Victim Services

The Office of Victim Intervention and Education was developed in August 2007 by the Vanderbilt University Police Department in an effort to provide a civilian support person for anyone who may become a victim of crime while at Vanderbilt.

The Victim Services Coordinator is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week to provide support for victims of actual or threatened violence. In addition, the Victim Services Coordinator is available in conjunction with police services, or as a stand-alone support service. All services are free and confidential.

What we do:

• Ensure that victims of crime receive fair treatment in accordance with the State of Tennessee’s Victim’s Bill of Rights.
• Accompany and support victims of crime throughout all medical and counseling issues and legal matters to include, court hearings, the filing of protection orders, law enforcement interviews, the composition of one’s Victim Impact Statement, line-ups, depositions, etc.
• Provide emotional support to the victim, which seeks to address the thoughts and feelings one may experience as a result of being victimized.
• Act as a liaison between the victim of a crime and any legal, medical, and/or counseling services which may be needed to address the needs of the victim.
• In addition, if a victim determines that she or he does not want to file a formal police report, she or he is still able to use the services provided by the Victim Services Coordinator.

Your Rights as a Victim:

1. The right to confer with the prosecutor about your case.
2. The right to be free from harassment, intimidation and abuse throughout the criminal justice system.
3. The right to be present at all proceedings where the defendant has the right to be present.
4. The right to be heard, when relevant, at all critical stages of the criminal justice process as defined by the General Assembly.
5. The right to be informed of all proceedings, and of the release, transfer or escape of the accused or convicted person.
6. The right to a speedy trial or disposition and a prompt and final conclusion of the case after the conviction or sentence.
7. The right to restitution from the offender.
8. The right to know about each of these rights established for victims.

For More Information Contact:
Victim Services Coordinator (615) 343-0883