The Newark Victim/Witness Advocacy Program assists individuals who have been victims of or witnesses to crime. The mission of the program is to provide services to victims of crime whose complaints originate out of the Newark Municipal Court and to further enhance and advocate for victims' rights through community collaboration and awareness. The office provides counseling, referrals, notifications of court appearances, transportation to and from court, and assistance to victims in applying for restitution and compensation.

Being a crime victim can be a difficult experience for many people. The Newark Victim/Witness Advocacy program is designed to help crime victims return to a normal way of life by making them aware of their rights in the criminal justice system and offering supportive services that provide help, hope, and healing in the aftermath of crime.

The Newark Victim/Witness Advocacy Program, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:3B-46, provides the following to victims and witnesses of crime:

• Crisis intervention
• Information concerning case status
• Explanation of the stages of the Criminal Justice System
• Information regarding available services to meet needs resulting from the crime; referrals to appropriate public and private social service organizations
• Provide assistance in filing claims before the New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Board
• Accompaniment to court for victims when required
• Provide information and assistance in completing a Victim Impact Statement
• Provide bus tickets when needed
• Provide information and assistance in reopening complaints
• Provide assistance with property return when necessary

For too long, the victims of crime have been largely forgotten by our criminal justice system. Rarely do we give victims the help they need or the attention they deserve, even though the protection of our citizens is the primary purpose of our penal laws. In the aftermath of crime, there is shock, devastation, pain, trauma, and fear accompanied by confusion about what is happening now and what will happen in the future. The Newark Victim/Witness Advocacy Program firmly believes that no one asks to be victimized and that when a crime occurs, victims need to be made aware of their rights within our justice system and of the many services available to help them cope, The Newark Victim/Witness Program values your rights to justice, guidance, advocacy, assistance, choices, resources, information, and protection. Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you are in need of these services.

Hours of Service
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location
31 Green Street, Room 301C
Newark, NJ 07102

Contact
(973) 733-4862