Rights of Crime Victims

Victims of crime in Texas are afforded certain rights under Texas law. These rights include, but are not limited to:

• The right to protection
• The right to information
• The right to notification
• The right to be heard
• The right to participate in the criminal justice system
• The right to seek financial remedies. 

These rights are guaranteed under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 56

Texas Crime Victim Rights English (PDF)

Sexual Assault

A victim of sexual assault, family violence, stalking, or human trafficking may choose a pseudonym to be used instead of the victim’s name to designate the victim in all public files and records concerning the offense, including police summary reports, press releases, and records of judicial proceedings. A victim who elects to use a pseudonym as provided by this article must complete a pseudonym form developed under this article and return the form to the law enforcement agency investigating the offense. A completed and returned pseudonym form is confidential.

INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV)

Domestic violence (also referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV), dating abuse, or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.  IPV can take many forms, including physical violence, threats, stalking, economic and sexual abuse.

Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate. People of any race, age, gender, sexuality, religion, education level, or economic status can be a victim — or perpetrator — of domestic violence. That includes behaviors that physically harm, intimidate, manipulate, or control a partner or otherwise force them to behave in ways they don’t want to. 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help or someone to talk to.

PROTECTIVE ORDERS

A Protective Order is a civil suit seeking protection from someone who has been violent. In Texas there are three different types of orders of protection. If you have been a victim of family/dating violence, sexual abuse or stalking, you can apply for a court order to keep your abuser away. A Protective Order can deter violence and provide police and courts additional authority to intervene.

Suppose the abuser is arrested at the time of arraignment. In that case, the magistrate may grant an Order of Emergency Protection under his/her own motion or at the request of the victim, a guardian of the victim, a peace officer, or an attorney representing the State.  The Order Is in effect for 31 to 91 days, supersedes any other court order that may be in place, Will be mandatory if there is serious bodily injury or if a weapon is used during the assault, and can be enforced by police if violated.

A family court issues a Final Protective Order, or you may obtain a Protective Order by applying with the District Attorney’s office in the county in which you reside, the county where the offender resides, or the county where the offense occurred.  If you are in the process of a divorce, your private attorney must assist you in obtaining a Protective Order. Most final Protective Orders are in effect for two years. 

A Restraining Order is a civil order issued against a non-family member (usually in conjunction with divorce proceedings) to prevent a person from engaging in certain behaviors, i.e., having contact with the complainant, going to certain places, etc. The Restraining Order is valid for the period specified on the Order and is not enforceable by the police.

CRIME VICTIMS' COMPENSATION (CVC)

The Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) Program helps crime victims and their immediate families with the financial costs of crime. Examples of crime-related costs covered by the CVC include:

• Counseling
• Medical treatment
• Funerals
• Loss of income not paid by other sources

CVC is administered by The Attorney General’s Office, Crime victims’ Compensation Division in Austin.  Crime Victims’ Compensation can reimburse expenses that are reasonably and necessarily incurred for medical bills, counseling, certain funeral and burial expenses, and more. 

For assistance in applying for CVC for an offense occurring in Prosper, please contact the Crime Victim's Advocate at 972-569-1149.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Reimbursement for property damage or loss is not an eligible expense.
• Crime Victim’s Compensation is the “payor of last resort”.

Texas Attorney General Crime Victims Compensation Program

Grief and Suicide

Sometimes we just need someone to listen without judgment, without interruption, without offering advice.  No one should have to grieve alone. The Grief & Loss Center here for you with unconditional acceptance, understanding, compassion, confidentiality and hope.  Providing support groups for children, teens and adults. You don’t have to worry about the cost, there is no charge for groups. For more information please visit mygriefandloss.org.

Carson’s Village

A nonprofit organization designed to help families navigate the journey to healthy grieving after the loss of a loved one. The “village” is the foundation of our grief support process, providing both peer-to-peer and group support to those who need it immediately after the death of a loved one.  The road to a person’s “new normal” after losing a loved one can be challenging, Carson’s Village can help you on that journey.  Assistance Aid to families ranging from fundraising, donation, and various forms of compensation based on demographics.  The following link will take you to the resources available at carsonsvillage.org.

Journey of Hope, Grief Support Center

 A non-profit organization dedicated to providing group grief support to children, adolescents, and their parents or adult caregivers who have lost a loved one to death.  Journey of Hope offers these services in a warm, caring, and nurturing environment where the feelings of grief, pain, and loss may be expressed. Trained volunteer group facilitators lead participants in their personal journey toward healing and healthy reconciliation of their grief. Those served determine when to begin and how long to attend Journey of Hope.  Please contact 972-964-1600 or visit the Journey of Hope Grief Support Center page.

Trauma Support Services of North Texas (TSSNT)

 An organization founded to better serve victims of trauma in North Texas. Its founders developed a unique strategy to provide high-quality trauma therapy. Volunteer therapists provide counseling services free of charge so clients are able to receive treatment for "as long as it takes." TSSNT uses various types of therapy to help clients meet their therapeutic needs. Provide access to Individual therapy, Group therapy, Play therapy (for children), Family therapy (case by case basis), and Psychoeducational trauma groups.  Please call 972-709-4904 or visit the Trauma Support Service.

TSSNT also provides grief support to people of all ages who experienced a traumatic event, such as the death of a loved one. Bereavement support includes: groups for those who have lost a loved one to suicide, homicide, or another traumatic event; bilingual play therapy for children; monthly and weekly groups for survivors of suicide; and more. Many programs are free; others have a nominal fee.  

Crime Victim Information

For more information on crime victims' rights and information, a Brochure (PDF) (en Español (PDF)) is available for viewing online. Additionally, the state's Attorney General's Office has published information on crime victims' compensation that is available for viewing.

Crime Witness Information

What is your role as a witness to a crime? Read about your role as a witness which will provide all of the questions to your answers.

Your Role as a Witness_201404101435416867.pdf

Additional Information

For additional information, or if you have questions or concerns regarding the Victim and Witness Assistance Program, please email our Crime Victim Advocate at lboggess@prospertx.gov or call 972-569-1149.

The Prosper Police Department staff and volunteers are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted by the Town of Prosper. Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or Deaf Action Center at 214-521-0407 or Texas Division for Blind Services at 1-800-252-9108 (voice and TTY).

Local Victim Resources FEB 2024.pdf