The Crime Victim Services Unit (CVSU) provides guidance to not-for-profit agencies and local and state governments on practices and policies that impact crime victims, and provides funding, training, and consultation to help communities develop programs to serve crime victims. This activity also includes assisting victims who encounter difficulty accessing services or who believe they have been deprived of their statutory or constitutional rights. Additional activities include notification and assistance to victims whose offenders are scheduled to be released from custody or have an upcoming court hearing, or informing them of the service and the status of their protection order. Article 1, Section 32 of the Missouri State Constitution guarantees that crime victims have the right to: Be present at all criminal justice proceedings at which the defendant has such right Be informed and heard at guilty pleas, bail hearings, sentencing's, probation revocation hearings and parole hearings Be informed of trials and preliminary hearings Restitution The speedy disposition and appellate review of cases Reasonable protection from the defendant or any person acting on behalf of the defendant Information concerning the release, escape, recapture or death of the accused while in custody or confinement Information about how the criminal just system works, the rights and availability of services and information about the crime.

Email:

Website: dps.mo.gov/dir/programs/cvsu/complaint

Phone: (573) 751-5399

This comprehensive program has been established to assist any victim of crime during a very difficult time in their life. The intent of Victim Advocate services is to assist victims with issues such as: Crisis Intervention Identifying needs and accessing available resources through information and referral Helping the victim understand their own role as being vital to solving crime Educating and helping the victim participate in the criminal justice process Assist with the development of short and long term safety plans for risk reduction and prevention of re-victimization.

Email:

Website: ci.independence.mo.us/IPD

Phone: 816.325.7300

Survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones can benefit from MOCSA’s services not only in the immediate aftermath of an incident, but days, weeks, months, or even years following an assault. MOCSA’s 24-hour, free-of-charge services included crisis line support, hospital advocacy, criminal justice and personal advocacy. Interpreters can be provided for any language, spoken or signed. For more information, call our main office line at (816) 931-4527. Trained MOCSA advocates provide support and assistance to adolescent and adult rape and sexual assault victims during the forensic evidence collection exam at area hospital emergency departments. Advocates are on stand-by 24-hours a day to provide support, information, and referrals to victims and their families at hospitals throughout the metropolitan area.

Email:

Website: mocsa.org/services/24-hour-support

Phone: (816) 531-0233 

The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime, and prevent underage drinking. As a victim, you have the right to be treated with fairness and with respect for your dignity and privacy. Upon written request to the prosecutor of the county in which the crime occurred, you have a right to: • Attend all proceedings that the defendant has the right to attend, even if you are called to testify. • Support from victim advocates in exercising your rights as a victim of crime. • Assistance and cooperation from criminal justice agencies. • Information, case status, and copies of unaltered reports. • Reasonable protection from the defendant. • Information about available witness fees, Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund, and restitution. • Expedited return of property when it’s no longer needed as evidence

Email:

Website: mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/Publications/Brochures/documents/MADD-Bklet.pdf

Phone: (573) 751-3313