Victim / Witness Assistance Unit

Scotts Bluff County Victim/Witness Assistance Program is designed to provide you with services while you are involved with the criminal justice system. Our program strives to reduce the trauma of a crime by empowering and assisting crime victims, witnesses and family members in reconstructing their lives through advocacy, support, informational resources, and referrals.

As a victim/witness of a crime, you might be experiencing a vast array of emotions. Our program can help you better understand the criminal justice system. The victim/witness assistance program has a history of meeting the critical needs of these individuals. Our ongoing commitment to assist individuals involuntarily involved in the justice system can be seen everyday on the faces of those we have helped.

Services

• Inform victims of services available, directing them to community resources and social services that can provide additional assistance.
• Orient victims and witnesses to the criminal justice system, explaining the criminal justice process and court procedures.
• Notify victims and witnesses of the status of cases, court appearances, and case dispositions.
• Provide victims with information about court-ordered restitution.
• Provide victims assistance in filling out and obtaining both Protection Orders for Domestic Abuse and Harassment.
• Inform victims and witnesses of the availability of witness fees and reimbursement of expenses.
• Escort victims and witnesses to the courtroom in which they are to testify.

The Victim-Witness Assistance Program provides many important services for crime victims, including crisis support, peer support, referral to counseling, and advocacy within the justice system. However, we cannot make financial rewards, do not provide legal advice, and cannot pay for the replacement of stolen or damaged property.

Am I a victim of crime?

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=29-119

What rights do I have as a victim of crime?

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=81-1848

How can I be notified of events related to the criminal case?

Sign up for notifications through NEVCAP at: https://nevcap.nebraska.gov/offender/search

How can I provide a Victim Impact Statement?

• Contact District 12 Probation to provide a Victim Impact Statement at 308-436-6655
• Complete this form and email it to the Victim/Witness Assistance Unit at ifrohbieter@scottsblfufcounty.org

What to do if…

• I disagree with the charges filed in a case
• I do not feel safe due to the crime committed against me
• I have more information about the case that I want to share
• I am being coerced to change my statement

Protection Orders

How do I choose which protection order I need?

• Use this flowchart to help you choose the protection order that best suits your needs

How do I access the forms?

• Domestic abuse protection order
• Harassment protection order
• Sexual Assault protection order
• Renew, Modify, or Vacate a protection order

Protection Order Form Guide will provide you with information about how to complete the necessary forms to request a protection order

Find answers to other questions at this link: Protection Order FAQs