Victim Advocate
The Victim/Witness Assistance Program provides assistance and information to victims of crime and referrals to other quality support services offered in Seneca County. Advocates are available twenty-four hours a day to assist victims of crimes such as domestic violence, stalking, assault, sexual abuse, child abuse/neglect and drunk driving. These services are available to all residents of Seneca County, or anyone who becomes the victim of a violent crime in Tiffin or the surrounding area.
This Division is headed by by the Seneca County Victim Assistance program located at 79 S. Washington St. Tiffin, OH 419-448-5070
Services
Personal Advocacy - Available to meet crime victims at crime scenes, hospitals, and police stations 24 hours a day. Familiarize victims and witnesses with the criminal justice system and explain the adjudication process. We accompany victims to court hearings, provide reassurance to those experiencing fear of retaliation, assure separation from the defendant or defendant's family at the courthouse, and transport victims and witnesses to and from court if necessary.
Notification - Inform the victims and witnesses of the present status and/or disposition of their case.
Referrals - Refer crime victims to counselors and appropriate social service agencies.
Victim Compensation - Eligible crime victims in the State of Ohio may collect from the Victim Compensation Fund. We supply Reparations applications and referrals to attorneys who assist the victim in the filing of a claim free of charge.
Victim Impact Statement - A statement written by the victim of a crime expressing his or her feelings regarding how the victimization has affected his or her life. It is submitted to the Tiffin Municipal Court and to the presiding judge to read prior to sentencing.
Victims' Rights - Upon request, we provide information to victims regarding the Ohio Parole Board and parole or release hearings.
Public Education - Inform the public of programs and services through brochures and education.
Frequently Asked Questions
- The right to receive information about your rights as a crime victim
- The right to appoint the victim advocate as their representative
- The right to receive current information about the criminal investigation
- The right to be notified when the offender is arrested or released before trial
- The right to reasonable return of property
- The right to information from and input about defendant's incarceration and parole status
- Tiffin City Prosecutor’s Victim Assistance Program- (419) 448-5413
- Seneca County Prosecutor’s Victim Assistance Program – (419) 448-5070
- First Step - (419) 435-7300
- Firelands Mental Health Services - (419) 448-9440
- Seneca County Job and Family Services - (419) 447-5011
- Mercy Hospital - (419) 447-3130
- Clerk of Courts - Seneca Co. Common Pleas Court - (419) 447-0671
- Seneca Community Chaplain Corps – (419) 455-9320