Victim Services
Message From the County Attorney
If you have been the victim of or a witness to a crime, you may be unsure as to steps involved in the criminal justice system. This Victim-Witness brochure has been prepared to help familiarize you with that system.
As a witness you are the most important person in the criminal prosecution. My entire staff appreciates your willingness to testify. We understand that without your cooperation, it would be impossible to prosecute those people who have committed crimes.
I strongly support the rights of victims and witnesses. My staff and I are committed to assisting you through the stages in the criminal justice system. We are here to serve you.
Iowa Victim Information & Notification Services
The Iowa Department of Justice Office of the Attorney General provides information as well as links for Crime Victims Services that includes but is not limited to:
Iowa Victim Information & Notification Everyday (IowaVINE)
This service allows victims to inquire on the custody status of an offender. For information on the custody status of an offender, contact the Iowa Victim Information & Notification Service
Crime Victim Compensation Program
Provides help to victims who have suffered personal injury from a violent crime, and helps the victims with out-of-pocket expenses related to these injuries. The program is entirely funded by fines or penalties paid by criminals.
Sexual Assault Examination Payment Program
The State of Iowa pays for the sexual assault examination regardless of whether the victim reports the crime to law enforcement.
Iowa Sex Offender Registrant Watch
The Iowa Sex Offender Registrant Watch provides 24 hour access to sex offender registrant information online. It also allows the ability to verify a registered sex offender's location and other characteristics including a photo. Registrant Watch provides crime victims and other interested parties the ability to be automatically notified by phone or email about changes in the location or identification information of a registered sex offender.
Identity Theft Passport Program
Individuals who are a victim of identity theft that occurred in Iowa may apply. A law enforcement report must be filed with the local law enforcement agency before eligibility may be determined for an ID Theft Passport. An ID Theft Passport will not be issued for instances of mistaken identity or loss of documents containing identifying information.
