Victim/Witness Program

 

MISSION OF VICTIM SERVICES

The mission of the Yellow Medicine County Attorney’s Office is to promote justice, public safety, and effective government by prosecuting crime, protecting those in need and representing Yellow Medicine County. The Yellow Medicine County Attorney’s Office seeks to provide assistance and support to victims and witnesses of crime by ensuring that crime victims receive notice of their rights and assistance in exercising their rights, by striving to keep victims and witnesses informed of important developments in their cases, by affording witnesses and victims the opportunity to voice their concerns and have their questions answered, by seeking restitution and reparation of the harms suffered by victims of crime, by helping victims and witnesses better understand the justice system and participate in the prosecution of offenders, and by providing witnesses and victims referral information for additional community based resources.

We provide services to primary victims (persons to whom the crime was directed) and secondary victims (persons who have incurred loss, trauma, or harm because of someone else’s victimization from a crime). This program does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or age.

If you feel you have been discriminated against by this program, please contact:

Office for Civil Rights

Office of Justice Programs

U.S. Department of Justice

810 Seventh Street NW

Washington, DC  20531

 

If you feel any of your rights as a victim of crime have been violated, please contact:

Crime Victim Justice Unit

Office of Justice Programs

445 Minnesota Street, Suite 2300

St. Paul, MN  55101-1515

651-201-7310 or 1-800-247-0390, ext. 3

 

Services

The Yellow Medicine County Attorney's Office, in conjunction with the Victim / Witness Program, is committed to providing assistance to victims and witnesses involved in the criminal justice system.

Services include the following:

  • Assistance in understanding victim rights and the legal process.
  • Providing information regarding case status, hearing dates, and scheduling changes.
  • Facilitating contact with other agencies within the criminal justice system.
  • Assistance in seeking restitution or reparations for economic loss resulting from the crime. 
  • Offering information and assistance to develop a victim impact statement. 
  • Accompanying victims to court and securing a safe waiting area.
  • Offering referrals to other agencies and organizations providing victims services.
  • Offering interpretive services or other specialized assistance and services as needed.

The Victim Services Division of Yellow Medicine County provides a safe and respectful environment. We will focus on the rights and needs of crime victims and witnesses.

 

Contact Information:

Linda Hagen
Victim Services Specialist

Yellow Medicine County
415 9th Avenue - Suite 101
Granite Falls, MN 56241
Phone: (320) 564-5832
Fax: 320-313-3011
Email: linda.hagen@co.ym.mn.gov

 

24/7 Call Center:
The Day One Call Center is focused on providing trauma-informed support, as well as immediate access to resources within the caller's identified community.

Cornerstone began operating the Day One Call Center on January 3, 2017. The call center is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with trained advocates who respond to crisis calls from two separate toll free numbers:


Victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking: 1-866-223-1111

General crime victims: 1-866-385-2699

Both toll-free numbers accept calls from across Minnesota.