If you feel you have been a victim of a crime, it is important to know that you have rights and you are not alone. All victim's rights are protected by what is known as the "Victim's Bill of Rights." (See below). The first and most important step you should take is reporting the crime and/or you victimization to your local law enforcement agency. There are also several community services and resources to assist victims of crime in our local community. (See Victim Information Resources below). Always remember that your safety is of the utmost concern to us, and we will take all steps necessary to ensure you and your family are kept safe.

WASHINGTON STATE CONSTITUTION - VICTIM RIGHTS
PREAMBLE We, the people of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this constitution.

ARTICLE I, DECLARATION OF RIGHTS, SECTION 35 VICTIMS OF CRIMES - RIGHTS:
Effective law enforcement depends on cooperation from victims of crime. To ensure victims a meaningful role in the criminal justice system and to accord them due dignity and respect, victims of crime are hereby granted the following basic and fundamental rights. Upon notifying the prosecuting attorney, a victim of a crime charged as a felony shall have the right to be informed of and, subject to the discretion of the individual presiding over the trial or court proceedings, attend trial and all other court proceedings the defendant has the right to attend, and to make a statement at sentencing and at any proceeding where the defendant's release is considered, subject to the same rules of procedure which govern the defendant's rights. In the event the victim is deceased, incompetent, a minor, or otherwise unavailable, the prosecuting attorney may identify a representative to appear to exercise the victim's rights. This provision shall not constitute a basis for error in favor of a defendant in a criminal proceeding nor a basis for providing a victim or the victim's representative with court appointed counsel. [AMENDMENT 84, 1989 Sentate Joint Resolution No. 8200, p 2999. Approved November 7, 1989.]

VICTIM'S BILL OF RIGHTS

1. To be informed of the final outcome of your case.
2. To be informed of changes in court dates for which ou have been subpoenaed.
3. To receive protection from harm and threats of harm arising from your cooperation with law enforcement and prosecution.
4. To receive witness fees to which you are entitled.
5. To have, whenever practical, a secure waiting area during court proceedings.
6. To have any stolen orother personal property used as evidence returned as soon as possible after completion of the case.
7. To have someone intervene with your employer if necessary when you are required to be in court.
8. To have access to immediate medical assistance without unnecessary delay.
9. With respect to victims of violent and sex crimes, to have a crime victim advocate from a crime victim/witness program present at any prosecutorial or defense interviews with the victim. This subsection applies if practical and if the presence of the crime victim advocate does not cause any unnecessary delay in the investigation or prosecution of the case. The role of the crime victim advocate is to provide emotional support to the crime vicitim.
10. To be present in court during trial if you are a victim or survivor of a victim, after your testimony has been given and no further testimony is required.
11. To be informed of the date, time and location of the trial and, if requested, of the sentencing hearing in felony cases if you are the victim or survivor of the victim.
12. To present a statement in person or in writing at the sentencing hearing in felony cases if you are the victim or a survivor of a victim.
13. To submit a victim impact statement to the court.
14. To have restitution ordered by the court, unless the court finds this inappropriate, in felony cases if you are the victim or survivor of the victim.
15. To present a statement in person, via audio or videotape, in writing or by representation at any hearing conducted regarding an application for pardon or commutation of sentence.

VICTIM INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES

• YWCA Alive Shelter, (206) 780-2931 or 1-(360) 479-0522
• Kitsap County Sexual Assault Center, 1 (360) 479-1788
• SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner/@ Harrison Hospital), 1-360-377-3911 Ext.5225
• Suicide/Crisis Line, 1-800-843-4793 or 1(360) 479-3033
• CPS (Child Protective Services), 1-800-562-5624
• MADD (Mother's Against Drunk Drivers), 1-(360)551-6233
• ARC (Advocates for the Rights of Citizens w/Developmental Disabilities)
• Victim/Witness Notification Program, 1-800-753-6211
• Catholic Community Services, 1 (360) 792-2020
• Crime Victims Compensation, 1-800-762-3716
• Address Confidentiality Program, 1-800-822-1065
• Homicide and Loss Support Project, (206) 223-0398
• Concerns of Police Survivors, 1-800-784-2677
• National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children, 1-888-818-POMC
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 1-800-THE-LOST
• Families & Friends of Missing Persons and Violent Crime Victims, 1-800-346-7555
• Washington State DV Hotline, 1-800-562-6025
• National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE
• Kitsap County Prosecutor's Office, (360) 337-7174or (206) 780-4670; Prosecutor's Victim/Witness Coordinator, Kelly Pelland (360) 337-4686
• Department of Social & Health Services, Abuse & Neglect Hotline, 1-800-562-6078