The Crime Victims Unit is an integral component in the criminal justice process as it is the victims’ sole link to the court system. It is the only program of its kind in this area that provides services to all victims’ of violent crime. since the inception of the program in 1999, more than 40,000 victims of violent crime have been provided with direct services.
How to get help:
A crime may last only a few seconds, but the impact of that crime can last a lifetime. Victims of crime need help, and help is available. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a crime, we can help. Our office is designed to provide support to those who have been victimized. You can contact us at (956) 544- 0849. Our services are free of charge and there is no legal citizenship requirement. Our goal is to help victims become survivors.
Services:
- Inform victims of case status and court dates;
- Assist victims prepare written and oral victim impact statements;
- Prepare for trial and accompany victimized party to court;
- Assist in filing Crime Victims’ Compensation claims;
- Provide information on emergency financial assistance for funeral/burial expenses in homicide cases;
- Assist victims of family violence and sexual assault with relocation;
- Process and file protective orders for victims of family violence and sexual assault;
- Assist in writing parole protest letters;
- Place Referrals for victimized party to community social service agencies;
- Offender status through Victim information notification everyday (VINE); and
- Educate victims about the criminal justice process and their role as victims in it.
Benefits:
- Support system from qualified Crime Victim Advocates;
- Reimbursement for crime-related expenses through Crime Victims Compensation claims; and
- Access to an array of community services through our referrals.
Victim Compensation:
Under Texas law, victims of crime entitled to financial assistance. The funds are administered by the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program under the Office of the Attorney General.
Who is ELIGIBLE? Who may QUALIFY?
- Victims of crime that suffer substantial threat of physical and/or emotional harm or death;
- A dependent of the victim;
- An authorized person acting on behalf of the victim;
- Immediate family member related by blood or marriage that need counseling; and
- Peace officers.
What CRIMES are covered?
- Sexual Assault;
- Robbery;
- Assault;
- Homicide;
- Kidnapping;
- Vehicular Crimes*; and.
- Other violent crimes.
Who is eligible?
- Any resident of the United States who becomes a victim in the state of Texas.
- Texas resident who becomes a victim in the state or country where there is no compensation program available United States citizenship is not required.
* Vehicular crimes include: failure to stop and render aid, DWI, manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, aggravated assault, intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault
Who is NOT eligible?
- Participated/contributed in the crime;
- Engaged in illegal activity;
- Is an inmate;
- Submitted false information to the program; and
- Did not cooperate with law enforcement.
Benefits may be reduced or denied if the victim falls under the above categories.
- Knowledge of the criminal justice process so as to prevent secondary victimization.
For more information, call (956) 544-0849.
STAFF:
Liliana Z. Mendez, ext. # 2564
Victims’ Assistance Coordinator
Unit Supervisor
E-mail: liliana.mendez@co.cameron.tx.us
Gabriel Garcia, ext. #2528
Community Education Specialist
E-mail: gabriel.garcia@co.cameron.tx.us
Nelda De Leon-Rangel, ext. #2568
Advocate/ Protective Orders
E-mail: nelda.deleon-rangel@co.cameron.tx.us
Norma Vallejo, ext. #2563
Advocate
E-mail: norma.vallejo2@co.cameron.tx.us
Ruth Medina, ext. #2566
Advocate
E-mail: ruth.medina@co.cameron.tx.us