Erie County Victim's Assistance - A Division of the Prosecutor's Office

Image of tape around crime scene

This is a special division of the County Prosecutor's Office. It is our primary goal to assist persons who have been victimized by crime in Erie County. Our goal is to help victims of crime understand the criminal justice system and address any questions or concerns that may arise in the aftermath of a crime. The staff is available to assist victims and/or their families with the Victims of Crime Compensation application. The Victim Assistance Division of the Erie County Prosecutor's Office is a service to victims of child abuse, rape, spouse abuse, and adult victims of crimes against the person.

The Victim Assistance Program is housed in the County Prosecutor's Office, 247 Columbus Avenue, Suite 319, Sandusky, Ohio. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Erie County Victim Assistance Program has been in formal existence since 1992, with one part time advocate, to serve victims of violent crimes. Since that time, the program has grown and currently employs four full-time advocates and three volunteers. The Victim Assistance Program provides services to all Courts in Erie County, with the exception of Vermilion. The Advocates provide the following services: Program Director - provides advocacy to victims of felony offenses, assists with Menacing and Stalking Civil Protection Orders, and is responsible for administering the program; the Municipal Court Advocate - provides services to victims of crime at the municipal court level; the Domestic Violence Advocate provides services to female victims of domestic violence at the municipal courts, and the Juvenile Court Advocate provides services to victims of juvenile offenders. The Advocates ensure that victims are aware of the Victims Rights.

The Victim Assistance Program is the County's only 24-hour rape crisis program. We provide hospital and police advocacy to persons who have been sexually assaulted and report to the hospital or police.

There is no charge for any of the services provided by the program. The Program is funded by federal grants received by the Ohio Attorney General's Office - VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) funds and by the Office of Criminal Justice Services - VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) funds. Program staff engage in three fundraising activities annually to supplement the federal funds received. The fundraising activities include a Pasta Dinner (March/April), a golf outing (July) and candle sales (November/December).

The Victim Assistance recruits volunteers to assist with clerical duties, fundraising, special projects, Victims' Rights Week activities, and the Rape Crisis component.