Victim Support Services
When the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) or another law enforcement agency is investigating a violent crime, Victim Support Services (VSS) functions to fulfill the statutory requirement to ensure that victims of violent crime receive the rights granted to them by law. Our Victim Services Professionals are dedicated to providing culturally sensitive, trauma-informed services to individuals and families affected by crime in Texas; including Department employees. All services are provided free of charge and may include:
- Explanation of the rights of crime victims
- Case status and arrest notifications
- Criminal justice information and support
- Assistance connecting with the assigned investigator
- Law enforcement, court, and forensic exam accompaniments
- Assistance with Crime Victims’ Compensation applications
- Assistance with the Address Confidentiality Program
- Help requesting a pseudonym (fake name for privacy), if eligible
- Assistance with the return of evidence
- Counseling/therapy and crisis intervention
- Personal advocacy
- Safety planning
- Referrals for legal aid and other social service/advocacy programs
In addition, our Victim Services Professionals provide specialized training on topics such as death notifications, victimology, victims’ rights, domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, grief and trauma, and other related topics.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
To contact a Victim Services Professional in your area, please visit the Regional Victim Services Professionals directory or call 512-424-2211.
DPS Victim Support Services is an equal opportunity provider and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or sexual orientation.