Resources for Victims
Restitution and Victims Compensation
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The Victims Compensation Program provides limited financial assistance to victims of crime. The financial loss has to be the direct result of the crime and is not reimbursable through other sources, such as insurance.
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BCJC’s Parallel Justice program can provide further information and assist victims of crime in filling out the Victims Compensation application. Frequently asked questions about the program can be found on the Vermont Center for Crime Victims Services’ website, The application can be downloaded here.
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Restitution helps address the financial hardship caused to crime victims. The Restitution Unit enforces and collects court-ordered restitution and directs offenders' payments to victims.
Vermont Victim Assistance Program
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The Vermont Victim Assistance Program (VAP) empowers crime victims by helping them access the criminal justice system through empathy, support, information, resources, and referrals to community partners. The VAP serves every county in Vermont with twenty-seven State’s Attorneys victim advocates devoted to serving crime victims’ needs.
Vermont Victim Services Resource Directory
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The Vermont Victim Services Resource Directory, compiled by the Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services is an excellent guide to many resources helpful to working with victims of crime. The Directory includes an overview of victims' rights, a description of the criminal justice process, a listing of statutes relating to crime victims, information about VT courts, crime prevention strategies, and contact information for statewide, county-wide and national resources which can assist victims. For a hard copy of the Vermont Victim Services Resource Directory, contact the Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services at 103 S. Main Street, Waterbury, VT 05671-2001; phone (802) 241-1250, 1-800-750-1213 (VT only), or 1-800-845-4874 TTY.
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Community Resources for Victims/Survivors
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Adult Protective Services – A unit of Vermont state government responsible for investigating allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults
Disability Rights Vermont - A statewide agency dedicated to advancing the rights of people with disabilities and mental health issues. Among other roles, they support human and civil rights by investigating complaints of abuse and neglect (physical or sexual assault, verbal & physical abuse, restraint and seclusion, forced treatment, and harassment.)
H.O.P.E. Works – For survivors of sexual violence in Chittenden County
National Center for Victims of Crime – This national organization has a wealth of resources for crime victims and those who work with them.
Steps to End Domestic Violence – For survivors of intimate partner violence in Chittenden County
Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence – Supporting victims of sexual and domestic violence throughout Vermont, this “umbrella” network can provide a referral to your local support organization if you live outside of Chittenden County.
SafeSpace at the Pride Center of VT – Safe Space is a program dedicated to ending violence against our LGBTQ* neighbors and supporting LGBTQ* victims affected by crime. It is part of the Pride Center of VT.
Vermont 211 – A live operator (available 24/7) or the website can help you with information about different agencies and resources in Vermont that are available to help in almost any situation.
Vermont State’s Attorney Victim Advocates – If an offender is caught and prosecuted, a Victim Advocate in the State’s Attorney’s office is available to help victims navigate the criminal legal process as the case travels through the court system.
Vermont Automated Notification System – This automated system notifies people who register by phone or email with up-to-date information about accused and convicted offenders. This includes information about whether an offender is incarcerated or being supervised by the Department of Corrections while living in the community.
As laid out in Title 13 of the Vermont Statutes:
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1. Safety
The victim advocate must always ask the victim if they have any concerns about their
safety. The advocate will maintain the confidentiality of the victim and support them as they end
their participation with the program.
2. Security
The victim will be protected throughout the process from intimidation or threats. The
victim advocate will pay attention to any fear the victim may have, perceived or real. The victim
advocate must respond to any and all safety issues that come up during the process.
3. Information
The victim is granted the right to certain information regarding the case. This includes
time and dates of meetings, participant progress and whether the participant completed
successfully or not. The victim may also request certain information, in which case it becomes
the advocate’s responsibility to find out. The victim is also granted to right to supported
preparation for any participation in the process and the right to give consent or not regarding
their participation.
4. Choice
The victim ALWAYS has a choice throughout the process. They are given a number of
options in regard to how they wish to participate or not and how they wish to move forward with
the situation.
5. Testimony
Victims are given the space to share their story of how the crime has impacted their life,
free from judgement or criticism.
6. Validation
The victim receives validation for their feelings about the crime from the victim advocate
and other panel members.
7. Restitution/Reparation
The victim has a right to be repaid for any financial burden the crime has caused them.
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Additional Resources
Report on Serving Crime Victims Through Restorative Justice: A Resource for Leaders and Practitioners from the Alberta Restorative Justice Association.
Also learn more by educating yourself.