Victims of Crime
Emberwood Center has been granted funds from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute to provide therapy and advocacy services to victims of crime, at no expense to them. Direct victims of the crime as well as witnesses or family members of the victim can qualify for these services, if they suffer from the effects of this crime.
Our therapists assist the victim in addressing all effects of trauma, like depression, anxiety, anger, trouble sleeping, physical symptoms, substance use, symptoms of post traumatic stress, relationships issues and so on. Our therapists are trained in evidenced based therapy models that are proven to be effective in treating trauma.
Our advocates assist victims in navigating the legal system as needed, and collaborate with case managers, probation officers, prosecutors, victim advocates, attorneys, physicians, and other involved therapists or family members. They assist the victim with resources as well as life skills in any areas needed and support the victim in regaining healthy functioning.
Victimization Experienced
The following list includes some of the qualifying crimes: (Click on the “+” to see more detail.)
Victim Compensation Information
Overview
As the administrator of the Indiana Violent Crime Victim Compensation Fund, ICJI strives to assist victims, or their dependents, with certain costs incurred as a direct result of a violent crime.
The fund pays for forensic exams, outpatient mental health counseling, and limited medical expenses related to a sexual assault. Under state and federal law a victim of a sexual assault cannot be directly billed for services related to the forensic exam or the collection of evidence. If the victim was assaulted in another state but is treated in an Indiana facility, that facility must follow the laws of the state where the crime occurred.
Eligibility Requirements
Indiana Code defines a violent crime as a felony or Class A misdemeanor that results in bodily injury or death to the victim. Persons eligible for assistance from this fund include:
- Innocent victims of eligible violent crimes, including a motor vehicle crash caused by a drunk driver;
- A parent, surviving spouse, dependent child or other legal dependent of an innocent victim who has been killed as a result of an eligible violent crime, including a motor vehicle crash caused by a drunk driver; or
- A person who is injured or killed trying to prevent a violent crime or giving aid to a law enforcement officer.
Other requirements include:
- The crime must have taken place in Indiana;
- The victim must have incurred a minimum out-of-pocket loss of $100;
- The crime must have been reported to the police within 72 hours (Note: Victims of sexual assault do not have to report the crime to law enforcement unless they choose to apply for compensation under the Victim Crime Fund for expenses not covered at the time a forensic exam was completed);
- The victim or survivors must cooperate in the investigation and prosecution of the crime;
- An application for benefits must be filed no later than 180 days after the crime occurred;
- Medical expenses must be incurred within 180 days of the crime, but can be extended under certain circumstances.
Covered Expenses
A maximum award of up to $15,000 may be available to help cover expenses resulting from any one injury or death.
Eligible crime-related expenses include:
- Medical bills;
- Up to $5,000 for funeral and burial or cremation expenses;
- Up to $3,000 for outpatient mental health counseling;
- Lost wages;
- Under certain circumstances loss of support to legal dependants of an employed crime victim who is killed;
- Reasonable child care services;
- Limited attorney fees related to a successful appeal; and
- Emergency shelter services.
Applications for benefits must be filed no later than 180 days after the crime occurred.
If you think you are eligible, please let us know, as we can help you with the application process. For more information: https://www.in.gov/cji/2333.htm