DISMAS

M  I  N  I  S  T  R  Y

Victim Resources

What Victims Need

The truth is, survivors of crime and the loved ones of victims are living in our midst. Unfortunately we may not be aware of their presence. Even if we are, we may not know how to act around them or go about helping them. Nevertheless, the Bible makes it very clear, that it is the responsibility of God’s people to care for those who have fallen victim to crime.

What We Can Do

· First of all, learn who the victims and their loved ones are and where they live.

· Listen to their story - they need to be heard.

· Be there for them without making judgments about their legitimate feelings of anger, fear,
shame, guilt, or even revenge.

· Do not ask them to forgive prematurely.

· Allow them time to grieve in their own way.

· Respect their need for privacy.

· Provide physical assistance if they request it.

· Encourage recovery groups in which victims gain mutual support from one another.

· Accompany victims and their loved ones to face-to-face meetings with offenders.

· Offer to pray with victims and their loved ones, but only if they agree; or, ask if we may
keep them in our prayers.

· In general, respect their need to make their own decisions and to regain control of their
lives.

 

National Victim Resources

· Victim Information and Notification (VINE): 24-hour hotline connecting victims to offender information.

· US Dept. of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime: oversees programs that benefit victims of crime

· National Center for Victims of Crime: advocate for crime victims; works with organizations and agencies serving victims of crime.

· National Organization for Victim Assistance: non-profit group working for victim rights and services.

· National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children: provides grief support to parents and other survivors; helps deal with criminal justice system.

· US Dept. of Justice, Violence Against Women Office: leads national effort to stop domestic violence and sexual assault against women.

· Concerns of Police Survivors

 

Victim Assistance Phone Numbers

· National Center for Victims of Crime, (800) 384-2255

· National Organization for Victim Assistance, (800) 879-6682

· Office for Victims of Crime Resource Center, (800) 627-6872
(US Dept. of Justice)

· National Child Abuse Hotline, (800) 222-4453

· Mothers Against Drunk Driving, (800) 787-3224

· Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, (800) 656-4673

· National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, (800) 826-7653

· National Children’s Alliance, (800) 239-9950

· Domestic Violence Hotline, (800) 799-SAFE

 

A Prayer for Victims

Heavenly Father,
It is your will that no harm should come to those you have created in your image and likeness. Hold lovingly and carefully in your arms all who have suffered at the hands of others. Console them and heal them. Bind up the wounds they have endured in body, mind, and spirit. Be with the victims who survive. Restore their dignity and remind them that they are deserving of love and respect. Welcome into your kingdom the victims who have died. They are precious in your sight. Give them peace and happiness with you forever. We ask this through Jesus your beloved Son, who died a victim but rose victorious over death. Amen.