Resources for victims of crime: More Than A Number

Steps to take first
The Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program
Victim's Rights
Atlanta Victim Assistance
Additional Resources

Published: 1:08 PM EDT May 22, 2024

Updated: 1:08 PM EDT May 22, 2024

ATLANTA

Grief is not a one-size-all scenario. Although it's a part of life, it's very much like a fingerprint. We all have one, but it's unique to us.

We can't use our fingerprints to replace someone else's -- similar to how we cannot take our grief and expect another person to have a similar experience.

But here at 11Alive, we want to be there for you as you navigate loss. We also want you to know that you're in our thoughts during this time.

We are working to connect with various nonprofits and reach out to law enforcement agencies to collaborate on getting you the support you need -- particularly if you've lost a loved one through a violent crime.

Below is our resource guide to help during this time. If you know of an organization or have questions about resources, please contact MoreThanANumber@11Alive.com.

Steps to take first:

As overwhelming as it may be, an initial step to take is to contact family and friends about any deaths. You can designate a point person, send out a group text, mass email or individual phone calls -- whatever works best for you during this time. In general, talking to those you trust and love is a good way to process the grief.

In addition, there needs to be a legal pronouncement of death so one can receive a death certificate. You'll also want to learn about any existing funeral, burial or cremation plans and start making arrangements within a few days.

Within the first two weeks of the death, you'll want to make sure to notify the Social Security Administration, life insurance companies, long-term care (LTC) insurance companies, financial institutions, financial advisers, credit agencies and frequent-buyer/flier points.

AARP has a more detailed list of what to do and the time frame for it. You can find it here.

The Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program:

The Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program helps ease the financial burden victims of violent crimes can face, according to its website. The program may be able to assist with up to $25,000 for expenses and loss of income or support resulting from an incident.

Types of expenses covered

The program covers the following types of expenses up to the limits noted. The maximum program award is $25,000 per victim, per victimization.

Medical Expenses: up to $15,000
Funeral Expenses: up to $6,000*
- *For crimes prior to May 6, 2015, the categorical cap is $3,000
Counseling Expenses: up to $3,000
Lost Wages Expenses: up to $10,000
Loss of Support Expenses: up to $10,000
Crime Scene Sanitization: up to $1,500

Reporting requirements and deadlines

The victim/witness must have reported the crime to the proper authorities within 72 hours of the crime (unless good cause is shown).
For crimes occurring prior to July 1, 2014, an application must be filed within 1 year of the crime, unless good cause is shown (a claim submitted 3 years after the victimization cannot be considered).
For crimes occurring on or after July 1, 2014, the victim/witness must file a claim within 3 years of the crime or the death of the victim. However, if the victim is a minor at the time of the victimization, he or she can file an application until 3 years after his or her eighteenth birthday. If good cause is shown, the Board may extend the time for filing a claim.

Most common crimes the program compensates

Child Molestation
Cruelty to Children
Child Abuse
Human Trafficking
Sexual Offenses
Domestic Violence
Reckless Conduct
Homicide
Homicide by Vehicle
Hit-and-Run
Serious Injury By Vehicle
DUI Crashes
Assault/Battery
Robbery

You may qualify if you

Were physically injured or witnessed a violent crime
Suffered serious mental or emotional trauma as a result of being threatened or being present during a violent crime
Were hurt trying to help a victim
Are the parent or guardian of someone who was killed or injured as a result of a violent crime
Depended on someone for financial support who was killed as a result of a violent crime
Are not the victim but have been paying bills related to the crime
Have a child who was the victim, and you relied on the offender for financial support
Were the victim of family violence who relied on the offender for financial support

For information on how to apply, click here.

Victim's Rights:

Georgia has a victims' bill of rights. According to the law, several of these rights include:

Being treated fairly and with dignity by all criminal justice agencies involved in a case
For proceedings to be free from unreasonable delay
To be notified of community-based victim service programs
To be notified of the availability of Victims' Compensation under the Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program.
To reasonable, accurate and timely notice of
- An arrest warrant being issued for the accused
- The accused's arrest
- The condition that the accused is prohibited from contacting the victim
- The accused's release or escape from custody
- Any court proceeding where the release of the accused will be considered
- Any scheduled court proceedings or any changes to such proceedings, including restitution hearings
- The accused's release on an electronic release and/or monitoring program

For the full bill of rights, click here.

Atlanta Victim Assistance:

The Atlanta Victim Assistance is a nonprofit service agency advocating for victims' rights. It works with community partners like the Atlanta Police Department and the City of Atlanta Municipal Court to reduce the effect of crimes and connect people to various services.

For help, call (404) 588-4740 or an after-hours line at (678) 857-5457. A contact form can also be filled out here.

Here is a list of various programs and services AVA offers:

Homicide Support

AVA has support groups and recognition events like candlelight vigils to help those coping with the loss of a loved one due to crime.
Its "Tea & Talk Homicide Support Project" honors and empowers survivors of homicide. Survivors have a safe space to not only mourn together but also honor their loved ones.
Offers an on-call advocate, assistance with the Georgia Victim Compensation Application and any other requests.
Grief classes are offered with a graduation ceremony to celebrate the transition from "victim 2 victor."

Law Enforcement and Advocacy Program (LEAP)

AVA works with all six APD zone precincts and several special crime units.
Trained advocates go with officers to respond to victims at crime scenes and immediately respond to those who call the agency service line.
The partnership also helps victims receive crucial services as soon as possible.
Advocates are not only dedicated to serving their area but also reaching out to the community.
They provide free counseling while connecting victims to services and support groups. They also provide in-person advocacy and support in court.

Court Advocate Program

This helps provide on-site court advocates to assist crime victims whose cases are assigned to the Atlanta Municipal Court.
The advocates conduct needs assessments for victims and witnesses, notify victims of scheduled court appearances and encourage witnesses to appear and testify.
Advocates also work with those to resolve issues and remove barriers that may prevent them from appearing in court.
The advocates can appear in court with victims, provide crisis intervention, offer referrals to community services and assist with Crime Victim Compensation applications.

Safety 1st School-Based Advocacy Programs

There are onsite advocates at Maynard Jackson and Carver STEAM high schools in Atlanta who offer support services and violence prevention programs to students.

At the schools, there is a Victim 2 Victor (V2V) program. This is a 14-week educational support program for youth and any caregivers who are experiencing trauma from being exposed to homicides or family violence.

There are also Safe Fates, which is an evidence-based curriculum to give students the tools they need to recognize the difference between healthy and abusive relationships.

Fire Station Crisis Intervention

By partnering with the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, advocates offer immediate and onsite crisis intervention, support, referrals and access to resources to crime victims seeking care at fire stations.

Community Outreach and Education

The organization hosts events, resource fairs and vigils to help Atlanta residents heal from violence as well as look into prevention efforts.

Temporary Protective Orders (TPOS)

AVA collaborates with the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation to help domestic violence survivors complete and expedite TPO requests.

AVA's Closet

This is an initiative to help provide essential items like clothing and toiletries to those in need. The aim is to offer support and help restore stability to victims.

Restorative Conferencing Atlanta (RCA)

This program empowers young people and their communities to resolve conflicts outside of the juvenile court system in Fulton County.

Court Advocate - Identity Theft

Criminal identity theft is when a person fraudulently identifies themselves to law enforcement as another person during the time of the arrest. It can be difficult for victims to clear their records, so AVA provides a court advocate to work through the municipal court with identity theft and financial fraud victims.