If you are a crime victim, The Victim Assistance Program within the Umatilla County District Attorney's Office has advocates who are trained to help you navigate the criminal justice system.  Advocates assist victims as their case moves through the court process, by providing information about resources & services available within our community, educating victims about their rights and to advocate for the enforcement of their rights and providing support throughout the criminal justice process.  The Victim Assistance Program (VAP) recognizes that crime victims have certain rights, including the right to be treated with dignity, respect and to receive fair and impartial treatment.

For further information and assistance, call: 541-278-6270  ext. 1 or email: victim@umatillacounty.gov

To learn more about your rights as a crime victim, visit our Victims's Rights page.

Advocates assigned to cases assist with the following: 

• Referrals to community resources and service providers
• Information about Victims' Rights
• Notification of court proceedings and case status information
• Accompaniment to court and preparation for court hearings
• Verify and documentation of financial losses for restitution requests
• Assist in the return of property held by the police agency or court
• Assist with scheduling conflicts, emergency and transportation problems
• Assistance in registering with VISOR and with the application process for State of Oregon Crime Victims’ Compensation benefits
• Safety planning and information on where to obtain protection orders

**The Victim Assistance Program does not provide financial assistance or offer legal advice**

What happens if the victim suffers injuries and does not have the ability to pay medical bills?

Oregon Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) Program was created to assist victims of a violent crime with expenses associated with the crime. This includes domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, robbery, (CVC cannot replace items that were stolen during the robbery), assault, homicide, or other compensable crimes resulting in a physical or psychological injury. In the aftermath of a crime, the CVC works to ease the financial burden suffered by hundreds of Oregonians each year.

**CVC is unable to provide immediate financial assistance. CVC cannot reimburse damages for property crimes, or pay for relocation costs**

Before applying, the VAP recommends you contact an Advocate to assist with the application process.  To apply for compensation or to learn more, visit the Oregon Department of Justice's Crime Victim and survivor Services webpage, or contact the Victim Assistance Program at: 541-278-6265 or email: victim@umatillacounty.gov

DO NOT BLAME YOURSELF:
Victims are innocent people who suffer harm when someone else breaks the law. It is essential for a victim to recognize that he or she is not at fault.

TALK ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS:
Find someone who is willing to listen. Victims usually do not need advice, but rather just someone with whom to talk.

DO NOT BE AFRAID TO SEEK OUTSIDE HELP:
There are times when the healing process requires help from a professional. Clergy, counselors, therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists may be valuable help.

BE REALISTIC ABOUT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM:
Certain aspects of the system may be exasperating. Be prepared for multiple delays, changes in court dates, and other unexpected events that can, and often do, occur. The legal system can be frustrating in its attempt to blindly administer justice, a goal of ultimate importance. The process is dynamic and unfamiliar to all but those who have studied the justice system for years, the system seeks to protect everyone and will accept no compromise in its efforts to be fair and to apply the rule of law, as justice requires.

Crime victims must register with VISOR to receive notifications. You can access VISOR by calling 1-855-691-6246 or by visiting https://visor.oregon.gov/

To be notified when someone in the custody of the Department of Corrections is scheduled to be released, contact Victim Services for the Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision at 503-945-0907.

To be notified 30 days in advance of Parole Board hearings, contact Victim Services for the Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision at 503-945-0907.

If the defendant is under the authority of the Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB) or the State Hospital Review Panel (SHRP), crime victims may be notified in advance of hearings or when the defendant is released, discharged or escapes by contacting the PSRB at 503-229-5596 or the SHRP at 503-945-2800. To be notified as soon as possible of an escape, contact the facility where the defendant is committed.

Crime victims can request information about registered sex offenders by calling the Oregon State Police Sex Offender Information line at 503-934-1258.

After conviction, confirm that you are signed up to receive the Oregon DOJ’s Post-Conviction Program services for any ongoing legal actions at 503-378-4284 or crimevictimsservices@doj.state.or.us.

If your rights are not honored, you can assert a claim of violation of crime victims’ rights. There are time limits for this right. For more information, email the Crime Victim and Survivor Services Division.