The Victim Witness Unit of the District Attorney’s Office was established to assist victims of felony crimes and juvenile crimes through involvement in the Criminal Justice System. The primary mission of the Victim Witness Unit is to meet the statutory requirements of the Georgia Victims Bill of Rights. This includes notification to all felony crime victims concerning each stage of the criminal justice system. The Victim Witness Unit also assists to improve the treatment of victims and witnesses by providing them with the assistance and services necessary to speed their recovery from a criminal act and to support and aid them as they move through the criminal justice system. This system is dependant upon the cooperation of victims and witnesses. Without citizen cooperation to report crime and testify about criminal acts, holding criminals accountable is virtually impossible. Studies have shown that when victims and witnesses are treated with dignity and respect during their interaction with the criminal justice system and are regularly informed of the status of the case, they are more willing to be cooperative with the prosecution office. Since the prosecution of criminal cases cannot be effected without such cooperation, contact with and treatment of victims and witnesses directly affects the prosecution of cases and the conviction of criminal defendants.

The Victim Witness Unit is composed of trained staff members and volunteers to help guide victims and witnesses through the maze of the criminal justice system.

Services provided by the staff of the Victim Witness Unit:

Explanation of the steps of the criminal justice system and the court process;

Notification of the status of the case, including court hearings;

Preparing the victim and witness for court appearing and providing orientation and companionship at court proceedings;

Referrals to other community resources and services;

Assisting with the completing of Victim Impact Statements, Victim Compensation Claims, and the prompt return of the victim’s property from evidence when possible;

Interceding with employers and school systems when possible to explain missed time from work or school;

Providing a safe, secure place for victims and witnesses to wait before testifying;

Coordinating of an on-call system for court appearances to aid victims and witnesses in avoiding lengthy absences from work and/or school;

Helping victims or witnesses if they feel afraid, intimidated, or harassed;