Victim Services

The Pima County Attorney's Office has a special Domestic Violence Unit  staffed by specially trained Victim Advocates who provide the unique services needed by victims of domestic violence. A victim advocate is present for all domestic violence court hearings, including misdemeanors. Our fundamental goals in domestic violence cases are to engage in early and meaningful contact and communication with victims, encourage swift and certain accountability for offenders, aggressively prosecute repeat offenders, and utilize investigative and prosecution techniques that enhance victim safety and offender accountability. Members of the domestic violence team also actively participate in community groups and events that enhance prevention and awareness of domestic violence issues.

Read more about the Domestic Violence Unit

• I am a crime victim. What are my rights?
• I received a notice of hearing from the Pima County Attorney's Office. As a victim, am I required to attend?
• Can I get restitution for my economic loss?
• What is Victim Compensation?
• How can I drop the charges against the person who is being prosecuted?
• How do I get a Restraining Order? Where do I get one?
• I want to give input on a case. What can I do?
• When is the next court date involving my case?
• I am a crime victim. Do I have to get my own attorney?
• Where can I get a copy of a police report?
• I want to get into the Witness Protection Program. Can you help with that?

Still have a question? Visit our Victim Services Resource page or contact us at (520) 724-5525.

1. To be treated with fairness, respect and dignity, and to be free from intimidation, harassment or abuse, throughout the criminal justice process.
2. To be informed, upon request, when the accused or convicted person is released from custody or has escaped.
3. To be present at and, upon request, to be informed of all criminal proceedings when the defendant has the right to be present.
4. To be heard at any proceeding involving a post-arrest release decision, a negotiated plea and sentencing.

Click here for complete Crime Victims' Bill of Rights

Click here for the Spanish version of the Crime Victims' Bill of Rights

Being the victim of a crime is often very traumatic, and the criminal justice system can be overwhelming and confusing. Trained Victim Advocates are available to help. When a crime results in criminal prosecution, the Victim Advocate is available to:

• Inform victims of their rights.
• Explain the criminal justice system and the roles of other parties.
• Obtain victim input before decisions are made about the case.
• Accompany victims to court and trial to provide emotional support, explain court proceedings, and answer questions.
• Work with detectives and Deputy County Attorneys to address victims' or witnesses' concerns.
• Inform victims of avenues for seeking financial restitution and property return.
• Assist with writing victim impact statements.
• Help with scheduling for court appearances.
• Make referrals to appropriate resources.

If you are the victim of a crime that is being prosecuted by the Pima County Attorney's Office, please call 520-724-5525 if you have questions or need assistance.

A child who is a victim or a witness to a crime often faces a legal system that can be overwhelming. Adding to this complex and unfamiliar process is the possibility of having to appear in court to testify, which can cause fear and anxiety in some children. Many of these feelings are based on misconceptions about the courtroom. Kids in Court is a free program intended to empower child victims and witnesses and to educate their caregivers in a safe and fun environment.

Kids who participate will:

• Become familiar with the courtroom environment and procedures.
• Become familiar with various court personnel including judges, bailiffs, and attorneys.
• Become familiar with the role of a witness.
• Have an easier time expressing needs in the courtroom.
• Develop general coping skills that will help them learn to manage stress and anxiety.

If your child is a victim of or witness to a crime that is being prosecuted through the Pima County Attorney's Office and you would like him or her to participate in Kids in Court, please call 724-5525.

Immediately following a crime, victims often experience a variety of emotional and physical reactions to the trauma. Trained Victim Advocates are available to provide crisis intervention services to help mitigate the effects and assist victims with their most immediate needs.

• Can respond to homes, hospitals, schools and other scenes to provide crisis intervention at the request of law enforcement or health care staff.
• Are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• Can assist victims of all crime types including domestic violence, sexual assault, robbery, assault, and homicide.
• Are also available for those affected by a sudden or traumatic death.
• Can provide emotional support, answer questions, assess needs, offer resources and provide community referrals.

Crime Victim Compensation may be able to help with crime-related expenses. Crime Victim Compensation provides financial assistance to crime victims who have incurred a financial loss as a direct result of a crime. The perpetrator does not have to be charged or convicted for the victim to apply for assistance. However, the victim seeking compensation must fully cooperate with law enforcement and the Pima County Attorney's Office. A written application is required. Applications are reviewed and decisions are made by the Pima County Crime Victim Compensation Claims Board.

If you have been a victim of a crime and feel you may qualify for victim compensation, click here to learn more.

The Victim Services Division is in need of volunteers. There are two types of volunteer opportunities within the Victim Services Division: crisis response and court advocacy.

Crisis Response Volunteers

Volunteers provide crisis intervention services to victims at the request of law enforcement. Volunteers respond on-scene to a variety of calls including sexual assault, homicide, robbery, burglary, domestic violence, suicide and child abuse. They are also sometimes asked to make death notifications with law enforcement.

Court Advocacy Volunteers

Volunteers provide daytime court advocacy to victims and witnesses involved in criminal cases. Volunteers learn about the criminal justice system, community resources and a wide variety of court cases. Volunteer court advocates schedule themselves during regular office hours. They work closely with staff members, other agencies and Deputy County Attorneys to provide a wide variety of victim support services.
If you are interested in learning more about how to become a Victim Service Volunteer, please call (520) 724-5525

The Victim Services Division offers a two-hour workshop on Sexual and Relationship Violence Prevention. This workshop is geared toward adults who work with or are concerned about youth in the community. During this presentation, participants will learn:

• The facts about sexual violence and its impact on our youth, families, and communities.
• The importance of instilling in our youth the concept of appropriate boundaries.
• The connections between bullying, sexual harassment, relationship violence, child sexual abuse, and rape.
• How to spot red flags regarding domestic and dating violence.
• Arizona laws related to sexual violence and the legal definition of consent.
• How to respond to a disclosure of sexual violence.
• Appropriate resources and interventions.
• Mandated reporting laws.
• Easy steps everyone can take to help reduce sexual violence.

To schedule a workshop, contact the Victim Services Division at 520-724-5525.