Dear Citizens:

The Citizens of Spalding County are very important to me. Unfortunately, personal and violent crime is a reality in Spalding County. However, victims do not have to suffer the consequences of such crime alone; the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office has created a Victim Service Unit (VSU) which is a first-responder, crisis intervention unit specifically created for victims of personal and violent crime. This unit services these individuals at their point of need. This unit operates by money raised through crime victim’s court fines and fees, grants, and fundraising within the community.

 The VSU responds to citizens by providing an advocate who will evaluate the victim’s situation and refer that individual to a variety of empowering resources in the county that can assist in the healing process. At the time of crisis, VSU can assist with emergency food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities as needed. This unit’s mission is to support victims, help them heal from the effects of violent crime, and become more self-sufficient, or to simply answer questions.

 After the crime occurs, VSU realizes that the time spent before the court date is often very stressful and frustrating. Because the judicial system is very intimidating to someone who is not familiar with it, advocates with VSU work very closely with advocates from the court system to assist in the legal proceedings. VSU provides case information such as names, addresses, and telephone numbers of victims and family members to the District Attorney’s Office and to the Solicitor’s office. An advocate from one of these offices will contact the victim and assist him or her through the process of responding to this incident in court.

 For more information about the VSU, or to inquire about services, please contact the unit directly at 770-467-5453.

 Sincerely,

Sheriff Darrell Dix

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Victim Services Unit (VSU)

Victims of crime, experience a variety of challenges. Problems victims encounter often include physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, relational, legal, and employment. The Victim Service Unit has been created to help address the problems for innocent crime victims. The following services are available:

 Victim Services

Services Provided	Explanations
Crisis Response and Intervention	Provides on-site service to help victims with immediate needs.
Education	Provides information regarding the criminal justice process.
Referral	Furnishes information regarding service agencies in the community which may provide assistance.
Support Group	Sponsors trauma and grief support groups for victims and victim survivors.
Court Accompaniment	Accompanies victims to court to answer questions regarding the proceeding, to ensure proper security, and to provide emotional support
Compensation	Assists victims in filing Crime Victim Compensation.
Victim Impact Statements	Assists in preparing victim impact statements and submits to prosecution and court (explaining the impact of the crime on victims and their families).
General Assistance	Extends general assistance to victims and their survivors as needed.

 If You Are A Victim

If you are a victim of a violent crime, you may need assistance with physical, emotional, or financial problems that confront you. Also, you may have questions regarding the criminal justice process and your role in the investigation and prosecution of the case. Please contact our Victim Service Unit (VSU). Our staff is available to help you.

 

If You Need Protection

If you are being threatened or intimidated by the accused, please contact the VSU. We have shelters and safe housing available for your protection. Also, you may contact the investigator or the prosecutor assigned to your case and inform him or her of the threats or intimidation.

 

If You Need Special Services

If you have been victimized by violent crime, you may require special emergency services. A list of victim service agencies is provided for your convenience.

 

EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTORY

COUNSELING

TAGS (Trauma and Grief Support)	770-233-2809
Lasting Impact Ministries	678-603-1086
Touch of Healing	678-688-3133
Nancy Anderson	770-480-1365

CHILD ABUSE

Advo-Kids CASA (Ext. 21)	770-229-3116
Spalding County DFACS	770-228-1386
Georgia Council on Child Abuse AKA Prevent Child Abuse Georgia	404-870-6565

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Promise Place	770-692-3333
Christian Women’s Center	770-227-3700
Georgia Coalition Against DV	404-209-0280
Haven House	770-954-9229

ELDER ABUSE

Adult Protective Services

888-774-0152

HOMICIDE/SUICIDE

Compassionate Friends	877-969-0010
Nat’l. Coalition of Homicide Survivors	520-740-5729
Suicide Hotline	800-273-8255
Parents of Murdered Children	513-721-5683
The Link Counseling	404-256-9797 770-541-1114

SEXUAL ASSAULT

Southern Crescent Sexual Assault Services	770-477-2177
Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault	404-815-5261

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Alcoholics Anonymous	404-525-3178
Narcotics Anonymous	888-677-8810
Midway Recovery	770-227-8975
McIntosh Trail MH/DD/AD	770-358-5252
MADD	770-615-3737

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Spalding Collaborative www.spaldingcollaborative.com

770-228-9330

REPORT ALL CRIMES TO:

Spalding County Sheriff’s Office	770-467-4282
Griffin Police Department	770-229-6450
Georgia State Patrol	770-229-3410

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To download a pamphlet from the Victim's Services Unit and services provided, please CLICK HERE or scan the QR Code below.

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Lewis, Irma Victim Services Coordinator