansas Department of Corrections Victim Services
The Office of Victim Services provides confidential support and information if you are the victim, survivor or witness to a crime, and the offender was sentenced to the Kansas Department of Corrections.
B.A.C.A.
Bikers Against Child Abuse, Inc. exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children.
Victim Witness Division Contact
Victim Witness Coordinator
