VICTIM SERVICES

Many victims of crimes go through a difficult adjustment period following a crime. Whether the victim has been physically hurt or had their home broken into, chances are the crime will have an impact on them. The trauma people experience from being victimized by crime is not a weakness. It is a stress reaction to the loss of safety and security brought about by the crime.

There are certain rights you as a victim of crime are entitled to. Additionally, there are a wide variety of resources available in our local communities to help victims cope with the stress of crime and to help you navigate your way through the criminal justice process. This will help introduce you to your rights and some local services available to you as a victim of crime.

Missouri Crime Victims Rights You have the right to:
 • Be present at all criminal justice proceedings which defendant attends, including juvenile proceedings (if offense would be a felony)
 • Be informed of and heard at guilty pleas, sentencing, bail hearings, probation revocations, parole hearings
 • Be informed of trials and preliminary hearings
 • Restitution • Speedy disposition and appellate review of case
 • Reasonable protection from defendant
 • Information about escape or release of accused
 • Information about criminal justice process

Counseling Services

Washington University students who have been the victim of a crime are eligible for counseling services to help cope with the stress of crime victimization through Student Health Services. To make arrangements to speak with a Counselor, call 935-6695 for an appointment.

Victim Services Units

Local prosecutors and some police departments have specialized units providing services to crime victims. These services typically include:
 • Information on cases status, criminal justice systems, the role/rights of victims
 • Information about police and court procedures
 • State Victim’s Compensation assistance
 • Assistance with Victim Impact statements
 • Emotional support, court accompaniment, victim advocacy
 • Referrals for psychological counseling, social service agencies, financial assistance
 • Adult Abuse assistance

For Crimes Occurring in University City
Contact the University City Police Department Victim Service Unit at 314-505-8664

For Crimes Occurring in the City of St. Louis
Contact the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office Victim Services Unit at 314-622-4373

For Crimes Occurring in St. Louis County
Contact the Victim Services Division of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office at 314-615-4872

Additional Crime Victim Services

In addition to the agencies listed above, the Crime Victim Advocacy Center in St. Louis offers services to victims whether or not a suspect has been arrested, or in cases where the victim has not pursued prosecution. The Advocacy Center also provides free counseling services. Contact the Crime Victim Advocacy Center at 314-652-3623

Crime Victim Compensation

In the state of Missouri, a victim of a crime may be reimbursed for certain expenses incurred as the result of that crime. These include: Hospital or doctor bills. Counseling fees. Funeral/burial expenses. Loss of wages as the result of physical injury or death.

Who is Eligible?

Victims of an injury or death occurring in Missouri.
Victims who have filed a police report about the incident within 48 hours.
Victims who have cooperated with police and prosecution.
Victims who file their claims within 1 year of the crime.

Crime Victims' Compensation will pay a maximum of $25,000. 

For more information or to receive a claim form, please contact:
Crime Victims' Compensation Program
P.O Box 1589
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1589
1-800-347-6881

Obtaining a Copy of a Police Report

To request a copy of a police report, you may contact the following agencies:

St. Louis Police 314-444-5590
University City Police 314-725-2211